Archive for the ‘Liverpool’ Category

What is Gypsy Jazz?

Friday, April 30th, 2010

Hi and welcome to the new blog on Gypsy Jazz !  I’ve kindly been asked by the Morris Agency to write some lines about this vibrant and increasingly popular music style.

First off, apart from having my own gypsy jazz trio, I’ve been involved in playing this style for seventeen years and working as a professional guitarist for over twenty.

With gigs, there’s no end to the variety of events that gypsy jazz can cater for.

Over the years, we’ve played at jazz festivals, arts centres, theatres, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, gypsy music festivals, wakes, corporate functions, private parties, boat launches, embassies, museums, plus the odd bit of TV and radio. All thanks to the timeless popularity of the music.

So now a brief history for anyone who has just discovered gypsy jazz!

The origins can be linked to one man, a Belgian gypsy guitarist called Django Reinhardt (1910 – 1953).

Discovering jazz as a young man, he successfully fused his awesome ethnic playing style with the early American jazz that was finding its way into Europe. In so doing, he created a genre, re-defined plectrum style guitar, wrote enduring melodies and generally become a total legend on every level.

Oh! And he had a disability in the fact that his fretting hand was badly burnt in a fire and he could only fully use his index and middle fingers.

When his recordings started reaching the rest of the world, people were completely blown away. He became a world-wide phenomenon.

Many Gypsies from Europe play this style; Django ignited this quirky branch of jazz and for some, it has become part of their culture, adding a new dimension to their already amazing musical heritage.

I consider myself lucky and honoured, having learnt to play gypsy jazz from some of the greatest exponents on the planet since Django, including Bireli Lagrene, Stochelo Rosenberg and Lulu Reinhardt. Whether on a gig or a jam, I’ve soaked up every second of playing time with these remarkable musicians.

In the my own gypsy jazz trio, TMA025, we’ve kept the format nice and simple. Two acoustic guitars and a double-bass.

Because gypsy jazz is so adaptable we can incorporate elements of swing jazz, Latin and even a little funk into the tunes.

The music has an endearing quality of being both ‘street’ and sophisticated in its sound. Very European and extremely infectious.

Okay, that’s it for now, thanks for reading!

WHAT TO DO IF MY BAND HAS CANCELLED HELP!

Monday, April 19th, 2010

If you have just found out that your band or musician has cancelled or booked another gig on your wedding or party day and you need a replacement last minute, don’t panic. We can help. Call us on 0871 8901015

CAN’T FLY AWAY TO GET MARRIED ABROAD? AND NEED TO REARRANGE YOUR WEDDING?

Monday, April 19th, 2010

With the icelandic volcanic ash cloud causing problems with cancelled flights many people are finding that their wedding plans abroad are being cancelled or re scheduled. The Morris Agency is here to help with the organising of the band and live music, so if you need to reschedule and get married in UK we can help. Email us at info@themorrisagency.co.uk or call us on 0871 8901015

WHAT IS THE COST OF A PARTY BAND FOR HIRE

Monday, April 12th, 2010

cost of hiring a band uk

Many people ask me this question, and the answer, I am afraid to say, always varies.

There are so many variables such as band size, band location, how long they have been performing in the industry and their popularity. At The Morris Agency we try to take these things into account when finding you an act, but to allow yourself £1200 – £1500 should find yourself a great few options (subject to availabilty, obviously)

click here to see some acts that fall into this catagory

THE BAND HIRE AGENCY

Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

MY WEDDING BAND UK

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Check out our UK wedding bands for hire. We can help you find the band for your wedding reception. Check out our band section or Email us at: info@themorrisagency.co.uk

BAND FINDER

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

If you are looking to find a UK band for hire anywhere in the country then look no further. We have a large selection of wedding bands and party bands available to book. Whether you need a soloist or a full orchestra, we can help you. Just email us or visit our main band area.

UK BAND FINDER

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Jazz bands for Hire in UK

Monday, March 15th, 2010

  

Jazz bands are perfect for dinner parties, weddings, special occasions, conferences and corporate or private functions. Our jazz bands can be booked or hired for events in the UK and Europe.

 

Jazz music covers many different styles. We have traditional covers bands, New Orleans, and Dixieland styles made famous by Louis Armstrong and British performers like Kenny Ball and Acker Bilk.

 

We have a large selection of Gypsy Jazz bands. This style is very upbeat, jolly and continental and is ideal as background music at garden parties, weddings and corporate events.

 

We have many Swing Jazz acts too. This incorporates the music of the 30s and 40s and includes the Big Band styles of Glenn Miller and Count Basie. Swing is also associated with the “Crooner” bands and we can provide musicians who cover songs in the style of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

 

The agency also has a great selection of Jive bands. Jive is a style made famous by Louis Jordan and celebrated in the hit show “Five Guys Named Mo”. Including elements of swing and Rhythm’n’Blues, Jive is ideal for dancing and gives a real upbeat feel to the occasion.

 

Many of the acts that we have cover several of these genres within their repertoire, so if you are looking for a band that plays a variety of different jazz styles, please let us know and we can assist you with your selection. In addition we have a few bands who play jazz/swing and pop so please let us know your requirements.

Jazz band hire

Jazz band hire

We are specialists in Jazz band hire, supplying Pizza Express nationally as well as providing musical entertainment for numerous Weddings and corporate events. We have various Jazz bands for hire and can provide artists from solo jazz pianists to larger ensembles.

The ultimate and the intimate wedding bands for hire

Monday, March 15th, 2010

If you are looking for the best priced bands for your wedding celebration then look no further than our Jazz band section. We offer some great last minute acts as well as background dinner jazz acts, jazz soloists such as piano players, guitarists and even jazz harpists.


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