Pasadena Orchestra Swings Into Grand Theatre

For forty years the UK based orchestra has delighted audiences all over the world with music that personifies a lust for life, with its infectious beat and wonderful melodies that are unforgettable. Swing is much more than a musical genre - its roots lie in the pre war dance bands, and the roaring twenties which inspired the later big bands. In contrast to many other musical genres, swing has never really gone out of fashion over the decades and the Pasadena Roof Orchestra has played an important role in the recent resurgence of its popularity.

When it comes to authentic swing music the orchestra has no equal and performs year-round with a line up of eleven excellent jazz musicians under band-leader and vocalist Duncan Galloway. With a background in theatre and music, Duncan has been part of the orchestra for over ten years. Many years of working together with top class arrangements perfecting their craft and studying jazz at the top conservatories have resulted in the ensemble sound performed with a wonderful wit and humour for which the orchestra is so rightly renowned.

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra was founded in 1969 by the master baker John Arthy - a long time devotee of the 1920s and 30s dance band music. In an old attic the bass and sousaphone player discovered more than 1,000 forgotten arrangements of swing and dance tunes from the 1920s to the 1940s. In autumn 1974 the first album was released and at the beginning of 1975 presented to the world music market at MIDEM in Cannes. The orchestra’s first tour followed.

The orchestra was named after the song Home In Pasadena and plays virtuoso interpretations of original arrangements of the 20s and 30s. To this day, they have played an important part in the growing popularity of this music. The repertoire currently comprises over 200 titles of jazz, early swing and dance music from the era.

Melody, rhythm and humour – who could ask for more? Hurry on down and join the party!

The Pasadena Roof Orcestra celebrate 40 years in swinging style at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool on Sunday 25th January 2009. -- www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk