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"It Is What It Is"
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Don Neely and the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra and their smaller ensembles of the San Francisco Bay Area affectionately and authentically recapture the excitement, charm, and romance of the celebrated music originating from the 1920s and 1930s - often known as the Jazz Age and early Swing Era. Dixieland Jazz or New Orleans Jazz with King Oliver in Chicago. The decade of the 1930s during the Great Depression was when Cole Porter wrote his unforgettable hit "I Get A Kick Out of You," and Benny Goodman was the "King Of Swing," and film musicals from Hollywood kept the population humming their catchy tunes. It was a time of immense creative flowering which ushered in an extraordinary renaissance of music and art. The recent television show, Boardwalk Empire has introduced many newcomers to the authentic sound of 1920s jazz.Neely and his talented crew of vocalists and soloists are dedicated to preserving and performing the music from that artistic renaissance through their live performances and CDs. Neely and his players are elegantly spotlighted on each song, and their thrilling solos make
Carla Normand steps into the spotlight, her expressive and lilting style reveals the melodic and lyrical heart and soul of the song, whether it's a snappy swing number or a smoldering torch song. Frederick Hodges brings smiles of delight with his virtuostic piano playing and whimsical singing style. Our smaller ensembles play Romantic Background Music ideal for cocktail parties, weddings, and elegant soirees, and of course play their signature sound of the Roaring Twenties, Dixieland Jazz and Vintage Swing. The "R.S.J.O." has performed at virtually all of the high profile events in San Francisco including opening night balls for the San Francisco Opera, Symphony, and Ballet and for many stylish 1920s and 1930s theme parties and lovely vintage weddings. The R.S.J.O. has also performed for many events sponsored by the creative Art Deco Society of California including:- The Gatsby Summer Afternoon featuring a Roaring Twenties Theme and includes numerous Charlestons, Foxtrots and lovely dance troop The Decobelles.
- The Art Deco Preservation Ball featuring Vintage 1930s and early '40s Swing
Don Neely's Royal Society Jazz Orchestra
"Lovingly and precisely recaptures the sound in an irrepressible, irresistible style ... Neely deserves a - San Francisco Chronicle |
 | "perfect in capturing the full essence of the past ... the band plays with an effervescence ... Neely' s group really has the sound down pat ... Carla Normand' s voice is akin to singers of that period - Leah Ray, Helen Rowland and Annette Hanshaw as examples. Normand is really the find." - Rapport, Contemporary guide to Books Art & Entertainment, Los Angeles | "Capturing the feeling, phrasing and intonation of bands that recorded over fifty years ago is not easy, as is proven constantly by contemporary ensemble that try. But the R.S.J.O. is more successful and versatile ... placing its primary emphasis on the spirit of the originals, not on slavish, note-for-note accuracy." - John S. Wilson |
Don Neely | "...Normand is a bright, sure pitched gem of a voice...is the band's perfect singer (with her Depression-era inflections) She sings Ruth Etting better than Etting; and there are touches of Libby Holman, Mildred Bailey, Annette Hanshaw and Ethel Waters in Normand' s voice, too.Her years of working with the Royal Society band have taught her how to sing within an instrumental ensemble, not merely in front or 'on top. of' an accompanying group." - Phillip Elwood, Jazz Critic San Francisco Chronicle San Francisco Examiner | "...the whole idea soars when Normand steps to the mike and, in her lithe voice, sings "Get Out and Get Under The Moon" (which is so Etting-ish it's spooky)" - Gerald Nachman San Francisco Chronicle "Carla Normand has a warm, rich voice and sings in a boldly confident style ... all of which she delivers with awareness of the lyrics and the nuances of the composer' s craft." - Jazz Journal International, Great Britain | ||
| Carla Normand - Vocalist Songs: Pennies From Heaven with Royal Society Jazz Orchestra Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now with Royal Society Jazz Orchestra The Very Thought Of Youwith Royal Society Jazz Orchestra Soft Lights And Sweet Music with Royal Society Jazz Sextet |
We invite you to experience the scintillating sounds of 1920s Jazz and Big Band Swing
