Harmony In Harlem is the perfect lindy hop orchestra. The repertoire of original and authentic Duke Ellington sets it apart from any other big band or jazz band in Cambridgeshire and the whole of East Anglia, evoling the height of the jazz age and the Cotton Club days from the highly individual style and sound of Duke Ellington and his famous orchestra.
The conductor, Michael Kilpatrick, has assembled an authentic repertoire of Ellingtonia primarily from the mid-1930s through the 1940s. If a dance or themed event isn't the order of the day, it's a concert featuring an inspiring selection of original Ellington repertoire that is our speciality - from the raw sounds of the jungle through to driving and vibrant swing, or from the darkest lament to the lavish and romantic.
Harmony In Harlem has performed prestigious charity events in Cambridge, for the Cambridge Lindy Exchange, and at the Ellington 2008 international conference in London were joined on stage by three alumni of Duke Ellington's orchestra: John Lamb, Buster Cooper and Art Baron.
The orchestra comprises at most five saxophones, four trumpets, three trombones, piano, double bass, drum kit, acoustic guitar and a vocalist. We prefer to use a real piano if one is available and to play acoustically (except the vocalist and double bass).
Musicians wanted
An additional trumpet player is required. If you are strong player and reader (improvisation skills advantageous but not essential) please get in touch via the contact page! Occasional deps are also required on tenor sax - doubling clarinet essential.Booking
To book the Harmony In Harlem orchestra or to make any enquiries, please contact Michael Kilpatrick using the form provided or simply telephone 01223 833062.