David Went - Singer
Having been singing for over thirty years in a number of guises, the last decade has been focused on swing and jazz.
"Singing with the Brent Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Jazz Saxophonist and Big Band leader Willie Garnett was my first great opportunity" says David." It allowed me to realize a major dream by performing many memorable classic songs with a full Big Band".
In order to provide more opportunity, in 2002 David put together The Joey Evans Quartet and he now uses his talents to provide many of those classics from such internationally acclaimed stars as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett and Matt Monro with a smaller more intimate band.
During 2006 I was delighted to be asked to become the emcee for the wonderful club, Talk of the Town - Live, in Milton Keynes, owned local entrepreneur Mike Johnson. During the time at the club I was very fortunate to work and sing with members of the fabulous West End's Rat Pack show, including Andy Prior (Frank Sinatra) with the Mick Davies Band, Mark Williams (Dean Martin) and Gary Williams (Dean Martin)."
John Blackwell - Piano
The one time musical director for a well renowned Comedian now spends the majority of time teaching Piano to Advanced Level students.
John majored in Piano and Trumpet at University. Now he composes for musical events, shows for schools and colleges, and he also performs regular recitals of classical pieces all over the country together with playing at many wedding ceremonies.
The Joey Evans Quartet is very pleased to have John write the arrangements for the songs we perform. Although variations form the originals are only small, to reduce a full ‘Big Band’ arrangement of Billy May’s to be played by a quartet takes great skill and attention to detail to ensure that the magic is not lost
Les Arnold - Drums
A highly trained and accomplished musician who combines great technical ability with a real ‘feel’ for the music and atmosphere. These talents have been honed over the years by organizing, directing and playing in many shows and concerts.
Les has contributed musically to many projects including being a soloist on the music to the James Bond 007 film "The World Is Not Enough" the music for which was composed by his brother David Arnold.
Les adapts instantly to varying styles of music but has a love for the ‘Swing’ era and the magnificent ‘Big Band’ sound. 'The Fabulous Les Arnold Big Band' owes it's success to a hard working and very talented leader.
Teaching drums to Advanced Level in the schools of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire keeps Les fully occupied between engagements in his busy diary.
Nigel Emerton – Double Bass
Over the past 25 years Nigel has earned his position as one of the premier Double Bass players in the area. As a teenager Nigel played for both the Luton Youth Jazz Orchestra and the County Youth Jazz Orchestra, playing at the Royal Albert Hall on many occasions.
Between 1982-92 Nigel was part of the Big Band 'Page 3', named this way as the band rehearsed in the Sun Hotel, Hitchin. Whilst with 'Page 3' the band toured the UK and Europe playing the great music of Count Basie and Duke Ellington that Nigel loves. Also, during the 80's Nigel toured extensively with Chico Arnez providing him further valuable experience.
Nigel is also a main stay of a great 9 piece function band called 'Aries'. The band has been together for 20 years with Nigel on the Bass and they specialize in covers of songs from the 1970's, 80's and 90's.
Nigel plays with ‘5 Star Swing’ predominantly now, but we thank him for his great contribution in the early years.