An announcement from Kevin
We’re sad to break the news that Kevin Fox will be leaving The Swingles at the end of this summer. We don’t have to tell you that Kevin is a one-of-a-kind musician, whether as a singer, vocal percussionist or arranger. He’s also quite simply the best friend and colleague we could ask for. He says:
“What an incredible journey it’s been. It’s never easy to say goodbye, and there’s so much I’d like to say that I’m finding it difficult to find words. So for now I’ll just say a massive thank you to my UK family/friends/cohorts the Swingles, past and present, for nearly 12 years of the most amazing musical and life experiences I could have imagined. And another massive thank you to the many wonderful musicians I’ve worked with and learned from over the years, to my family and friends, and to all of our fans who have stuck with us through thick and thin. I love you all.
“Plenty of time for the rest. Meanwhile, there’s lots more fun and music-making to come over the next few months, so we hope to see you all at an upcoming show!”
Please join us in showing Kevin all the love in the world! Let’s make his last months with The Swingles a victory lap to remember.
Ex-Swingles make history with all-female recording at Abbey Road!
We’re proud that SIX of our extended Swingles family recently made history by taking part in the first ever entirely female recording session at Abbey Road Studios. The ground-breaking recording, an original song called ‘Twenty-first-century woman’, was written by ex-Swingle Joanna Forbes L’Estrange and features Sara Davey, Jo Marshall, Lucy Potterton, Liz Swain and Sarah Eyden among many other brilliant and talented women. The single will be released on International Women’s Day 2019, and all proceeds will go to charities supporting women and girls around the world. Find out more at the link above and follow the story on social media #twentyfirstcenturywomansong
Introducing Imogen!
Photo credit: Aike Jansen
We’re excited to announce that Imogen Parry will be joining The Swingles from February 2019. Imogen bowled us over with her effortless sound, joyful energy and impeccable musicianship, and we’re thrilled to have her on the team as we embark on new musical adventures.
Imogen grew up in London and Suffolk, and recently graduated from the University of Glasgow with a degree in Theatre Studies and Comparative Literature. During her studies, which included an exchange year at Boston College, she performed in numerous musicals including Guys and Dolls, The Last Five Years, Titanic, Bat Boy, Urinetown, Assassins, What Every Girl Should Know, Spring Awakening and Evita. She spent a summer on the West End with the National Youth Music Theatre, as an actor-musician in Howard Goodall’s The Hired Man. Imogen also brings a wealth of experience in choral singing, having sung on the Eton Choral Courses, with the Rodolfus Choir and with professional choirs in London.
Imogen says: “I have dreamt of being a Swingle for as long as I can remember. The people in this group are my heroes, and it is completely surreal to sing with them. I am so excited and honoured to be a part of the Swingle family.”
Please join us in giving Imogen the warmest of welcomes!
A message from Clare
A message from Clare Wheeler:
“I almost can’t believe I’m writing this, but after eleven wonderful years in The Swingles I have made the difficult decision to step down. Being in this group has been life-changing, and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from my incredible and talented Swingle Family, both current and past. We’ve shared so many amazing experiences and I will miss proudly walking onstage with them night after night more than I can say. To the wonderful friends and fans I have met along the way, thank you for all your support, I will miss you too! The music isn’t over, it’s just time for me to explore the next chapter. More singing, writing and creating to do, but in a new context. I know The Swingles will continue to create beautiful music for you, and I can’t wait to hear what comes next. Thank you for everything!”
It's impossible to measure the talent, creative vision and wisdom Clare has brought to The Swingles. Over more than a decade, she's been a vital force in the development of the group. We've missed her during her maternity leave and we'll miss her even more now that she's decided to move on permanently, but we can't wait to hear whatever wonderful music she makes next. Please join us in wishing Clare all the love, luck and happiness in the world on her next adventures!