British Rat Pack - International crooners with swing band and jazz orchestra

Frank Sinatra’s Pianist and The British Rat Pack. 2010

The British Rat Pack gave a special birthday treat while performing at a celebration in The Princes Golf Club, Sandwich Bay on the 30th January 2010.

Guests at the black tie affair were blown away by a surprise appearance and guest performance of Frank Sinatra’s personal pianist of 11 years Mr Ian Gomes.

Ian Gomes is the resident pianist at The Ritz in London for the past 7 years.

The British Rat Pack put on two stylish shows, the first being performed with Ian’s stunning piano accompaniment while guests were dining.

Guests gasped as Paul-Hayden introduced Ian for the night’s entertainment.

Ian toured and stayed with Frank Sinatra at home for 11 years. He entertained and kept Frank and his guests that obviously included other members of The Rat Pack, Dean Martin and Sammy Davies Jr.

Paul-Hayden, Tony and Sasha of The British Rat Pack sang fabulous swing classics from Nat King Cole When I fall in love, Natalie Cole Route 66, Frank Sinatra The way you look tonight, while Ian played the most beautiful accompaniment on the Piano. (Paul-Hayden/Related Blog Link;  http://www.paul-hayden.co.uk/news/2010/03/09/sinatras-pianist-paul-hayden-and-the-british-rat-pack/

The second performance was a totally different affair. The trio immediately packed out the dance floor as the lively swing music kicked in with Bobby Darrin, Mack the knife, The Rat Pack, Leroy Brown and many more attributed big band swing artists and classics.

Referring to the night’s entertainment the hostess said “this is excellent! While Haydn Hammond the Concept Event DJ added “Brilliant! I would book this London based Swing band at Wembley with the right promoter”.    

The frenzy continued as the Concept Events team and DJ Haydn Hammond played on long into the early hours of the morning.

The British Rat Pack headlined in an all star studded fund raising dinner and dance.

This amazing event organised through the Concept Events team featured Photographers, Contortionists, The amazing Britain’s Got Talent Nemesis Street Dance Crew and of course The British Rat Pack amongst others including Concept sound and light DJ.

The great hall was completely draped with ambient lighting and ornamentation. Guests at this lavish black tie party event were transformed as the world of entertainment swept onto the dance floor with Nemesis.

The British Rat Pack trio with stunning harmony and presentation transformed the evening with the delights of swing party music… “The Guys were amazing” said Haydn of Concept Events…

After a short break the guys reappeared to perform a blinding set of popular music that included Motown Soul to present day dance smashes. “Is there anything they can’t do”…

The guys were having a great deal of fun with the audience and the show was absolutely brilliant!

The British Rat Pack in house mischief continues as; Paul-Hayden was keeping an eye on Riccardo as there were rumours that the Sensational Clayton Stevens might be in the house. “Riccardo was with me all the time at the bar though I did hear Sensational was on stage singing though I Didn’t see anything”, exclaimed Paul .

Other news;
Gala Casio New Years Eve with Paul-Hayden

The original British Rat Pack line up with originator Paul-Hayden accomanied by Riccardo and Tony Martin hit the stage and took off the roof at a black tie charity ball held in St Dominic Priory. Crewe Hall. In Warwickshire just before Christmas.

The very successful fund raiser and auction had The British Rat Pack with new member Sasha Solette performing on the same bill.

The party was swinging throughout the immense performances that hit the roof because of the guys and then Sasha took to the stage with her chart topping solo show. There was even a surprise visit from the Sensation Clayton Stevens who sang a medley with Sasha. (Riccardo was no where to be seen at the time

Compliments poured in of “That was amazing”. “Got to have been one of the best nights”. “And “We raised a fortune”. “The night was fortuitous and a success in every way. { Too many sherberts I Think!

The British Rat Pack provided a bespoke show and exactly what we wanted”. came from the organiser. 

Paul-Hayden (personal comment) “One thing I enjoy as The British Rat Pack is that every show is unique. This was the four of us and a new show with Sasha performing modern. We all work so well as solos, together or with the big band. Sasha sings with us in some of the swing shows and we work together in other projects.

The British Rat Pack is an enjoyable on going entertainment project I put together to deliver and lavish on some great music that is second to none. There are no impersonators in our show. We are as original as Michael Steven Bublé and Harry Connick Jr. We have the pleasure of performing with some amazing artists and musicians.

This serious industry can be a great deal of fun… If the client wants a Piano, they get a piano. Solo, duo, trio, vocal quartet. Laid back lively swing, soul, dance and big band. No event is too small or too large.

Professional Entertainment to client requirement is delivered because we enjoy it.

The Rat Pack cannot be trade marked.
Providence to many!
The Judgement Ruling “The Rat Pack” as a Trademark is outlawed…
Click on image for full news report

Headlined by the Las Vegas Sun at the following link;
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/oct/02/judge-says-phrase-rat-pack-cant-be-trademarked/

An interesting read…

Regards,

Paul-Hayden
The British Rat Pack.

The British Rat Pack have been providing some very classy impromptu Entertainment in Hertfordshire.

Two members of The United kingdoms top Rat Pack tribute, Paul-Hayden and Tony Riccardo of The British Rat Pack entertained at Brocket Hall near Welwyn and The Priory in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Their impromptu performances took place in the evening of Wednesday the 3rd of June and Sunday morning on the 7th June at two beautiful wedding exhibitions.

The event organised by Kelly Smith wedding organiser for Archant ( Herts and Cambs ) played host to first class exhibition stands that included everything to help plan a five star wedding. We enclose a link to Archant with details of forthcoming shows for those wishing to plan that perfect day to remember.

www.archanthertsandcambs.co.uk

There is everything for the bride and groom from Gentleman Taylors, Bridal Gowns, Prestige Cars, Wedding Cakes, Caterers, Dressed furnishing, Video and Photographers. In fact these events are an ideal networking source for Wedding Organisers and Party Planners.

Paul-Hayden and Tony Riccardo lifted the atmosphere with some very relaxing tributes to The Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davies, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole. Paul explained; We had to keep things very chilled in order not to interfere with the exhibitors. It made a nice change from the very lively Swing show we would normally perform at celebrity party functions.

The British Rat Pack will also be making guest appearances at the following bridal events; The Banyers Hotel – Royston 21st June 2009.  The Ramada Cromwell – Stevenage, 12th July 2009. Hanbury Manor Nr Ware 19th July 2009. Brookmans Restaurant – Brookmans Park, 20th September 2009. The Node – Codicote near Hitchin,11th October 2009. The Ramada Cromwell – Stevenage, 18th Oct 2009. Sopwell House – St Albans , 25th October 2009.

The British Rat Pack paid visit to Romford Golf Club this weekend.

The British Rat Pack have been netting huge audiences with their swing show. This is however not a tribute to The Rat Packs Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davies Jr and Dean Martin though it has to said The British Rat Pack certainly put on a show!

They'll Blow your socks off

We’re blown away by the number of visits and downloads from The British Rat Pack web site at www.BritishRatPack.com .

It’s amazing as this is only from one of our sites and does not include our individual sites as well as those that host our music elsewhere said the guys!

Tony Riccardo and Paul-Hayden have singles available online with Itunes and Napster with an original project called The Swan Collective whom incidentally won Britain’s Best Unsigned act 2008.

Also Paul-Hayden has his History album being released on the 12th May 2009 which is amazing as it has varied genres from easy listening to new age which is also available on Itunes, Napster, Rhapsody, eMusic, Amazon MP3, Amie Street to name but a few.

The British Rat Pack are generating huge success in all directions as live performers, studio artists, as a Trio a big band and orchestra and as solo entertainers in their own right.

I asked them what they see for the future! Paul replied “Well it’s a lot of fun even if it has been a bit of a tough world wide, we just go for it and ride on through”. Riccardo conquered. “We do our own thing together and have a lot of fun, a really good laugh which is contagious with our audiences”.

The guys are so level headed and enjoyable to talk with. They ooze so much talent. The British Rat Pack are cool party people on a mission.

Hi it’s been a while so here is an announcement.

Paul-Hayden has released a Debut original album called “History” which becomes live on the 12th May 2009 in ITunes, Napster, Rhapsody, eMusic, IMVU, Amazon MP3, Lala, Shockhound and Amie Street to name but a few.

Surprisingly The Album is not Swing Jazz though it consists of varied genre written or orchestrated and produced by Paul himself i.e. The Album contains many styles; Easy Listening, Ballad, Rock, New Age, Commercial Pop and Reggae, Electronic and Disco. Which is great as you can pick and choose any single track from the whole album.

The History album is very different to anything Paul would usually perform live; in fact I would say it is nothing like any of his live work with The British Rat Pack or even his solo covers career that usually covers soul, reggae and swing. The History album is simply excellent!

I make a very small comparison to The Swan Collective an original act of Tony Riccardos that Paul plays guitar and produces the orchestration. The Swan collective incidentally won Britain’s Best Unsigned act in 2008. Tracks can be purchased from Itunes in the near future.

Included on Paul-Haydens estranged History album are three tracks Paul made and produced in collaboration with some old friends of his. Two easy listening tracks, (Lady Lady) and (If you can’t come home), which is about runaways with Jo 90 and One track (I want you) which is classic disco dance groove with Andy Groom and friends. The rest of the album is all solo written and orchestrated by Paul-Hayden.

The other tracks on Pauls History album are of very varied genre as mentioned. All tracks included are as follows;

1. Careful when you say I love you ( Reggae ) Written by Paul-Hayden
2. If you can’t come home ( Easy Listening ) Written by Jo90 and Paul-Hayden
3. Just a dream ( Ballad ) Written by Paul-Hayden
4. Tina ( Rock ) Written by Paul-Hayden
5. Lady Lady ( Easy Listening ) Written by Jo90 and Paul-Hayden
6. Audio Birthday card ( Reggae ) Written by Paul-Hayden
7. Mr. DJ ( Dance ) Written by Paul-Hayden
8. The School Teacher ( Electronic ) Written by Paul-Hayden
9. Faceless ( Electronic ) Written by Paul-Hayden
10. I want you ( Dance ) Written by Andy Groom and Paul-Hayden
11. World at War ( New Age ) Written by Paul-Hayden

Some years back Paul suffered the loss of his home and livelihood when an adjacent land owner builder literally smashed and flattened his home and music business into a pile of rubble (which will remain another story altogether). Also having since been burgled twice, two thirds of his own original music material has now unfortunately been lost and stolen.
Apparently the reason for making this available online was because of popular demand as

The History album is compiled with all that remains from 1987 and because everyone that heard the tracks including the kids told Paul to make it available to the public.

Paul said “I’ve never made my own music available before as it is all very personal to me. Producing the History album was by way of demand making it for sale online also safeguards having it lost or stolen as was in the past”.
Anyway!, the History album goes live on the 12th May 2009 so search Paul-Hayden at any of the above i.e. Itunes Napster ect and be pleasantly surprised!

Here’s an email we recieved from MusicManEntertainer. It’s obviously a Rat Pack Tribute act and someone Paul-Hayden has worked with in the past as he remembers the booking and standing in to help out this other Rat Pack act. In Pauls own words he says ” Thanks for the compliments, It was a fun gig for some nice people”. The email goes as follows ——————————————————–

Royal Bank of Scotland and The Rat Pack

Dear BritishRatPack.com and particularly Paul-Hayden,

Hi you guys, I’ve got to say you’ve got great websites at both www.BritishRatPack.com I also like www.Paul-Hayden.co.uk site I’m impressed with the layouts and information on both of them.

Having read your blogs which I might add are well written and mostly quite amusing; I wanted to pass on a story of an un associated Rat Pack act and gig I performed with one of you guys i.e. Paul-Hayden who stood in to help us out on a performance for the Royal Bank of Scotland. I believe the timing of this correspondence is quite apt as the RBS are making head lines in the current world press.

Just for the record the following is about an experience with one individual from the RBS and not the RBS company as a whole.

The intimate function was for eighty of the banks most lucrative and wealthy investors who were apparently making as was said “a cool million at every heart beat”!

This was a very posh affair as on arrival each guest received champagne with a difference. In every glass but one there was a two carat zirconia, the one particular glass had a two carat diamond for the lucky recipient. These wealthy guests were all very friendly, forthcoming, grounded and pleasant to talk with throughout the event.

However; Behind the scenes while the prestige guests were finishing the main course and just seconds away from our making an entrance the host for the RBS stormed out of the room demanding a bottle of wine from one of the caterers. This individual who will remain nameless was asked to go back to his table as a bottle would be brought to him immediately. However this was not good enough and while stamping on his hat he demanded “I want it now and I’m staying right here until it arrives”! He was extremely cross.

This was bad enough; however there was more to come as for no apparent reason what so ever he then turned on us and said in a demanding manner “you’d better be good at your job”, to which Paul-Hayden responded very politely but firmly “We are very good at our job, are you good at yours”.

In hind sight and with the current economic climate Pauls polite gentlemanly response was and has proven very apt.

I’ve entertained with many performers in my time and though the guests at this function were an absolute pleasure to entertain I have to say our hosts behaviour was really quite appalling and the most off putting experience I have ever encountered before a show.

Irrespective to this un solicited onslaught Paul-Hayden did a blinding job standing in with us at The Rat Pack tribute gig. He raised our spirits while professionally entertaining everyone in the room by being a true showman, entertainer and gentleman throughout. I hope I get the chance to work with you again and would like to wish you and The British Rat Pack every success for the future. You deserve it!

Kind regards,

The XXXX Pack.

A Big Knight Out show!

Well to put it another way it was an Amazing Night Out! The Show oozed talent. Frank Carson was unstoppable, Cannon and Ball with a fabulous variety of stars and celebrities proved throughout the evening that this show was Variety at its best!

Tony Riccardo, Tony Martin, Frank Carson, VIP, Paul-Hayden, Bobby Ball, Steve Baylis. Photo David Foster

The Big Knight Variety Show was a Production in aid of the Tom Finney Alzheimer’s appeal.

Tony Jo with Paul-Hayden The Mayor of Blackpool and VIPS Photo David Foster

This awesome show held in the Preston Guild Hall Theatre on Sunday 23rd November 08; was of epic proportion. It was hosted by comedian Tony Jo while each act owned the stage and kept the audience captive from start to finish.

Royal Favourite Frank Carson is an incredible performer, even back stage he is absolutely hilarious and has everyone in stitches with his fast succession of one liners. Like Brucey, Frank is an institution within this industry.

Ti Amero were spot on as this first class classical pop and operatic quartet sang Nessun Dorma and Volare. Charming vocalists Lee, Ric, Leroy and Martin gave lifting performances with a nice pinch of Mario Lanser, Deano and Bocelli.

There was something for everyone proving live variety for the price of a DVD is far better and memorable than staying home to watch television every night!

Riccardo and I had driven up from London for the Big Knight Show meeting up with Tony Martin, Paul Drakeley and the boys of The British Rat Pack at Preston’s prestige Guild Hall Theatre in Lancashire.

Our sound check came up bang on schedule. The British Rat Pack took the stage. Ran through top and tail of each number. The guys were brilliant and the sound achieved in this two thousand seat theatre was incredible.

The VIPS had arrived, the doors opened on cue; It’s Show Time…

Back stage Frank Carson came over to me with a big smile crying “I’m too political”? Then offered up a cracking one liner that is a bit to cheeky to print. The Cheeky Monkeys from Britain’s Got Talent; Chloe Walker a talented fifteen year old bluesy singer and winner of Talented Youngster of the year award 2008.

Unfortunately back stage you can’t see the show going on out front so I didn’t get a chance to see all the acts perform. However when the coast was clear I did catch a glimpse of Tony Jo warming the full house at the beginning. I also saw and heard some acts in the pre run.

Met David Jarrod who had just finished recording his new album in the States. Rob McVeigh from BBC’s search for Joseph with Andrew Lloyd Webber and the television production team of Any Dream Will Do. Nice to meet up again with Steve Baylis, We’ve come a long way since London Olympia!

I met Bobby Ball from the comedy duo Cannon and Ball, ee za nice guy! There’s something very warm about him that reminds me of kin and when performing you’ve just got to laugh and smile.

Stage Call! Right we’re up!

Standing side stage I was fired up and almost sweating adrenalin. I could see Tony Riccardo and Tony Martin at the other side in the wing while Tony Jo was on stage giving the audience a run for the money in his big build up for “The British Rat Pack” in which Paul Drakeley and The British Rat Pack All Star Orchestra kicked in with the Bass Guitar and Mack The Knife as I eagerly fired off of the blocks onto that stage…

Wow was that a kick and a half. It was Brilliant! The whole Show was pure magic. Mack the Knife, That’s Life and Ain’t that a kick that gave the audience and us British Rat Pack guys and orchestra a climatic euphoric roller coaster ride that ended with an eruption of applause. I enjoyed every single second of it! The Stage is a magical place!

The last act to perform was television comedy duo Cannon and Ball who took to the stage. The whole production was fit for Saturday prime time TV viewing.

Paul Drakeley and his All Star Orchestra brought Tony Riccardo Tony Martin and Me Paul-Hayden as The British Rat Pack to perform a finale version of “New York New York”. A gathering of the evening’s entertainers took the stage for the final bow.

I found myself last man exiting the stage singing with the big band at the end of New York closing a truly spectacular event.

Tony Martin, Steve Baylis, Paul-Hayden, Tony Riccardo Photo David Foster

For the after show party. Everyone met up for a chat, refreshments and photos in the large theatre bar. It was nice to meet Blackpool’s Mayor as we had already met at the Royal British Legion Poppy launch a few weeks back.  It was good to catch up with some friends and observe the production network that delivered “A Great Night Out”!

This was a Very Successful Spectacular; A fund raiser that had a great deal of time, work and effort put into it by the organisers in aid of The Tom Finney Day Committee.

(A Backstage Artical by Paul-Hayden for the British Rat Pack News Site).