Alex Mendham & His Orchestra: Reviving the Golden Age of British Dance Bands
Alex Mendham & His Orchestra is a British ensemble dedicated to the authentic performance and recording of 1920s and 1930s dance music. Led by vocalist and saxophonist Alex Mendham, the group has carved a unique niche by meticulously recreating the sound, style, and spirit of the interwar era for modern audiences.
Early career
The orchestra was formed by Alex Mendham in the late 2000s, stemming from his deep fascination with the acoustics and arrangements of early 20th-century popular music. Based in the United Kingdom, Mendham began assembling a group of specialist musicians who shared his commitment to period-correct instrumentation and performance practice, laying the groundwork for their distinctive sound.
Breakthrough
The ensemble's major breakthrough came with the release of their debut album, And His Orchestra, in 2012. This collection of carefully researched and arranged period pieces established their reputation for authenticity and vibrant musicianship, leading to significant concert bookings and recognition within the vintage music revival scene.
Key tracks
You're The Cream In My Coffee — This 1928 standard became a signature number for the orchestra, perfectly showcasing their tight ensemble playing and Mendham's crooning vocal style.
Happy Feet — A lively dance number that highlights the band's rhythmic precision and serves as a staple in their energetic live performances.
I'm In The Market For You — This track exemplifies the orchestra's skill with romantic ballads, featuring lush period arrangements.
Let's Misbehave — A playful Cole Porter number that demonstrates their adept handling of sophisticated 1920s lyricism and melody.
The orchestra's later work includes their well-received 2018 album Dancing, which continued their exploration of rare and popular tunes from the dance band era. Their dedication has led to prestigious performances at events like the Twinwood Festival and collaborations with institutions such as the National Symphony Orchestra, further cementing their status as leading custodians of this musical genre.
Fans of the vintage jazz and dance band sound may also enjoy The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, another UK group specializing in music from the 1920s and 30s. The sophisticated style of Scott Bradlee and his Postmodern Jukebose shares a similar ethos of recontextualizing classic songs. For the authentic swing era sound, explore The Joe Loss Orchestra, a legendary British dance band with a long history.
RADIO ROTATION
The music of Alex Mendham & His Orchestra finds a natural home on vintage swing and classic jazz radio stations, as well as specialty programs dedicated to historical performance on independent music radio stations. Their recordings are frequently featured on streams that celebrate the golden age of dance music, appealing to listeners seeking an authentic auditory escape to the interwar years.
The timeless dance band sounds of Alex Mendham & His Orchestra can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover this unique artist and enjoy his orchestra's vibrant performances through the vintage jazz and classic music radio stations available on onairium.com.
