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Then we'll begin…

1992. MISS VOLARE* (then with vocal harmony group "THE SWING SHIFT") sits in with the now legendary Jump Band "The Jive Aces" at London's famed Dover Street Wine Bar. The Venue's colourful owner, George, tells her - "You start a group, I'll book you."

Less than two weeks later, Volare and the Vendettas were born…

Starting as a six-piece, the original line-up included Steve Vintner on Drums, Sugar-Ray Ford on Guitar, Clive Dunstall on Keyboards, Lee Badau on Tenor Sax and John Day on Bass. At the time, it was principally a jump-band, mainly gigging around London and the South East - and true to George's word, became Dover Street regulars.

In 1996, the band featured in Channel Four's acclaimed documentary "Strictly Dancing." If anyone has a copy, Miss Volare would love to know.

The band continued with the six-piece line up until 1996 when Miss Volare invited Australian trombone player Dave Palmer to join the group. Although the music remained the same, it began to get a heavier feel and the richer sound of the two horns begged an even bigger impact.

On the 18th July, 1997, the band finally became a nine-piece, with the addition of ALISTAIR "TITCH" WALKER* on trumpet and Paul Nathaniel on baritone sax. It was quite a memorable day, as for their first outing as the new line up, the Vendettas first played a giant corporate event at the Hilton Hotel - with Miss Volare roaring through the foyer into the ballroom on a vintage Harley. If that wasn't enough, the group then immediately jumped into the band bus to Camden where they played for the premiere of the Hollywood movie "Swingers." It was on this date that the band's funky new image was born and the famous spectacle-changing fiesta began.

With the larger line-up the sound became loungier, and started to take on a "Cheesy Listening" feel whilst staying true to the swing vibe. The band's own vocal group THE VOCAHOLICS debuted at the same time...

Dave Palmer returned to Australia in 1997, replaced by OWEN REES*, who has been boning with the band ever since... Dave still occasionally writes for the Vendettas all the way from Oz, though most arrangements these days are courtesy of the great Al Nicholls.

In 1996, Lee Badau left the band to work for - amongst others, Otis Grand, Howling Wilf and The Big Town Playboys. AL NICHOLLS* stepped into his shoes, and over the years has become not only the band's tenor player, but principal arranger and co-producer of the album "Vendettas A-Go-Go."

Over the years, the line-up has evolved very slowly - Dave Holmes replaced Sugar-Ray Ford on guitar in 1993, though Miss Volare herself continued to work with Sugar-Ray when he set up his ten- piece band "The Flying Fortress" in 1994, (which, of course, has one hell of a history itself.)

Dave Holmes stayed with the Vendettas until 1997 when international touring commitments with violinist Vanessa Mae became too heavy. JAMES FENN* succeeded the crown and most definitely made the chair his own. The Holmes Hair, however, has never been equalled. Many an embarrassing photo festers in the Vendetta album, awaiting discovery just as Dave thinks it's okay to become a rock star…

John Day, one of the band's longest serving members also left in 1997 though we are always happy to welcome him back whenever ROB RICKENBERG*, the band's current bassist, drags himself away to do other (inferior, of course) work...

Although DOMINIQUE METZ* is storming things up as the current drummer, Steve Vintner returns from time to time, sadly more and more rarely as his international touring commitments become heavier.

One of the nicest things about the band is that players always seem happy to come back whenever the current line-up are temporarily unavailable. Clive Dunstall, one of the busiest men in the universe, does actually manage to find space in his hectic diary of West End Shows and working with famous jazz players to "dep" for keyboard player MARK ADELMAN*, the other busiest man in the universe.

Early in 1999, during the recording of Carlton TV's "The Warehouse," Miss V. decided to record an album. The result was "Vendettas A-Go-Go" which, although due for release last year, will now have to wait its turn behind the almighty "Noiresque," (more later)

Miss Volare is committed to encouraging new swing writing. So far, this has been sadly neglected in Britain, and talking to swing DJs and dancers in the clubs, Miss V realises that just re-hashing covers is no longer enough. To this end, she has started a specifically swing-oriented music publishing company "Monte Cristo Music," a subsidiary of Vehicle Music. Actively searching for new writing talent, she would love to hear from would-be writers of "Swing-Nouveau" - e-mail to MonteCristo@vocaholic.co.uk.

However, after all her good intentions, and despite several originals on "Vendettas A-Go-Go," Fate decreed that last year the Vendettas should concentrate on covers again for a while...

In March 2000, Miss Volare signed with SILVA SCREEN RECORDS and her first project with them is "Noiresque," an album of songs from the Films Noirs of the 1940s and 50s. Miss V has been a long term fan of the genre and has spent many hours researching both the music and the femme-fatale stereotype. "Noiresque" is her love-letter to this research and looks to be unique in its approach. The release is due later this year, with a stage show and tour to go with it...

STOP PRESS: After years of stirling service, Paul Nathaniel has been forced through touring committments, to leave the Vendettas. Although sad to lose him, and wishing him the best of luck, we are delighted to welcome OLLY WILBY*, to fill those baritone shoes....

*Read more about these fabulous players in "About the band."