Whitney Smith Big Steam Band @ the Monarch Tavern

Dear Music Party Lover,

A roaring 17-piece classic jazz orchestra in the style of the Duke Ellington and Count Basie bands — 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 5 saxes and four rhythm: piano, guitar, double bass and drums, with vocals by John Amato. When I say 'roaring' I mean we are in no way a tame or quiet ensemble (except for the gorgeous ballads).

We describe ourselves as a Hard Bop Big Band because the music of Thelonius Monk, Horace Silver, Miles Davis and Art Blakey excites and inspires us. Come hear for yourself our arrangments of hard bop classics like Moanin', Señor Blues, Night Train and Driftin' — and experience how our soloists tear through them.

The sound is classic swing, jazz and Latin with bite. Our roots music is 50s big band burner swing in the punchy gorgeous style of arrangers Billy May, Nelson Riddle and Quincy Jones. We play compositions by our bandleader Mr. Smith, vocals and instrumentals, and arrangments of great standards from the jazz repertoire by our arranger Jim McGrath.

And then there's dancing for those who want to.

Our two albums, ‘Swing’s Mistress’ and ‘Life Drawing’ are on Spotify, Apple Music and other platforms under Whitney Smith Big Steam Band. Come join us for a thrilling evening of powerhouse big band jazz with a modern edge.

WHITNEY SMITH BIG STEAM BAND

TRUMPETS: Megan Jutting-Plumbley (tpt1), Julian Brindley (tpt2), Jim McGrath (tpt3), Joseph Funk (tpt4).

TROMBONES: Paul Tarussov (tb1), Jamie Stager (tb2), Gord Meyers (tb3), Peter Hysen (bass tb).

WOODWINDS: Scott Marshall (alt1), Abigail Neale (alt2), Steve Carson (tn1), Hanson Goldwin (tn2), Simon Wallis (bari).

RHYTHM: Emmett Hodgins (p), Whitney Smith (g), Malcolm Connor (b), Petros Anagnostakos (d).