Hire Dave: The Sax | Saxophonist in King's Lynn

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From£325

1 hour

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Pop - More upbeat, starting the build.

Pop - background/opening set.

Live jazz demo

About Dave:

The most versatile saxophonist you can book. Jazz, Pop, Classical, Electronic/Ibiza. Any function type. Indoors or outdoors.

3 of 10 photos

Saxophonist

King's Lynn

Public liability insurance of £1 million

I'm a vastly experienced saxophonist who has over 40 years of professional experience. I LOVE performing and audiences love watching and listening too. When I perform as a solo saxophonist, I play to high quality (not midi) backing tracks. I am passionate about performing music. Because I have a wide set of skills, as well as solo gigs and bookings through this agency, I play with Ska, Tribute, Soul/Motown, Jazz combos of 2, 3 or 6 players, Big Bands and even a German Oompah band (on clarinet). I LOVE it! The sign of a happy bandleader/customer is one who books you again. I'm delighted to say that I enjoy repeat bookings all the time. I learned my trade during my 24 years as an Army musician. By the time I returned to civilian life, I had gained a good reputation for being a great reader and a tidy jazz improviser. I even managed to fit in a Licentiate Diploma for classical saxophone playing. I have enjoyed playing with so many fine musicians. Being able to perform music well in various styles is a fabulous gift. It brings with it opportunities that many don't get. I've played to royalty, schoolchildren, wedding couples, couples getting engaged, party revelers, car admirers, gathering delegates, and everything in between. I've enjoyed performing with some high-profile celebrities including the world-famous Four Tops, twice! The first time in Malaga in 1988 and then again in Peterborough (yes really) in 2019. (photographic and video evidence available on request). I've also shared the stage with the likes of Michael Ball, Canon and Ball, Dame Vera Lynn, and many more. I hope to bring some of this experience, through my playing, to your event. You will not be disappointed.

Dave:

5 out of 5

13 verified reviews

Satisfaction

5.0

Professionalism

4.9

Communication

5.0

Punctuality

5.0

Dave:'s Reviews

5 out of 5

Dave was so outstanding everyone was blown away with the experience professionalism, music playing was spot on . Highly recommended. He played while having drinks & canapés & my daughter & son in law into the wedding breakfast we were all swinging our napkins . It’s was such a shame we didn’t see him go to tell him he was amazing . 💯 have Dave again . 🤩

Reply from Dave:

2 months ago

Hi, Thanks so much for the fantastic review. It means so much to me knowing that I made such a positive impact on your daughter and son-in-law's day. It was fun for me too. Bethany just sent me a lovely message on WhatsApp too. I'd happily play for you all again. Thanks again. Dave

5 out of 5

Dave entertained my hen do guests with 3 different sets. He was flexible and changed the booking time to fit around the England game and he even came and watched the game with us. A really nice bloke and artist

Reply from Dave:

3 months ago

Hi Karina, Thanks for the lovely review. It was great fun joining you. Quite an honour being the token geeza. Thanks for letting me watch the footy with you all. You were all so welcoming! Thank you!

5 out of 5

EXCELLENT

Reply from Dave:

9 months ago

Thanks so much for the 5-star review, Sharon. It was a pleasure to play for your memorial party. Thanks so much for arranging accommodation too.

5 out of 5

Amazing! Dave was so good, lovely and accommodating. Brought the vibe we wanted for our wedding party and loved his outfit choice and lit up saxo! Everyone said he was great! Highly recommend

Reply from Dave:

1 year ago

Hi Natalie, I’m sorry to reply so slowly but genuinely thought I’d sent one. Thanks to you both for making me a part of your special day! You were lovely people to perform to and I’m so happy that you liked the wacky shirt!

Read all 13 reviews

Dear Dave, Just a small thank you for the wonderful music you played at our wedding last Saturday afternoon. It was exactly what we thought we were going to get and set the tone of the afternoon very nicely.

Hi Dave, My wife and I would like to thank you for the performance you gave at our father's birthday party yesterday. He's loved the surprise., particularly the rendition of "summertime" you played. He will remember it for a long time to come.

Read all 3 reviews

Encore badges

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Average response time under 2 hours

25 gigs

Pro: 25 bookings through Encore

Saved the day!

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

8th Anniversary

This act has been working with Encore for over 8 years

Encore expert

Demonstrated expertise by completing the Encore Academy

Member of the Encore community forum

Dave:'s Song list

JAZZ: -

'S Wonderful

A Foggy Day

Ain't misbehavin'.

All Blues

All I Do Is Dream Of You

All Of Me (NOT Legend)

All The Things You Are

Almost Like Being In Love

As Time Goes By

Autumn Leaves

Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

Black Orpheus

Blue Bossa

Blue Monk

Blue Trane

But Not For Me

Bye Bye Blackbird

C'est si bon

Caravan

Cheek To Cheek

Corcovado

Cry Me A River

Danny Boy

Days Of Wine And Roses

Desafinado

Django

Don't Get Around Much Any More

Embraceable You

Emily

Fascinating Rhythm

Feeling Good (Buble)

Fly Me To The Moon

Georgia On My Mind

Going Home

Have You Met Miss Jones

Hello Dolly

Here's That Rainy Day Again

Hit The Road Jack

How Long Has This Been Going On?

I Got Rhythm

I Love You

I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl

I've Got A Crush On You

I've Got You Under My Skin

I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face

In A Sentimental Mood

In Walked Bud

Just In Time

Just The Two Of Us

La Rosita

Love For Sale

Lullaby Of Birdland

Lullaby Of Broadway

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy

Misty

Moanin'

Moon River

Mr PC

My Baby Just Cares For Me

My Favourite Things

My Funny Valentine

My One And Only Love

My Ship

New York, New York

Nice Work If You Can Get It

Nostalgia In Times Square.

Oleo

On Green Dolphin Street

Over The Rainbow

Petit Fleur

Round Midnight

Satin Doll

Sing, Sing, Sing

So What

Solar

Someone To Watch Over Me

St James Infirmary Blues

Stardust

Stella By Starlight

Straight, No Chaser

Strike Up The Band

Summertime

Sweet Georgia Brown

Take 5

Take The A Train

The Girl From Ipanema

The Nearness Of You

The Pink Panther

The Ragtime Dance

The Sidewinder

The Very Thought Of You

The Way You Look Tonight

There Will Never Be Another you

This Song Is You

Thou Swell

Waltz For Debbie

Wave

We Have All The Time In The World

What A Wonderful World

Why Should I Care

POP and ROCK

99 Balloons

A Million Love Songs

A Whiter Shade Of Pale

A Thousand Years

Africa (Toto)

Against All Odds

Ain't No Sunshine

All My Loving

All Of Me (Legend)

Angels

Apologize

Back To Black

Baker Steet

Believer (Imagine Dragons)

Blowin' In The Wind

Born To Run

Both Sides Now

Break My Heart (Dua Lipa)

Can't Buy Me Love

Can't Help Falling In Love (Elvis)

Candle In The Wind

Careless Whisper

Celebration (Kool & The Gang)

Chantilly Lace

Chasing Pavements

Come Away With Me

Creep

Crime Of The Century (Supertramp)

Dance Monkey

Dancin' In The Moonlight

Despacito

Desperado

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Donna

Everything I Do (I Do It For You)

Fallin'

Feel

Firework

Flashdance - What A Feeling

Flowers

For All We Know

Girl On Fire

Hallelujah

Happy

Hello

Hey Jude

Hit The Road Jack

Hotel California

How Am I Supposed To Live Without You

How Sweet It Is

Hungry Eyes

I Can See Clearly Now

I Feel Good

I Wanna Know What Love Is

I Will Always Love You

I Will Survive

I'm Still Standing

I'm Yours

Imagine

I Say A Little Prayer

Just The Way You Are (Joel)

Kiss Me Honey Honey

Knocking On Heaven's Door

La Isla Bonita

Let It Be

Lily Was Here

Love Me Tender

Lovely Day

Man! I Feel Like A Woman

Maneater

Master Blaster (Wonder)

Michelle

Money

Moon River

Morning Has Broken

New York State Of Mind (Joel)

Nights In White Satin

No Man No Cry

No One

Nothin's Gonna Change My Love For You

On The Dock Of The Bay

One (U2)

One More Night

One Step Beyond

Only The Lonely

Oxygène, Part IV

Perfect

Pick Up The Pieces

Purple Rain

Raining In My Heart

Rehab

River Deep - Mountain High

Rock Around The Clock

Rock You Like A Hurricane

Rocket Man

Señorita

September

Seven Years

Sexual Healing

Smoke On The Water

Smooth Operator

Solsbury Hill (Gabriel)

Someone You Loved

Somewhere

Something In The Way (Nirvana)

Songbird

Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

Stand By Me

Stay

Stay With Me

Sunny

Superstition

Sway

Sweet Home Alabama

Take On Me

Talking To The Moon

Tequila

The Air That I Breathe

The Final Countdown

The House Of The Rising Sun

The Logical Song

The Sound Of Silence

The Young Ones

Thinking Out Loud

Three Little Birds

Thriller

Titanium (Guetta)

True Colours

Twist and Shout

Unchained Melody

Uptown Funk

Viva La Vida

Walk On The Wildside

When A Man Loves A Woman

When Sunny Get's Blue

Who Can It Be Now?

Will You (Hazel O'Connor)

Wonderful Tonight

Wonderwall

Yellow

You Know I'm No Good

You'll Never Walk Alone

You're Beautiful

You're The One That I Want

You've Got A Friend

Your Latest Trick

Your Song

ELECTRO/IBIZA:-

Astronomia

Breeze

Destination Calabria (Gaudino/Waters)

Don't Worry (Madcon)

Faded

Freed From Desire

Infinity

Infinity 2008

Jerusalema

Jubel

Living (Bakermat)

Midnight City

Mr Saxobeat

No Man No cry

One Day

Only God Can Save Our Souls

Piece Of Your Heart

Sunset Lover

This Girl

Time

Wake Me Up (Avicii)

We Found Love

What Is Love (Haddaway)

SHOW/FILM TUNES;

A Whole New World

Beauty And The Beast

Bring Him Home

Can You Feel The Love Tonight

Dr No!

Gabriel's Oboe (The Mission)

Goldfinger

Hold My Hand (Lady Gaga)

How Deep Is Your Love

How Far I'll Go (Moana)

Hungry Eyes

I Will Follow Him

In The Midnight Hour

Into The Unknown (Frozen 2)

Let It Go

Love Me like You Do (50 shades)

My Heart Will Go On

Never Enough (Greatest Showman)

Pirates Of The Caribbean - He's A Pirate

Schindler's List

She Caught The Katy

Skyfall

Tarzan - You'll Be In My Heart

The Godfather

The Pink Panther

Dave:'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)	£206.25
Up to 1 hour	£325
Up to 2 hours	£387.50
Up to 3 hours	£468.75

Wedding ceremony

This includes music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave.

£300

60-minute party booster

Get your party going with a straight-through hour of live sax to tracks. Starting with a Chillout section, we go through to Pop and Rock and then really ramp it up with some Ibiza Bangers. Happy Birthday included, of course!

£325

Drinks reception

Two performances of up to 45 mins each during your drinks reception

£375

Party Builder

2 x 45 minute performances of solo sax to tracks. Each set could be a different style chosen from:- Chillout, Jazz, Pop/Rock, Electronic, Ibiza. OR Both sets could be a mixture of styles to suit most tastes. Set 2 would be more intense and create that party atmosphere ready for a following DJ.

£375

Background subtle sax

2 x 45 minute performances of solo sax to tracks, A mixture of styles to suit most tastes with the emphasis on background. Styles include Jazz, Swing, Classical, “Middle of the Road”, Light Pop, Musical Theatre, Great American Songbook.

£437.50

Wedding ceremony + Drinks reception + Dinner

- Music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave. - 2 x 45 min performances at the drinks reception of Sax with tracks. Your choice of style/s. - 2 x 45 min performances as dinner is being served with live duo of Sax and Piano. Usually jazz based but could be a mixture.

£700

Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

The most repeated phrase is the added ambiance to an event. I've often been complimented on my easy sounding style, my flexibility and varied song choice.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I've played in everything from a small semi-detached house dining room to a church to a marquee. I've wandered around gardens playing A Capella and have entertained guests at weddings, birthdays, funerals, retirement parties and many more.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

My saxophone hero was the late great Michael Brecker. Having said that, I have such a wide experience of playing so many styles that I would probably say it is impossible to select one person.

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

Way back in 1988 I was posted in Gibraltar. Out of the blue came a call to provide a horn section for the very famous 4 Tops. I was flabbergasted to be playing behind the legend Levi Stubbs and it was possibly the highlight of my musical career. I've played for royalty on several occasions and have both played and sung in the Royal Albert Hall.

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

That's usually no problem at all! Weddings are notoriously approximate when it comes to timings. I'm happy to accommodate changes. There are limitations but we can work around them.

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

I can usually provide this service for free as long as it falls within the agreed times of the event. If the service is required beyond the agreed time, this will incur an additional fee of £150.

How much time do you need to set up?

This varies from venue to venue. Usually about 20-40 minutes provided access and parking are reasonable. I try to arrive an hour before the first playing time so that I can set up and sound check well before the performance begins.

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

Absolutely. My song list is just a list of available songs. You can either pick and choose whichever ones you would like me to play, or leave it to me to decide. If there's a particular song you'd like played at a particular point, no problem. First dances, special entrances etc always add to the event's success so I'm always happy to make that happen.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes. I bring PAT tested PA, extension cable and all of the gear I need.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

Yes, I can and I'm more than happy to do so. I'm an excellent reader too. All I ask is that any request needs to be compatible with a saxophone and that a backing track can be generated or bought. There is usually a fee for adding more than three new songs and requests must be made within reasonable time of the event. Good things take time!

Musicianship

Genres:

Jazz, Pop, Classical, Folk, Rock, Electronic, Blues, Latin jazz, Modern jazz, Dixieland, Swing, Classical crossover, Film / TV music, Contemporary classical, Musical theatre, Fanfare, Jazz fusion, 1940s era music, 1950s era music, 1990s era music, 1980s era music, 1970s era music, 1960s era music, Gospel, Postmodern jukebox jazz, Easy listening, Light music

See all genres

Instruments:

Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute

See all instruments

Event types:

Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve, Cruise, Charity event

See all event types

Other skills:

Arranger, Composer, Transcription, Orchestrator, Fluent improviser, Instrumental teaching, Theory teaching, Composition teaching, Fluent sight-reader, MC, Repetiteur, Songwriter

See all skills