A jazz musician whose father played with Frank Sinatra will be bringing his big band’s show to town for one night only.

Following its theatre tour with television’s Military Wives, The Big Band show, performed by Five Star Swing, promises a host of classic big band and swing songs from artists such as Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller through to the modern style of Jools Holland.

Chris Smith, the band’s leader, sings, plays the trumpet and piano and is known in the jazz world for his arrangements and compositions which are frequently played on Jazz FM, BBC Radio Big Band and the Three Degrees.  His career includes performances on Top of the Pops, Breakfast TV with Herb Miller - Glenn Miller's brother, and a solo performance in the Michael Cain film Silver Bears.

Smith says his father - who played with Ol’ Blue Eyes - has had a strong influence on his love of big band music.

"It’s great that there's a strong resurgence in jazz and swing music enjoyed by all generations, mainly thanks to artists such as Robbie Williams, Jamie Cullam and Michael Buble," he says.

"One of my favourite songs is Mr Bojangles by Sammy Davies Jnr.  I've been brought up with this style of music as my father, Chris Smith Snr, played trombone with Frank Sinatra on his European tours.  We're looking forward to bringing the show back to town."

Chris Smith’s wife, Simone Smith, sings and plays lead alto saxophone in the band and has performed with artists such as Paul Weller, John Williams, Ivy Benson Show Band and a saxophone solo on the Paul Merton television show.

Five Star Swing Big Band; Epsom Playhouse, Ashley Avenue, Epsom; April 29, 7.30pm; £15; call 01372 742555, visit www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk

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