Swing is definitely in! Thanks to artists such as Harry Connick Jnr, Robbie Williams and Jamie Cullum, new audiences are turning back to the memorable tunes and sophisticated lyrics that were the popular music of more than half a century ago. But although lots of bands try to re-create this music, to do so effectively demands a serious knowledge of the repertoire and the ability to play and phrase the numbers in a way that really does make them swing. The Oscar Bernhardt Ensemble is one of those select bands that definitely knows what they’re doing, and from their first notes, you know you are in safe hands.
Oscar (alias Simon Milner-Edwards) provides the superb male vocals himself and is backed by a four-piece band of top quality jazz musicians (sax, piano, bass and drums). Their huge repertoire (over 350 tunes at the last count) covers the best of 30s and 40s swing and Latin music, including the songs of Sinatra, Louis Jordan, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Billie Holiday, Cole Porter, Gershwin, Johnny Mercer and other classic performers and writers - music that is equally good for dancing and listening, and appeals to a wide range of ages and tastes.
Our quoted price covers two hours of playing over a period of up to five hours and includes provision of a PA system. They can also provide recorded music during their breaks. Although based in the north west, the band travels throughout the country and have played at private and corporate functions in venues ranging from country houses to London’s top West End hotels. As well as numerous weddings, other recent clients include Anderson Consulting, Asda , Bellway Homes, Boots, Canon UK, HRH Prince Edward, Granada TV, Brian Robson, Rockware Glass, Swinton Insurance, Tescos, The Duke of Westminster and W H Smith.
Price: from £815
Oscar is Manchester based
click here for details of travel costs, etc
