PAUL MORELLI MUSIC

The Flying Squid Battalion is Memphis' premiere dance orchestra. Our goal in starting this group was to combine the best qualities of a big dance band and a tight soul group. We perform swing and jazz music - everything from dixieland to big-band classics to Miles Davis to neo-swing. We also have a big selection of soul and funk music, everything from Motown to Stax to New Orleans. We are more affordable than a full jazz orchestra since we're half the size but thanks to musicians who double and carefully written charts, we can play big band classics authentically. For example, Paul plays the clarinet solo on "Sing Sing Sing" and then switches to trumpet to join the other brass on the shout. Unlike most soul bands, we have a full horn section and can perform authentic tunes. Where others use cheesy horn patches, we play, for example, "I Wish" exactly as it is on the record. Also, we are not limited to our set list - any tune requested by a client we will happily learn.

The musicians in this band are top notch professionals, all having played with top Memphis groups like the Memphis Jazz Orchestra, the Memphis Hepcats, and others. Every single member is an excellent reader (in fact, every gig we play at least one brand new tune), and every single member is a solid improvisor. Having such a great roster of musicians allows us to cross styles with ease. All of The Flying Squid Battalion's charts are arranged specifically for this band so all of the charts fit us like a glove; and because we have clearly written charts, it's easy for us to replace someone if they can't make a gig.

The Flying Squid Battalion is:

Meagan Sorenson - Vocals
Doug Dubose - Drums and Percussion
Matt Karner - Acoustic and Electric Bass
Jason Barden - Guitars
Jason Yasinsky - Trombone
Adam Conerly - Saxophone and Clarinet
Ben Tucker - Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Paul Morelli - Clarinet, Trumpet, Saxophones, Flute, Arranger

We specialize in weddings, corporate parties, and similar big events. We pride ourselves on being prompt, professional, and easy to work with.

The Flying Squid Battalion partial set list:
We can learn any tune a client requests! Just let us know and we'll have a professionally arranged chart rehearsed and ready for the gig.

Alexander's Ragtime Band (dixieland standard)
Almost Like Being in Love (standard)
At Last (Etta James)
Autumn Leaves (standard)
Bei Mir Bist du Schoen (standard)
Besame Mucho (Latin standard)
Beyond the Sea (standard)
Bluesette (Toots Thielman)
Body and Soul (Benny Goodman)
C Jam Blues (Duke Ellington)
The Chicken (Jaco Pastorious)
Cleo's Mood (Willie Mitchell)
Cold Duck Time (Eddie Harris)
Corner Pocket (standard)
Cry Me a River (standard)
Don't Get Around Much Anymore (Duke Ellington)
Fantasy (Earth, Wind, and Fire)
Fly Me to the Moon (standard)
Go Daddy-O (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy)
Green Onions (Booker T and the MGs)
Hold On I'm Coming (Sam and Dave)
I Get a Kick Out of You (standard)
I Wish (Stevie Wonder)
I'll Be Around (the Spinners)
Impressions (John Coltrane)
In the Mood (Glenn Miller)
It's All Right with Me (standard)
Killer Joe (standard)
Knock on Wood (Eddie Floyd)
Lullabye of Birdland (Ella Fitzgerald)
Minnie the Moocher (Cab Calloway)
Moondance (Van Morrison)
Moonlight Serenade (Glenn Miller)
Night Train (standard)
Orange Colored Sky (standard)
Putting on the Ritz (standard)
Satin Doll (Duke Ellington)
Save Your Love for Me (standard)
Sing Sing Sing (Benny Goodman)
So What (Miles Davis)
Sugar (Stanley Turrentine)
Superbone Meets the Badman (Maynard Ferguson)
25 or 6 to 4 (Chicago)
Woodchopper's Ball (Woody Herman)
Zoot Suit Riot (Cherry Poppin' Daddies)
Originals in various styles
And more!

Need a smaller group? We can play as a quintet (with singer) or quartet (instrumental).