The Down for the Count
Swing Orchestra

The Down for the Count Swing Orchestra bring the sounds of the Swing Era back to life, performing tailor-made arrangements of Big Band classics that remain faithful to the original recordings and showcase the talented instrumentalists and vocalists in the band.

Drawing on inspiration from the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman amongst others, their huge repertoire list is varied, authentic and full of joy from the first song to the last.

With their energetic performance packed with swing and joie de vivre, it’s no surprise that the band is a hit with dancers. The band has performed for Lindy hoppers and ballroom dancers up and down the country, with performances at The London Swing Festival, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, and of course our very own Twinwood Festival.

The band is led by pianist, arranger and social dancer Mike Paul-Smith, who founded Down for the Count in 2005. The musicians are friends off-stage and on, and this unique bond comes across in each and every performance. Many of the musicians in the band also love social dancing, and this understanding of the needs of dancers helps the band choose music that keeps dancers on the floor all night.