Young swing king Evan Ayres returns to Albany for launch of new album

Local swing king Evan Ayres will be back in his hometown next month with a show launching a new 10-track album of originals.

Ayres and his eight-piece swing band will return to Albany Port Theatre on October 23 to launch their new original album titled Charm of this Lady that features 10 songs written by Ayres.

The young musician’s smooth vocals and guitar are backed by the Swing Kings featuring trumpet, tenor sax, trombone, two female backup vocalists, double bass and drums.

After gaining a reputation in the region with his Albany band, Ayres moved to Perth to study a bachelor of music in jazz vocals at the WA Academy of Performing Arts.

Ayres said his musical ventures in Albany inspired him to study music and create a band in Perth.

“Albany, and more importantly the live music scene in Albany, had a huge impact on me studying and pursuing music,” he said.

“Everything from musical theatre with the Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company to the fantastic music staff at Albany Senior High School, there is no doubt that without the encouragement, opportunities and guidance presented to me growing up I would never be playing music today.”

Ahead of his arrival in his hometown, Ayres said he was excited for his family and friends to see the show.

“Getting to perform live with the eight piece is also something that doesn’t happen very often,” he said.

“Mostly, though, I’m excited to bring the new and improved Swing Kings back home to the people who first supported me, first went to my live shows, and are the reason I’m playing today.”

With the Port Theatre doors open from 7pm the show is expected to swing late into the night.

Ayres said there would be plenty of room for dancing.

“The band will play through all your favourite swing, jazz, rock’n’roll and country, standards and classics, from Mack the Knife all the way to Peaceful Easy Feelings,” he said.

The band’s new album features everything from feel-good swing tunes all the way to stripped back ballads.

Ayres said some of the songs were written in the car between Albany and Denmark, and others with his guitar in his bedroom.

One was even written while driving to Boyanup to look at cattle with his father.

After reading US musician Willie Nelson’s autobiography he was inspired by Nelson’s reflections on songwriting, and how you have to catch songs as they fall from the heavens.

“In some ways this is true. All of a sudden I’ll get an idea, a chorus and I’ll then build from that and it all sort of just falls into place,” he said.

“Maybe that’s why I write so many songs whilst driving. I have time to think and reflect.”