Hire Dennis Frere-Smith | Singer in Norwich

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From£165

1 hour

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When You're Smiling

Outside Norwich Forum

Blue Moon Sinatra Version SD 480p

About Dennis

Professional, versatile, variety musical entertainer with over 30 years experience in #shows #cabaret#functions#variety#cruises#corporates

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Singer

Norwich

Public liability insurance of £10 million

Verified profile

As a musician, singer and entertainer, I have performed all over the world in cabaret, hotels, theatres, onboard ship and in concert halls. My career began in Mecca dance bands and I 'cut my teeth' on the British club circuit, in the 80s, with my duo, Niki 'n' Diz. In 1994 I developed my solo act, Dennis Frere-Smith, adding a multi-instrumental element and more fun and audience participation. I pride myself in being able to draw on years of experience playing many different genres of music and having worked with top artistes and shows such as, Bruce Forsyth, Roy Castle, Jim Davidson, Dancing Years and The Dance Band Days. I am currently working as a professional in all areas of the industry using my name, Dennis Frere-Smith. My clientele are always delighted with my shows and I offer top class entertainment wherever and whenever you wish.

Dennis

4.6 out of 5

9 verified reviews

Satisfaction

4.5

Professionalism

4.7

Communication

4.7

Punctuality

5.0

Dennis' Reviews

5 out of 5

Dennis by his appearance (wore a suit)his manner (charming and chatty) and his choice of songs brought our ladies (mostly in their 80s) back to the past including them in ballroom dancing and a medly of songs from that era. He arrived well ahead of time and had set up by the time everyone arrived. He stayed for lunch conversing with a table of happy ladies.

5 out of 5

We found Dennis to be highly professional and experienced in performing at my dad's funeral he was wonderful and it was a fitting tribute to my dad as Dennis played the last post and rouse , would definitely recommend,

Reply from Dennis

2 years ago

Thank for your kind review, Shiobhan.

5 out of 5

Dennis did two jobs for me, one after the after. Both parties were thrilled with him and said how good he was. Dennis called prior to the events to confirm everything and was happy to take request. Would definitely book again.

Reply from Dennis

2 years ago

Thank you for your kind review, Lisa.

5 out of 5

No problems, thanks

Reply from Dennis

2 years ago

Thank you, Amanda.

Read all 6 reviews

5 out of 5

Thank you Dennis for visiting Melton House care home. I was surprised and delighted by the fact that you got everyone participating with singing along and playing percussion instruments. You went down an absolute storm with all of them. One of our ladies that usually sleeps through any performance was alert and singing to the songs. I loved that you gave them the encouragement to sing a few of the words into the microphone. That was very special, and they seemed to really enjoy that. We at Melton House think that you were superb and would not hesitate to recommend you. Kind Regards Trina Activities Leader

4 out of 5

Completely engaged with the elderly and young alike that were present.

Read all 14 reviews

Encore badges

5 gigs

Experienced: 5 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

Member of the Encore community forum

Dennis' Song list

SWING and JAZZ NUMBERS

1. Almost Like Being in Love – Nat Cole

2. A Fine Romance – Johnny Mercer

3. All of Me – Michael Buble

4. Ain't What You Do It's the Way You Do It – original film

5. A Foggy Day in London Town - Buble

6. Autumn Leaves

7. Basin Street Blues

8. Beyond The Sea – Bobby Darrin

9. Blue Skies – Eva Cassidy

10. Bye Bye Blackbird - Ray Henderson

11. Cheek to Cheek – Fred Astaire

12. Come Fly With Me – Frank Sinatra

13. Continental – Fred Astaire

14. Don't Get Around Much Anymore – Michael Buble

15. Fly Me To The Moon – Michael Buble

16. Get Happy – Clare Teal

17. Have You Met Miss Jones - Buble

18. Hello Dolly – Louis Armstrong

19. Hello Young Lovers – Bobby Darrin

20. I Got Rhythm – original show tune

21. I'm Getting Married in the Morning – Frank Sinatra

22. In The Mood – Glen Miller

23. It Don't Mean a Thing - Ellington

24. It Had to Be You – original show tune

25. Just Friends – Bille Holiday

26. Lady is a Tramp – Frank Sinatra

27. Let There Be Love – Nat King Cole

28. Let's Face The Music and Dance – Fred Astaire

29. Let's Fall in Love -standard

30. Luck Be A Lady Tonight – Frank Sinatra

31. Mack The Knife – Bobby Darrin

32. Moondance – Van Morrison

33. Mister Bojangles – Sammy Davis Jnr

34. Nice and Easy – Frank Sinatra

35. Night and Day – Ella Fitzgerald

36. Old Black Magic – Frank Sinatra

37. On the Sunny Side of The Street – Gillespie

38. Slow Boat To China - standard

39. Straighten Up and Fly Right – Nat King Cole

40. Sweet Georgia Brown - standard

41. Take The 'A' Train – Ellington

42. Taking a Chance on Love – Frank Sinatra

43. The Sunny Side of The Street – Frankie Laine

44. There Will Never Be Another You - standard

45. You Make Me Feel So Young – Michael Buble

Slow Swing

1. A Certain Smile – Johnny Mathis

2. Cry Me A River – Michael Buble

3. Dream a Little Dream – Mamas and Papas

4. Fever – Bette Midler

5. Goodnight Sweetheart - Platters

6. I'll Be Seeing You – show tune

7. My Funny Valentine - Frank Sinatra

8. Send in The Clowns – Frank Sinatra

9. What a Difference a Day Made – Jamie Cullum

10. When I Fall in Love – Nat King Cole

11. Slow Boat To China - Frank Loesser

12. As Time Goes By - Dooley Wilson

13. Ain't Misbehavin - Fats Waller

14. Tenderly - Billy Holiday

15. Georgia on my Mind - Ethel Waters

16. Summertime - Gershwin

POPS

1. Congratulations - Cliff Richard

2. Things - Bobby Darin

3. I'm a Believer - Monkees

4. Daydream Believer - The Monkees

4. Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond

5. You Were Made For Me - Freddie & the Dreamers

6. How Do You Do What You Do to Me? _ Gerry & The

Pacemakers

7. I Like It - Gerry & The Pacemakers

8. What Do You Want - Adam Faith

9. Delilah - Tom Jones

10. Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen - Neil Sedaka

11. Oh Carol - Neil Sedaka

12. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do - Neil Sedaka

13. The Young Ones - Cliff Richards

14. Devil Woman - Cliff Richards

15. We Don't Talk Anymore - Cliff Richards

16. Livin' Doll - Cliff Richards

17. Summer Holiday - Cliff Richards

18. Batchelor Boy - Cliff Richards

19. A Teenager in Love - The Belmonts

20. Why Do Fools Fall in Love - Frankie Lymon

21. Sugar, Sugar - The Archies

22. If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body - Bellamy Brothers

23. You've Got What it Takes - Showaddwaddy

24. Under The Moon of Love - Showaddywaddy

25. Happy - Pharell

26. I Only Want To Be With You - Dusty Springfield

27. Halfway to Paradise - Billy Fury

28. A Thousand Stars in Your Eyes - Billy Fury

29. Tie A Yellow Ribbon - Dawn

30. Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie - Brian Hyland

31. Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli

32. Build Me Up Buttercup - The Foundations

33. The Night Has a Thousand Eyes - Frankie Valli

34. Take Good Care of My Baby - Frankie Valli

35. She Loves You - Beatles

36. A Hard Days Night - Beatles

37. Eight Days A Week - Beatles

38. I wanna Hold Your Hand - Beatles

39. Here Comes The Sun - Beatles

40. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da . - Beatles

41. In The Summertime - Mungo Jerry

42. Twist and Shout - Beatles

43. Proud Mary - Tina Turner

44. Get Back - Beatles

45. When I'm Sixty-Four - Beatles

46. All My Loving - Beatles

47. Do You Love Me - The Tremeloes

48. Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison

49. Money, Money, Money - ABBA

50. Dancing Queen - ABBA

51. Waterloo - ABBA

52. Mama Mia - ABBA

53. Blue Moon

54. All My Lovin'-

BALLADS

1. All I Have to Do is Dream - Everly Brothers

2. Amazing Grace - Elvis Presley

3. Angels – Robbie Williams

4. And I Love You So – Don McLean

5. A Certain Smile - Johnny Mathis

6. Green, Green, Grass of Home – Tom Jones

7. For the Good Times – Kris Kristofferson

8. Blueberry Hill – Fats Domino

9. Elvis Medley – Love Me Tender/Can't Help Falling in

Love/Crying in the Chapel

10. How Great Thou Art – Stuart Hine

11. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face – Ewan MacColl

12. Goodnight Sweetheart – Platters

13. Hello - Lionel Richie

14. Hey Jude – Beatles

15. Have I Told You Later That I Love You – Van Morrison

16. He’ll Have to Go – Jim Reeves

17. I Believe – Frankie Lane

18. Imagine - John Lennon

19. I Can't Smile Without You - Barry Manilow

20. I Made it Through The Rain - Barry Manilow

21. Lean on Me – Bill Withers

22. It’s Now or Never - Elvis

23. If – Bread

24. Raining in my Heart - Bread

25. Laughter in the Rain – Neil Sedaka

26. Let It Be – Beatles

27. Love You A Little Bit More – Dr Hook

28. Mandy – Barry Manilow

29. My Way – Paul Anka/Sinatra

30. One Day in Your Life – Michael Jackson

31. Please Release Me – Engelbert Humperdink

32. Smile – Charlie Chaplin

33. Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

34. The Rose – Bette Midler

35. The Wonder of You - Elvis Presley

36. Three Times a Lady – Lionel Richie

37. Unchained Melody – Righteous Brothers

38. Take These Chains From My Heart - Ray Charles

39. When You Wish Upon a Star – Bing Crosby

40. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow – Amy Winehouse

41. Wonderful Tonight – Michael Buble

42. Words - Bee Gees

43. Yesterday - Paul McCartney

44. You Don't Have to Say You Love Me – Dusty Sringfield

45. You Raise Me Up – Westlife

46. I Can't Stop Loving You - Kitty Well

47. I Just Called to Say I Love You - Stevie Wonder

47. Killing Me Softly - Roberta Flack

47. You'll Never Walk Alone – Gerry & The Pacemakers

WALTZES

1. Moon River-Andy Williams

2. Can't Help Falling in Love-Elvis

3 .He'll Have to Go-Jim Reeves

4. There Goes My Everything-Engelbert Humperdink

5. The Last Waltz- Engelbert Humperdink

6. Are You Lonesome Tonight-Elvis

7. Answer Me-Barbara Dickson

8. That's Amore-Dean Martin

9. Roses of Picardy-Vince Hill

10. This Nearly Was Mine-South Pacific

11. What The World Needs Now-Carpenters

12 .Jean-from, Pride of Miss Brody

13. Now is The Hour-Vera Lynn

14. Molly Malone-Irish Traditional

15. Old Bull & Bush-Cockney Medley

16. When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New-Tony Christie

17. True Love-Bing Crosby

18. Three Times a Lady-Lionel Richie

19. Edelweiss-Sound of Music

20. My Favourite Things-Julie Andrews

21. Christmas Waltz Medley-Silent Night/Away in a

Manger/Greensleeves

ROCK CLASSICS

1. Come on Eileen – Dexys Midnight Runners

2. Final Countdown-Europe

3. Hi Ho Silver Lining-Jeff Beck

4. Satisfaction-Rolling Stones

5. Bits ‘n’ Pieces-Dave Clark Five

6. Brown Eyed Girl-Van Morrison

7. Pinball Wizard-The Who

8. All Right Now-Free

9. Maggie May-Rod Stewart

10. You Really Got Me-Kinks

11. 5-4-3-2-1-Manfred Mann

12. Nah Nah Hey Hey-Steam

13. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For-U2

14. Proud Mary-Tina Turner

15. Lady Madonna-Beatles

16. Hard Days Night-Beatles

17. Lola-Kinks

Rock 'n' Roll/Jive

1. Rock Around the Clock - Bill Haley

2. Hound Dog - Elvis

3. All Shook Up/Teddy Bear – Elvis

4. Blue Suede Shoes-Elvis

5. Walk Right In - Rooftop Singers

6. Come on Ev'rybody – Eddie Cochran

7. Down By The Riverside – Trad

8. Bill Bailey – Brenda Lee

9. Frankie and Johnny – Trad

10. Jailhouse Rock – Elvis

11. American Patrol-Miller

12. Pennsylvania 6500-Miller

13. Singin’ the Blues-Melvin Endersly

14. See You Later Alligator-Bill Haley

15. Green Door-Shakin’ Stevens

16. This Ole House-Shakin’ Stevens

17. Hippy Hippy Shake-Swinging Blue Jeans

18. Twist & Shout-Beatles

19. Return to Sender-Elvis

20. Bye Bye Love-Everley Brothers

21. That’ll Be the Day-Buddy Holly

22. Every Day-Buddy Holly

23. It Doesn’t Matter Anymore-Buddy Holly

24. Oh Boy/Peggy Sue-Buddy Holly

25. Whole Lotta Shakin’-Jerry Lee Lewis

26. Great Balls of Fire-Jerry Lee Lewis

CHRISTMAS SONGS

1. Ding! Dong! Merrily on High - Trad

2. It’s The Most Wonderful time of the Year - Andy Williams

3. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Michael Bublé

4. The Christmas Alphabet - Dickie Valentine

5. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry

6. Rocking Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

7. Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms

9. Jingle Bells - Trad

10. Wooden Heart - Elvis Presley

11. Mistletoe and Wine - Cliff Richard

12. Walking in a Winter Wonderland - Felix Bernard

13. Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Bing Crosby

14. Sleigh Ride - The Ronettes

15. So Here it is Merry Christmas - Slade

16. All I Want For Christmas is You - Mariah Carey

17. All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth -

18. Last Christmas - Wham

18. We Wish You a Merry Christmas - Trad

20. The Twelve Days of Christmas - Trad

21. The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy - Boney M

22. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

23 What Child is This? Josh Groban

24. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Ralph Blane

25. Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire - Nat King Cole

26. When The Red Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, - Dean Martin

27. Away in a Manger

28. Silent Night

29. O Come All ye Faithful

30.It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

31. The Holly and the Ivy

32. Joy to the WORLD

33. While Shepherds Watched

34. The Rocking Carol

35. We Three Kings

36. Once in Royal David’s City

37.The First Nowell

38.God rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

39. Deck The Halls

40. Good King Wenceslas

41. Good Christian Men Rejoice

42. Amazing Grace

43. Auld Lang Syne

Dennis' Prices

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

Performance duration	Price
Short performance (up to 15 min)	£75
Up to 1 hour	£165
Up to 2 hours	£290
Up to 3 hours	£440

Drinks reception

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

£185

Wedding ceremony

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

£250

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. - 2 x 45 min performances as dinner is being served.

£400

Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

When I perform trumpet for ceremonies and commemorative occasions, my clients appreciate my smart turn out. A recent example was a military family wedding where I wore my Regimental badge and Guards tie. At cabaret and party events everyone always remarks at my white Tuxedo that usually start with.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I have performed at London hotels, Heathrow hotels, Royal venues, cruises, European tours for NAAFI entertainments, Theatre shows, Holiday centres, Care centres, Retirement venues and private and corporate functions. Companies include, Royal Albert Hall, and Festival Hall, London, Hammersmith Palais, Lyceum on the Strand and the Cunard line.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Dean Martin, Bruce Forsyth, Tom Jones, Michael Buble, Andy Williams, Englebert Humperdink, Bobby Darin, Luciano Pavarotti, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Maurice Andrè, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie.

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

Buckingham Palace for the Investiture ceremonies and Garden parties.

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

I always try to be flexible in order to assist the smooth running of the event. Usually, any changes can be discussed in the run up to the day. I am used to dealing with slight adjustments on the day as well-particularly if the event is outdoors.

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

I do not provide a DJ service but always have a selection of playlists for before, during and after my performance, if required.

How much time do you need to set up?

My set up time varies according to the size of the venue but is between 25 and 40 minutes.

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

Yes, I am pleased to be able to discuss playlists with you at any time.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes, I have a Bose S1 PA system and AKG wireless mics. I also play trumpet, pBuzz, ukuleles and pBone, depending on the type of event.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

Yes, I am often asked to provide a special song or other musical item for a celebration or commemoration.

Musicianship

Genres:

1940s era music, Jazz, 1920s era music, 1930s era music, 1950s era music, 1960s era music, Cabaret, Blues, Swing, Pop, Covers, Tribute, Classical, Fanfare, Musical theatre, Baroque, Country, Dixieland, Modern jazz, Easy listening, Light music, Acoustic, Vintage, Rock 'n' Roll, Pop rock, World music, Bossa nova, Latin, Reggae, Samba, Tango, Military, Traditional church music, Christmas, Folk, Latin jazz

See all genres

Instruments:

Singer, Trumpet, Ukulele, Cornet, Flugelhorn

See all instruments

Event types:

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

See all event types

Other skills:

Arranger, Orchestrator, Transcription, Musical comedy, Fluent improviser, Fluent sight-reader, MC, Instrumental teaching, Music therapy, Theory teaching, Composition teaching, Community music worker

See all skills