The Pearly Shells Swing Orchestra

Formed around the turn of the century by double bassist Steve Purcell as a Count Basie-style dance band, The Pearly Shells Swing Orchestra has evolved over more than 15 years into a unique Melbourne musical institution, boasting an enormous repertoire of original charts and strong ties throughout Melbourne’s musical community. The Pearly Shells blend their own arrangements of 1940s and 1950s big band music with Jump Blues, Swing Jazz, R&B, Boogie Woogie and Latin styles, delivering it all with the drive and enthusiasm the music demands — and deserves. The program includes music by Ellington, Basie, Goodman, Ray Charles, Louis Jordan, Billie Holiday, Ella Johnson and Xavier Cugat, as well as original Pearly Shells songs from their seven studio albums. The Pearly Shells are (with occasional variations depending on the night): David Allardice – PianoMonty Price – GuitarSteve Purcell – Double BassDean Hilson – Tenor SaxophoneRob Glaesemann – Tenor SaxophoneAaron Searle – Baritone SaxophonePaul Coyle – TrumpetWes Mowson – TromboneEamon McNelis – TrumpetGavin Gray – Drums