Leader: Sergeant Hamish Dean BMus (Hons) LTCL DipABRSM
The RAF Shades of Blue Jazz Orchestra was formed in 1999 with the relocation of the Band of the RAF Regiment to RAF College Cranwell. This full 18-piece ensemble is renowned for performing the music of all the great bandleaders including Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Ted Heath, Stan Kenton, Francy Boland, Maynard Fergusson as well as more modern arrangers, such as Gordon Goodwin, Mike Tomaro and Callum Au.
Following the re-structure of RAF Music Services (RAFMS) in 2015, Shades of Blue relocated with the Band of the RAF Regiment to RAF Northolt. The Band is regularly requested to perform at both military and civilian events throughout the UK and abroad. Recent highlights have included performances at the Bournemouth and Portrush Air Shows, “Jazz on the lawn” at Halton House and the anniversary Battle of Britain memorial dinner at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham.
Trombonist and leader Sergeant Hamish Dean joined RAFMS in 2004 after emigrating from New Zealand where he had served with the Central Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Royal New Zealand Navy Band. He was the lead trombone of the RAF Squadronaires Big Band from 2005 to 2015 before joining the Band of the RAF Regiment.
His personal highlight was performing in the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s London Jazz Club on numerous occasions. He holds a Bachelor of Music (Hons) in Trombone performance from Victoria University of Wellington.
Ticket Prices: £20 and £18 for concessions
All proceeds will go directly to the RAF Benevolent Fund