The Norwich-based Front Row Big Band led by the genial tenor saxophonist and raconteur Martin Eaton have just celebrated their 3rd birthday. It’s been a busy 3 years that have included themed shows, Swing Dances and concerts working with virtuoso trumpeter Mike Lovatt, peerless singer Matt Ford and multi-reed genius Alan Barnes.

Tonight they delve into the back-catalogue of the great Count Basie from the 1930’s onwards, including his collaborations with singers Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and especially The First Lady Of Song – the legendary Ella Fitzgerald.

Basie was renowned for having the most dynamically-swinging bands over a 49-year band-leading career, introducing star soloists saxophonists Lester Young and Eddie ”Lockjaw” Davis, plus trumpeters Harry Edison, Joe Newman and Thad Jones – all working round The Count’s economical piano style and Freddie Greene’s superb rhythm guitar-playing.

Expect an evening of swinging jazz with detours into the world of James Bond, The Beatles (and with the band’s must-see annual A Swingin’ Christmas gig at Dunston Hall just around the corner) a couple of Basie-based Christmas tunes.

Catch the Front Row band in Basie mood here with their performance of ‘Cute’.