updated 25th Jan, 2012
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NEXT LIVE SHOW
Now booking for the 2012 season.

LIVE MUSIC

live If you are you interested in booking me to perform a venue you manage, or an event you are organising, then please read on.

I do a number of different shows, each of which is suited to a different kind of event.

My main show features original material produced to a high standard, and works best at events organised by people who are at least partly familiar with my music and what I do, and want to share that experience with their friends and colleagues. The performance is entirely scalable. It can be as simple as me and a guitar or piano, or with a full session band for larger occasions. I will usually throw in material by other writers as a frame of reference.

This is a good chance to see a musician perform at a high standard up close, and works brilliantly in intimate venues. This show is perfect for dinner parties, house concerts, receptions, music festivals, and essentially anywhere songwriting is valued. Perfect for boutique and bijou events demanding something creative and classy that people will talk about afterwards.

AFTER DINNER

I also provide after dinner entertainment as a guest player, and my playing is intersperced with good natured banter. Often this is an occasion for satirical humour, and songs which are highly tuned to an event. I will write songs for these events which would have no place in any other kind of performance. I tend to work on my own on these occasions, but can scale the band up to suit. Suitable for leaving parties, fundraisers and other special events.

WEDDING and FUNCTION

wedding band I also provide a function band, which is perfect for wedding receptions and corporate events. The performing quality is high, as I have a really talented bunch of musicians in my band, and use the latest technology to good effect. Sets comprise of top drawer contemporary, popular, classic tunes, which people will instantly recognise.

wedding rings If you are getting married, have I got a show for you! Drawing the very best songs for wedding celebrations from the popular catalogue, the show can also be customised to your exact requirements. Most exceptional requests can be accommodated - from specific songs, artists, sets, location, provided we know in advance. Please remember this takes time, so you will need to be thinking ahead and getting your ideas into play as soon as possible.

SONGWRITING for WEDDINGS

wedding music I accept songwriting commissions to create music especially for weddings, again, provided I have sufficient notice.

I am here to help. For an initial chat, do get in touch. If your instant reaction is that you'd love to have me to play at your wedding, but are concerned you can't afford it, please get in touch anyway. There's normally a way to make it work out for everyone.


SET LISTS for WEDDINGS and FUNCTIONS

I usually draw up a set list to blend current and classic choices, to include any requests made at the time of booking. My only rule is that no two shows can be the same.

For weddings I go one step further and try to theme the music around the bride and groom. The setlist is totally customisable, or you can leave it to me to judge a blend of current and classic. You can chooses from classic rock and pop, right through to the downright unusual. Provided we can perform it to a high standard you can have it in the list!

Shows are typically 2x45min or 2x60m, but it's up to you - most play lengths can be accommodated. Decide when booking.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

All my shows are as live as they humanly can be. That is, the lead vocal and primary instruments are played live. Always.

That said, I also love using various music technologies to improve and enhance the show, this includes using pre-recorded audio and time-coded effects. It allows me to automate changes and configure the rig at the touch of a button for a given song.

Segments of complex audio are triggered and played back, which allows me to substantially improve the show, by creating soundscapes that would be impossible or too expensive to create in any other way.

Simply put, wise use of technology improves the quality and entertainment value of the show.

And you can trust that there is nothing "off the shelf" about these shows in any respect. All musical elements, even if they are pre-prepared, are lovingly recorded at the Blacksmiths Studio by pro musicians under my direction. No other band out there sounds like this one. Period.

PRICING and BOOKING

Pricing depends on the show format, the number of players, the set length, and the distance we have to go. No two gigs are ever the same. Let's talk. Best way to start is choose your date, your venue, and get in touch by email:
Email a Booking Enquiry

Include your name, number, brief outline of your event, and I will call you to talk it all through.

AUDIO
Click here to download your FREE MP3 of the classic ballad Holding You Tonight written in 1984.

VIDEO
Canadian flagHighlights of the Blackstrap shows in Canada, 2007 - Paris In The Spring, The Cornfield and Somethin' 'Bout Mary as performed with all Canadian session band.

"Invites parallels with David Bowie..." - Canadian Music Press 2007