Celebrating Nat King Cole with the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra

Join the 30-piece Down for the Count Swing Orchestra for a celebration of one of the most iconic figures in swing music history – the incomparable Nat King Cole.

Enjoy timeless classics such as Mona Lisa, Let’s Face the Music and Dance and L-O-V-E brought back to life by the instrumentalists and vocalists of the sensational Down for the Count Swing Orchestra – one of the few UK Jazz ensembles to feature a string section.

This is not a tribute show, but rather a celebration of Nat King Cole’s life and music. The show will be a joyful journey through Nat King Cole’s music, from the intimate trio recordings he made early in his career to the later luscious orchestral work with arrangers such as Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins. Compèred by musical director and conductor Mike Paul-Smith, the show will feature anecdotes about Nat King Cole’s life, recreations of some of his greatest recordings, and original arrangements of other Nat King Cole classics penned by members of the Orchestra.

The Down for the Count Swing Orchestra is one of the UK’s leading swing ensembles with performance credits including Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the London Jazz Festival, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Twinwood Festival. Join them for this one-of-a-kind celebration of a true musical legend in 2026.

Programme

Includes:
Mona Lisa
When I Fall In Love
Straighten Up and Fly Right
Let’s Face the Music and Dance
L-O-V-E
and many more!

Performers

Down for the Count Orchestra
Mike Paul-Smith conductor
Marvin Muoneké vocals
and further guest vocalists to be announced

Presented by Down for the Count