Down for the Count All-Stars

"Awesome!!!!" 
Michael Bublé

Down for the Count All-Stars are a mini big band who bring the sounds of the Swing Era back to life, with an electrifying show full of incredible energy and musicianship.

Since bursting onto the scene at Twinwood Festival in 2013, Down for the Count All-Stars have quickly earned themselves a reputation as one of the hardest swinging bands in the UK. They are constantly in demand, regularly selling out shows at Ronnie Scotts Jazz ClubHideaway StreathamPizza Express Jazz Club SohoLe Caveau de la Huchette (Paris) and The London Jazz Festival.

The band have released three albums to positive reviews, receiving airplay on Clare Teal's BBC Radio 2 show. During the 2020 COVID-19 crisis the band released a lockdown EP Lockdown for the Count, recorded entirely in isolation, in aid of the mental health charity Mind. The first single from the EP was described as "awesome!!!" by Michael Bublé and was streamed online as part of the International Jazz Day celebrations.

The band recreate classic tunes from the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Glenn Miller. But this is no mere nostalgia trip – Down for the Count perform each song in their own unmistakeable style, breathing new life into the best vintage music.

Combine that with the band’s top class instrumental solos, sublime vocal performances, and irresistible humour and joie de vivre, and you get a show that will leave you feeling uplifted and wanting more.

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Our Other Ensembles

Down for the Count Concert Orchestra

The Down for the Count Orchestra

Our Orchestra is the regular Down for the Count All-Stars band plus extra horns, percussion and string players - playing the music of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat 'King' Cole with a luscious Capitol Studios sound.

Down for the Count Big Band

The Down for the Count Big Band

Our Big Band is the regular Down for the Count plus 8 extra horns - playing the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Glenn Miller with a huge punchy sound.

What they've been saying...

"A sonic ride back to the sounds of Capitol Studios in the 1950s"


DownBeat Magazine

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"This is awesome!!!"


Michael Bublé

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"One hellova celebration of vintage music."


TimeOut London

 

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"The band were in great form, all the arrangements worked perfectly, and we have been thrilled by the positive audience response."


John Billett

Promoter, London Jazz Festival

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"We love these guys and their energy, and the joy they put into the music. They play a great mix of music for swing dancers. It's always a delight to hear this tight band swinging!"


Scott Cupit

Director, Swing Patrol

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"Terrific to watch. It bought on… a much-needed cheery grin and not to mention a tear to the eye to see musicians playing instruments like what we used to."


Clare Teal

BBC Radio 2, on our lockdown video

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"Classic set-pieces well played with exuberance and care… a sure-fire winner. Look out for them."


Jazz Rag

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"A breath of fresh air on the swing scene."


David Wooding

Promoter, Twinwood Festival

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“Wow! That was fantastic! You guys are so good.” 


David Grant

Vocal coach – Fame Academy, Pop Idol etc

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Repertoire

Down for the Count All-Stars perform a huge range of music from the 1920's to the 1950's.

We're often found performing at dance events for Lindy hop/swing, jive or ballroom dancers - and tailor the set list specifically for each audience.

The rest of the time we're performing in jazz clubs and theatres and have a stunning live show. Here's an idea of what songs you can expect us to perform - for a full list, click here.

Swing dance events (Lindy hop and Charleston)

Sing Sing Sing (Benny Goodman)
Shiny Stockings (Count Basie/Ella Fitzgerald)
All of Me (Count Basie)
In a Mellow Tone (Duke Ellington)
On Revival Day (LaVern Baker)
Don't Be That Way (Benny Goodman)
Puttin' on the Ritz (Ella Fitzgerald)
Bourbon Street Parade (Louis Armstrong)
Jeep's Blues (Duke Ellington)
Rockin' in Rhythm (Duke Ellington)
Stompin' at the Savoy (Chick Webb)
Woodchopper's Ball (Woody Herman)
I've Heard That Song Before (Harry James)
Tuxedo Junction (Erskine Hawkins)
The Shim Sham (T'Aint What You Do)
The Big Apple
The Tranky Doo (The Dipsy Doodle)

Jive dance events

Just a Gigolo (Louis Prima)
When You're Smiling (Louis Prima)
Jump Jive & Wail (Louis Prima)
Banana Split for my Baby (Louis Prima)
Choo Choo Ch'Boogie (Louis Jordan)
Ain't Nobody Here But us Chickens (Louis Jordan)
Twistin' the Night Away (Jackie Wilson)
Reet Petite (Jackie Wilson)
Route 66 (Nat 'King' Cole)

 

Ballroom dance events

Cheek to Cheek - foxtrot
My Baby Just Cares For Me - foxtrot
American Patrol - quickstep
I Get a Kick Out of You - quickstep
Heatwave - jive
Reet Petite - jive
Sway - cha cha
Mambo Italiano - cha cha
Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps - rumba
Strangers in the Night - rumba
Blue Tango - tango
Whatever Lola Wants - tango
Moon River - waltz
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - waltz
Que Sera Sera - Viennese waltz
That's Amore - Viennese waltz
Mas Que Nada - samba

Vintage themed events

Well known music for party dancing at vintage themed events

In The Mood (Glenn Miller)
Route 66 (Nat 'King' Cole)
Charleston (various)
I Wanna Be Like You (The Jungle Book)
The Bare Necessities (The Jungle Book)
Sing Sing Sing (Benny Goodman)
Pencil Full of Lead (Paolo Nutini)
Why Don't You Do Right (Peggy Lee)
Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano (from The Talented Mr. Ripley)
Twistin' the Night Away

See more

Full repertoire list

The gentlemen in Down for the Count proudly wear suits from
British tailor Marc Darcy.

Press, PR & Tech Spec

Press and PR Page: Biography and hi-res press photos for theatres and promoters
Tech Spec - for production companies and theatres

For bookings and press enquiries, please contact Mike Paul-Smith using the form below, or phone +44 (0) 7855 488 462.

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