James Pettinger

"Playing piano for people's special occasions is a pleasure for me. I love that my creativity can help other people enjoy their day, and I take a lot of care in choosing what songs to play, and how I play them. I've played at many weddings and events, and my sensitivity is something that comes across (I've been told!)." From the moody ballads of Frank Sinatra to the easy swing of Glenn Miller, James' setlist is drawn from his many years on the jazz scene - as well as an expanding repertoire of classic soul, pop, and singer-songwriter music. James loves to find the songs you've forgotten you love! James' experience ranges from playing in esteemed London jazz clubs (Ronnie Scott's, the Vortex, the Piano Bar), to cocktail parties, wedding ceremonies, and other private and corporate events across London and around England. "I found a love for music in my teens: rock was where I started, and from there I always tended towards what was outside of the mainstream - which led me to music with improvisation as a core element, and eventually I found jazz! I still love all the artists I've picked up along the way, from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Joni Mitchell, and plenty more niche stuff like Dave Matthews Band and Chris Thile. Throughout this time I was learning classic music, composing, jamming with my friends, and falling more and more in love with the piano. After graduating from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, I took composing more seriously, blending all the sounds that have influenced me, and in 2022 released an EP with my band Stablefolk; we sold out the Pheasantry in Chelsea, and played across the South of England."