John Barrett-Bill Marcie Properties Downtown Sounds

Full schedule of Downtown Sounds music

View last years photo galleries of Downtown Sounds

Trumpet player Tom Jenkins of the eclectic swing-influenced band Rendition never thought the band would come as far as it has. The band has played shows together for almost six years and came from very humble beginnings, according to Jenkins.

“Rendition started as a one-off gig at a private auction at the civic center,” Jenkins said, “We’ve just kept playing since then; I’m constantly surprised at how much we’ve grown musically.”

The band plays mostly in the Anderson, Greenville and Pickens areas. They separate themselves from other acts in the upstate by featuring four horns and a three-piece rhythm section. Jenkins describes the horn section as the strength and backbone of the band.

Because the band covers recognizable songs that don’t normally feature horns, it takes the band months to arrange music for a new song. Jenkins said while it is easy for rock cover bands to pick up a rock song for performance, Rendition’s covers are always a challenge to interpret.

“For a song like ‘In the Mood,’ we have to turn what was a 15 piece song into a seven piece,” Jenkins said, “Trying to emulate the sounds of bigger bands with a smaller group is always tough.”

The instrumentals Jenkins speaks of include “Under the Boardwalk” and even Frank Sinatra tunes like “Fly Me to the Moon.” However, the band does not stick strictly to jazz or classic-rock tunes, as they find time to play beach music like “Carolina Girl.”

This will be Rendition’s first year at Downtown Sounds, but the band members are no strangers to outdoor events. Rendition fills its schedule with weddings, benefits, and public or private dances. They play to entertain a crowd, but they always retain their swing element, according to Jenkins.

“I’m stealing this saying, for sure,” Jenkins said, “But it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.”