Big bands originated in the early 1900s and the term "big band" became the name of a genre of music popular from the 1930s to the present day.

The tradition is carried on in Shepton Mallet by the Shepton Mallet Big Band, the SMBB. Founded around 1991 by John Fowler and a few friends, the SMBB has flourished over the years, and continues to provide outstanding recreation for the musicians and irresistible toe-tapping music for the public.

The SMBB plays the classic swing repertoire of the big band era and also all types of modern music from jazz through soul to rock and funk.

The members are keen to bring live instrumental and vocal music of all kinds to everyone, and will consider playing anything they are asked for.

Recent events have included a dance at the Paulton Rovers Football Club, supper at the Cossington Village Hall and the Barton St David Carnival, and the band has in the past provided music for suppers, parties, dances, fetes and agricultural shows round the county.

All proposed venues can be considered, and the band has played everywhere from open fields and gazebos to pubs, from village halls and band-stands to marquees.

The SMBB comprises about 20 enthusiastic musicians in a standard line-up of saxophone, trumpet and trombones, with guitar, string bass, drums, keyboard and vocalists.

The whole is directed by our newest member, Oliver Higgs, who has only recently taken over from David Gorodi, who has retired.

None of the band members are paid, and most of the money earned is used to pay band expenses, although good causes are never far from the band's hearts.

As a voluntary band the SMBB is always on the lookout for good players, and especially just now trumpets and trombones.

The band encourages and welcome approaches from both individuals and organisations who would like to provide truly swinging entertainment for their event.

The band is now taking bookings for next year and beyond. You can see the Shepton Mallet Big Band on Facebook, and the contact for all information and booking is Tony Duffin on [email protected]. The SMBB looks forward to hearing from you.