Steve 'The Professor' Robinson on piano and vocals:
Steve is a shock to the system with his rampant Boogie Woogie piano style and, with his background in Jazz and Jive, has a solid reputation for authenticity and talent he has nurtured & honed in such bands as the popular Jump and Jive (founding member), Six O'Clock Rock , Michael Turner's Soul Survivors and Peter Gunn.
Jason 'Slapper' Williams on upright bass, kazoo and vocals:
Jason is a self-taught bassist. He has been playing upright bass for over 20 years and enjoys all forms of music, especially swing and jazz. He is the group's manic instrument collector, and has amassed a large collection of pre-1966 Hofner and Fender guitars and basses.
Apart from a brief period in the late 1980's, playing rhythm guitar in The Beatnix, Jason's area of expertise and passion is the bass. His thumping “slap” style of playing acts as a second percussion instrument, yet still providing a solid rhythm and underlying lower register melody behind the rest of the band.
Jason's music influences include Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Louis Prima and his all time favourite, John Entwistle of The Who. The impact these artists have had on Jason's style is evident when Jason gets “in the groove”.
Jason shares lead vocal duties with Steve and Warwick, and excels at harmony singing.
Whether he is playing a smooth walking rhythm or jumping into the spotlight with a slapping solo, Jason's playing makes everyone sit up and take notice!
Warwick Kennington on drums, kazoo and vocals:
A professional musician for thirty years, Warwick began in Sydney with an interest in jazz and rock which led to various bands that capitalised on this fusion. He co-founded the legendary Uncle Bob's Band playing Django Reinhardt swing and original rock. From there he joined the jazz band Swing 84 with Tom Baker, on to the notorious Zarsoff Brothers through to 1981. He then co-formed The Eddys, which was the flavour of the year for ten years, touring theatre shows throughout Australia and Asia with Glenn Shorrock in One for the Money, Two for the Show and Go Cat Go.
Since moving to Queensland he's worked with The Rockin All Stars, The Fabulous Boogie Boys and Matman Promotions' artist-backing band, The Premiers.
Ryan Livings on saxophone and backing vocals when he feels like it
Influences
Louis Jordan, Louis Prima, Andrews Sisters, The Coasters, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Fats Waller, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, The Marx Brothers, Laurel & Hardy, Duke Ellington, Julia Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, The Mills Brothers...etc etc
Hi guys! The Swing Thing is just that - SWING! We are 4 accomplished Brisbane musicians who get together to play rampant swing, boogie and jump blues. We play in a trio and quartet format - piano, double bass, drums and saxophone. Also, we all sing and harmonise together. Our influences include Louis Prima, Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris, The Andrews Sisters, The Coasters, Fats Domino etc etc etc. We also back accomplished Johnny O'Keefe tribute artist Barry Larter under the name "6 O'Clock Rock". Our gig guide is updated regularly so keep your eyes peeled for new shows.
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians
Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
Hey Swing Thing...s...Welcome to our Love Shack...THank you for popping your heads in...Much Cheers from Lushes and the Boys xx Hope to see you one day soon!!
