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Recalling The Classic Sounds Of Basie, Bird and Bacharach \u2013
\u00a0A New Era Of Big Band Jazz<\/p>\n
Recalling The Classic Sounds Of Basie, Bird and Bacharach \u2013
\u00a0A New Era Of Big Band Jazz<\/p>\n
Join Dokes &\u00a0 The \u201cElectrifying\u201d George Gee Swing Orchestra Every Tuesday Night
@ New York City\u2019s \u201cSwing 46\u201d Jazz and Supper Club, 349 W. 46 St.<\/p>\n
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John Dokes Sings, George Gee Swings–a title paying tribute to Count Basie\u2019s landmark 1956 release, Count Basie Swings \u2013 Joe Williams Sings –recaptures the infectious energy found in ballrooms of yesteryear with a modern twist. It\u2019s Dokes\u2019 smooth baritone delivery and Gee\u2019s stylish vision that brings this Basie, Bird and Bacharach mix alive, especially on classics like “Thou Swell”, \u201cWalk On By”,\u00a0 \u201cOrnithology” and \u201cAlright, Okay, You Win.”<\/p>\n
Vocalist John Dokes has stepped into the spotlight at the dawn of a revival and new decade of the Big Band era putting a fresh spin on swinging jazz music with veteran bandleader George Gee, and renowned jazz trombonist David Gibson.
Charismatic Dokes\u2019 stage presence brings to life staples such as Frank Sinatra\u2019s \u201cA Fine Romance\u201d, Nat King Cole\u2019s \u201cTis Autumn\u201d and Joe Williams’ “Roll Em Pete.” The onstage rapport of John and George along with the tight sounds of the big band have earned them a loyal following at their weekly Tuesday engagement at midtown Manhattan\u2019s \u201cSwing 46\u201d Jazz and Supper Club.<\/p>\n
A select group of versatile players lend a hand to John Dokes Sings, George Gee Swings; the 14-song CD was conducted and arranged by composer and jazz trombonist David Gibson, who also performs as a part of the George Gee Swing Orchestra. Ian Hendrickson-Smith, of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, mixed the album and played baritone sax throughout, while alto saxophonist Eddie Pazant, an alumnus of the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, infuses his unique style on Charlie Parker\u2019s \u201cSegment\u201d and “Ornithology”. Hilary Gardner also joins John on “Ornithology” in a rousing duet.\u00a0 Hilary is currently making her Broadway debut in Twyla Tharp\u2019s hit musical, Come Fly Away, and has been performing with Gee and Co. since 2009, regularly joining Dokes for a duet on the holiday favorite, \u201cBaby, It\u2019s Cold Outside.\u201d<\/p>\n
Every Tuesday night, Dokes and the George Gee Swing Orchestra perform at @ New York City\u2019s \u201cSwing 46\u201d Jazz and Supper Club (349 W. 46 St.). They will be performing music from their new album as well as the \u201cSwing 46\u201d regulars\u2019 favorites. Fans are reminded of the people of the big bands that played back in the day in some of the biggest ballrooms across the country\u2026.and, its infectious!\u00a0 As Dokes says \u201cbecause we have occasion to perform for dancers, a lot of the music that we create has them in mind. We like the interaction that we get from a crowd in motion. I\u2019ve spent a lot of nights lindy hopping to jazz music from this period — I like to make sure [the music we\u2019re creating] is something that makes me want to move.\u201d\u00a0 John\u2019s fancy footwork can be seen on YouTube, where some clips have been viewed over 350,000 times.<\/p>\n
Another key player in Dokes\u2019 life and career is 82-year-old Dawn Hampton, sister of Bop trombonist Slide Hampton. She is also a legendary dancer and a former saxophonist\/cabaret singer who has taught dance around the globe. Dokes, who met Hampton nearly a decade ago, says it was she who encouraged him to get behind the mic and sing. These close friends are known for cutting a rug at many of Dokes\u2019 shows.<\/p>\n
John Dokes with the George Gee Swing Orchestra continues to perform all over the country as well as recent international stops in Jordan, Zurich and Japan.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn Dokes Sings, George Gee Swings\u201d Available Now on iTunes CD also available on Amazon: http:\/\/amzn.to\/johndokesCD<\/a><\/p>\n For more information, please visit: www.johndokes.com<\/a>, http:\/\/georgegee.com<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cBaby, It\u2019s Cold Outside\u201d with Hilary Gardner: http:\/\/bit.ly\/bUEBWB<\/a><\/p>\n
http:\/\/bit.ly\/JohnDokesSingsiTunes<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n