Amazing music often plays an important part in a Country House wedding, party or events at Huntsham Court. It could be anything from a band or DJ set to incidental bell ringing or a harpist during a reception. Below is a list of some bands and musicians ranging from classical to rock, folk to opera, and the weird to the wonderful. Not everything will be your cup of tea but we have heard great things about all the people listed below and they are all relatively local to the South West, with many of them having played at Huntsham Court. Some have websites or videos, so where possible we have inserted a sample video of them in action or a link to their site to give you a better flavour of what they do. Remember many of the videos capturing them performing are on mobile devises but we thought you’d still prefer to get a visual flavour of them in action..
Bell Ringing
Why not have a garden reception with the local village church bell ringers accompanying your reception from the bell tower in the church on the driveway – the perfect pastoral setting:
Mike Hatchett, Troyte Ringing Centre – 01398 331843
The Revue
With their influences ranging from the blues, country and soul to good old rock ‘n’ roll, the Revue deliver a unique and highly accomplished sound wherever they play. Counting Harley Davidson, Arsenal FC, Vogue and the Silverstone Classic among their clients, The Revue attract such names by consistently delivering electrifying live sets of the highest calibre.
Freeman
“Awesome, awesome, awesome” is how will.i.am described FREEMAN front man Vince’s voice when he appeared on The Voice. Having performed in front of 20 million people on the show, Vince is no stranger to the limelight and other career highlights include performing alongside the likes of Ed Sheeran, Eric Clapton and Paul Weller.
Bloc off the Wall
Bloc off The Wall create an immensely exciting, varied and upbeat pop/rock set. Don’t be fooled by their youthful good looks, Bloc off The Wall boast extensive experience of creating and performing music alongside musical icons and upon the most prestigious stages in the world. Achievements include making it to the finals of The Voice, working with Tom Jones, Jools Holland, Joss Stone and Kings of Leon and performing in hit musicals such as Fame and Billy Elliot.
Radio
If you want to party all night long look no further than Radio. A world class power-pop trio, Radio offer a non-stop party playlist so your guests never have to endure a dull moment. Delivering the latest hits with a superb energy, Radio’s contemporary style has been cultivated by performing alongside the likes of Rita Ora, John Newman, Jamie Cullum, Ellie Golding and Leona Lewis.
Mike Newfield
An accomplished singer and guitarist, Mike Newfield’s critically acclaimed raw soul-filled pop has taken him from busking the streets to performing alongside the likes of Jessie J, Rita Ora, Labrinth and Jamie Cullum. No stranger to the biggest stages, Mike has performed at the O2 Arena, Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. He’s also been featured on the US iTunes Store’s Ahead of the Curve section. Set to take the industry by storm, Mike’s future is very bright indeed.
Kat Eaton
Following a critically acclaimed debut tour and a debut album supported by BBC Introducing, Kat Eaton belongs at the top of the industry.Kat’s blossoming reputation as an outstanding performer is beginning to rival the best in the business. It’s already afforded Kat the privilege of working alongside the likes of Sandi Thom, Janet Devlin and Grammy award winning producers and songwriters.
Steph Willis
Available as a solo, duo or full-band act, Steph Willis’ commendable versatility as a performer distinguishes her from her peers. This allows Steph to cater for a multitude of events, from background reception music as a solo artist to kick-starting the party with the backing of her full band. This adaptability is also apparent within her extensive repertoire, which includes 50’s classics right through to contemporary hits. Steph’s ability to perform such a spectrum of tracks is facilitated by the power of her voice. Commanding a truly special vocal talent Steph is a fantastic live performer of the highest calibre.
Bootleg Swingband
The Bootleg Swingband is a 6/7 piece band based in the South West. Their lively & exciting style of music includes Gypsy Jazz, Swing, Blues, Latin and Balkan. The songs vary from witty originals to the classic Swing of the 1920/30’s through to the Parisan Jazz and Western Swing of the 1940’s. Their own interpretations of songs by current artists such as Tom Waits, Pink Martini and The Dustbowl Revival is also great music played HOT & LIVE!
Sam de la Haye – blues inspired with piano
Although based in London and known on the London scene, Sam de la Haye travels to Devon all the time. He is a singer/songwriter with blues-inspired, soaring vocals combined with neat piano driven tunes and intelligent lyrics. Described as “Beautiful” by Neil Sedaka and she also gained the attention of renowned Guitarist Steve Cropper. Originally Born in Jersey, she evokes emotive responses & her entertainment has wooed crowds on tours of USA and Ireland as easily as it has in local Devon and London venues.
Paul Jackman – Bagpipes
Paul has over 22 years experience of playing the Highland Bagpipes professionally. His huge repertoire in both Irish and Scottish traditions enables him to play appropriate to any occasion – from private parties, New Year Eves, country house weddings to Burns night, corporate events and funerals.
Ashmore Acoustics – Accoustic Duo
Liam & Matt are well known for their musical ability and crowd pleasing performances, using guitars & drums and two vocals, Ashmore Acoustics have established a firm reputation for being one of the UK’s premium two piece bands. Since coming together from a very early age! To now running a successful business, Liam & Matt consistently deliver a first class performance every time. Ashmore Acoustics have performed to crowds all over the UK and Europe, from high profile overseas corporate events and celebrity weddings to small intimate gigs. Having such a varied list of songs and incorporating timeless and current classics makes their performances very unique. Liam & Matthew pride themselves on their live sound and guarantee to beat even the highest of expectations. As you can see from the picture, Matt didn’t fancy the guitar much and later moved to the drums.
Warble Entertainment – Music Agent for all sorts
Looking to hire a wedding band for your wedding entertainment? Or, do you need to find a jazz band or swing singer for your corporate event? Maybe you need the ultimate party band or cover band to rock your dance floor? Warble Entertainment Agency has the lot! The bird is the word…
Five Star Swing – Swing to Big Band
Listen or dance to Five Star Swing’s rare “feel-good” effect of a true Vintage Swing Band – songs from Benny Goodman, Basie, Ellington to Sammy Davies Jnr’s “Mr Bojangles” plus foot stomping Traditional Jazz through to the super cool sounds of Miles Davies. All sizes of bands are available – from the soothing sound of the jazz trio to the powerful impact of the authentic Five Star BIG BAND sound with a 17 piece band with female and male vocals!
Siona Stockel – Harpist and Soprano
Siona interprets a wide range of styles on the harp from the Baroque period to the present day. She performs a combination of light Classical pieces, traditional Welsh and Irish melody arrangements and more contemporary items as required for a country house wedding or party. Tel: 07967 375 245
Rose Wood Quartet
The Rosewood String Quartet is based in Devon and is one of South West England’s most sought after string quartets, providing musical entertainment for all country house weddings, parties and occasions throughout Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. They specialise in light and classical music for wedding ceremonies & receptions, corporate events and other functions.
Paul Evans – Classical and Jazz Pianist
A professional pianist for over 30 years he brings style and elegance to any event or cocktail party.
Jodie Yang-Cooper – DJ & Singer:
Jodie an international Female DJ and vocalist will not only provide you with a DJ service where you get to hear some of the chart toppers and dance music, but she also sings whilst DJing. Combining over a decade of experience as a professional female singer and a passion for DJing, she has created an option where the client receives popular pre-recorded music with the addition of live vocals. She specialises in her passion for 80’s remixes, disco, 90’s classics, club classics and of course works directly with individual clients to ensure that their tastes and preferences are all met.
http://www.jodieyang-cooper.co.uk
Clare Saunders – Solo Sax / Piano or Sax with the DJ
Clare can either perform as a soloist on saxophone or piano, or as part of a ‘DJ Sax’ duo with your DJ, & can be booked to perform at various sections of your special day, including your ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast, evening party, or a combination of the above to create a bespoke musical package.
https://www.instagram.com/clare.saxophonist.pianist
Giles – our favourite Cocktail Pianist:
He plays with whit, style and always the perfect tune for any country house wedding or party event whether upbeat and cheeky or serious and classical. Tel: 07952896995
gilesadams@btinternet.com
Mark Barnwell – Award Winning Spanish Guitarist
Mark is a professional Spanish guitarist based in the South West of the UK. His experience of live performances spans over 35 years. His repertoire includes Latin, contemporary and world fusion as well as traditional Spanish guitar pieces.
The Lyrics – Band
Formed in Devon, the Lyrics are a really versatile band, with amazing talent and vast experience to perform to a varied audience, playing material from their and your favourite artists. They have so many influences from T. Rex, Amy Macdonald, Sister Sledge, KT Tunstall, The Pretenders, Adele, The Kinks, The Coral, Stevie Wonder, Paolo Nutini, Doctor and the Medics, Don Williams, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Turtles, Ray Charles, Maroon 5 and loads more. They can also put together a great running order of tunes to suit your event perfectly.
Band of Gold
A really popular function band, Band of Gold have performed at many festivals playing a mixture of traditional mainstream jazz, swing, lounge jazz, bossa novas, rock & roll and blues. A great band to get the party going at weddings, or corporate events – they’ll also play all your favourites from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
Stick the Fiddle – Folk
They usually play as a three-five piece band with Sue and Bruce, plus Gordon, Andrew or Greta, depending upon the kind of music you require. They play folk dance music for Dance Clubs, Country House Weddings, Parties, or any other event where you fancy a folk dance. Their repertoire includes English, Irish, Scottish, American, Contra, Playford & Classical music.
www.stickthefiddle.co.uk
01884 243 295
The Lucy Lastic Band – Ceilidh Barn Dance Band
The Lucy Lastic Band (with PA & caller) has a proven record of providing over 15 years of great music with lively traditional dancing for all occasions in Devon & Somerset. The band has a long history of playing for dancing and listening to thousands of people at hundreds of venues.
www.lucylasticband.co.uk
enqs@lucylasticband.co.uk
Singing Waiters/Police – Opera and Musical
A team of professionally trained singers who guarantee to add that extra ‘something’ to your country house wedding or event. We are able to offer you a few different options of singing style to suit your needs and the occasion Bravo Singing Waiters can supply Opera Singers, Rat Pack style swing, Selections from West End and Broadway show tunes as well as our ever successful ‘Popular’ singing waiters with their selection of pop songs, and standards to please everyone.
Today’s music on yesterdays instruments:
Using the trad jazz instrumentation of sousaphone, banjo, trombone and percussion, they seek to do what the trad jazzers were doing way back then, ie play the popular music of the day. Why have such stomping instrumentation and then play tunes that are almost one hundred years old? They will tackle all form and genres, such as Heavy Metal, disco, soul, grunge and regular cheesy pop tunes. This is what they love doing, and all with beautiful 3 part singing harmonies!
Roy Forbes Quintet
Roy put in such a show-stopping performance at the 2011 Birmingham International Jazz & Blues Festival that the Birmingham Mail raised the question “Is there a better male jazz singer in this country?” The reviewer continued “Possibly not. Sensitive deliveries of ‘My Foolish Heart’ and ‘Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You?’ through to joyous romps on up-tempo swinging blues marked him as a consummate master of his trade. “Why Roy Forbes is not a household name is a mystery, but he’s certainly known by musicians, having wbeen booked alongside Larry Coryell, David Murray, Harry Sweets Edison, Scott Hamilton, Benny Waters, Al Casey, Spike Robinson and more. Based in Birmingham, the belated recognition of Roy’s undoubted talent may just be the shot in the arm that British Jazz needs.
Tipitina
Profoundly talented young band from Preston whose debut CD I Wish I Was In New Orleans catapulted them on to the national stage. A captivating mix of New Orleans boogie, blues, barrelhouse and gospel with the soulful voice of Debbie Jones and the piano wizardry of Justin Randall. Tipitina’s second album Taking Care Of Business was recorded live at the 27th Birmingham International Jazz And Blues Festival and showcases the energy, versitality and sheer joi de vivre of their performances. “Wholly admirable album, the youthful energy, sincerity and obvious affection for the New Orleans style is captivating – a sure-fire club and Festival attraction” [Jazz Journal]
The Cosmic Sausages
The Cosmic Sausage Experience – With a repertoire of hundreds of songs, melodies and theme tunes, the Cosmic Sausages take their audience on a madcap musical tour of the WORLD, meeting up with James BOND, Serge Gainsbourg, the Mafia, deranged COWBOYS, faithhealers, Cossacks and overacting POPSTARS along the way. Appearing first as a gentle folk band and armed only with ACOUSTIC instruments, close harmonies and a shared vision of the surreal, the Cosmic Sausages ambush their audience with a sustained barrage of pop classics, mixing THEATRE, circus, slapstick, competitions, CROWD PARTICIPATION and insane WALKABOUTS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3oljBfd3NY
King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys – Swing
Dazzling musicianship, riveting stage performances, sixty TV appearances, two barnstorming decades on the road and eleven red hot CDs have established them as the world’s greatest swing band. “A formidable combo that can blow any band off the stage” [Blues & Rhythm]
Whether you are wanting to hire decks in or get a DJ to get the party going – we know just kit to get in. The list below is of our favourites provide quality equipment and DJs who throw a great party with a play list tailored exactly to your flavour:
DJs Darren, Drew & Simon (our favs)
Great tunes, great party!
Inspired Party DJs
DJ with great backdrop options and surprising lighting effects – beautiful bespoke set-ups to match your theme.
New Beginning Productions
Great equipment suppliers if you’re bringing your own DJ.
www.newbeginningproductions.co.uk
Mobile Disco
Good DJ network with plenty of DJs.
Equipment Hire
www.pasoundhire.co.uk
Perfect Wedding DJs & Retrodisco
A well deserving Finalist in the SW Wedding Awards with music from all eras and decades to suit your tastes.
CONTACT
Huntsham Court
Huntsham
Devon
EX16 7NA
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© Copyright 2018, Huntsham Court | photos by www.lunaweddings.co.uk or www.evolvephoto.co.uk (unless otherwise credited)