Count Basie Inspires John Dokes New Swing Release

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."

On June 29th, Lincoln Center's annual Midsummer Night Swing season gets underway. Dokes and the George Gee Swing Orchestra take on The Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra in Battle of the Bands for one of the summer's biggest dance parties. "Battle of the Bands harkens back to the friendly but competitive contests at the Savoy Ballroom between bands like Count Basie, Chick Webb and Fletcher Henderson," Dokes explains. "It's really an opportunity to remind people of all the big bands that played back in the day in some of the biggest ballrooms across the country."

He adds, "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.