Spotlight on Joe Pettitt
A man who needs no introduction! Taking over the reins from Len Philips himself, running and leading the Orchestra for over 15 years, Joe is the most hardworking man in showbusiness! He is a force of nature for absolute good in the world, you won't find anyone who disagrees. Joe has taken the Orchestra from strength to strength, through good times and bad. No one can forget the incredible lengths Joe and his family went to during the pandemic to keep music alive and ensure that the LP family still had comfort and companionship through music.
We've not even mentioned the world-class bass playing, wicked sense of humour and expert grammar policing! Here he is...
1. Tell me about the first time you performed in public?
The earliest performance I can remember was singing the treble solo for In The Bleak Midwinter in the Oval Primary School carol concert. Terrifying!
2. What do you enjoy most about being in the LP Swing Orchestra?
I have been with the LPSO for my entire professional career. I started playing bass in the band when I was still at college so it’s very dear to me. I love the music and being a part of such an amazing orchestra that's so important for British culture (more so now than ever). It makes me very proud. What I enjoy most though are the laughs we have and the relationships formed with the rest of the band and with so many of our wonderful supporters.
3. What would your three albums on your desert island be?
Chairman of the Board - Count Basie. Listen here
We Get Requests - Oscar Peterson. Listen here
John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers featuring Eric Clapton. Listen here
4. Can you tell me a couple of things our LP family might not know about you?
I’m a Parish Councillor for Crowhurst Village. I never wear odd socks.
5. What else is happening Joe?
A quick plug for my new trio too! With amazing musicians George Double (drums) and Jim Watson (piano) I’m about to embark on a new project - the Joe Pettitt Trio. Our first album should be out later this year under the working title “It’s not the size, but what you do with it”! This will feature new jazz arrangements of big band classics such as Begin The Beguine, Flight of the Foo Birds, Fly Me To The Moon and Moonlight Serenade.
First gig is in the Club Room at the Finsbury Park Picturehouse on Wednesday 18th March:
Book Here
For updates follow me on Facebook @joepettittmusic or better still, sign up for my newsletters (these are separate to the Big Band newsletters) through this link - Sign up for Joe's News
This is a really exciting time for me; Georgina and Mike are making so many great things happen with the LPSO and at the same time freeing me up to pursue other ambitions. Honestly though, we couldn’t do what we do without our unbelievable supporters - thank you all.