The New Vintage Swing Band

MUSIC FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Having a party? Need a band?
The NEW VINTAGE Orchestra is just the answer.
Playing the hits from the 40'S & the current top dance hits.
Impress your guests with a 13 piece big band orchestra,
something you don't see every day.

PERSONAL ATTENTION

Deal direct with the band-leader,
Brian Lewis & his wife Doris (band vocalist)
to provide you with the most personal attention
towards planning the music for your affair.
VIDEO SHOWCASE-by appointment (516) 742-3961

Hear a sample from the new CD :
"STANDARDS, AGED TO PERFECTION"

"Sing, Sing, Sing" - Right Click and Save As.

"Opus #1" - Right Click and Save As.

"It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" -
Right Click and Save As.

 

NEW VINTAGE BIG BAND

New Vintage Big Band Photo

Spring 2008

Appearing at:

City Café
987 Stewart Avenue
Garden City New York 11530
516-222-1421

www.citycafe.biz

on the first Wednesday of every month.
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION E-MAIL: drchopsbl@aol.com

OR CALL : (516) 742-3961

Pops the cork on "Standards Aged To Perfection"

Following Article From : Sights and Sounds March 2005

"If you’re a Satin Doll or a Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy who’s In The Mood to Take the “A” Train to go Stompin’ At The Savoy so you can Sing Sing Sing, Jump Jive An’ Wail and do the One O’Clock Jump at the Woodchopper’s Ball, there’s some great news for you. Bandleader and trumpeter Brian Lewis and his 13-piece New Vintage Orchestra—complete with female vocalist— bring back the music, energy and spirit of the Big Band era every Wednesday right here on Long Island. We spoke with Brian Lewis on the set of the L.I. Cable 20 TV program, Something To Talk About— where New Vintage was taping two “Big Band Is Back” segments—and asked why he’s so committed to keeping the big band tradition alive. Brian credits his father, who in 1950 founded Arthur M. Lewis Band Instruments. “He always played big band music around the house, in particular trumpet big band music. I grew up listening to Harry James, Bunny Berigan, Ziggy Elman and Doc Severinsen. My number one lead trumpet idol is Maynard Ferguson, who first made his claim to fame with the Stan Kenton Orchestra.” A half dozen years after taking over the family business in 1989—now Lewis Music in Mineola
(www.lewismusicstore.com)—Brian formed New Vintage with his wife Doris and a dozen like-minded musicians, mostly from Long Island. New Vintage has backed-up headliners Al Martino, Jerry Vale, Connie Francis, The Temptations and even Frankie Valli. Band members’ day jobs range from music educator, instrument repair tech and professional musician with Broadway credits, to engineer, painter and even a police sergeant. As to how the band got its name, Brian explained, “I love classic Glen Miller and Benny Goodman arrangements, but if I can find a new arrangement, I will use it. On the New Vintage debut CD, we perform ‘Opus #1,’ originally recorded and made famous by Tommy Dorsey, but ours is a newer version. Hence, ‘New Vintage.’”
He also likes to augment or rearrange classics such as “Sing Sing Sing,” written by Louis Prima. “Every time we perform this great number, I do it a little differently. It keeps the band on their toes.” We asked Doris Ann Lewis, Brian’s wife and the New Vintage girl singer and keyboardist, how she picks her solo tunes. Doris, who listens to Natalie Cole, Rosemary Clooney, Barbra Streisand and her favorite big band girl singer, Ella Fitzgerald, likes beautiful melodies and lyrics “that almost sing themselves.” You’ve gotta hear her on “Orange Colored Sky!” Check out New Vintage for yourself on Wednesdays at City Café."

By Bonnie D. Graham

See the article here.


Doris Lewis - Vocalist


Brian Lewis - Leader/Trumpeter

 

Much like fine champagne, The New Vintage Orchestra bubbles with an unparalleled energy and charisma that is sure to keep dancers going all night. Formed by trumpeter Brian Lewis in August of 1992, the band puts forth an incredibly diverse range of musical talent.

Featured is female vocalist Doris Anne Lewis, singing the hits of Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, Dianne Schure, and many other swing singers.
The bands “Frank Sinatra” crooner is Ron D’Abruzzo who adds his own special blend to the great American standards.

The swing scene’s resurgence in the late 90’s was undeniable. The New Vintage Orchestra reproduces 1930’s and 40’s sounds using original arrangements from Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and Harry James, and with special arrangements written by Brian Lewis, the band belts out the sounds of popular dance chart-toppers. Not all of New Vintage’s charts are vintage, however! They also play the hits of Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

The band has backed up such names as The Temptations, Jerry Vale, Connie Francis, Al Martino , Frankie Valli, Bob Newhart and Joan Rivers. Few bands possess the ability to set a room in motion like The New Vintage Orchestra. From the opening downbeat to the last note, screaming brass, gritty saxes, and a strong rhythm section keep the audience jumping the whole night long.

“Standards Aged to Perfection”, The New Vintage Orchestra’s debut CD release, captures the incredible versatility of the group. The album’s eleven tracks include a wide range of classics from the 1930’s and 40’s. From a foot stomping rendition of Benny Goodman’s “Sing Sing Sing” to the silky smooth lyrical lines of Doris Anne Lewis in “And the Angels Sing”, to a rousing, jazzy finale of “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In”, the band is sure to entertain, and, like that bottle of bubbly, only gets better with time.