“SWINGTHING” is a 4/5 piece jazz/swing band which specialises in jazz and swing music in the “rat pack” style but is equally at ease performing in a variety of genres. To underline this versatility, Swingthing recently had the pleasure of performing for Camilla Dallerup and Ian Waite in a ballroom dancing weekend held at the Lodore Falls hotel on the shore of Lake Derwentwater near Keswick. A prominent feature of “Swingthing” is the fabulous voice of Ronnie Walker who styles himself on Frank Sinatra. Ronnie has been on the circuit for many years and has performed in venues all over the country. He is not limited to one particular style , however, and is perfectly at home with rock n roll and other dance music. He is ably accompanied by Brian Melville -keys. Brian has been a musician for many years and has performed in a variety of venues in the UK and Europe. His first love is jazz music but is not averse to playing any type of music when the occasion arises. Favourite bands include Chick Corea Electrik Band, The Yellowjackets, Dave Weckl Band and Dave Brubeck Quartet. Brian is currently playing a Roland FP3 electric piano and a Korg M1 synthesizer Paul Williamson is a recent addition to the band. Paul has acquired experience in a number of genres and is now keen to try his hand at jazz and swing music. Dave Thompson - drums. Dave is a highly experienced percussionist who has played professionallly in Europe and the Middle East. Having learned his trade in Birmingham he moved north where he now resides. RONNIE WALKER...........notes Started singing when he was 13 in a concert party that toured around the locality doing village halls etc for charity where he would sing songs like “Mr Sandman”, “Smile” and “Leaving Blues” etc At 16 years old he was offered a place in a band in the Isle of Man after a singing competition while on holiday there . Didn’t sing seriously again for 10 years because football was more interesting. When he was 26 he was approached by Dave Batey and sang with his band at Newby Geange. After leaving Newby Grange he did a lot of charity work around the area. During this time he started an occasional association with Tommy Pazzi, Dave Rutherford and Brian Duncan. Sadly Dave R. died and Brian D. left shortly afterwards. Ronnie and Tommy then formed a duo called “Topaz” and worked the pubs and clubs until Tommy’s retirement in 2004. Since then he has been the lead singer with “Swingthing”. Ronnie is a lover of any sport and is totally a family man. He likes most music, especially swing in the “rat pack” style but hates rap and hip hop!!!!