Fiddler

James Patrick Gavin

Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
(4.9)Read all 17 reviews
Watch
Booking protection
Secure online payments
Free 48hr cancellations
Support available Mon-Sun
Like James?
Watch & Listen
Watch
Listen
James in action

About James

A London born multi-instrumentalist, he creates folk music that dances the line between tradition and irreverence.
Fiddler
London
Public liability insurance of £10 million

London born multi-instrumentalist James Patrick Gavin creates folk music that dances the line between tradition and irreverence, London and Ireland, groove and grace. Known for previous work with TEYR, The Rad Orchestra and Jez Hellard & The Djukella Orchestra, his debut solo album CHEWING THE FAT was released in February 2018 to wide acclaim. Described as “magnificent” by FolkRadioUK, the record contained a wealth of new and old material that weaved together three generations of his own Irish family. The new album CHEWING THE FAT blends folk tunes, songs, spoken word and field recordings in an ode to roots and identity. It’s a unique sonic world that both showcases his instrumental skill, compositional prowess and his broad talent for collaboration. The nationwide album launch tour was kicked off in London with a sell-out 11-piece show at the Union Chapel. CHEWING THE FAT features an award winning host of guests including singers J. Eoin, Seamus Gavin and Jez Hellard, accordionist Tommie Black-Roff, bouzouki and bodhrán player Tad Sargent, flautist Orlaith McAuliffe, piper Dominic Henderson, guitarist Adrian Lever and banjoist Hugh O’Niell. This unique gathering of some of the UK and Ireland’s finest folk musicians presents a rare joining-of-dots between innumerable bands from previous decades.

Encore badges
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
10 gigs
Experienced: 10 bookings through Encore
Musicianship
Genres:
Folk, Ceilidh, Bluegrass, Country, Irish rock, Folk rock, Traditional Irish folk, Traditional Scottish folk, World music, African music
See all genres
Instruments:
See all instruments
Event types:
Wedding, Wedding proposal, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve, Funeral / Memorial service
See all event types
Other skills:
Composer, Songwriter, Fluent improviser, Instrumental teaching
See all skills
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

The energy.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I have performed in venues all over the world. From the Union Chapel to house concerts in Germany.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Martin Hayes, Cathal Hayden to name a couple.

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

In 2018 I launched my debut album in the Union Chapel.

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

We always try our best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. If timings change slightly in the run up to the event just let me know.

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

I can provide some music from a device over the PA. I would add that I am not a professional DJ.

How much time do you need to set up?

Depends If I am using a PA or not. If I'm playing acoustically then I can be ready to go in a couple of minutes. If I am using a PA I would say roughly and hour to setup.

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

I am happy to chat through my set and make sure we find what works for your event.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes, absolutely! I bring my own instrument to play acoustically.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

I can, however this is subject to how much time I have before the date of the performance or event.

James' Prices

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)£125
Up to 1 hour£275
Up to 2 hours£400
Up to 3 hours£525
James
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
4.9 out of 5
16 verified reviews
Satisfaction
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
4.8
Professionalism
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0
Communication
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
4.8
Punctuality
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0

James' Reviews

From Encore customers:

CL
Clare L
11 months ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
4.8 out of 5

The level of musicianship was great, it was perhaps a misunderstanding on my part that I thought there may also be some other musicians accompanying James. I didn't realise he would be a solo act. A full Irish band would have been better to get everyone up and dancing.

GG
Giles G
1 year ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

James played solo and acoustic at the beginning of our informal wedding reception and it was brilliant

HK
Helen K
1 year ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

James was fantastic at my husband's 60th Irish themed birthday party. He joined in with the whole spirit of the event and made the whole thing truly memorable. We loved his playing, his easy going manner and felt like he was instantly a friend who'd come to play instead if a musician we'd found on the Internet. Top marks and we hope to engage him again sooner rather than later. Thanks James, you were and are superb. The Kelly family and friends.

JH
Jeyda H
2 years ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
4.8 out of 5

Great for our Irish drinks reception!

Read all 6 reviews

From other customers:

PD
Peter D
5 years ago, for a Wedding in The St
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

"Three Dollar Shoe were fantastic at our wedding: great sound, great music, a great caller and infinite patience - we were terrible on the dance floor. Everyone loved it"

G
Gary L
5 years ago, for a Birthday party in Shaftesbury Ave
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

Fantastic stuff lads! Thank you so much for playing at my birthday party at the Apollo Theatre. It was a perfect mix of Irish songs and contemporary songs. Especially loved the Dire Straits one! Many many thanks! Gary x

Read all 11 reviews