Jason Isaacs and the Greg Francis Orchestra, Ambassadors of Swing, Assembly @ Assembly Hall, Edinburgh Fringe 2009

No one will ever surpass the charm and presence of Sammy, Dino and ol' Blue Eyes. People try and fail and we are just reminded of the superiority of these three legends.

Therefore, one would be skeptical seeing Jason Isaacs and the Greg Francis Orchestra, thinking this will be another impersonator among many, especially as the billing promises that Jason Isaacs 'epitomises the Rat Pack era'- Puh-lease.

Firstly, Isaacs is exactly how I expect him to be - cheesy and charming. Although he drinks water instead of whisky and his dancing skills have a lot to answer for, Isaacs and his Geordie accent know exactly how to charm the mature audience.

He sails through Come Fly With Me, and performs a version of Ain't That a Kick in the Head that would make Dino proud. Greg Francis leads the 12-piece band flawlessly and is an amazing accompaniment to Isaacs' voice. The orchestra also shows off during a classic rendition of Glen Miller's In the Mood, proving that this big band is a force to be reckoned with, even without Isaacs.

He strays from Swing and sings a bit of Gershwin and a bit of rock and roll - all classics, even some Elvis covers. Not too much originality in repertoire but lots of energy.

So why five stars? The Ambassadors of Swing snag five stars instead of four for Jason Isaacs' sheer command of the audience. He has ladies literally dancing in the aisles during his cover of Suspicious Minds and wiping away tears during his penultimate My Way. Hell, I even feel a lump in my throat during his final song, New York, New York. Make room Edinburgh, here comes another star.

Annie Cassidy, Ed Fest Mag

What a marvellous night! The band were exceptional and Jason Isaacs was amazing. His renditions hit the spot and enveloped the audience to nastalgia from the past 'Crooners' as well as relating to heartfelt life experiences of the present. His showmanship was outstanding throughout and the quality of his voice would melt anyone's heart. Please let it be a must for next year,which deserves much more publicity. It was the highlight of the Fringe! 

Ann Donoghue, Whitburn, West Lothian

Jason and the Big Band were truly first class-His marvellous voice with spot on timing really made you think that Sinatra,Darrin and Elvis were present in their hay days. The Big Band synchronised completely with his voice whilst the Fenner Sisters gave superb backing.Just a pity there is only one show - we would go back for more.

Bette & Arthur Ellis, Edinburgh 

Jason Isaacs and the Dave Connolly Big Band - Ambassadors of Swing, Assembly @ The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh Fringe 2008

"On for one night only this year (unfortunately) but what a night! Jason Isaacs is a wonderful singer and effortlessly commands the stage with his charming personality. Supported by The Dave Connolly Big Band, these immensely talented musicians swing with a passion! With Jason's new saxophone talents and a super smart suited backing group, this was a truly brilliant show! If you want to enjoy a taster of their work again, check out the Ambassadors of Swing and don't forget to go and see them next year."
Elizabeth MacIntosh, United Kingdom

"We thought last year's show was great, but this really surpassed even that - what a pity it was only for one night. Jason went into overdrive with adding his saxophone talents to his singing. The Dave Connolly band also weighed-in in their usual professional manner, and they along with the backing group added up to a memorable evening. Hopefully they will return next year."
Arthur and Bette Ellis, Scotland

"This show was truly amazing once again, it made the hairs on your neck stand up, will someone sign these boys up for T in the Park for next year or replace the 4 poofs and a piano on The Jonathon Ross show. This is the kind of entertainment we all want back, for all ages. Don't leave it a whole year until we see you all again please!!"
Michelle and Mike Phillips, Edinburgh

"This show was a knock out last year. The big band sound was phenomenal and Jason Issacs was outstanding. He should progress much further in this field. A Must show for all to see."
Keith Young, England

Jason Isaacs and the Dave Connolly Big Band, Journal Tyne Theatre, Saturday April 26th 2008

"All hail to the king of swing
For many of Jason's fans, and seemingly for Isaacs himself, this was his best concert to date, an evening culminating in dozens of the 700 or so crowd dancing in the aisles. This was a concert with a real party feel. An evening of wonderful songs from the Rat Pack era and beyond that got the audience going to such an extent they pretty much joined in with the show themselves, dancing and singing along in high voice. That Isaacs has a superb voice has long been established. He croons beautifully and belts out the big numbers along with the best of them. Witty and thoroughly charming on stage, he delivers with terrific presence creating an atmosphere and giving a performance to rival any of today's stars.
Encouraged to dress in the style of the era, the audience went wild for Isaacs; the standing ovation from everyone there was no surprise after not just one but three encores, including New York New York and American Trilogy. Dave Connolly's outstanding big band, with backing vocals from the fabulous Fenner Sisters, added soul and punch to create an overall sound that raised the hairs on the back of the neck. There was also a guest appearance by Zita Frith, rising star of the west end, who purred out a couple of numbers she made positively sizzle. Whatever he does next – and he's certainly set the stage for bigger and better things - Isaacs must come back and do this again next year. Fantastic. Jason Isaacs - At his best"
Rosie Waller, Newcastle Evening Chronicle, Tuesday April 29th 2008

Comments from people who attended:

"What a fantastic evening last night, I cant stop singing and smiling at the thought of the show"
Sarah Wylie, Newcastle

"Just a quick line to say thank you so much for a fab night last night! It really couldn't have been better - fab backing singers, ditto with the guest singer Zita Frith, the band were as good as I'd ever heard them and Jason was on top form with singing and one-liners, no-one could have asked for more"
Derek Conway, Durham

"Thanks for a great night last night. You just get better and better. I had a GREAT TIME"
Eamonn

"Not having seen Jason in action before we were both looking forward so much to our visit to the theatre - we both thought this should be really good - oh boy were we mistaken - good - it was bloody fantastic - what a night - my god girl I never realized how versatile Jason was - honest Sharon it was the best nights entertainment we've had in years - give Jason our sincere best wishes and thanks for a brilliant night"
Gordon Gipson, PICU Charity Fundraiser

Jason Isaacs and the Dave Connolly Big Band, Ambassadors of Swing, Assembly @ St Georges West, 13th-17th August 2007

"Jason Isaacs is the focal and vocal point of this classy big band show, a seriously high-kicking, self-deprecatingly daft-dancing and notably big-voiced singer with loads of presence and a lot of lip...he carried off well-worn standards with style and introduced a few left-field additions to the swing canon, including an Elvis section and Oasis's Wonderwall, with persuasive chutzpah..."
Rob Adams, The Herald, August 2008

"The thirteen piece Dave Connolly Big Band certainly lived up to their description. Kicking things off with real gusto, they indelibly stamped their mark on proceedings. On stage they were really enjoying things, and that enjoyment spread through the crowd, especially when Isaacs joined the stage (and despite his dubious dance moves). Bypassing any pretensions, Isaacs made it clear that this was a set designed to entertain, brimming with swing classics like 'New York New York', a sprinkling of Elvis and even a version of Oasis's 'Wonderwall'. Even I was left feeling nostalgic - I can't imagine what it did for the rest of the older crowd. So watch out, because with Isaac's classy voice supported by this top band, swing is definitely back in town."
Harley Hammond, Three Weeks (online publication), Edinburgh

"We have just been totally blown away by this wonderful show, the energy and talent was brilliant, please do the whole festival next year and a longer show please. Hope to see you again soon, Michelle and Mike Phillips."
Michelle Phillips, United Kingdom

"THIS WAS A GREAT SHOW - SAW IT TUESDAY - BUT MERITS A FAR LARGER AUDIENCE, SO GO ON SUPPORT THEM YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!"
NNK, SCOTLAND

"you wont see a better show in the festival - Jason's voice and stage presence is marvelous, and combined with a fantastic, thoroughly professional big band makes you wonder why they are only on for the one week - my wife and I would dearly love to see them again. Thanks to all concerned for a wonderful performance."
Arthur Ellis, United Kingdom

"I saw Jason Isaacs and the Dave Connolly Big Band last night and they were just excellent. Foot tapping, hum dinger music - the best! Enjoy! Elizabeth."
Festival Previews, United Kingdom

"He is gorgeous, funny, witty and can sing! The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end! GO and see them!! Wonderful!!"
A new fan!, United Kingdom

Newcastle City Hall, Saturday December 9th 2006
Audience: 1000+

"A fresh and vibrant City Hall enjoyed an Art Deco inspired look as the swing began, led by the Dave Connolly Big Band, but there was no gentle repertoire to break in the audience. Isaacs attire was casual but that was all as he launched into a rendition of Dean Martin's Ain't that a Kick in the Head, kickin' and leaping about the stage with a spotlight doing its best to keep up. With the tempo set the swing songs kept coming - Isaacs performs with an authenticity that can drop you in a different time and place. He just gets better and better!"
(Click here for pictures from the concert)

The King of Swing Returns, Journal Tyne Theatre 13.5.06

"A hit show and one where the audience were dancing in the aisles, singing at the top of their voices, yelling for more, even after the final encore.

You couldn't ask to listen to a better singer or watch a better performer than Isaacs. On stage he comes alive... you can see the look of enjoyment and excitement in his face... with a steady voice and a cheeky grin he is a born entertainer, blessed with a singing voice to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end."
Lesley Tudor, n-e-life.com, 15/05/06 (click here to read the full review)

Jason Isaacs Swings into Town, Whitley Bay Playhouse 23.9.06

"Looking very suave in a pin stripe suit, Isaacs barely stopped for breath all night; no mean feat as he jumped around entertaining the crowds with smooth dance moves and high kicks that would impress any dance artist.

In the second half Isaacs returned to the stage in true Elvis style as he paid tribute to the king, followed by a 10-minute jamming session on his saxophone to George Gershwin’s classic Summertime.

This man has some serious talent"
Lesley Tudor, n-e-life.com, 25/09/05

Rapturous Reception for Fever

"It was Jason Isaacs who performed with the brass band in true Sinatra style. The rapturous applause said it all, with a full house yet again."
Gemma Collins, The Journal, 23/12/04

Out On The Town

"The last few years have seen the unexpected return of swing music to the charts. Jason is blessed with a voice not dissimilar to the original swing musicians and he certainly knows how to work a crowd, something he attributes to working in Spain near Marbella, playing to the international jet set."
Liz Lunn, The Chronicle, 29/11/04