THIS BAND KNOWS HOW TO SWING!

Don Conway's String of Pearls compact big band is first and foremost about swing, particularly the rich swing tradition of the '40s and '50s.

For almost a decade, the Pearls have been in the vanguard of the swing renaissance in the San Francisco Bay area, where the band has made over 100 public appearances at festivals, nightclubs, concerts, and dances.

The group's first album, "Makin' Whoopee!" (1997), is being played on swing radio programs around the nation and overseas. And in March 1999, String of Pearls spent two weeks in China in an 11-performance tour sponsored by two Beijing-based cultural exchange organizations.

Swing's the whole thing in the Pearls's second album, "Totally Swing!" released in April 2000. The album presents 14 gig-tested swing numbers, vocal as well as instrumental, from slow groove to classic jump, and big-band to Broadway and pop. While the tunes are standards, the arrangements-mainly by Dave Wolpe-offer freshened harmonies, rhythmic surprises, and space for original jazz.

String of Pearls was formed in 1991 by saxophonist and singer Don Conway. The band's octet format was inspired by the earlier mid-size ensembles of Shorty Rogers, Miles Davis, Dave Pell, and Lennie Niehaus. Such groups combine the advantages of a big band (a full rhythm section and horn ensemble work) with those of a jazz combo (plenty of improvisation). In addition, Pearls features vocals by Don and pianist Connie Anne.

So when you want swing, think Don Conway's String of Pearls. But don't take our word for it. Here's what the San Mateo County Times (September 3, 1998) has to say:

"String of Pearls swings into latest big band craze . . . Band attracts many fans, aficionados of big band music."

"The pendulum has swung. And once again, swing music is all the rage. . . . For groups like the Peninsula's String of Pearls, swing music isn't a fad--it's a lifelong passion. And the current popularity of the sound is bringing the group a lot of exposure."

"This octet," the Times correspondent continues, "spans the musical spectrum, including pop ballads, jazz, blues, Latin, ballroom dance, Dixieland and even rock. But sophisticated swing holds a special fascination for the musicians." The article then quotes Pearls guitarist Bob Navarra: "It's a combination of a real solid rhythm with a strong melodic line. A lot of recent music has relied more on rhythm than melody. Rap is the essence of rhythmic emphasis. Swing emphasizes both."

Enjoy dancing? Here's what bassist Vern Holme told the Times: "Swing has that infectious beat that makes people want to move their feet. The greatest dancing that has come from the 20th century has been swing-band music."

Vern spoke for the band, in a quote that concludes the piece: "There's nothing like the feeling you get when you load up the dance floor and people who really know come up and say, 'Man, you guys really swing!'"

Pearls thanks Times correspondent Paul Freeman and Cue editor Paul Sterman for this great article.