An outstanding saxophonist and according to the Guardian music columnist 'a soloist of immaculate taste and lyricism' hiring Ben for your wedding, party or event is a surefire way to add something special to the proceedings. Ben has performed all over the world for over 30 years.
He has vast experience of playing weddings, corporate events, parties, crusies, funerals and more. He even played an event for Sir Paul McCartney who was so impressed he jumped on stage and performed a few songs with him. Ben has played many festivals including North Sea, Brecon, Rotterdam and London EFG and world famous jazz clubs such as Ronnie Scott's in Soho and Smalls in New York.
Ben performs solo on his beautiful 1950s Selmer tenor saxophone or 1930s Selmer alto saxophone. He uses exceptionally high quality backing tracks played by top British musicians and recorded in a world class studio. Using a portable battery powered pa system means he can play just about anywhere and moving between from outdoors to indoors is no problem. Perfect for a ceremony or drinks reception or if space and budget are tight. For larger events he can bring a bigger PA.
His repertoire covers classic swinging jazz from The Great American Songbook with tunes by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Hoagy Carmichael, made famous by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and many more. He also loves to throw in classic pop, soul, disco, funk and rock from the 1950s to the present day. Whether serenading you with laid back jazz for drinks or dinner or picking up the tempo to get you on the dance floor, Ben has the perfect songs for every event.
Based in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
= areas covered (up to 500 miles)
= free travel (up to 50 miles)
The songs I choose have to have a fantastic melody and also be suited to the saxophone. I’m constantly updating this list and always open to suggestions.
Popular Jazz
It Had To Be You - Harry Connick JR
My Baby Just Cares For Me - Nina Simone
L.O.V.E. - Nat King Cole
Moondance - Van Morrison
Summertime - George Gershwin
The Girl From Ipanema - Astrud Gilberto
It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing - Duke Ellington
Blue Moon - Rodger’s & Hart
Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra
When I Fall In Love - Nat King Cole
Cry Me A River - Julie London
Fever - Peggy Lee
New York, New York - Frank Sinatra
Desafinado - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore - Duke Ellington
A Foggy Day - Ella Fitzgerald
Georgia On My Mind - Ray Charles
I Got Rhythm - George Gershwin
I’ve Got You Under My Skin - Frank Sinatra
Lady Is A Tramp - Frank Sinatra
Misty - Erroll Garner
Night & Day - Frank Sinatra
So What - Miles Davis
Stormy Weather - Etta James
Take Five - Dave Brubeck
Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland
Mack The Knife - Bobby Darin
Moon River - Frank Sinatra
My Funny Valentine - Frank Sinatra
Hello Dolly - Louis Armstrong
Dream A Little Dream - Ella Fitzgerald
Hit The Road Jack - Ray Charles
At Last - Etta James
Beyond The Sea - Bobby Darin
Sway - Michael Bublé
Just A Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody - Louis Prima
(Take The) A Train - Duke Ellington
What A Difference A Day Made - Dinah Washington
Easy Listening Pop/Soul/Reggae
Easy Like Sunday Morning - Lionel Richie
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
I’m Yours - Jason Mraz
Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel
Lean On Me - Bill Withers
How Deep Is Your Love? - Bee Gees
My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder
I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
(What A) Wonderful World - Sam Cooke
Just The Two Of Us - Bill Withers
All Of Me - John Legend
It Must Be Love - Madness
You Send Me - Sam Cooke
Isn’t She Lovely? - Stevie Wonder
I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You - Elvis Presley
Three Little Birds - Bob Marley
Your Song - Elton John
My Girl - Smokey Robinson
(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Let’s Stay Together - Al Green
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Lovely Day - Bill Withers
Don’t Know Why - Norah Jones
Stuck On You - Lionel Richie
Cupid - Sam Cooke
(They Long To Be) Close To You - Carpenters
The Look Of Love - Dusty Springfield
What The World Needs Now - Dionne Warwick
I Say A Little Prayer - Aretha Franklin
Careless Whisper - George Michael
Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty
What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
Upbeat Songs
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Play That Funky Music - Wild Cherry
I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
Knock On Wood - Eddie Floyd
I Got A Woman -Ray Charles
Valerie - Amy Winehouse
Higher & Higher - Jackie Wilson
Reet Petite - Jackie Wilson
I Feel Good - James Brown
Ain’t Too Proud To Beg - Temptations
A Message To You, Rudy - Dandy Livingstone
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett
It's Not Unusual - Tom Jones
Happy - Pharrell
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli
Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves
Stuck In The Middle With You - Stealers Wheel
Son Of A Preacher Man - Dusty Springfield
I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)
This Old Heart Of Mine - Isley Brothers
Kiss - Prince
Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
Rock Around The Clock - Bill Hailey & The Comets
More Jazz
All Of Me
Don't Get Around Much Anymore
Almost Like Being In Love
Manha de Carnaval
Bye Bye Blackbird
Canteloupe Island
The Days Of Wine & Roses
On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Wave
Stompin' At The Savoy
Satin Doll
One Note Samba
The Nearness Of You
Moonglow
Meditation
A Weaver Of Dreams
Time After Time
So Danca Samba
My Romance
Like Someone In Love
I Remember You
How High The Moon
Embraceable You
Chega De Saudade
Black Coffee
I'm Beginning To See The Light
Autumn Leaves
Corcovado
Everything Happens To Me
Here's That Rainy Day
I Thought About You
Honeysuckle Rose
Once I Loved
Song For My Father
They Can't Take That Away From Me
Triste
Christmas Songs
All I Want For Christmas Is You
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Jingle Bell Rock
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Last Christmas
Let It Snow
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting...)
Jingle Bells
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Sleigh Ride
Winter Wonderland
White Christmas
Frosty The Snowman
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Santa Baby
For background music I’m totally self contained and use a battery powered pa. For bigger gigs one standard 13amp socket is fine. I’m solo so 2mx2m is good.
Yes. One battery powered speaker for background music. One large pa and lights for bigger events.
Address and contact details
Yes. Happy to play a playlist or DJ (May be extra depending on timings)
Paul McCartney. Glastonbury
Stevie Wonder, Prince, Charlie Parker. Greatest song…I can’t choose.
Professional for 35years. Played everywhere and every type of music. Pantos, cruises, festivals, jazz clubs, pubs, shops, houses, tents…
I just started to get to know people and built up a network of contacts.
Any event where people are having a good time and enjoying the music. From background restaurant gigs to full on NYE parties, weddings, corporate events.
I arrive one hour before showtime. I can set up in 10 minutes and I can play for two hours straight if it’s background or break it up to suit the client and event. I’m flexible so if things run a bit late it’s no problem.
Yes as long as it’s dry and shady. The battery pa really comes into its own then.
They certainly do. I have a list but I love it when people suggest songs I haven’t thought of doing. I can add them to my list and have a bigger repertoire.
Relaxed, sophisticated background music, gradually moving onto dance floor fillers.
Cote Brasserie
Glastonbury Festival
BBC
Fairfax & Favor
Amazon
Marks & Spencer
British Council
Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club
North Sea Jazz Festival
Peggy’s Skylight
Grosvenor Hotel Park Lane
Claridges
Glastonbury
Big Chill
Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club
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