Saxophonist

James Burwell

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About James

One of the most booked Encore Musicians! Professional, friendly and reliable saxophonist available for weddings, parties and events.
Saxophonist
Warwick
Public liability insurance of £10 million
Verified profile

James offers an extensive repertoire with genres ranging from pop & ibiza tunes to classic jazz standards. By booking James, you can expect an upbeat pop performance with some chart-topping singles or laid back pop & jazz perfect for dinners and drink receptions. He has been performing professionally at weddings, parties and events for 4 years and the Top 10 Most Booked Encore Musicians of 2022! What people have said: "You honestly made our wedding day" (Chloe & Ryan, August 2023) "James was absolutely AMAZING" (Callum & Ella, August 2023) "All our guests loved him" (Simon, July 2023) "James was unreal and really did get the guests going and working that dancefloor." (Lewis & Amy, July 2023) "James was the perfect addition to our wedding day!" (Chloe & Andrew, July 2023) "We had James play at our wedding and he was absolutely fantastic! He’s been the main talking point from our guests since the wedding, and cannot wait for an excuse to book him again." (Alana & Vinnie, July 2023) "James was amazing! He really got all my guests up and dancing." (Hayley, July 2023) "James was amazing and helped make our perfect day even more special." (Gail, July 2023) “James was amazing at our wedding everyone loved the entertainment and we would 100% recommend!” (Steph & Mitch, June 2023) "He managed to get our friends and family up on the dance floor with ease and everyone commented how much they enjoyed his music." (Rachael, May 2023)

James
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5
151 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

James' Reviews

From Encore customers:

CW
Charlotte W
12 days ago
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5 out of 5

Since first contacting James all the way up to our wedding day, he has been professional and prompt in responding to emails, queries and sending over the relevant insurance certificates the venue required. I had booked James as a surprise for my husband and he absolutely did not disappoint. He was truly truly amazing and talented and set the vibe for our wedding so well. He playing before and during our ceremony and in our drinks reception. We have had the majority of our guests reach out to us to tell us how sensational he was and asking where I’d found him. We can’t thank James enough for being a part of our special day. If you are debating on a saxophonist at your wedding, do it and book James, you will absolutely not be disappointed!

JW
Julie W
25 days ago
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5 out of 5

He was great as always, my husband dj'd and has worked with James before, and always thoroughly enjoys it.

EC
Ellie C
1 month ago
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5 out of 5

James was absolutely fantastic at our wedding. He filled the dance floor and got the party started! All of our guests were commenting on how brilliantly James played and loved dancing with him and singing along. We honestly can’t thank you enough, James! You made our wedding evening for us and we love looking back on all the videos to remember the best night ever! Thank you, Jack and Ellie Leaning ☺️🎷💃🏼🕺🏽

RH
Rachael H
1 month ago
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5 out of 5

James was incredible. Super communication in the run up, was superb on the day and very friendly. Thank you so much James. We loved having you at our wedding! Would highly recommend!

Read all 147 reviews

From other customers:

TS
Tyler S
6 years ago, for a Corporate event in Bath BA2
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5 out of 5

James is a consummate professional: on time, reliable and always prepared. His tone is beautiful, his timing perfect and his improvisation inspiring. His work added immeasurably to the recorded TV performance of my original music.

RG
Robert G
6 years ago, for a Recording session in BA29BN
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5 out of 5

A dedicated musician, with a reliably professional and flexible approach to playing and recording. James has proved to be a capable player, and his experience in the studio has aided him to preside over sessions for me admirably.

Read all 4 reviews
Encore badges
2nd most booked musician of 2021!
Top 10 booked musician of 2022
100 gigs
Legendary: 100 bookings through Encore!
Saved the day!
Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice
6th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 6 years
Encore expert
Demonstrated expertise by completing the Encore Academy
Member of the Encore community forum

James' Song list

This is a selection of possible song choices; others can be added at your request (with at least two weeks notice). Feel free to choose your favourites and I can arrange a set list to suit your needs.
--------Wedding Ceremony Song Ideas & Ballads:--------
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye
All About You - McFly
All Of Me - John Legend
Better Half of Me - Tom Walker
Can't Help Falling In Love With You - Elvis Presley
Dream A Little Dream - Ella Fitzgerald
Endless Love - Lionel Richie
Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison
How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding
I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
Imagine - John Lennon
Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
Kissing You - Des'ree
L.O.V.E - Nat King Cole
Let's Stay Together - Al Green
Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding
Love Never Felt So Good - Michael Jackson
Make You Feel My Love - Adele
Marry You - Bruno Mars
My Girl - The Temptations
Perfect - Ed Sheeran
Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) - Stevie Wonder
Stay With Me - Sam Smith
Sugar - Maroon 5
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life - Stevie Wonder
Your Song - Elton John
-------Wedding Breakfast Entrance Song Ideas:-------
Ain't Nobody - Felix Jaehn
Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye
Best Of My Love - The Emotions
Came Here For Love - Sigala
Everlasting Love - Natalie Cole
Freed From Desire - Gala
Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
September - Earth, Wind & Fire
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder
Sugar - Maroon 5
This Girl - Kungs
--------Modern Pop:--------
A Driver Saved My Night - Sigrid
Adore You - Harry Styles
All About You - McFly
All Star - Smash Mouth
American Boy - Estelle
As It Was - Harry Styles
Attention - Charlie Puth
Baby, I Love Your Way - Big Mountain
Bad Habits - Ed Sheeran
Be The One - Dua Lipa
Bellyache - Billie Eilish
Better Half of Me - Tom Walker
Billie Bossa Nova - Billie Eilish
Boyfriend - Ariana Grande
Break My Heart - Dua Lipa
Budapest - George Ezra
Cake By The Ocean - DNCE
Can I Call You Rose? - Thee Sacred Souls
Cold Heart - Elton John, Dua Lipa
Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
CUFF IT - Beyoncé
Cupid - FIFTY FIFTY
Dance The Night - Dua Lipa
Dancing in the Moonlight - Toploader
Desire - Years & Years
Despacito - Luis Fonsi
Don’t Know Why - Norah Jones
Drops of Jupiter - Train
Easy On Me - Adele
Everything I Wanted - Billie Eilish
Falling - Harry Styles
Feather - Sabrina Carpenter
Finesse - Bruno Mars
Flowers - Miley Cyrus
Ghost - Justin Bieber
Giant - Rag N Bone Man
Girls Like You - Maroon 5
greedy - Tate McRae
Hallucinate - Dua Lipa
Happy - Pharrell Williams
Havana - Camila Cabello
High Hopes - Panic! At The Disco
Hold Back the River - James Bay
Houdini - Dua Lipa
How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding
I Ain't Worried - OneRepublic
I Could Get Used To This - Becky Hill
If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know) - The 1975
Just Got Paid - Sigala
Just You and I - Tom Walker
Kiss Me More - Doja Cat
Lay It All On Me - Ed Sheeran
Levitating - Dua Lipa
Liar - Camila Cabello
Love Again - Dua Lipa
Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding
Love Nwantiti - CKay feat. Franglish
Love on Top - Beyoncé
Love Story (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
Lush Life - Zara Larsson
Memories - Maroon 5
New Rules - Dua Lipa
Nonsense - Sabrina Carpenter
Ocean Eyes - Billie Eilish
Oh My God - Adele
One Touch - Jess Glynne
Passionfruit - Drake
Peaches - Justin Bieber
Perfect - Ed Sheeran
Positions - Ariana Grande
Pretty Please - Dua Lipa
Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae
Rather Be - Clean Bandit
Remember - Becky Hill
Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur
Shallow - Lady Gaga
Shape of You - Ed Sheeran
Shivers - Ed Sheeran
Shotgun - George Ezra
Sorry - Justin Bieber
Stay - The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber
Stay With Me - Sam Smith
Strangers - Kenya Grace
Sugar - Maroon 5
TEXAS HOLD 'EM - Beyoncé
thank u, next - Ariana Grande
That's What I Like - Bruno Mars
There's Nothing Holding Me Back - Shawn Mendes
These Days - Rudimental
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
Titanium - David Guetta
Treasure - Bruno Mars
Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
Valerie - Amy Winehouse
Versace On The Floor - Bruno Mars
Water - Tyla
Watermelon Sugar - Harry Styles
We Don't Talk Anymore - Charlie Puth
We're Good - Dua Lipa
What Do You Mean? - Justin Bieber
yes, and? - Ariana Grande
--------Ibiza/House/Dance Style:--------
0080 HEAVEN - Joel Corry
17 - MK
Afraid To Feel - LF SYSTEM (David Guetta & Dyro Remix)
Ain't No Mountain High - Marvin Gaye (Freischwimmer, Dionne Bromfield Remix)
Ain’t Nobody - Felix Jaehn
Body - Loud Luxury, Brando
Came Here For Love - Sigala
Changes - Faul, Wad Ad, Pnau
Cold Heart - Elton John, Dua Lipa, PNAU
Crazy What Love Can Do - David Guetta & Becky Hill & Ella Henderson
Destination Calabria - Alex Gaudino
Don't Forget My Love - Diplo
Easy Love - Sigala
Electricity - Silk City, Diplo, Dua Lipa
Finally - CeCe Peniston (Mr. Belt & Wezol Remix)
Freed From Desire - Gala
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! - ABBA (Sgt Slick's Melbourne Recut - Edit)
Give Me Your Love - Sigala
Head & Heart - Joel Corry x MNEK
HEAT - Paul Woolford, Amber Mark
Higher Love - Kygo
How Deep Is Your Love - Calvin Harris
How Will I Know - Whitney Houston x Clean Bandit (Remix)
I Need Your Love (feat. Ellie Goulding) - Calvin Harris
I'm Coming Out / Upside Down - Diana Ross (Chris Cox Remix)
I'm Every Woman - Whitney Houston (SG Lewis)
Intoxicated - Martin Solveig
Jubel - Klingande
Juliet & Romeo - Martin Solveig, Roy Woods
Lean On - Major Lazer
Let Me Love You - Justin Bieber
Levels - Avicii
Looking For Me - Paul Woolford, Diplo, Kareen Lomax
Lose Control - Meduza, Becky Hill
Love Tonight - Shouse (David Guetta Remix Edit)
Lullaby - Sigala
Million Dollar Bill - Whitney Houston (Beyond Chicago, Majestic, Alex Mills)
Mr Saxobeat – Alexandra Stan
Murder On The Dancefloor - Sophie Ellis-Bextor
My Heart Goes (La Di Da) - Becky Hill, Topic
New Rules - Dua Lipa
No Man No Cry (Jimmy Sax) - Oliver Koletzki
Oh Baby - Seizo
One Day - Bakermat
One Kiss - Calvin Harris/Dua Lipa
Piece Of Your Heart - MEDUZA
Places - Martin Solveig, Ina Wroldsen
Promises - Sam Smith, Calvin Harris
Reload - Sebastian Ingrosso
Remember - Becky Hill
Rhythm Is A Dancer (feat. Kaleena Zanders) - Breathe Carolina
Rhythm of the Night - (Jay Frog Remix - Edit)
Say Something - Karen Harding, Zac Samuel
September - Earth, Wind & Fire (Eric Kupper Radio Mix)
Shotgun (The Wild Remix) - George Ezra
Show Me Love - Robin S/Steve Angello
Sonnentanz Sun Don't Shine - Klangkarussell, Will Heard
Sweet Lovin' - Sigala
The Business - Tiesto
This Girl - Kungs
Where Did You Go? - Jax Jones, MNEK
You Don't Know Me - Jax Jones, RAYE
Young Hearts Run Free - Candi Staton (2023 Edit)
--------60s/70s/80s/Motown & Soul Classics:--------
9 to 5 - Dolly Parton
Africa - Toto
Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye
All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie
At Last - Etta James
Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty
Benny and the Jets - Elton John
Best Of My Love - The Emotions
Boogie Wonderland - Earth, Wind & Fire
Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John
Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley
Careless Whisper - George Michael
Celebration - Kool & The Gang
Dancing Queen - ABBA
Do You Love Me - The Contours
Endless Love - Lionel Richie
Everlasting Love - Natalie Cole
Get Down On It - Kool & The Gang
Get Ready - The Temptations
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! - ABBA (Sgt Slick's Melbourne Recut - Edit)
Give Me The Night - George Benson
Higher & Higher - Jackie Wilson
How Deep Is Your Love - The Bee Gees
I Get The Sweetest Feeling - Jackie Wilson
I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
I Say A Little Prayer - Aretha Franklin
I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston
I Want You Back - Jackson 5
I'm Coming Out / Upside Down - Diana Ross (Stonebridge)
I'm Every Woman - Whitney Houston (SG Lewis)
In The Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett
Is This Love - Bob Marley
Jolene - Dolly Parton
Killing Me Softly With His Song - Fugees
L.O.V.E - Nat King Cole
Let's Stay Together - Al Green
Love Never Felt So Good - Michael Jackson
Love Really Hurts Without You - Billy Ocean
Million Dollar Bill - Whitney Houston
My Girl - The Temptations
My Guy - Mary Wells
Never Too Much - Luther Vandross
Piano Man - Billy Joel
Respect - Aretha Franklin
Rocket Man - Elton John
September - Earth, Wind & Fire
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) - Stevie Wonder
Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding
Soul Man - Sam & Dave
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
Take Me To The River - Al Green
Tequila - The Champs
Tiny Dancer - Elton John
We Are Family - Sister Sledge
What You Do For Love - Bobby Caldwell
Young Hearts Run Free (2023 Edit) - Candi Staton
Your Latest Trick - Dire Straits
Your Song - Elton John
--------Jazz Classics/American Songbook:--------
All Of Me
All The Things You Are
At Last
Autumn Leaves
Beyond the Sea
Blue Moon
Cheek to Cheek
Come Fly With Me
Cry Me A River
Desafinado
Dream A Little Dream Of Me
Fields of Gold
Fly Me To The Moon
Georgia
Have You Met Miss Jones
I Get A Kick Out Of You
I Just Called To Say I Love You
I've Got You Under My Skin
Isn't She Lovely
Just Friends
L.O.V.E
Lullaby Of Birdland
Mack the Knife
Meditation
Mister Magic
Misty
New York, New York
Night In Tunisia
On the Sunnyside of the Street
One Note Samba
Orange Coloured Sky
Over the Rainbow
Quiet Night Of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)
Someday My Prince Will Come
Songbird
Stompin' At The Savoy
Strangers in the Night
Take The 'A' Train
That's Life
The Girl From Ipanema
The Lady Is A Tramp
The Way You Look Tonight
There Will Never Be Another You
Wave
Yardbird Suite
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
You Make Me Feel So Young
--------Christmas Party:--------
All I Want For Christmas - Mariah Carey
Frosty the Snowman
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Holly Jolly Christmas
It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas
Jingle Bell Rock
Last Christmas
Let It Snow
Santa Baby
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
White Christmas
Winter Wonderland

James' Prices

Last updated: 2024

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

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£500
Up to 1 hour£500
Up to 2 hours£625
Up to 3 hours£750
Packages
Drinks Reception
- Performance for you and your guests while drinks/canapes are served and photos are taken - Entrance Song into the Wedding Breakfast
£625
Wedding Dinner
- Entrance Song into the Wedding Breakfast - 2 x 45 min performances as dinner is being served.
£625
Evening Party
Usually as 2 x 45 mins alongside your DJ.
£625
Ceremony & Drinks Package
Ceremony: - Performance before the ceremony as guests arrive & are seated - Aisle Entrance Song - Signing (2-3 songs as required) - Exit Song Drinks Reception - Performance for you and your guests while drinks/canapes are served and photos are taken - Entrance Song into the Wedding Breakfast
£812.50
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

According to my clients, I am professional, engaging, have great song list to choose from and will make sure that your wedding day is unforgettable! "James was amazing! He really got all my guests up and dancing" "James was the perfect addition to our wedding day!" "You were just amazing from start to finish" "We’re so glad we booked him!"

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I've performed in a variety of different venues, ranging from small intimate gatherings to larger upscale events like the Bath Assembly Rooms, Bush Hall, The Ned, Pizza Express Live & London Golf Club, as well as many wedding venues such as Ashridge House, Bourton Hall, Caswell House, Cripps Barn, Hyde House, Lapstone Barn, Old Gore Barn and many more

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

My performance style has been greatly influenced by a wide variety of artists such as Dexter Gordon, Calvin Harris and Stevie Wonder as well as Ibiza Sax players like Graziatto, Sandy Sax, Ellie Sax, Sam Sax, Lovely Laura & Jimmy Sax.

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

Various 5* Hotels in London at corporate events for over 500 people such as Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill and The Ned, London.

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

Please give me as much notice as you can & I will try to be as flexible as possible, but cannot always guarantee a time change as I may have another event that day etc.

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

Yes I can provide background music via my PA. If you would like a tailored playlist just let me know and I can organise it for you.

How much time do you need to set up?

I always aim to arrive at least 30 mins before my performance to set up. As soon as my PA is set up I can provide a free playlist service to help set the atmosphere before I start.

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

Yes of course! You're welcome to pick all to fill the time, or just a selection and I will tailor the rest to your vibe.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes I provide all equipment needed.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

Yes I'm happy to learn up to 3 new songs free of charge, as long as I am given at least two weeks notice.
Musicianship
Genres:
Pop, Jazz, Blues, Modern jazz, Latin jazz, Swing, Light music, Soul, Covers, Acoustic, Ambient pop, Top 40, Ibiza club, Electronic, Christmas, Ambient, 1980s era music, Easy listening, Motown, Bossa nova, Latin
See all genres
Instruments:
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Event types:
Wedding, Private event, Wedding proposal, 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:
Instrumental teaching, Theory teaching, Fluent sight-reader, Sound technician, Transcription, Audio engineer, Drum technician
See all skills