The Crescendo Big Band is a 16-piece ensemble featuring talented musicians across five sections. Our lineup includes saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a full rhythm section, all coming together to create the authentic big band sound.
Musical Direction
The band is led by Musical Directors Vince Ford and Dominic Franks, with the musical programme managed by Dominic Franks and Dianne Arthurs, and expert guidance from Bob Lee.
The Band
Saxophones
Alto Sax 1
Alto Saxophone
Alto Sax 2
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Sax 1
Tenor Saxophone
Tenor Sax 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Sax
Baritone Saxophone
Trumpets
Trumpet 1
Trumpet
Trumpet 2
Trumpet
Trumpet 3
Trumpet
Trumpet 4
Trumpet
Trombones
Trombone 1
Trombone
Trombone 2
Trombone
Trombone 3
Trombone
Trombone 4
Trombone
Bass Trombone
Bass Trombone
Rhythm Section
Piano
Piano
Bass
Double Bass
Drums
Drums
Guitar
Guitar
Guest Artists
Over the years, the Crescendo Big Band has been privileged to welcome a wide array of talented guest musicians. From exceptional vocalists to outstanding instrumentalists, these artists have helped bring the magic of big band music to life.
Recent Featured Guests
Catherine Sykes
Vocalist
Glenn Miller Orchestra UK
The rare gift of making her listeners feel that she is singing directly and exclusively to them — Blues Matters Magazine
Ian Matthews
Drummer
Kasabian, The Jazz Defenders
Ian Matthews played the role of Art Blakey, the rhythmic powerhouse of the quintet. — Jazzwise
Hannah Davey
Vocalist
Jazz vocalist
Soars to celestial heights with phrasing and a purity of tone — Daily Info
Mark Porter
Vocalist
Glenn Miller Orchestra UK, BBC Big Band
One of the UK's foremost swing and big band vocalists
Victoria Klewin
Vocalist
Jazz vocalist
Could sing the phonebook and make it sound gorgeous — Northern Sky Magazine
Elijah Jeffery
Vocalist
Jazz vocalist
Poetic and intelligent lyricism — The Jazz Mann
All Guest Artists
Vocalists
Jess Blatchley, Diane Arthurs, Becky Carter, Jane Christie, Rob Cooke, Simon Cromey, Dee Daly, Hannah Davey, Katy Gaskin, John Holmes, Ben Jenkins, Kas Levett, Gary Lewis, Jeanne Marlow, Emily Mew, Catherine Sykes, Nicole Warfield, Rod Welch, and Dave West.
Saxophonists
Simon Day, Trevor Emeny, Dominic Franks, Patsy Gamble, Dutch Lewis, Phil Mercer, Keith Morgan, Ceri Rees, Joe Starr, Peter Tantrum, and Ben Waghorn.
Trumpeters
Pete Beck, Dave Ford, Matthew Hadden, Steven Harcourt, Lyndley Horton, Mark Jackson, and John Ruddick.
Trombonists
Caz Chandler, Martin Gagg, Steve Legge, Terry Kelly, Omar Kokher, Justin Pavey, Alex Stewart, Joe Smith, Dave Todd, and Martin Yates.
Bass Trombonists
Matt Davis, Justin Pavey, and Dave Todd.
Drummers
Andy Brotherton, Bill Castle, Martin Emeny, Ian Evans, Sam Gerrard, John Gibson, Mike Holcombe, Austin Rose, Paul Shepherd, and Dave Wilkes.
Bass Players
James Agg, Ben Hands, Tom Hill, Mark Howell, Nick Jukes, Bill Lynne, John Martin, Elliot Roffe, and Saffron Young.
Keyboard Players
Richie Brookes, Paul Buck, James Fry, John Stillman, and Lee Thornton.
Guitarists
Mike Britton and Kit Morgan.
These talented musicians have significantly enriched Crescendo Big Band’s performances, leaving a lasting legacy through their artistry and dedication to big band music.