The Band
From left to right:
Calum McKenzie – double bass, vocals
Calum adds that extra feel to the band with a combination of jazz phrasing, drive and sheer energy. His ability to provide a strong bass line (seemingly effortlessly) holds the music of the ensemble together perfectly. Alongside Alain, they form the backbone of the band. Several tunes have been composed by Calum.
Alain Legrand – rhythm guitar, vocals
As a Frenchman, Alain’s style of playing is one the essential components of the band. He is the main rhythm guitarist and along with Calum, drives the band impeccably. And being French, Alain gives the band more than a little continental flavour!
Walter Smith – clarinet
Walter is known for his lyrical and inventive playing. Although happy to solo on different kinds of instruments, the clarinet remains his preference and he loves ensemble and interplay between clarinet and guitars. Responsibility is taken for adding those little musical breaks and rhythmic tricks in the band numbers that add air and lightness to the bands texture.
Ashley Malcom – lead guitar
Ashley is the most recent member of Havana Swing. Since joining, his contribution to the arrangements – along with his knowledge of classical and Spanish music – has been a huge asset. His style of soloing and rhythm has brought a new and fresh dimension to the band.
John Whyte – lead guitar
John is an original thinker, and his talent lies in his wealth of ideas and their expression. He has a particular skill in using combinations chords and single notes in his soloing and this is recognisable as a style within many of his recorded compositions. He can always be relied upon to produce unusual soloing in an agile and shapely style with superb guitar tone.
The Мusic
Havana Swing are inspired by the music of the Hot Club de Paris, Django Reinhardt’s fabulous quintet of the pre and post war jazz scene in the French capital, and Havana have gone to great lengths to emulate the sound and feel of this timeless music. In addition, the band provides their own compositions, which creates the opportunity to play original material in that inimitable jazz style so popular with jazz audiences throughout the world.
Based in Dundee, the band can be heard at annual Scottish Jazz Festivals, and they provide entertainment for weddings and corporate functions, birthday parties etc at local jazz venues, hotels and restaurants.
Since the release of their last album ‘Django’s Lion’, interest has spread and the band are now travelling more and their commitment now extends to participating in the main European Jazz Festivals on the continent.