Laurie Holloway had a long association with Sir John Dankworth, having been Dame Cleo Laine’s MD, he toured with Engelbert Humperdinck for 5 years and has worked with an astonishing array of musicians including Stephane Grappelli, Tom Jones, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mel Torme, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Lesley Garrett, Bob Monkhouse and Ronnie Corbett and his late wife the American singer Marion Montgomery. In 2000 he was the subject of ‘This is Your Life’ and is proud owner of the red book. He is, however, probably best known as the Musical Director of the band featured for many years on the Michael Parkinson Show and as the first musical director of the hit show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. His work as a composer ranges from jazz compositions to TV Theme tunes (including Blind Date and Beadle’s About) and he has received many awards and accolades for his work, not least being the Gold Badge of Merit from The British Academy of Songwriters Composers and Authors, a Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International and most recently an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours. Laurie says: ‘My career started as a pianist in dance bands. But now, like a kid with a favourite toy I have my OWN wonderful Dance Band – my favourite musicians and singers. Why not come and have a listen and maybe even a Dance.’

“If everyone making a living out of making music had Laurie Holloway’s exquisite taste and wonderful talent then the world would be a better place – he is a piano player…and a proper one at that!” Sir Michael Parkinson