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STRICTLY SMOKIN' BIG BAND
& FRIENDS
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Celebrating 20 years in 2022, Strictly Smokin' Big Band prides itself on versitility: originally rooted in swing, SSBB has evolved into an ensemble also performing new, original and contemporary material. Its ranks boast the best jazz and commercial musicians the North has to offer. ​ This album spawned from the band's numerous guest artist appearances across Newcastle-upon-Tyne with an array of the UK's top musicians. Huge thanks to them all. There is mention in the CDs booklet about their signifcance on the UK music scene but frankly these guys are some of the best in the world! Every interaction, rehearsal, gig and recording has been a genuine honour and a pleasure. Thank you to everyone involved. ​ All the arrangements featured are by Michael Lamb with titles selected by our guests - more on the tunes in the sleeve. ​ SSBB and Friends is the final of three crowd-funded albums. It's been a mammoth task producing them and the musicians have excelled themselves. Thanks to all those who supported the funder, pre-ordered or purchased this recording. None of these albums would exist without your support.
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STRICTLY SMOKIN' BIG BAND SINGS
ELLA FITZGERALD
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The second disc to be produced from our 2020 crowd funding campaign - featuring vocalist Alice Grace with SSBB. With new arrangements especialy written for Strictly Smokin' to imagine music never recorded by Ella, alongside some of her classic tracks from iconic bands, arrangers and colaborators: Duke Ellington, Bully May, Frank de Vol and more. Featuring Michael Lamb's Strictly Smokin' Big Band with vocalist Alice Grace, an orchestra led by Bradley Creswick and guest soloist Vasilis Xenopoulos.
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HARLEM '58
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The first disc to be produced from our 2020 crowd funding campaign. There are far too many tales tell about Art Kane's iconic photograph, taken for the cover of Esquire magazine in 1958. This is a tiny cross section of the music recorded live by Strictly Smokin' Big Band, and just some of the personal connections between these jazz legends. The music on this album celebrates the incredable musicality and intricate personal relationships of jazz legends including Jimmy Rushing, Mary Lou Williams, Horace Silver, the great Count Basie and more.
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CHRISTMAS LIVE AT GOSFORTH
CIVIC THEATRE
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Recorded live in front of an audience at Gosforth Civic Theatre on 14th & 15th December 2018 at our anual Christmas concerts. Christmas music including Fairytale of New York, Last Christmas and Winter Wonderland alongside big band standards like Fascinating Rhythm and Time After Time. Featuring regular vocalists Alice Grace and F'reez. Perfect to play over the festive season, or the ideal stocking filler.
