Leader: Sergeant Hamish Dean BMus (Hons) LTCL DipABRSM

The RAF Shades of Blue Jazz Orchestra was formed in 1999 with the relocation of the Band of the RAF Regiment to RAF College Cranwell. This full 18-piece ensemble is renowned for performing the music of all the great bandleaders including Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Ted Heath, Stan Kenton, Francy Boland, Maynard Fergusson as well as more modern arrangers, such as Gordon Goodwin, Mike Tomaro and Callum Au.

Following the re-structure of RAF Music Services (RAFMS) in 2015, Shades of Blue relocated with the Band of the RAF Regiment to RAF Northolt. The Band is regularly requested to perform at both military and civilian events throughout the UK and abroad. Recent highlights have included performances at the Bournemouth and Portrush Air Shows, “Jazz on the lawn” at Halton House and the anniversary Battle of Britain memorial dinner at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham.