Swing and Big Bands

Musical Styles

Swing and Big Bands

As Bay area swing stalwarts, String of Pearls, recent relocation to Oregon has left a void in the area’s swing music scene, remaining band members have chosen to keep the swing tradition alive under the Swinging Pearls name. This in-demand, eight-piece “compact” big band, featuring the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, the Dorsey’s, and others, is comprised of some of the Bay area’s most talented and versatile musicians. Band veterans have also completed a second tour of China and have become known as China’s “Unofficial Ambassadors of Swing”, performing for enthusiastic audiences who have encountered this classic American music for the first time. Swinging Pearls band members have been featured with Ray Charles, Dave Pell, & Harry James, Mel Torme, Kay Starr, Lanie Kazan and others. If Swing’s your thing, then Swinging Pearls is king.

Rock n’ Roll

Was a time when people wondered how long Rock n’ Roll would last. After all, it was a rebellious, anti-authoritarian, youth based music with suggestive overtones. Well, fifty years later, it’s safe to assume Rock n’ Roll’s here to stay. Breathing life into the musicals origins of this mainstay of American culture are The Sharptones. As serious Rock and Rollers, The Sharptones' knowledge of songs numbers in the thousands and runs the gamut from classics by Buddy Holly and The Beatles, to one-hit wonders, and do-wop ditties as well as the more obscure. When not performing at corporate and private events, band members can usually be found at one Bay area venue or another holding down the fort with such chestnuts as Rawhide, Georgie Fame’s Yeah, Yeah, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, This Diamond Ring and Los Bravos’ Black is Black.

Jazz

Considered by some to be more engaging for the listener and challenging for the musicians, Jazz is a uniquely American contribution to the world of music. Often comprised of smaller ensembles, musicians generally encourage and challenge each other leading to tonal and rhythmic interplay that proves both enlightening and rewarding for the listener. A Jazz ensemble adds an element of elegance, sophistication and refinement to an event attributing to your good taste.

Jewish & Klezmer

When it’s time to freilach at a simcha, have we got a band for you! Got Borscht was by formed by members of the Bay area's legendary Hot Borscht Band. This eclectic collective of musicians is intimately familiar with Jewish and Middle Eastern styles ranging from Klezmer and Yiddish to Ladino and contemporary Jewish music. From a Hora to Havdallah, Got Borscht guarantees a great time.

Dance & Top 40

The name says it all. The Rockin' Review is a variety dance band that covers the full spectrum of popular music. From the sounds of Sinatra to Sting’s latest stylings, as well as almost anything and everything in between, The Rockin' Review covers all the bases with a breadth, depth and knowledge of popular music that maks it one of the areas most sought after bands. Musical forays include, Swing, Jazz, Classic Rock, Motown, Disco, Do-Wop, Alternative, show tunes, and more.

Classical

Whether a string trio, guitar and flute or solo harpist, the soft, soothing, strains of classical music will add charm and class to your event. We work with the finest musicians in the Bay area guaranteeing an unparalleled performance.

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