All Swing Big Band: The Modern Masters of Big Band Swing
All Swing Big Band is a dynamic 18-piece orchestra dedicated to revitalizing the classic swing genre for contemporary audiences. Formed in the United States, the ensemble achieved notable commercial success with their 2018 album Swing City Nights, which charted on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and introduced their energetic sound to a global listenership.
Early career
The group was founded in 2010 by arranger and bandleader Michael "Mike" Torrey, uniting top-tier session musicians and jazz conservatory graduates. Their initial focus was on faithful renditions of classics from the Count Basie and Duke Ellington libraries, performing at local jazz festivals and dance halls. This period of honing their craft led to a self-released debut album, The First Set, in 2013, which caught the attention of independent jazz label Blue Note Avenue Records.
Breakthrough
The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of Swing City Nights on Blue Note Avenue. The album blended original compositions with reimagined standards, driven by a powerful brass section and a tight rhythm unit. Its lead single received significant airplay on jazz radio networks, propelling the album to number 12 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and establishing All Swing Big Band as a leading force in the modern swing revival.
Key tracks
Swing City Stomp — This original composition became the band's signature opener and a staple on jazz radio, showcasing their precise ensemble work and driving rhythm section.
Harlem Nocturne Reimagined — Their bold, slower-tempo arrangement of this classic demonstrated their respect for tradition while asserting a fresh, contemporary sonic identity.
Brass Catalyst — An instrumental track highlighting the band's formidable trumpet and trombone sections, it became a fan favorite at live performances.
Jumpin' at the Woodside (Live at The Blue Note) — This high-energy live recording captured the exhilarating experience of their concerts and was included on a special edition of their breakthrough album.
Following their chart success, All Swing Big Band expanded their reach through strategic collaborations. They recorded a well-received joint concert album with vocalist Celeste Maroon in 2021 titled Double Feature. Their subsequent studio album, Metropolitan Swing (2022), featured guest solos from renowned saxophonist Ben van Lier and further solidified their reputation for sophisticated, danceable arrangements. The band maintains a rigorous international touring schedule, headlining major jazz festivals from Montreal to Montreux.
Fans of All Swing Big Band's vibrant approach to classic swing may also enjoy the music of Gordon Goodwin and his Big Phat Band, known for complex, cinematic arrangements. The contemporary swing revival of Postmodern Jukebox shares a similar ethos of recontextualizing classic sounds. For listeners drawn to the authentic large ensemble experience, the work of WDR Big Band offers a masterclass in precision and soloistic excellence from Germany's premier radio orchestra.
The music of All Swing Big Band is a regular feature on classic jazz FM stations, specialty swing radio programs, and online big band music streams. Their recordings are frequently played on independent music radio stations that champion both timeless genres and their modern interpreters, ensuring their sound reaches enthusiasts worldwide.
Listeners can discover the powerful sound of All Swing Big Band on radio stations featured on our website. You can hear their chart-topping swing music and live performances through the curated jazz and big band radio stations available on onairium.com.
