The Hep Chaps
The Hep Chaps were founded in 1996 after David Howarth and John Wallace met up in the West End of London performing in the stage musical Good Rockin Tonight. They found a musical empathy in the sound of the 30s and 40s and formed the duo specializing in self-penned works with zany lyrics and punchy swing rhythms. In 2002 the rhythm section was boosted by Johnny Gee on bass and Damon on drums plus you'll find either Zac (guitar) or Roger Beaujolais (vibes) sitting in.
David Howarth
David started playing and singing professionally with the local big band when he was sixteen. Django Rheinhardt, Hank Williams and the crooning of Frank Sinatra rank amongst his early influences. He has played in various bands since and acted and played in the original cast of Buddy and Good Rockin' Tonight in the West End. As well as The Hep Chaps, over the last six years Dave has played with Appalachian Strings, one of Ireland's foremost Bluegrass bands.
John Wallace
John started up with a Band called The Stargazers who were signed by CBS and had some singles chart success. From there John played with JoBoxers, The Big Town Playboys, James Taylor Quartet, Little Willy Little Field, Robert Plant the list goes on. West End credits include, Good Rockin' Tonight and Elvis. At the moment John is also one part of the Heavy Shift band and writing team.
The Hep Chaps' Sound
Together, the Hep Chaps are a tight, authentically swinging outfit, perfect for functions, dancing and cool evenings ... very groovy and very special.
This experienced, energetic dance band features two singers, Johnny Wallace (voice & tenor sax) and David Howarth (voice & rhythm guitar), backed by vibes, lead guitar, double bass & drums, who all add harmonious backing vocals to the front line.
Mingling well-known swing tunes from the 40s & 50s with their own originals in the same classic style this band is one of the most fun & accessible dance bands around. Some of their tracks are amongst the most popular tunes for the UK swing dancing community including the quirky & humorous songs “Doin’The Jellyfish”, “Just Dug Spuds” and “Hoover The Duvet”!
The band have performed at swing dance clubs, festivals, parties & balls all over the UK and in Europe with special appearances at London’s famous 100 Club, The Jitterbug Ball, The Rhythm Riot & The Swing Cats Ball as well as at Copenhagen’s famous Jazzhouse.
“On stage were The Hep Chaps who played two danceable sets of originals and standards. They really were a swinging little band. The songs included swing tunes like Jive at Five, Hit That Jive Jack, Close Your Eyes, S'Wonderful, and the Sinatra tour-de-force Lady Is A Tramp. These classics were complemented by a selection of originals that were just as toe-tapping… The Hep Chap Boogie… and [their] homage to continental bed covers: Hoover The Duvet. All totally danceable!”
From Hep Chaps review at “The 100 Club” on Oxford Street
The great thing about this music is that it is instantly danceable for anyone with any rhythm in their toes – even complete beginners – and many people have gone out specifically to learn to dance Swing, Lindy Hop or Jitterbug after a great evening’s twisting and bopping to our tunes.
Anyone who has seen people “Jive” or “Rock and Roll” will have an idea what Swing dancing is, or its close relative the Lindy Hop (sometimes known as the Jitterbug). Lindy is a wonderful visual dance, at times wild and crazy to look at and to see it danced well with two people in harmony with each other’s rhythms is simply a great experience.
You can’t beat the vision of a thousand people all dressed up and dancing at one of the large balls that are permanent fixtures in the dancers diaries & you’ll often spot the venue by the dozens of classic cars lined up outside!
If you want to learn to dance we can recommend some great Swing, Jitterbug & Lindy Hop teachers.
For more info contact ME!!!!!!!!!
