Duchess

One Jump Ahead also “moonlight” as The Duchess & Her Dukes with lead vocals handled by Debra Noelle (pictured right).

Their approach is similar to One Jump Ahead’s but is based on a different repertoire, ranging from jazz divas Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Peggy Lee to the earthy blues of Etta James and Little Esther. There's good-time fun too, with the Andrews Sisters, Pearl Bailey and Louis Jordan contributing material to the mix. The band leavens the recipe with instrumentals from Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Lester Young and other classic swingers, or vocal contributions from Kit Packham.

The sound of the band is subtly different from its "parent". This is only partly due to a change of lead vocalist: Tracey plays baritone sax, and Kit takes over the tenor duties, creating more sonorous tones than the alto/tenor combination of One Jump Ahead. With both horns available to riff behind the vocal, backings are strong and full. When The Duchess & Her Dukes are billed, trumpet player Simon Da Silva does not usually take part - but he can be added on request. Debra can also be added to the regular line-up of One Jump Ahead where budgets and stages allow.

Their debut CD, Funny Man was launched at the 100 Club in 2003 and is available from Pelican Records. For details and reviews of the album click on this link.