Southern Country August 07
During Sunday I became aware that the crowd had swelled with many people coming specifically to see The Swing Commanders and from the moment they set foot on stage I understood why. Peter, Gaynor, Simon and Mark are such a professional act that absolutely ooze class. (Memphis Mick - Detling)
Renowned for not letting anyone down, they put on an amazing three sets, thrilling all before them with numbers that wowed a captive audience...an evening to remember. (Jacqui Peacock - Viking)
Southern Country September 07
It really was a night like no other ever! Tonight's visit from the Swing Commanders (three girls and three young men) was a 'ticket only' event and the hall was packed with people expecting something special. Not a single one was disappointed! The energy and enthusiasm emanating from the stage was unbelievable, as we were treated to a brilliant evening of old cowboy tunes and lots of Western Swing from the 40s era. It was certainly an evening to be talked about for a long time to come and we all hope they will be back with us again one day. (Moonshine - Texas Moon)
Country Routes October 07
And, although not really a Country band, I really enjoyed the amazing performance of the Swing Commanders with their new line-up. I loved the old band and when I heard they had split I thought they could never get as good a band again, but I feel the new line-up is even better and I loved everything they did. Their closing number was perfection. (Skipton Festival - Brian Thornton)
After a tumultuous reception from the audience, the new line-up for the Swing Commanders hit the stage, with front man, Peter Riley and Gaynor Sutcliffe, on an array of instruments joined with some new faces to us. Many of the songs they performed in their previous line-up have remained and they are undoubtedly all first rate musicians. Much has been said about this new formation but if you favour their music selection you'll still enjoy the new line-up of the SC. And I'm in total awe of Gaynor Sutcliffe's musicianship - to master one difficult instrument is a tough job but Gaynor's achieved almost the impossible, with several. (Great North Festival - Irene Tradewell)
Rock-n-Reel October 07
By some considerable margin the UK's best live 'good time had by all' band, this, the fourth CD from The Swing Commanders is another cracker. But whilst the familiar mix of Western swing, boogie-woogie, rockabilly, hot jazz and more is delivered with all the exuberant musical excellence of the earlier releases, 'Fiddlers on the Hoof' comes with added zing... Go see 'em soon, as on stage they really are incredible. (Jim Gillan)
Viking October 07
The three sets played by this amazing sextet of western swing dudes run through the evening making time appear to shift in nano seconds. An evening out with these guys is a mark on anybody's calendar. What a night. WOW. (Jacqui Peacock)
Southern Country November 07
With The Swing Commanders you do not just get a night out at the club - you get a full show! And what an exuberant show demonstrating extreme musical talents, charm and charisma, fun and pure entertainment... Without question this act could fill theatres and naturally are very popular around the festival scene. (H Bar C - Gerda)
Nettlebed Music and Dance Club November 07
The Swing Commanders took the place by absolute storm..... Their music, appearance, energy and versatility were second to none and the whole audience were appreciative of what they saw and heard... I have never seen a standing ovation in our hall before but we certainly had one last night. (Sue and Roger) Below is Patrick Sparrowhawk's view.
Blackpool Weekend (Tony Best Leisure) October 07
Undoubted stars of the weekend were Lancashire based band, The Swing Commanders. This hugely talented multi-instrumental six-piece - three girls and three boys - led by front-man Peter Riley, simply took the place by storm with two brilliant spots, culminating in a standing ovation and four encores. They were full of talent, full of energy and just superb. (Tony Best)
Southern Country - Flight CMC November 07
What an amazing night. OK so maybe not all country, although I would say at least 80% was, but the Swing Commanders were entertaining with a capital 'E' and faultless in performance!! A night to remember for a very long time! Nice to see the club so full too! This Band have a lot of followers! (HRH)
Southern Country - UK Radio Awards Feb 08
We've come to expect excitement, thrills, showmanship with fantastic music and harmonies and a full visual, moving show from the six-piece band THE SWING COMMANDERS.... The three girls and three gentlemen are surely the future of our scene, young enough to involve and attract the younger generation but still playing and attracting the old folks with their act from the earliest days, the thirties to the fifties. (Gerda)
Fred's Place Feb 08
It is difficult to find more superlatives to describe the talent on show from the whole band - the evening was certainly ENTERTAINMENT AT ITS SWINGING BEST!
Detling festival June 08
How do you write about The Swing Commanders? Very difficult. Their show in a show was very different.... If you get a chance to see this group then don't pass it up. They are something special. (Ian)
Legends of Western Swing Festival Wichita Falls June 08
WOW! What a show!! We've never seen anything like THAT before!! You Brits took the place by storm!! Everyone really enjoyed y'all. Congrats on your successful debut this side of The Pond! (Barbara Martin publisher of Western Swing Monthly)