ABOUT THE BAND
The Swing Commanders is a stunningly vibrant and versatile group that
performs an exciting mix of 1940s classics, boogie-woogie, western swing, 50’s
jump jazz and more!
Every member of the Swing Commanders sings and plays at least one
instrument, sometimes three: Yet what makes them stand out even above their
incredible music ability and performing skills is their joie-de-vivre.
The band have appeared, often headlining, at most of the UK’s top Vintage and
Country Music festivals. Loved by fans of Jazz, Country, Swing and Blues, The
Swing Commanders fill dancehalls with lindy hoppers, modern jivers, line
dancers, and social dancers, up and down the UK, and as far as Europe and the
US.
Between them, The Swing Commanders have a wealth of musical experience,
from bar room to classical concert hall, as well as an understanding of dance and
theatre. This results in a stage show that is technically precise and wildly
entertaining.
People who experience the band for the first time are amazed at the energetic
showmanship, the instrument swapping, the tight arrangements, and vocal
blend. This isn’t a nostalgia trip or Rat Pack karaoke. It is fine songs played
joyfully and brilliantly.
BAND BIOGRAPHIES
PETER RILEY
Peter’s knowledge of Music Hall and Bing Crosby songs was formed on his
Grandmother’s knee. In the late 80’s he appeared at the first Burnley Blues
Festival, and in the pubs of Oldham and Manchester began to learn stagecraft.
As front-man and main songwriter with The Winchesters, Peter showed up at
lots of festivals and on Primetime TV. Forming The Swing Commanders, he
wanted a musically versatile, visual and energetic band. His dream came true!
Peter also performs in swing trio THE GELATOS and his glam rock
band THE GLAMTASTIC 4 where he can be seen wearing some daring and
skimpy little numbers….!
Siena Lloyd
Before joining the Swing Commanders, Siena, a professional actress, could be
found on our screens, appearing in Channel 4’s, Hollyoaks among other things,
or touring UK Theatres in productions such as The Blonde Bombshells of
1943, Oh! What a Lovely War, and HEIDI – A Goat’s tale, so it’s only
natural that she would add a touch of “drama” to the band!
Siena also runs an educational theatre company called ARTFUL
PLAYGROUND which delivers theatre and music workshops, courses and classes
to children. Siena has written two children’s books for one of the musical
projects which can be found on shop shelves in Manchester!
As the Musical Director of The Swing Commanders, Siena is responsible for the
band’s musical arrangements. She plays the saxophone, clarinet, piano, double
bass,and the accordian in the band so Siena has her work cut out for her.
However she still finds time to do the styling and presentation, CD/DVD cover
design, and the band’s social and online networking!
Siena also plays in swing trio THE GELATOS alongside Peter, and runs a
Manchester based adult choir called ARTFUL VOICES.
Dan Smith
Dan studied popular music and recording at Salford University and spent time
after graduating playing in pit orchestras for theatre productions as a session
guitarist. Shows including Billy Elliot, Hairspray, The Wiz, West Side Story, and
most recently a production of Pink Floyd’s The Wall.
Dan has travelled the world for some years working as a show band guitarist on
cruise ships for Carnival, Princess and Celebrity Cruises. Whilst on board he
spent every day playing with, and learning from some of the best musicians in
the world as well as backing high profile acts from the West end, Broadway and
other areas of the entertainment industry.
Now back on solid ground, Dan delivers a bi weekly live Web stream with the
well known Tom Quale and also has his own guitar tuition youtube channel called
Beyond the lick.
Dan’s wide knowledge of different musical styles makes him an accomplished
and versatile musician which comes in handy with The Swing Commanders
where he juggles Swing, Western Swing, Jazz and Country effortlessly! Look out
also for his handkerchief tricks…..!
Daisy Thurkettle
Daisy is a classically trained violinist from a family of folk musicians! For the last
decade Daisy has been playing western swing, country and early jazz from cult
fashion stores in New York to sultry cabaret events throughout the UK.
If she’s not playing music, you’ll find Daisy diving for treasure on shipwrecks or
baking mighty fine treats…..
Daisy also sings in the Andrews Sisters styled trio, The Honeybirds, as well as
playing violin and singing lead vocals in The Old Time String Band.
Stuart Smith
Having spent most of his professional musical career on the UK jazz circuit
playing alongside some of the best performers of jazz (John Hallam, Jamie
Brownfield, Tom Kincaid, Amy Roberts, Jeff Barnhart (USA), Spatz Langham,
Matthias Seuffurt (GER) and Duke HeitgerUSA), Stuart jazzes up the Swing
Commanders with his special beats and pieces!
Stuart has appeared at many of the UK Jazz Festivals including the Keswick Jazz
festival, Upton Jazz Festival, Dove Holes, Bude Jazz Festival and the Edinburgh
Jazz festival. Stuart has toured Europe countless times drumming all over
Denmark, Holland and Germany. One of his highlights was performing at the
legendary Dresden Dixieland Jazz Festival.
Stuart has also played with Martin Bennett’s Old Green River Band – a band
which favours the sounds of New Orleans and the blues of Chicago, Small
Weller, and The Manchester School of Samba.
Being a vintage car enthusiast Stuart also makes himself useful when it comes
to our old van – usually pushing it!