That Big Band - North Staffordshire’s Premier Big Band
If you're a fan of big band music, we’ve got news for you! That Big Band is the new name for an exciting outfit bringing together some of North Staffordshire’s most talented musicians to deliver spectacular big band shows. Formerly known as The Sax Shack Big Band, That Big Band has undergone a rebranding and refocusing to bring the band's innovative and wide-ranging repertoire to even more fans across the UK.
The band's music draws from a range of sources, from the swing masters such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Sammy Nestico to imaginative new takes on contemporary pop favourites. This is big band music with a modern edge – guaranteed to get your toes tapping and your hips swinging.
Tez Smith is the band's Musical Director, and he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
Tez hails from sunny Stoke-on-Trent and has performed with a range of other ensembles, including Big Band Theory, Wigan Jazz Club Big Band, Stockport Symphony Orchestra. A high point came when he had the honour of playing lead trumpet with High Brass at the 33rd Annual International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) Conference in New York City. When he's not playing music, Tez is a high school music teacher, and he loves to max out on the school holidays by travelling the world with his wife.
Chris Davies is the band's Bandleader and he's been playing the baritone sax since 1985, when he joined the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra.
It was there that he fell in love with the chair, the instrument, and the modern big band sound. His journey since has included playing with some fabulous players such as Arturo Sandoval, Rob McConnell, Bobby Shew, and Art Theman. Having had to leave Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra due to not being a youth, Chris continued playing and in 1998, he joined Nearly Dan - a highly acclaimed Steely Dan tribute band. Now, over 30 years later, Chris says: "It feels great to be back in the chair where it all started with a great bunch of players."
While Tez and Chris are key members of That Big Band, there are many other great people involved who fans will come to meet in due course. From the talented musicians who make up the band to the behind-the-scenes crew who make it all happen, That Big Band is a true team effort.
Follow us here, and on our social media platforms, to find out where we're playing next. We'll be updating our social media channels regularly with news, updates, and performance schedules, so you can be sure that you won't miss anything!
Whether you're a lifelong fan of big band music or you're just discovering the genre, you can join That Big Band on its journey. With an innovative and wide-ranging repertoire, dedication to excellence and a commitment to bringing big band music to new audiences, this is a band that's really going places.
