Berkeley Square have established themselves at the forefront of commercial swing music in the UK. The band consists of some the most respected professional musicians in Scotland, ammassing years of education and performing experience into a swinging, slick and supremely professional ensemble. All members of the group are full-time freelance musicians having studied at some of the most prestigious institutions in the country including the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Strathclyde University and Edinburgh Napier University whilst gaining years of experience playing and recording with every major ensemble in Scotland including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Opera, the BBC Scottish Philharmonic, The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and countless others.
Iain Ewing is undoubtedly Scotland’s foremost big band and swing singer. He has performed at many major venues in the UK including The London Palladium and Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End. He also recently performed at The Moonwalk Charity walk in front of 10,000 women – in their bras! It’s a sight he will never forget. He forgot his words on several occasions during that particular performance.
Please follow him on Twitter @IainWEwing or for songs and stuff go to myspace.
You can also look him up on Facebook, he’ll probably accept your friend request as he has little or no friends in real life.
Probably the finest singer I have
ever heard" - His Mum
"...Oh, apart from his sisters." - His Mum
"Mr. Sinatra is not available for comment as he died 10 years ago.
Please stop phoning or we will call the police!" - Frank Sinatra's
Office.
Our rhythm section features some of the most in demand performers in the country.
On piano is Ben Sinkie who after studying in Aberdeen decided that the only option was to move South to Glasgow for a warmer climate and friendlier locals. Ben is at home in a huge range of genre's including classical, funk, jazz, and of course swing. Ben has been heard on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 1 performing with his various other bands.
Our bass player is Jennifer Clark. Jen is one of the most in-demand session musicians in Scotland and is currently working on recording and touring projects with Horse, Alan Reed and Moira Kerr. Jen was self-taught before honing her skills at Strathclyde University in Glasgow where as well as studying arranging and performance.
Jen has heard the joke 'I bet you wish you had taken up the flute' more than anyone else in Berkeley Square.
Last but definitely not least is RSAMD allumni Andrew Horne on drums. Andy's CV highs include the RSNO, SCO, Top Gear and Andrea Bocelli. His lows include The Nolans and the West End touring production show Summer Holiday, where he refused to wear stage make-up on any grounds. Andy will however do the odd bit of dancing on stage to keep his job secure. He has questionable priorities.
The Berkeley horns feature four highly respected side-men and side-ladies from the Scottish music scene.
On alto sax and occasional vocals Alyson Rogers is an artist with a hugely varied CV. Since studying at the RSAMD Alyson has taken up positions in many local big bands including the Strathclyde University big band and the Cosmopolitan big band. Alyson is an extremely successful songwriter and vocalist in the Alyson Rogers's Alyson Rogers Band featuring Alyson Rogers. Alyson had no say in the naming of Berkeley Square.
On tenor sax is Kimberley Donnelly. Kimberley began life as a classical clarinet player at the RSAMD but soon realised the error of her ways and began studying the saxophone and jazz realising that she wanted to earn money playing an instrument. Kim is the co-manager of the Cosmopolitan Big Band and is a regular musician in orchestra pits throughout Scotland thanks to her ability to play almost every known woodwind instrument. Kim is a highly committed educator and was recently appointed head of performing arts at Braidhurst School.
On trumpet in Berkeley Square is Dave Prentice, another graduate from the RSAMD and winner of the prize from the Worshipful Company of Musicians. Dave also studied in the Tanglewood School in Boston before returning to the UK to become a regular freelancer with almost every major orchestra in the country including the BBC, RSNO and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. When not performing Dave is a commited runner and can be found chasing his personal bests around the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
On trombone is Kenny Letham. Kenny began his musical career in his local brass band before going on to study for 5 years at the RSAMD. When he graduated Kenny moved to Texas to take up a position as trombonist and occasional musical director wtih Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. After 2 years at sea performing and honing his jazz skills Kenny returned to Scotland where he is constantly in demand both as a classical and commercial artist. Kenny is also a regular studio musician and has featured on recordings by Mogwai, Emma Pollock and Lord Cutglass.
Kenny is very proud of that fact that he never once sank when he was at sea.
website copyright Berkeley Square 2011
