“SWINGTHING” which is run by Solway Music, is a 4/5 piece jazz/swing band which is available for weddings, celebrations, functions and corporate events. The band specialises in jazz and swing music in the “rat pack” style but is equally  at ease performing in a variety of genres. To underline this versatility, Swingthing recently had the pleasure of performing for Camilla Dallerup and Ian Waite in a ballroom dancing weekend held at the Lodore Falls hotel on the shore of Lake Derwentwater near Keswick.

A prominent feature of “Swingthing” is the fabulous voice of Ronnie Walker who styles himself on Frank Sinatra. Ronnie has been on the circuit for many years and has performed in venues all over the country. He is not limited to one particular style , however, and is perfectly at home with rock n roll and other dance music.

He is ably accompanied by Brian Melville -keys. Brian has been a musician for many years and has performed in a variety of venues in the UK and Europe. His first love is jazz music but is not averse to playing any type of music when the occasion arises. Favourite bands include Chick Corea Electrik Band, The Yellowjackets, Dave Weckl Band and Dave Brubeck Quartet. Brian is currently playing a Roland FP3 electric piano and a Korg M1 synthesizer

 Laurence Blackadder - bass. Laurence is a relative newcomer on the scene but has made rapid progress on his 150 year old French bass. He also plays 6 string electric bass which gives him access to a wide range of genres. He is currently receiving lessons from Zoltan Dekany and formerly from Iain Crawford of the Scottish Symphony.

Dave Thompson - drums. Dave is a highly experienced percussionist who has played     professionallly in Europe and the Middle East. Having learned his trade in Birmingham he moved north where he now resides.

Swingthing are also able to perform in a variety of formats. Brian Melville is already an accomplished lounge pianist and performs regularly in local hotels but he is equally at home performing in a duo with any member of the band. Similarly, performing as a trio, Swingthing have a wide ranging rpertoire of jazz and have available Jonathan Melville on saxophones as and when requested .  The band is not limited to any particular style. To further expand and underline  the appeal of Swingthing, the band has available two girl singers who perform with the band in completely different styles. Caroline Sweeney, who has performed at a number of venues, is very much in the Billy Holliday  and Madeline Peyroux mold. Joanne Rudd, “Jo Jo”, is in a very different style and specialises in music by Norah Jones and Katie Melua. Joanne is going to be an integral part of the set up.

Contact with Solway Music is possible at ....www.solwaymusic.co.uk

You can listen to a podcast about Swingthing by going to the Solway Music website and scrolling to “ Podcasts....Podcasts......Podcasts”.