Paul McCarthy - Bass and Vocals,
Ted Yellman - Keyboard and Vocals,
Bob Hammer - Keyboard,
Cecil Heick - Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Flute, and
Prentis Drew - Drums and Vibes.
"Plus 2" includes Janette West- vocals, and Marty Tuttle - drums.
Influences
The Swingtime Express plays a wide variety of material including the Great American Songbook, ballads, and jazz standards but is rooted in the swing era. With the recent popularity of programs like "Dancing With the Stars" this genre is enjoying a comeback.
Sounds Like
The band sounds like a big band, even though we are only four.
It's the hits from Basie, Ellington, Dorsey, Sinatra, Bennett, Ella, Sarah, Nat Cole and many others. Swing and Jazz music is yours for listening and dancing (only if you are so inclined or otherwise can't help yourself).
The Swingtime Express currently plays each and every Sunday at the Oxford Saloon & Eatery in historic Snohomish, Washington. (Go to www.theoxfordsaloon.com for further information and driving directions).
We normally perform from 5 to 9PM for your listening and dancing enjoyment. Check the upcoming shows listing above for up-to-the-minute information in case of changes. There is never a cover charge for this event and all ages are welcome. It is an excellent opportunity to introduce your young ones to live music. The Oxford Saloon & Eatery has excellent food as well.
Paul McCarthy on bass and vocals fronts the band. Cecil Heick is on reeds and Prentis Drew is on drums and occasionally vibraphone. These three gentlemen have been playing music together for over 30 years and the experience shows in the way the band blends. We currently have two piano players that switch off from one evening to the next. Ted Yellman not only plays piano but provides vocals as well. He has a long history with the group and adds real spark to the band's sound. Bob Hammer, a more recent addition on piano, has an impressive background of performing and arranging. Look up "Bob Hammer" on Wikipedia and you will see what we mean. We are very fortunate to have him with us. Together the band's book boasts thousands of tunes.
To add to the experience at the Oxford there are often guest performers that come to sit in with the band. For instance some of the selections you can listen to on this website feature our special guests vocalist Janette West and percussionist Marty Tuttle. Many evenings we are joined by members of local dance clubs who put on quite a show. They also are more than willing to offer some free dance instruction for those that need a little encouragement. No two evenings are the same.
Please click on one of the "upcoming shows" listed above for details on who is playing at any one specific performance as well as other special event information.
I love your band. I also love the fact that I can bring my children and let them listen to music that is rich with quality and history. Thanks for being available for us. Love Always.
