Ian Close

Hello and welcome. My name is Ian Close and i am a professional saxophonist based in the the south of England. As a teenager in the U.K., i grew up listening to my cousins motown and soul records. I was transported by the energy and passion that they possessed, indeed, i still get 'goose bumps' when i listen to the musicians on those records. As an emerging saxophonist, unlike my peers who would be playing jazz, i was in bars and nightclubs playing covers of artists such as Teddy Pendergrass, Wilson Picket and the Average White Band and indeed I've been lucky enough as a professional saxophonist to tour with many great artists but a highlight for me was touring with Hamish Stuart from the Average White Band and getting to play their hit 'pick up the pieces' with him ...a saxophone classic! It was an odd moment, as i remembered being 12 years old and laying on my parents living room floor listening with headphones to that record thinking to myself 'i wish i could do that'. I have been a professional musician and educator for over twenty years. During this time I have performed at many levels throughout the industry that range from function work, solo saxophone, big bands, wind bands through to being a featured soloist on radio/television cinema/theatre and touring with artists that include Gordon Haskell, Norah Jones, The Blockheads, Chrissie Hynde, Mitch Winehouse, Jim Diamond and Ricky Gervais all over the U.K., Europe and America. The life of a professional saxophonist is a varied one and can cover different types of media. I have been lucky to have recorded/toured with some of the country’s finest session/jazz musicians ranging from Robbie McIntosh (Paul McCartney), Hamish Stuart (Paul McCartney, Average White Band, George Benson), Rob Harris (Jamiroquai), Ian Thomas (George Michael) through to Lyndon Connah (Take That, Level 42), Winston Blissett (Massive Attack, Robbie Williams) and Ralph Salmins (Van Morrison, Paul McCartney),Nathan King(Level 42). I have also had the good fortune to work at many of the top jazz and pop venues including Ronnie Scott’s Club, The 100 Club, The 606 club, The Jazz Café, Camden and The Groucho Club, where I am still a member. The studio side of the profession is one which I enjoy, whether that is playing a solo on an artiste’s album, as I did with Gordon Haskell and the follow up to his UK number 2 Hit, playlisted on BBC Radio 2; Playing as part of a horn/sax section as I did on Sandi Thom’s album that followed here number 1 hit, playing on radio jingles and commercials for various products and companies or recording my own albums.The opportunity to perform on television arises on occasion too. During a European tour with Gordon Haskell, we did many television performances including Des O’Connor’s daytime show here in the U.K., a TVP2 special in Poland and a live hour-long show in Berlin with Norah Jones.Other types of media performance can sometimes arise too. A few years ago I had an opportunity to be in the Ricky Gervais film ‘Cemetery Junction’ playing sax in the band during a nightclub scene and playing sax on a promotional video for Mitch Winehouse (Amy’s dad) with his big band style song ‘Please be Kind’ SOLO SAXOPHONE: As a Solo artist, my solo saxophone is perfect background music for all types of events and occasions. I play a smooth blend of different kinds of music from Pop, Jazz, Bossa Nova, Soul, Music from films, Music from shows, Reggae through to r'n'b and can generally accommodate any specific requests that you may have with enough time. Saxophone is a great accompaniment to all kinds of events whether it's your wedding, garden party , anniversary or playing in a hotel, restaurant or corporate event. I've listed a few ideas below but am happy to discuss options with you WEDDINGS / CIVIL CEREMONIES If you are looking for music for your wedding, solo saxophone will add a classy and contemporary addition to your day. I am very happy to discuss your requirements with you and can accommodate most things so please feel free to get in touch. Here are a few options: Your Ceremony: Whatever type of ceremony and venue you choose, music can create a relaxed atmosphere. As your guests arrive, solo saxophone can put your guests at ease as they arrive. You can have Accompaniment when the bride arrives to a tune of your choice During the signing of the register and photos you can pick whatever tunes you would like and i will play them live. Also one or two tunes of your choice played live at the end of your ceremony as you and your guests leave will create relaxed and happy vibe. Drinks Reception: Live saxophone during your reception is a musical backdrop to you event, whether outside or inside, and creates the perfect environment for you and your guests to relax,chat and enjoy. Dinner Music: Many people can feel uncomfortable sitting down to eat in a formal setting so dinner music can give you an unobtrusive yet classy solution with a blend of smooth pop, jazz, bossa nova and contemporary sounds.