Over more than 10 years, The Pearly Shells have gained a reputation as Melbourne’s premier Jazz/Swing band with a classic style and look remminesent of the Golden Age of Ellington, Basie and Goodman.
Famous for their Swingin’ back beat sound and Hollywood style, luminesent clam-shell stands, The Pearlys have been providing atmosphereic sound tracks and irrestible dance grooves for parties, receptions and other doos uncountable.
With their enormous repitore and variety of band sizes , The Pearly Shells pride themselves on striking the right tone for any musical situation.

The flagship line-up is The Pearly Shells Swing Orchestra , the ten Piece "Little big band" comprising 3 saxes, 2 trumpets, trombone, piano, double bass, guitar and drums and often joined by one of the cream of Melbourne's jazz singing faternity.

Playing their own arrangements of the Big Band classics and Pearly Shell origionals, the band is famous with dancers for its ability to leave the written music behind "Riffout" when things are really swinging!

The Pearly Shells Swing Orchestra features a stellar lineup of Melbourne Jazz players from across the generations, including in the horn section Adam Simmons, baritone; Dean Hilson, tenor sax;Bruce Sandell Tenor/alto Vinnie Bourke and Amon McNelis trumpets; Shannon Barnett trombone; Dai Jones guitar; Dave Allardice,piano; Rory McDougal drums and Steve Purcell double bass and vocals

The Pearly Shells can also be found playing 'round town in a variety of small band combos gleaned from the Big Band including the PS Trio, Hot Five and Hot Seven (see corporate page)

 

"Sensuous and cinematic, a kind of bluesy swing with a smokey noir vibe" MELBOURNE TIMES

"Reminiscent of Ellington.....a smooth and sophisticated affair (that) really swings" AGE GOODWEEKEND

"Very Hollywood, very sophisticated, very swish.....Timeless dance music" RHYTHMS MAGAZINE

"The Pearly Shells update swing with modern production values and more minimal horn arrangements, unlike the brash brassy sounds of classic swing....more in common with the elegance of Ellington" MELBOURNE TIMES