Welcome back to our blog!
You’re in for a treat today, with the return of our In The Spotlight segment. We are joined by Kudos Big Band – an excellent swing, jazz and rat-pack 7-piece.
Together, they create a show-stopping performance, wowing crowds across the country at various different events. Their repertoire is ever-growing with classic swing and jazz songs as well as modern pop hits with a “swingy” Kudos twist! Individually they’ve played with artists such as Jamiroquai, John Legend, Mark Ronson, Daniel Merriweather, The Temptations, Percy Sledge, Ben E King, Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), The Roots, Tony Christie, and Martha Reeves! And together they have performed at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and The Royal Albert Hall. So here we have Kudos’ own, Mark, giving us an insight into life on the road with a big Rat Pack band! It’s Kudos Big Band In The Spotlight!
Who are Kudos Big Band?
We are a bunch of mates that all met when we were playing for the local youth big band years ago. We all grew up together learning about the music of Ellington, Basie and eventually, The Rat Pack. Now we’re all professional musicians playing in a number of bands and teaching.
Which song is your favourite to perform?
It’s got to be New York, New York!
No one can read the words “New York, New York” without singing it in their best Frank Sinatra voice. I’m sure it’s one of the crowds’ favourites too!
Out of the songs you’ve been asked to learn for a first dance, which is your favourite?
That’s a tough one but it’s either It Had To Be You or The Way You Look Tonight. They’re both very different in tempo/energy but the lyrics in both songs are perfect for a first dance.
Fly Me To The Moon, performed by Kudos Big Band
One final song question, which is the song you can always rely on to fill the dance floor?
Apart from NYNY, I’d say It’s Not Unusual by Tom Jones. Everybody loves that one!
Do you get on with each other all of the time?
Yes of course. We’re all mates that have known each other since we were 12 years of age!
Who has the most annoying habit (and what is it)?
Probably our saxophonist – he’s always chatting to bridesmaids when he should be helping us to set up!
What’s the best thing about being in a band?
Playing great music and classic songs to people that really appreciate it.
… and what’s the worst?
Getting home at 3am after a long drive…
What’s the weirdest thing that’s happened to you at a wedding?
Our trombonist once forgot his shirt so we ALL had to play shirtless so that it wouldn’t look obvious. We literally played with waistcoats and ties but no shirt. Luckily it was Halloween so we pretended it was part of the act!
We can 100% say this is the best “weirdest thing” we have had in our Spotlight Blogs! Respect to you guys for braving the shirtless gig – we can just imagine the talk before the show… “Right boys, we are all in this together!”
And finally…the most important question: Buffet or Hog Roast?
Hog Roast all day long. We’ve had some dodgy buffets but we haven’t had a bad hog roast!
So, that’s a total of 5-4 to Hog Roast! The battle of wedding food continues…
Thank you so much to Mark and Kudos Big Band for letting us delve into the life of a swing wedding band. If you’re interested in booking Kudos Big Band for your wedding, corporate event or party, then get in touch with us today! Our friendly advisors are here to help you find the perfect entertainment for your event from 10am until 10pm, 7 days a week on info@entertainment-nation.co.uk, 0800 53 000 35 or on our website over LiveChat.
