By CASEY NEILL
TOM Burlinson will present a swinging salute to the masters of the genre at the Drum Theatre this Saturday.
Now We’re Swingin’ is the first show Mr Burlinson’s brought to the south east, and he told the Star he was looking forward to the experience.
“It’s a celebration of some of the great stars of vocal swing and some newer singers,” he said.
“Essentially, it’s a concert, but in between the songs, I tell a bit of a story about the history of swing.”
An eight-piece band will join him on stage to perform the original arrangements of classics including Beyond the Sea, Mack the Knife, Unforgettable and Feeling Good.
“One that always goes down well is Sammy Davis Junior’s Birth of the Blues,” Mr Burlinson said.
“Shadow of Your Smile and Unforgettable are lovely to sing.”
He’s said the songs featured wonderful lyrics, celebrating joys, delights, romance and love – but also heartbreak.
“My parents were big fans of swing jazz and it went into my blood at a young age,” he said.
“That toe-tapping kind of swinging style is a part of me.
“This music is, to a degree, timeless.
“A lot of the songs in the show were written for musicals produced in the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s.
“They have intelligent lyrics and melodic structure, and that’s why they’ve become classics of the genre.”
Mr Burlinson’s career stretches from acting and singing, to television host and theatrical producer.
He will sign autographs and pose for photos after the show.
Now We’re Swingin’ is on at the Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong, from 8pm on Saturday 25 May.
Tickets are $49 for Adults and $44 concession, for group bookings and Drum members and available from 9771 6666 or www.drumtheatre.com.au.
