A SHARP suit and a swagger will get you a long way in this world but if you want music that sounds as good as it looks you need to check out High Society.

As they take to the stage in a cloud of expensive aftershave, crisp shirts and sober ties, members of this South Lakes post war jazz and swing act make it known they mean business.

Kendal's very own answer to the rat pack exudes the kind of old time glamour you just can't resist being seduced by.

Covers by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong will have you ordering Martinis before you know it and wishing you'd thought to put on a cocktail dress.

With his slick hair and shiny shoes front man Fran Tollerson looks the part, cigarette smoke circling nonchalantly by as he delivers much-loved tunes such as the Lady is a Tramp and Mack the Knife.

For a lesser band the all-out style assault could look a little phoney but these blokes can really play and pull off the look with aplomb.

Whether it is Fly Me to The Moon delivered at full croon or an upbeat rendition of Let There Be Love, High Society hit the spot like a cocktail stick through an olive.

The group - Mike Hindle on sax, Colin McGlone on drums, Andy McCaffrey on piano and Kenny Johnston on double bass are all semi professional musicians.

Pianist Andy, who comes from a jazz background, says drummer Colin has been the driving force behind the band. Rustling up support for his original plan to get a swing quartet together, the group soon morphed to accommodate five members and became an established unit.

Once the core performers were rounded up, the group began to test the water with some private functions and a couple of performances at Kendal's Wine Bar. They went down as well as a single malt at closing time.

As for the future, High Society plan to build up their appearances at gigs around the South Lakes and are ready and waiting for bookings on 01539 736561.

February 13, 2003 11:31