In the Mood: the Glenn Miller

Now 70 years after the band first formed and recorded their first Decca album in 1940, the very year of The Battle of Britain. The sensational new album In The Mood, a tribute to the great bandleader Glenn Miller, brings new but authentic recordings to some of the best-known Big Band tunes of the wartime era. The Royal Air Force Squadronaires were a household name in the Second World War when they provided a much-needed morale boost during arguably Britain’s darkest hour. Their first public date took place 70 years ago in Blackpool with a line-up that included saxophonist Harry Lewis, the late husband of Dame Vera Lynn. They travelled the world entertaining soldiers, sailors and airmen, and quickly established themselves as the UK’s leading Big Band. Comprising 18 elite musicians from the RAF, the band has kept its heritage and has an enviable worldwide reputation. Today’s band, led by Sergeant Kev Miles, frequently performs for Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. To bring the Glenn Miller effect fully into the 21st Century, The Royal Air Force Squadronaires enlisted some of their brightest young artists such as X Factor superstar Stacey Solomon who sings the beautiful At Last. But the album also includes a very special new recording of Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree with original vocals lifted from The Andrews Sisters.