From Bach to Duke Ellington to Jobim... and everything in between, they share a love and devotion for well written music of all genres. Their criteria has been to carefully select only the very best compositions and uniquely arrange them with taste, elegance and style.
SwingSet performs in a style reminiscent of groups like the Modern Jazz Quartet and George Shearing Quintet. Performances include great American standards like "Autumn in New York", "Violets for Your Furs", "April in Paris"... beautiful Bossa Novas by Antonio Carlos Jobim, hard swinging arrangements ala Basie and Ellington and fun arrangements of quality popular tunes.
Drummer Danny Venditti first met bassist/vocalist Pamela Dare while performing as a backup musician for a well known vocal group. He discovered that she had been working on the scene from hip clubs in the lower east side to posh affairs in the elite venues of Manhattan. Danny, who had worked clubs on the famous 52nd Street and continues to be one of the most in demand drummers on the scene today, was impressed with her musicality, stage presence and ability to perform in so many styles.
Danny approached his friend and favorite pianist/vocalist Alex Leonard about starting a new band with Pamela. Alex, who has been featured in venues from the legendary Friars Club to jazz haunts like Cleopatra's Needle, was sited recently as a "superb" pianist in the theatre publication Show Business. As they rehearsed it became clear that this was a very special match with wonderful chemistry.
Since they began to work the circuit in New York, SwingSet's reputation as an outstanding and unique ensemble has spread quickly. Along with many successful clubs and concert appearances, SwingSet has also become in demand as a highly polished unit which accompanies many well known cabaret singers and instrumentalists
SwingSet. Humor, warmth and musicality shine throughout every performance. This ensemble is a polished and exciting group that entertains and makes it swing!
