Frequently Asked Questions

The Swing band operates musically like a “mini” big band, with top quality musicians playing from chart arrangements written specially for us as a small band line up, faithful to the style and format of the original arrangers such as Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Quincy Jones etc. These arrangements are designed to produce the fullest possible sound, and they make the group sound larger than five or six pieces. This is accomplished by having the horns phrase together like a sax or trumpet section in a big band.

We discuss it with you first to ensure that it fits the event; for dancing we choose classic, well known tunes ranging from relaxed ballads and foxtrots to quicksteps and bossanova, as well as up-tempo numbers for jitterbug dancing and lindy hop and jive. For background music we choose a blend of mellow standards to create the perfect atmosphere. We are flexible on sets, times, changing the mood…we don’t just turn up and play, we do our best to make sure that the event runs smoothly by adapting our set to the atmosphere and if necessary changing the order of the songs to suit the moment.

Yes. From the 6 piece band package upwards, we can also widen the repertoire & style to include Soul & Classic pop numbers. Please visit The Stirling Austin Swing & Soul Band site (or click on the link above) for more details.

An ideal formula is to set the mood in the first part of the evening with a couple of sets of Swing, Rat Pack and Big Band classics, then spice it up with some Rock n' Roll, followed by a Classic Soul and Pop set to really get the party cooking!

Yes, between live sets we use our PA system to provide you with music, including atmospheric background music during cocktails and dinner, as well as dance music if required so that the dance floor remains busy.

We use a powerful, state of the art P.A. system, suitable for both small and large venues... whether for dancing or background, the sound system delivers a quality listening experience.

When the event is outside mainland UK, a suitable, good quality PA system must be provided by the client.

A minimum of 2 horns - when there are 2 or more horn instruments they phrase together like a sax or trumpet section in a big band to give those unmistakable brass harmonies. The videos on the website have been recorded using a 7 and 9 piece band with 3 and 5 horns. The more horns you add, the richer and fuller the sound.

From the moment you first inquire about booking Stirling to the end of the show, we are constantly committed to making sure that every facet of your event’s musicality is professionally taken care from all aspects. A successful event involves a great deal of preparation, and you can rely on us to take time with you before the event to make sure that all your questions are answered. First dance choices, noise levels, planning performance times and appropriate setlists and lyrics, liaising with venues and other third party suppliers, arriving early on the day of your event to fully check our sound system before your guests arrive…just a few of the all important points to consider, and we make sure everything is covered.

To make an enquiry about the band simply send us an email with the details as shown on our contact page and we will get back to you promptly to suggest options and confirm costs. Once the booking is confirmed, a contract will be issued and a deposit will secure the date, with the balance payable before or on the day of the event.

Stirling and his Swing Band are insured for public liability and all PA equipment is PAT tested and approved for health and safety requirements.