Riviera Ramblers

The Riviera is the English Riviera, of course, Torbay and the South Devon coastal region. Veteran band leader and trumpeter, John Shillito is a former Ashburton resident who now lives in Totnes, and all the other members are locals, too, from Ashburton, Buckfastleigh, Newton Abbot and Teignmouth. All are seasoned professional musicians with successful long careers, and who retain enthusiasm and affection for their music. The band has a very accessible and musical repertoire, much of it originating from the sounds of the Swing era of the 1930s and 40s. The front line brass and reeds blend with empathy and energy, buoyed by a pulsating rhythm section that adds echoes of Parisian “manouche / gypsy” jazz of the Hot Club of France.
The band has a “free and easy” ensemble sound, but it’s created with care and warmth as the musicians listen, relate and share fun with each other, and with their audiences. The tunes you’ll hear are melodic, memorable and foot-tapping, with occasional engaging vocals from John and Zoe. You’ll find it a very listenable and danceable ensemble, whose music originates out of New Orleans and comes via Harlem, via Paris and, of course, via Torbay. Rhythmic or romantic, sentimental or swinging, bluesey or bright and breezy, the Riviera Ramblers are happy to make their music for your pleasure

“From the very first number I was quickly aware that I was listening to an exceptional band.”