The History of the Belles
The Swinging Belles are becoming a sensation on the music scene with the young and old. Not only have they supported Woody Allen's New Orleans Jazz Band at The Hammersmith Apollo and the Brighton Centre but they are being invited to perform at festivals and concerts throughout England. They also have been involved in exciting concerts including performing at the 60th Anniversary VE Day Celebrations in Northern Ireland.
So how did The Swinging Belles begin?
After spending a year in Manhattan visiting all the jazz clubs, Heather developed a passion for 1920's 50's music. It was during this time that she met and worked with many great musicians, one of whom introduced her to the sounds of the Boswell Sisters. The Boswell Sisters were one of the all-time greatest jazz vocal groups. They recorded several songs during the twenties but finally achieved popular recognition in the thirties. The sisters performed regularly on Bing Crosby's radio program and they made many hits with the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. They became the hottest vocal group in the country.
Heather was so inspired by their sound and the idea of performing some of their arrangements, that she decided to form a similar group. She thought that it would be a fresh sound in today's musical climate and would give pleasure to those who could remember the tunes the first time around! Not wishing to be just a tribute band, Heather called on the expert help of Dave Cooke who has transcribed some of the original arrangements and scored new arrangements of both standards and some of Heather's own compositions.
Of course, a group of this nature would not be compete without paying tribute to the Andrews Sisters who were popular with audiences all over the world. During the 1940's they were established radio personalities, they made appearances in 17 Hollywood movies and released eight new singles including "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy". The trio brought laughter and happiness in difficult times and they are remembered lovingly by their fans.
The Swinging Belles are Heather Simmons, Debbie Bines and Clare Foster. All of whom are professional singers in their own right. The blend and tightness of their harmonies makes you think you are listening to one voice.
