A SWINGING tribute to Count Basie will liven up a Dorset theatre next month,

Following the success of the last four years’ concerts, The Swing Unlimited All Stars Big Band return to present their fifth Tribute to Count Basie at the Regent in Christchurch on Sunday May 1 at 7.30pm.

The All Stars section of the Swing Unlimited Big Band was created to bring together present and former members of the band for a truly all star concert.

This tribute will include all of Count Basie's most memorable hits from the big band era, including: April In Paris, Jumping at the Woodside, Shiny Stockings, All Right, OK You Win, Magic, Teach Me Tonight, Too Close For Comfort, One O’Clock Jump and My Baby Upsets Me.

Count Basie was one of the greats of big band swing, leading his own big band from 1935 until his death 50 years later. The band continued to play on after his death, keeping the Count Basie legend alive.

He was famous for leading his band from the piano with his light, swinging rhythm providing that famous big band sound. In 1958 Count Basie won the award for Best Performance by a Dance Band and Best Jazz Performance at the very first Grammy awards. This was just the start of a series of awards at the Grammies right up until the 1980s.

Tony Bennett, who was just one of a host of famous singers who performed with The Count Basie Big Band, said: “More than anyone else, I’d like to thank Count Basie for teaching me how to perform."

Contact the Regent for tickets.