Arjay Music

B# Big Band Jazz Swing Band

The B# Big Band (that’s, B Sharp for those of you new to ‘music speak’) is Melbourne’s most exciting, swingin’ Big Band. They’re bringing a fresh, invigorating sound to Melbourne and casting a spell on new audiences with every performance.

The founder and manager, Henry Kovacevic, was keen to pull together some of Australia’s best jazz & session musicians to perform the classic arrangements of Basie, Ellington, Goodman, Miller and other Big Cats of the 30s, 40s & 50s. In addition, guest vocalists perform tunes made famous by Anita O’Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin and Peggy Lee amongst others.

B# resuscitate these infectious tunes with a fresh twist, exposing new audiences to the lush, invigorating sound that made Big Band swing addictive to swing ears then, and now again.

B# have cajoled some of the most talented and passionate musicians of international standing to lend their expertise. The band understands the important nuances of Big Band swing and what sets it apart. The lion’s share of B#‘s arrangements are for a 17 piece Big Band – and they take it to the stage that way, just as the original arrangers intended. That means a big, slick, energised sound, with more than a nod to the particular acoustic style of the era.

"When I'm in Melbourne, there's only one Big Band I want on stage with me - B#. Melbourne hasn't known a swinging Big Band like this for a long time!" 

- James Morrison