John Dokes and the George Gee Swing Orchestra To Battle The Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra
. "Battle of the Bands harkens back to the friendly but competitive contests at the Savoy Ballroom between bands like Count Basie, Chick Webb and Fletcher Henderson," Dokes explains. "It's really an opportunity to remind people of all the big bands that played back in the day in some of the biggest ballrooms across the country." He adds, "Because we have occasion to perform for dancers, a lot of the music that we create has them in mind. We like the interaction that we get from a crowd in motion. I've spent a lot of nights lindy hopping to jazz music from this period -- I like to make sure [the music we're creating] is something that makes me want to move." John's fancy footwork can be seen on YouTube, where some clips have been viewed over 350,000 times. John Dokes Sings, George Gee Swings--a title paying tribute to Count Basie's landmark 1956 release, Count Basie Swings � Joe Williams Sings --recaptures the infectious energy found in ballrooms of yesteryear with a modern twist. It's Dokes' smooth baritone delivery and Gee's stylish vision that brings this Basie, Bird and Bacharach mix alive, especially on classics like "Thou Swell", "Walk On By", "Ornithology" and "Alright, Okay, You Win." Vocalist John Dokes has stepped into the spotlight at the dawn of a revival and new decade of the Big Band era putting a fresh spin on swinging jazz music with veteran bandleader George Gee, and renowned jazz trombonist David Gibson. Charismatic Dokes' stage presence brings to life staples such as Frank Sinatra's "A Fine Romance", Nat King Cole's "Tis Autumn" and Joe Williams' "Roll Em Pete." The onstage rapport of John and George along with the tight sounds of the big band have earned them a loyal following at their weekly Tuesday engagement at midtown Manhattan's "Swing 46" Jazz and Supper Club. A select group of versatile players lend a hand to John Dokes Sings, George Gee Swings; the 14-song CD was conducted and arranged by composer and jazz trombonist David Gibson, who also performs as a part of the George Gee Swing Orchestra. Ian Hendrickson-Smith, of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, mixed the album and played baritone sax throughout, while alto saxophonist Eddie Pazant, an alumnus of the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, infuses his unique style on Charlie Parker's "Segment" and "Ornithology". Hilary Gardner also joins John on "Ornithology" in a rousing duet. Hilary is currently making her Broadway debut in Twyla Tharp's hit musical, Come Fly Away, and has been performing with Gee and Co. since 2009, regularly joining Dokes for a duet on the holiday favorite, "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Another key player in Dokes' life and career is 82-year-old Dawn Hampton, sister of Bop trombonist Slide Hampton. She is also a legendary dancer and a former saxophonist/cabaret singer who has taught dance around the globe. Dokes, who met Hampton nearly a decade ago, says it was she who encouraged him to get behind the mic and sing. These close friends are known for cutting a rug at many of Dokes' shows. John Dokes with the George Gee Swing Orchestra continues to perform all over the country as well as recent international stops in Jordan, Zurich and Japan. Click here to read today's full Day in Pop report Preview and Purchase John Dokes CDs |
Kandace Springs - Run Your Race
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Day 1: Marbin Gets the Fun Started
Hot In The City: Prog Band Tu-Ner Coming to Phoenix
Megadeth Announce North American Destroy All Enemies Tour
Asia Announce The Heat of The Moment Tour
blink-182 Lead Inaugural South Star Festival Lineup
Enter Shikari Announce New Companion Record 'Dancing On The Frontline'
Sammy Hagar To Receive Star On Hollywood Walk of Fame
Beatles Legend John Lennon's Lost Help! Guitar Discovered After 50 Years
Paul McCartney & Wings: One Hand Clapping 1974 Live Studio Sessions Available For The First Time