The London Swing Band has built up a repertoire of favourite jazz and swing songs that we love to play for our audiences. From upbeat numbers to romantic ballads, swing classics and everything in between, this list of ten songs offers a glimpse into our bands favourite songs to play.
1. All Of Me - This classic tune was first recorded by jazz singer Willie Smith in 1931 and was later made popular by legendary crooner Frank Sinatra and also Ella Fitzgerald. It’s about giving your all to someone you love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JaJtNLhlfk
2. What A Wonderful World - This beautiful song is one of Louis Armstrong’s most famous hits and has been covered by countless artists over the years, from Rod Stewart to Eva Cassidy and many more. It’s an uplifting song about taking joy in the simple things in life and its message resonates with audiences everywhere https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3yCcXgbKrE
3. When The Saints Go Marching In - This traditional gospel song dates back to the 19th century and has been a favorite of swing bands ever since. It’s an upbeat, lively tune that is guaranteed to get people up and dancing whenever The London Swing Band plays it live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyLjbMBpGDA
4. Fly Me To The Moon - This classic jazz standard was first recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1964 and has been covered by countless artists over the years, from Ella Fitzgerald to Norah Jones and many more. Its romantic lyrics about escaping from reality with someone you love make it a great choice for slow dances. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEcqHA7dbwM
5. Ain’t Misbehavin’ - First recorded by Fats Waller in 1929, this swinging tune is all about enjoying the nightlife with someone special and having a good time while doing it! It’s always a hit when The London Swing Band plays it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljuo5fkW-fs
6. On The Sunny Side Of The Street - This classic tune was recorded by Louis Armstrong in 1930 and has since become a jazz standard. Its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it an audience favourite. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn3soYbSpS4
7. Shake, Rattle & Roll - This classic rock ‘n roll song was originally recorded by Big Joe Turner in 1954 and has since been covered by countless artists over the years, from Bill Haley & His Comets to Aerosmith and many more! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B7xr_EjbzE
8. When You’re Smiling - This cheerful song was first made popular by Louis Armstrong in 1929 and has since been covered by countless artists over the years, from Nat King Cole to Willie Nelson and many more. It’s a great song for getting people in a good mood and its happy lyrics make it a hit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfsmmk93H3I
9. Blue Moon - This classic Rodgers & Hart song was first recorded by crooner Mel Tormé in 1954 and has since been covered by countless artists over the years, from Elvis Presley to The Marcels and many more! Its romantic lyrics make it perfect for slow dances https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgi1txjrKZk
10. Summertime - This beautiful tune is one of George Gershwin’s most famous compositions and was first recorded by jazz singer Billie Holiday in 1935, later becoming an international standard that has been covered by countless artists over the years, from Ella Fitzgerald to Janis Joplin and many more! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3kQt14_5OQ
These ten songs are just a few of the classic swing tunes that The London Swing Band loves to play for our audiences. Each one is sure to get everyone up and dancing, singing along, and feeling good!