THE EMBER BIG BAND: THE STORY

the Ember Big Band first embarked on their musical voyage of discovery together as a cohesive Big Band in 2010.  Under the guidance of the legendary trombonist and arranger, Bill Geldard, they have developed their sound and command of an extensive repertoire.  With a full line up of community minded musicians and vocalists, they have performed across the borough of Elmbridge, and wider afield, raising money for some amazing charity projects.  For more information or want to get involved, please get in touch.

GREAT RECEPTION AT THE NOMAD THEATRE

 “Fine Women and Song” - Ember Big Band paid tribute to some of the world`s greatest female performers, musicians, composers and lyricists - many of whom didn`t get the credit or recognition they deserved. 

We`re repeating this sell-out show at The Barn Theatre, Molesey on July 16th :-)

MUCH LOVE AT THE EMBER SPORTS CLUB

Great to return to the Ember Sports Club for 2 nights residency on 11th and 12th February .... we had LOVEly time, a great crowd and reception of our LOVED UP set list.  Thanks for having us back and glad we were able to put a show on despite the challenges of omicron.

WE GOT THERE !  HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Sadly, Covid and its rotten little variants has now come roaring back - but we did manage our annual Christmas show at Claygate Village Hall on December 11th.   With appropriate safety measures in place, we were delighted to welcome a fantastic and enthusiastic audience.  The hall was beautifully decorated (with seasonal lighting and table decorations) - and The Dough Shack cooked scrummy pizzas on site!

100% LIVE N KICKIN'

Thoroughly enjoyed Saturday night and our trip through 60 years of popular music – from Count Basie to the Beatles, Fred Astaire to Aretha Franklin to the stadium rock bands of the 90s.  Thank you to such a smashing audience and great to be raising funds for the team at Shooting Star Hospices.

What a treat to work with Radio 2's "Pop Master" Ken Bruce and we learnt so much in the lead up working with Allan Rogers, Musical Director of the “Strictly Come Dancing Live Tours”.  Thank you Ken and Allan.  

Total raised for Shooting Star:  £13,700.

HITTING IT FOR SIX @ STOKE D'ABERNON

Great evening in the company of the colt's section at Stoke D'Abernon - thanks for having us and being part of your evening ... beer and burgers kept the Band happy .... 

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"Thank you so much for tonight. Your band was amazing and absolutely made the evening. Everyone was talking about it and it made for a great atmosphere. The test match special theme tune was very apt!"

http://www.stokecc.co.uk/colts/

GREAT EVENING AT THE BLACK SWAN

Thanks to the Black Swan in Ockham for hosting us in their garden. Hope the diners enjoyed it as much as we did.

EMBER BIG BAND WELCOMES NEW SINGER

Our new male singer, Daniel, made his debut with us at The Riverhouse Barn.  Rock on, Daniel!

BACK WITH A BANG !

Our first gig after 18 months of playing only online was `alfresco` at The Riverhouse Barn, Walton (August 14th).   We played to a packed house on a `mini Glasbonbury` stage - and the sun decided to shine.  A good omen, we think!

LIVE (AND KICKING) AFTER LOCKDOWN !

With restrictions now off we're starting to get back into the groove with in person rehearsals and performances.  Friday 20th August sees us down at the Black Swan in Ockham.   Later in the year, we've confirmed our charity fund raiser on 20th November, with some really exciting special guests.   

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So, if you are organising an event this summer (and outside) and would like a big band sound we're really up for it .. so please do get in touch.

It's great to be back! 

LOOKING FOR TRUMPET PLAYERS !

With the natural rhythm of life, a number of our trumpet players have grown up or moved home and so we are looking to add new members to our Trumpet section.  

If you are a developing or accomplished trumpet player, with a love for big band music, young or old we'd love to hear from you, particularly as we start to look forward to band life after lockdown. 

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GIGS WE LOVE

We're not an events band ... so what sort of gigs do we love playing ... to be honest any, but here are a few that stand out for us... 

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Our charity concerts at the Hammond Theatre in aid of both the Shooting Star and the Princess Alice Hospice charities

The evenings at the Walton Beer Festival

Al-fresco at Marney's Village Inn

Our monthly Monday slot at the Albion

Our annual Christmas concert at Claygate Village Hall

the intimate Barn theatre in Molesey

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LOCKDOWN 3.0

So, through this and the last lockdown, we've kept in touch and rehearsed together over ZOOM.  We've also been joined by some amazing special guests including Louise Marshall, Simon May, Laurie Holloway, Alan Barnes and Bruce Adams.  It's been really inspiring to get their thoughts and ideas, recollections and stories and also to stay connected as a band through this last year.

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We've also, with some our more technical members, got the whole band live on the Internet playing in real time using the power of Jamulus software and the AWS cloud.  It has added a whole new dimension to play together whilst being apart.  Please do get in touch and we can share how we got it working for our band.

OUR REPERTOIRE

just some of the tunes we love

timeless

CLASSIC SWING

Little Brown Jug
Sing Sing Sing
Tuxedo Junction
In The Mood
Pennsylvania 65000
Beyond The Sea
Come Fly With Me
Flight of the Foo Bird 
Shiny Stockings
Cute

funky

UPBEAT GROOVES

Sax To The Max
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Mambo
Carwash
Birdland
Route 66
Green Onions

soulful

SLOW BALLADS

Alfie
Lil' Darlin
Moon River
My Funny Valentine
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Summertime 
Feeling Good
Cry Me A River

dreamy

LUSH VOCALS

The Lady Is A Tramp

Mack The Knife
The Summer Wind

The Look of Love

Why Don't You Do Right

Fever

At Last

What Is This Thing Called Love

foot tapping

CROWD PLEASERS

In The Midnight Hour

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

New York New York

Everything

Haven't Met You Yet

Blue Suede Shoes

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driving

LATIN

Sway
Save The Last Dance For Me

Chili Pepper 101

Livin La Vida Loca

Mas Que Nada

Girl From Ipanema
Peanut Vendor