Craig McMurdo Dance Orchestra
Craig McMurdo has been thrilling audiences around the globe for over two decades; from humble beginnings on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to performing at private parties for such luminaries as HRH Prince Charles, actor Paul Newman and a multitude of Sir Cameron Mackintosh's opening night parties. Craig McMurdo is the ultimate entertainer for private and corporate entertainment be it music for dancing, cabaret or background with complete and tailored packages available to suit each and every event from a charity ball or wedding reception to a gala launch or premiere.
Originally making his name in the field of Jazz and Swing, with countless television, radio, festival and theatre appearances both in the UK and world wide as well as releasing multiple albums, he has, over the years, developed his voice to encompass a remarkable range of styles from Rat Pack to rock 'n roll, pop to classic soul.
Career highlights include appearing at the Royal Albert Hall for Diana Princess of Wales, performing the inaugural shows for the Madinat Theatre, Dubai as well as the opening ceremonies of the European Special Olympics before a live crowd of 32,000 and a television audience of millions across 28 countries and being kissed by Andrea Corr during a gig in Dublin.
Surrounding himself with an amazing team of musicians, singers and dancers on stage and the very best event & stage managers and sound & light production crew off stage, he provides an overall service that is second to none.
By combining the "wow factor" onstage with thorough, co-ordinated planning and management behind the scenes, he continuously achieves his goal of exceeding expectations at every performance.It's no wonder his client and venue list reads like a who's who but then the very best demand the very best.
At the very core of the Craig McMurdo experience is the 11 piece Dance Orchestra providing the ultimate in music for dancing with a remarkably extensive and versatile repertoire that spans the 40's, 50's, 60's & 70's to the present day. Sets are packed with instantly recognisable hits, from Sinatra to Van Morrison, The Drifters to The Commitments, Abba to Al Green, Bacharach to The Blues Brothers, Presley to the Pop Idols, ensuring the dance floor is always full. Sophisticated jazz can be provided as background music during a meal or drinks reception by the classic instrumental jazz trio line up of piano, bass & drums.
In general clients can choose between 1 x 90 min, 2 x 60 min or 3 x 45 min sets for dancing, it entirely depends on the structure of the schedule. The band try to be as flexible and accommodating as possible to ensure the event is a success. Visually as well as audibly impressive this talented 11 piece show band features 7 world class musicians and 3 amazing female vocalists in a high energy, highly choreographed performance led by the enormously charismatic McMurdo.
Famed for their World Famous Floorshow, with solo piano, a jazz trio and the smokey tones of torch songs sung by a glamorous female vocalist set the mood with background music while the guests arrive and dine. Then, in the natural break between courses of the dinner, the house lights come down and the night explodes with sound and colour as the band, singers and dancers take to the stage, transforming the room into a classic supper club of the Hollywood era. Craig and the cast can also perform a series of stunning West End style cabarets throughout the meal that rival Las Vegas and would make The Rat Pack proud. Glamour, breath-taking production numbers, vocal harmonies, magical music and the hottest band in the country alternate with sophisticated background music, leading to a unforgettable finale of feathers and high kicks.
When music for dancing is not required and a large cabaret is not suitable Craig McMurdo can offer sophisticated entertainment for background or cabaret with his Swing Kings Trio.
