The Kings Of Swing jazz up The Sage Gateshead

The Sage Gateshead was transformed into a glamorous venue of Las Vegas, on the evening of Friday 20th June.

The Sage Gateshead was transformed into a glamorous venue of Las Vegas, on the evening of Friday 20th June. With the fake palm trees, a bar, bright lights and a red carpet, the only thing that was missing was the classic Las Vegas element, Elvis Presley.

 

As The Kings Of Swing were celebrating their 10th anniversary with three of the best swing vocalists known as Mark, Tony, and the baby of the group and possibly the next Michael Buble, Paul. The performance not an impersonation act, it was more of a homage towards the best swing singers in history who are were emerging in the music scene today. 

 

The Kings Of Swing had travelled all away from Florida to Gateshead to celebrate all things swing and jazz. Whether it was “Me and My Shadow” by Mr Sinatra or “Pencil Full Of Lead” by Nutini there was something for everyone. Anybody who was a fan of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble or Paulo Nutini was there.

 

 

Now no swing song is complete without a live swing band and The Kings Of Swing orchestra were simply fantastic, perhaps the best live big band I have seen in a while. They added a touch of comedy to the show, as bands are typically expected to be behind the scenes or certainly acting as a back-up for the lead performers.

 

However, the orchestra were very much a focal point in the performance. As every so often the three swing singers would have a solo section and the orchestra would often have it their way and entertain us. They would tell the story that was being emulated in the song, with peculiar dance moves or using their instruments as something else other that what it used for.

 

There was even one point where unbeknown to the singers, just as they were about to sing “Just a Gigolo” & “I Ain’t Got Nobody” by Louis Prima, one of the trumpet players stole the mike, and the show, and did Prima’s song justice.

 

 

I had not heard of the swing trio before so I was a nervous to hear them sing but I believe if Dean Martin could have seen them now, he would have been extremely proud. They took the north east audience by storm with every note in tune and not a foot in the wrong place; it was a perfect ode to the world of jazz.

 

Though I may not have been born in the era of Nat King Cole I certainly enjoyed being educated into the timeless, finger popping sounds of Vegas.