New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Doreen D'Agostino Media) - John Dokes Sings,
George Gee Swings-a title paying tribute to Count Basie's landmark 1956 release, Count Basie Swings - Joe Williams Sings -recaptures the infectious energy found in ballrooms of yesteryear with a modern twist. It's Dokes' smooth baritone delivery and Gee's stylish vision that brings this Basie, Bird and Bacharach mix alive, especially on classics like "Thou Swell", 'Walk On By", 'Ornithology" and 'Alright, Okay, You Win."
Vocalist John Dokes has stepped into the spotlight at the dawn of a revival and new decade of the Big Band era putting a fresh spin on swinging jazz music with veteran bandleader George Gee, and renowned jazz trombonist David Gibson.
Charismatic Dokes' stage presence brings to life staples such as Frank Sinatra's 'A Fine Romance', Nat King Cole's 'Tis Autumn' and Joe Williams' "Roll Em Pete." The onstage rapport of John and George along with the tight sounds of the big band have earned them a loyal following at their weekly Tuesday engagement at midtown Manhattan's 'Swing 46' Jazz and Supper Club.
A select group of versatile players lend a hand to John Dokes Sings, George Gee Swings; the 14-song CD was conducted and arranged by composer and jazz trombonist David Gibson, who also performs as a part of the George Gee Swing Orchestra. Ian Hendrickson-Smith, of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, mixed the album and played baritone sax throughout, while alto saxophonist Eddie Pazant, an alumnus of the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, infuses his unique style on Charlie Parker's 'Segment' and "Ornithology". Hilary Gardner also joins John on "Ornithology" in a rousing duet. Hilary is currently making her Broadway debut in Twyla Tharp's hit musical, Come Fly Away, and has been performing with Gee and Co. since 2009, regularly joining Dokes for a duet on the holiday favorite, 'Baby, It's Cold Outside.'
Every Tuesday night, Dokes and the George Gee Swing Orchestra perform at @ New York City's 'Swing 46' Jazz and Supper Club (349 W. 46 St.). They will be performing music from their new album as well as the 'Swing 46' regulars' favorites. Fans are reminded of the people of the big bands that played back in the day in some of the biggest ballrooms across the country....and, its infectious! As Dokes says 'because we have occasion to perform for dancers, a lot of the music that we create has them in mind. We like the interaction that we get from a crowd in motion. I've spent a lot of nights lindy hopping to jazz music from this period - I like to make sure [the music we're creating] is something that makes me want to move.' John's fancy footwork can be seen on YouTube, where some clips have been viewed over 350,000 times.
Another key player in Dokes' life and career is 82-year-old Dawn Hampton, sister of Bop trombonist Slide Hampton. She is also a legendary dancer and a former saxophonist/cabaret singer who has taught dance around the globe. Dokes, who met Hampton nearly a decade ago, says it was she who encouraged him to get behind the mic and sing. These close friends are known for cutting a rug at many of Dokes' shows.
John Dokes with the George Gee Swing Orchestra continues to perform all over the country as well as recent international stops in Jordan, Zurich and Japan.
'John Dokes Sings, George Gee Swings' Available Now on iTunes
https://bit.ly/JohnDokesSingsiTunes
CD also available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/johndokesCD
For more information, please visit: www.johndokes.com, https://georgegee.com
'Baby, It's Cold Outside' with Hilary Gardner: https://bit.ly/bUEBWB
Dancing with Dawn Hampton: https://bit.ly/aLeuiq
