Hire James Burwell | Saxophonist in Warwick

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From£500

1 hour

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Head & Heart (Joel Corry x MNEK)

About James

One of the most booked Encore Musicians! Professional, friendly and reliable saxophonist available for weddings, parties and events.

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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

5 out of 5

151 verified reviews

Satisfaction

5.0

Professionalism

5.0

Communication

5.0

Punctuality

5.0

James' Reviews

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!

5 out of 5

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

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 ☺️🎷💃🏼🕺🏽

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!

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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.

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”.

Performance duration	Price
Short performance (up to 15 min)	£500
Up to 1 hour	£500
Up to 2 hours	£625
Up to 3 hours	£750

All prices include:- Set up time (I always aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before so there’s plenty of time to set up) - Performance (2 or 3 hour sets include a short break for me in the middle, where I can provide a background playlist) - If you require an interval between sets of over 30 minutes, an additional charge will apply - All equipment (including full PA system, saxophone mic, backing tracks etc.) - All equipment is PAT Tested (I can supply certificates if venues require) - Public Liability Insurance up to £10M - Song requests of your choosing (as long as I am given at least two weeks notice)

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

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Instruments:

Saxophone

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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

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