Famous for their swingin’ back beat sound, Hollywood style and luminescent clam-shell stands, The Pearly Shells have been providing atmospheric sound tracks and irresistible dance grooves in bars, clubs, festivals and dance halls for over 10 years. They have gained a reputation as Melbourne’s premier jazz swing band with a classic style reminiscent of the golden age of Ellington, Basie and Goodman. The flagship line-up features a stellar group of Melbourne jazz players from across generations who will be joined by two of Melbourne’s elite jazz performers, world-renowned singer/trumpeter Gil Askey and gorgeous singer Julie O’Hara.

With their enormous repertoire, The Pearly Shells pride themselves on striking the right tone for any musical situation. Playing their own arrangements of the big band classics and originals, the band is famous with dancers for its inclination to leave the written music behind and freely riff-out.

Trumpet, vocals Gil Askey  Vocals Julie O’Hara  Double bass, vocals Steve Purcell  Baritone sax Adam Simmons  Tenor sax Dean Hilson  Tenor/soprano sax Rob Gleaseman  Trumpets Vinnie Bourke and Amon McNelis  Trombone Shannon Barnett  Guitar Dai Jones  Piano Dave Allardice  Drums Andy Swann