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BACKGROUND MUSIC

We can provide a wide range of acts to add to the ambience of any occasion:

Solo artists

Trios

Duos

Quartets

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SOLO PIANO [BM01SKP]

The solo piano can provide 'easy on the ear' lounge and cocktail music to suit your requirements. With a subtle blend of Jazz, Standards, Showtunes, Popular, Latin Rhythms and much more, the music will put your guests at ease, encourage conversation and will create a comfortable atmosphere at your venue which will be both enjoyable and entertaining.

Listen to sample:

 

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GUITAR & VIOLIN DUO [BM02VM]

This duo is a violin (Suzy Watts) and guitar (Jon Gordon). Both are professional musicians performing a wide variety of musical styles. They are equally at home in a discrete background setting or a concert situation. Classical favourites, Latin melodies, Celtic airs, country hoe downs, sacred music and popular tunes all form part of their vast repertoire. With suitable advance notice ‘favourite tunes’ can be arranged for the occasion.

Past examples have included Bizet’s ‘Habanera’ (from Carmen), ‘Ave Maria’, ‘West Side Story’ medley, ‘Duellin’ Banjos’, and their much requested arrangement of ‘Stairway to Heaven’.

An ideal choice for smaller venues where they can provide their own high quality, yet compact amplification. For bigger events they can supply a full PA system. 

When required they are well capable of picking up the tempo for more lively occasions.  So whether you want to dance on the tables or add a touch of class to your special day, Valse Maria is an excellent choice.

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. Habanera/Tango Maria/Dill Pickle Rag/Ashokan Farewell/Suzys Tune/Habanera reprise
  2. Bonny at Morn/Drowsy Maggie
  3. Arkansas Traveller/Louisiana Saturday Night/Roxanna Waltz/Jambalaya/Mystery Train/Copperhead Road
  4. Dark Island
  5. Lost Tango/Dark Hollow/The Swan/Lost Tango reprise/Stairway to Heaven
  6. Every Time We Say Goodbye

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MODERN JAZZ BAND [BM03SKP]

This act was founded in 2000 by pianist and composer Simon Keegan-Phipps.  Since then it has changed in size (and shape!) to become one of the most respected function jazz bands in the North East.  With a repertoire that finds just the right balance of jazz standards and new compositions, the band’s virtuosity, enthusiasm and wry sense of humour have made them a popular choice for both background music and as a concert act. 

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. Track 1
  2. Track 2

SIMON KEEGAN PHIPPS - Keyboards (pictured right)

ALEX - Trumpet CHRIS -
Bass
CORNILIOUS - Guitar LISTER -
Sax
MARK -
Drums

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CAFE CONTINENTAL BACKGROUND [BM04LT]

This band has built a solid reputation for providing tasteful background music for:

  • Pre-dinner drinks.
  • Music for corporate meals.
  • Wedding breakfasts.
  • Continental theme nights.

The band will tailor the music to suit the clients' tastes and the number of musicians can be adjusted to suit specific budgets and available space.

There are a number of possible combinations of artists and genres, creating different types of mood, providing an eclectic mix to entertain your guests and offering a diverse and atmospheric experience.

Number of musicians

Jazz

Cafe
Continental

2

  • Piano/Guitar
  • Percussion
  • Accordion
  • Violin

3

  • Piano/Guitar
  • Percussion
  • Accordion/Sax
  • Accordion
  • Violin or Piano/Guitar
  • Percussion

4

  • Piano/Guitar
  • Percussion
  • Accordion/Sax
  • Violin
  • Piano/Guitar
  • Percussion
  • Accordion/Sax
  • Violin

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. Autumn Leaves
  2. Love Me Tender

 

 

 

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JAZZ TRIO WITH FEMALE VOCALIST [BM05JG]

This trio have been performing in and around the north-east for the last eight years, playing slick arrangements of Jazz Standards from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.

With a great line up of Female vocals, Double Bass and Guitar, the band play in the style of Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald and Diana Krall.

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. I Get a Kick Out of You

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SOLO JAZZ GUITARIST [BM06NP]

Nick Pride has worked in many top bands and now performs as a solo guitarist.

His set includes many different styles of guitar playing from Jazz and Blues through to Spanish, acoustic fingerstyle and Pop.

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. Fly Me To The Moon
  2. Mona Lisa
  3. Solo

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SOLO SAXOPHONIST [BM07MM]

The sensual sound of the saxophone is one of the most popular musical backdrops we are pleased to offer. Playing solo to a tasteful backing track, this act is both compact for space-restricted venues and very affordable. This artist draws on many decades of the classic sax repertoire to create an easy- listening ambience behind dining, drinks and conversation.

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. How Deep is Your Love
  2. Just the Way You Are
  3. Mysterious Girl
  4. Under the Boardwalk

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20's, 30's & 40's EVERGREENS [BM08GM]

Evoking the good-time gaiety of the thirties, this jazz trio will lift the mood of your function with delightful and familiar melodies. The virtuosity of the violin is supported and warmed by the rhythms of guitar and bass. The tone may be set by the band's arrival in a 30s vintage car. They have performed for Prince Charles and for the opening of the Alan Shearer Centre!

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. Dinah
  2. Moonlight in Vermont
  3. Sweet Georgia Brown
  4. Blue Moon
  5. Stardust
  6. It Had To Be You
  7. Five Feet Two / Ain't Misbehavin'
  8. Sweet Lorraine
  9. Lullaby of Birdland
  10. You Took Advantage of Me

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20's, 30's & 40's OLD TIME JAZZ [BM09PJ]

This is the foot-stompin' feel-good sound of trad. jazz. Conjuring up for the senses impressions of the Mississippi riverboat and of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, this quartet look and sound the part. These are some of the most experienced and respected players in the North East delivering some of the most popular numbers in the trad. songbook with style.

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. On the Sunny Side of the Street
  2. Honeysuckle Rose
  3. Somebody Loves Me
  4. April Showers
  5. Old Rugged Cross
  6. My Blue Heaven

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FEMALE SINGER WITH PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT [BM10LJ]

Here we are offering one of the classic lounge combinations: a female vocalist backed by a sympathetic pianist. The difference here lies in the sheer quality of the performers. She has one of the finest voices in the northeast and is in regular demand in a variety of settings. He is a top musician with wide experience of playing at top-level venues.

The duo's repertoire centres mainly on melodic ballads, but their background means that they are versatile in tailoring the set to give the particular mood that you would like for your function.

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. Have I Told You Lately
  2. You Are So Beautiful
  3. Somewhere Over the Rainbow
  4. Promise Me
  5. You've Got a Friend

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QUALITY 4-PIECE BACKGROUND ACT [BM11LJ]

Here is an act which offers background music that is a bit special. The quartet comprises four of the very top performers in the northeast. The band is fronted by a superb female vocalist with a great reputation and heavy demand for her services. Supported by piano, bass and drums, the stress is on standards from the jazz, swing and ballad songbooks.

This band look and sound good, and we take pride in offering an act of such sheer quality to enhance your special occasion.

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. People Get Ready
  2. Say a Little Prayer

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SOLO SINGER [BM12MA]

With a great image and a great voice, this young man has risen rapidly to the top levels as a featured singer. He is equally at home with recent chart-toppers, classic hits and smooth ballads, and his charm and rapport have ensured regular re-booking by delighted clients.

As a solo act, with studio-recorded backing, he offers exceptional performance at an affordable price and we are pleased to have the opportunity to offer his services.

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. Everything
  2. Got You Under My Skin
  3. Foggy Day
  4. Home
  5. Beyond the Sea
  6. Feeling Good
  7. Babe

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SOLO VIOLIN [BM13C]

The sophisticated serenading of a strolling violinist can enhance the feel of a variety of settings. From the soothing intricacy of classical to the joyful bounce of swing, this talented violinist can enhance the mood of your special occasion. For a romantic background to drinks, dining or social conversation, this act is affordable and unobtrusive, being truly 'unplugged'.

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. O Sole Mio
  2. Czardas
  3. A Medition
  4. Bach prelude
  5. Fields of Gold

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SOLO LUTE [BM14L]

The sweet tones of the lute have added grace to formal occasions all across Europe since the middle-ages.

Adding distinctive and classic elegance the lutanist, in period or formal dress, can set the mood either during formal proceedings or as a background to social mixing.

Listen to sample:

  1. Tarleton's Risurrectione

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SOLO HARP [BM15EW]

Since the middle ages, the sweet sophistication of the harp has lifted the mood of social gatherings. This vibrant prize-winning, young harpist draws on a repertoire ranging from the baroque through classical to the best of popular contemporary (Play-lists can be selected in advance to personalise the ambiance.).

She has played extensively, internationally and her experience shows in her first-class presentation and delivery. We are proud to be able to offer her services as a background performer to enhance your special occasion.

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. All I Ask of You
  2. Can't Help Falling in Love
  3. Endless Love
  4. The Little Fountain

 

 

 

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PERIOD PIANO AND VIOLIN DUO [BM16TC]

The Victorian and Edwardian eras marked the heyday of the British Empire, and the confidence and gaiety of the period was reflected in their music. This duo captures this spirit beautifully, and would not have sounded out of place in the finest social gatherings or palm court ensembles of the period. The warmth of the piano and the lightness of the violin combine delightfully to raise the mood of your intimate or sociable gathering and we can highly commend them.

Listen to samples (scroll through the tracks by clicking the forward and back buttons):

  1. Meditation From Thais - Massenet
  2. Minuet - Boccherini
  3. Ma Favori - C Klee
  4. Hungarian Dance No 6 - J Brahms

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BOX AND FIDDLE DUO [BM17BAF]

The accordion and violin together define the sound of the Scottish, melodic heritage. This is a "box and fiddle" duo bursting with talent, experience and personality. The fiddler has performed at the highest level internationally, and he plays with a great feel and lightness of touch. The accordionist is not just a fine player but comes from, and plays for, a family of highland dance teachers. This is a quality act with an authentic, traditional Scottish sound and we confidently recommend them.

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