Hire Ben Waddilove | Pianist in Chipping Norton

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From£160

1 hour

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Ben Waddilove jazz piano session at Westbourne Studios London

Ben Waddilove - Solo piano - Showreel

Ben Waddilove - Solo Piano - ChurchServices/Weddings

About Ben

Accomplished solo pianist, recently appeared at Ronnie Scotts. Crafts artistic innovation and improvisation to connect directly with guests.

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Pianist

Chipping Norton

Public liability insurance of £2 million

Verified profile

Ben is an accomplished and versatile musician and has appeared playing keys for contemporary, jazz and blues bands, choirs and vocalists in various venues around London, Dubai and the Cotswolds, - Ronnie Scotts, jazz-at-Pizza Express, The Groucho Club, The Alleycat, The Kindred Club and The Big Feastival. He has a real passion for jazz, blues, gospel contemporary and classical music and loves to perform. He also has extensive experience in leading congregations in worship so is ideal for weddings! He crafts artistic improvisation around classic songs in a wide range of styles and genres from playful boogie and subtle jazz to upbeat swing and contemporary. He has a genuine love of the instrument and connects directly with audiences. He also loves to compose and create – including a recently published production music album ‘Panoramic Piano Stories’ He has also written and recorded numerous songs, collaborating with Indian artist Zeffereen, New York based gospel singer Ptah Brown.

Ben

5 out of 5

15 verified reviews

Satisfaction

5.0

Professionalism

5.0

Communication

5.0

Punctuality

5.0

Ben's Reviews

5 out of 5

Ben was brilliant in every way. He stepped in at (very) short notice due to an unforeseen issue and saved the day. His communication and professionalism was excellent, just like his musical ability. He led the guests in singing along to songs we had selected and provided lovely atmospheric background jazz during the reception. Cannot fault him, and would give six stars if it were an option!

Reply from Ben

1 month ago

Thanks Oli and Rosie, I thoroughly enjoyed it !

5 out of 5

We had the pleasure of having Ben play at our wedding, and he truly exceeded all expectations. From the moment he arrived on time and impeccably dressed, we knew we were in good hands. His professionalism was evident throughout the event, and his music elevated the entire atmosphere. Every note he played was perfect, and his performance added such a beautiful, elegant touch to our day. We couldn’t have asked for a more talented and polished musician to help make our wedding unforgettable. Highly recommend!

Reply from Ben

2 months ago

Thanks Kat and Jack, it was a great wedding service and a pleasure to play for you ! Ben

5 out of 5

Ben was fantastic. A superb pianist and accompanist he caught the mood exactly and gave well over and above performance to the delight of me and all our guests. My 'go to' pianist in the future and I will always recommend him

Reply from Ben

3 months ago

Thanks David, it was a pleasure to play for you and your guests!

5 out of 5

Ben was absolutely brilliant. He was great at communicating beforehand and couldn't have been more helpful. On the day he played fantastic jazz that many of the guests commented on; he played for hours without a break; and got involved in singing and learning a song specially written for my dad's 90th birthday, and really helped to bring up the energy in the room. A lovely guy, a great pianist - would highly recommend.

Reply from Ben

4 months ago

Thanks Tasha, it was a great party and I thoroughly enjoyed playing for you all!

Read all 6 reviews

5 out of 5

We cannot thank Ben enough for his part in our wedding . The back ground music was absolutely brilliant and his comedic piano skills when there was an awkward speech moment, was class !! Every guest commented about how brilliant Ben was - thank you so much again , Mr and Mrs Jones

5 out of 5

You were absolutely fantastic - everyone had a great time! Thanks so much for making mum's 60th so special!

Read all 9 reviews

Encore badges

5 gigs

Experienced: 5 bookings through Encore

Saved the day!

Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice

1st Anniversary

This act has been working with Encore for over a year

Ben's Song list

JAZZ/SOUL/BLUES/R&B

Take 5

Moanin'

Autumn Leaves

I get a kick out of you

Mack the Knife

Come fly with me

Lady is a Tramp

At Last

Night and Day

I got rhythm

Georgia

Makin' whoopee

My baby just cares for me

It had to be you

I got you under my skin

Stormy weather

Feeling good

Summertime

Fever

Let there be love

Cry me a river

My funny valentine

Dream a little dream

Spain

The girl from Ipanema

Corcovado

Fly me to the moon

Blueberry Hill

Hit the road jack

Every time we say goodbye

Pink Panther theme

All of Me

Take the A train

St Thomas

That Ole devil called love

Lullaby of birdland

Misty

Hello Dolly

Aint Misbehavin

Moon River

Dream a little dream

My baby just cares for me

Favourite things

Blue Moon

We'll meet again

Bye Bye Blackbird

As time goes by

Over the rainbow

Every time we say goodbye

Green onions

Watermelon man

When the saints go marching in

To good to be true

New York New York

The Chicken (jazz/funk instrumental)

This Masquerade

Aint no sunshine

Just the 2 of us

Isnt she lovely

Hoochie Coochie man

Mustang Sally

Alberta

Wade in the Water

POP/ROCK/CONTEMPORARY

Mama told me not to come

Sweet Home Alabama G

Brown Eyed girl

Romeo and Juliette

Crazy little thing called love

No woman no cry

Twist and shout

Come together

Dont stop me now

We are the Champions

Purple Rain

New York State of mind

Black magic woman

Sway

Swing Low

Layla

Rocket Man

Your song

Dont look back in anger

Angels

Easy

Grapevine

Valerie

Make you feel my love

Hallelujah

Hotel California

Lean on Me

Hello

Nobody does it better

I will survive

All you need is love

American Pie

Hey Jude

Hallelujah

Knocking on Heavens door

Let it be

Summer Loving

My Way

Take me Home Country Roads

House of the rising Sun

Thank you for the music

Those were the days

Whiter Shade of Pale

Wonderwall

Son of a preacher man

Clocks

Fix you

Scientist

No one is to blame

Wonderful world

Somewhere over the rainbow

Bond themes

You only live twice

Skyfall

Crazy little thing called love

WEDDINGS /CHURCH SERVICES

MODERN CCM

Goodness of God

How great is our God

In Christ Alone

Here I am to Worship

What a beautiful Name

Waymaker

God I look to You

Cornerstone

This amazing grace

Build my life King of my heart

One thing remains

10,000 reasons

TRADITIONAL

ENTRY, EXIT, SIGNING of the REGISTER

Wagner - processional entry

Mendelssohn - Wedding March

Jesu Joy of Man's desiring

Canon in D

HYMNS

How great thou art

Make me a channel of thy peace

Love Divine all Loves Excelling

Amazing Grace

Guide me Oh thou great Jehovah

All things Bright and Beautiful

Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty

How deep the fathers love for us

The Lord's my shepherd

Seek Ye First

Jerusalem

Abide with me

All Creatures of our God and King

And can it be

I will sing the wondrous story

Blessed Assurance

Lord for the Years

Now thank we all our God

Oh for a thousand tongues to sing

Be thou my vision

Because He lives

Crown Him with many Crowns

Give me Oil in my lamp

The King of Love my Shepherd is

Morning has broken

Great is thy faithfulness

When I survey

Praise my Soul the King of Heaven

Tell Out my Soul

To God be the Glory

When Peace like a river

I vow to thee my country

Blessed Assurance

GOSPEL

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

When the saints

Jesus loves me

This little light of mine

What a friend we have in Jesus

Oh Happy Day

Soon and very soon

Were you there when they crucified my Lord

CLASSICAL

For the beauty of the earth

Panis Angelicus

Ave Verum

Dona Nobis

CHRISTMAS - CAROLS

Oh come all ye faithful

Hark the Herald

Once in Royal Davids City

O little town of Bethlehem

Away in a Manger

Good king Wenceslas

While Shepherds watched

Silent Night

Joy to the World

Long time ago in Bethlehem

Angels from the realms of glory

Ding Dong Merrily on High

CHRISTMAS - JAZZ and POPULAR

Winter Wonderland

Let it Snow

Fairytale of New York

I wish it could be Christmas everyday

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Mary did you know

Santa Claus is Coming to town

Go tell it on the mountain

Frosty the Snowman

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas

God rest ye merry gentleman

Twelve Days of Christmas

Rudolph the red nosed reindeer

Jingle Bells

Ben's Prices

Last updated: 2024

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Performance duration	Price
Short performance (up to 15 min)	£50
Up to 1 hour	£160
Up to 2 hours	£300
Up to 3 hours	£400

Private Party

2x50 minute sets of live background piano music for a birthday/celebration. High quality stage piano and PA if needed

£312.50

Wedding Ceremony

Suitable background music before and after the service, music for the bride to enter and the bride and groom to exit. Strong lead vocal (baritone) to lead congregational singing. Traditional or Modern Hymns/Worship Songs. Digital Piano and PA if needed.

£343.75

Background piano and Sing for your Supper

2 x 50 minute sets of live background piano music during drinks/dinner, plus 1x 50 minute set of me leading the singing of popular songs (Hey Jude/American Pie/All you need is love/We are the Champions etc etc ) with guest participation. This can really make a party go with a swing! Have had some great nights using this format. I supply the lyric books for guests.

£500

Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Genuine love of playing and the ability to connect with an audience. Reliability and professionalism.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Ronnie Scotts, Jazz@pizzaexpress Dubai, Alleycat Club London, Groucho Club London, Kindred Club London, Bedford Pub, Balham, Car Fest Hampshire, Alex James' Big Feastival. St Georges Church Hanover Square.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Oscar Peterson, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Ronnie Scotts

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

Will do my best to accommodate any changes in timings.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yes I can provide an exhaustive playlist of songs!

How much time do you need to set up?

For solo piano with PA, around 45-60mins Without PA around 30 minutes

If I have a piano at my venue, are you happy to perform on that?

Yes please, as long as it is in tune and a good standard.

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Yes, happy to chat about any preferences from my list.

Are you able to bring your own piano or keyboard?

Yes I have a Roland RD 88 digital stage piano.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

If there is a special song that you would like me to learn, I am happy to do this, there is a fee of £30 for this service to take into account rehearsal times etc.

Musicianship

Genres:

Jazz fusion, Contemporary Christian, Traditional church music, Christmas, Jazz, Blues, Modern jazz, Swing, Gospel, Cabaret, Musical theatre, Film / TV music, Classical, Classical crossover, 1930s era music, 1940s era music, 1950s era music, 1990s era music, 1980s era music, 1970s era music, 1960s era music, 1920s era music, Easy listening, Light music, Acoustic, Funk, Motown, R&B, Soul, Covers, Rock 'n' Roll

See all genres

Instruments:

Piano, Keyboard

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Event types:

Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Recording session, Christmas party, Birthday party

See all event types

Other skills:

Composer, Songwriter, Producer, Arranger, Accompanist, Fluent improviser, Instrumental teaching, Composition teaching, Community music worker, Music therapy

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