Hire John Murphy | Saxophonist in County Dublin

Check availability and get a free quote now - no commitment to book

From£290

1 hour

Like John?

Watch & Listen

Watch

Listen

1-3 of 13 videos

We Found Love in a Hopeless Place

Toss the Feathers Vid - SD 480p.mov

Baker Street Remix

About John

An award winning professional saxophone player for all occasions. The perfect choice of musician to add wow to your event.

3 of 16 photos

Saxophonist

Naul, Co. Dublin, K32 H766, Ireland

Public liability insurance of £10 million

Verified profile

John is a professional saxophonist and clarinettist with a wealth of experience and a reputation of consistent excellence in the music industry. He has played in Ireland's leading venues such as the National Concert Hall, Olympia and Gaiety Theatres. He has performing experience in all styles of music and performs with some of Ireland's leading wedding and corporate bands. A versatile and high energy musician, John can play all styles of music suiting all occasions and musical tastes. He can play to his own top class backing tracks or freestyle alongside your DJ. Guaranteed to get your party or event going. A graduate of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, John has a masters degree in performance from Maynooth University.

John

5 out of 5

31 verified reviews

Satisfaction

5.0

Professionalism

4.9

Communication

5.0

Punctuality

4.9

John's Reviews

5 out of 5

I had John on my 30th birthday..he was brilliant..definitely recommend… Something different ,especially for birthday engagements party’s or weddings..really good

Reply from John

2 months ago

Thanks Gerald. It was my pleasure to play.

5 out of 5

John’s replacement Paul was excellent.

Reply from John

2 months ago

Delighted all worked out, John

5 out of 5

John was the perfect addition to our wedding day dancefloor! He kept it rocking all night long (which is exactly what we requested). I feel so lucky that I found him online and that he was available to play at our wedding. We are very grateful for the endless entertainment he provided. When I initially booked John he responded at rapids rates, he sent really lovely, positive messages in advance of our day. He agreed to play with our band and with our DJ. I gave him the contact information for our band and he independently contacted them in advance to discuss the setlist. He was so punctual (in fact I am sure he was there hours before he needed to be) and he stayed well beyond his agreed time. He collaborated with the band and blended in so well that many of our guests thought he was a member. Once the DJ started he was on the dancefloor interacting with everyone. He was truly amazing, so skillful and it looked like he enjoyed himself too which was really lovely to see. He was a talking point during our day 2 event, with many of our guests praising how good he was and how he added so much fun to the dancefloor. I would highly recommend John for any occasion. He is an absolute gentleman, a total pleasure to deal with, he is very professional, unbelievably skilled at what he does and has such a passion for music (I know he has a massive range of musical talents). Thanks so much John for making our day extra unforgettable. We hope to see you play soon. Aisling & Eddy

Reply from John

4 months ago

What a night. The floor was hopping all evening. Fantastic atmosphere and it was my pleasure to play. Thanks for booking me!

5 out of 5

We were delighted to have John at my daughter’s bday party. His music created a great ambiance at our dinner cruise event. We would certainly book him again if we get a chance. Thank you very much John.

Reply from John

5 months ago

It was lovely to play at your daughter's birthday party. Thanks for having me!

Read all 19 reviews

5 out of 5

Hi John thank you for playing at my 40th birthday party. You were brilliant on the saxophone. Everyone thought u were amazing. We had best night, even the dj asked me for your contact number, highly recommended and would definitely book you again. Thanks 😃

5 out of 5

Hi John, just wanted to send a quick message to say thank you so much, you were absolutely fantastic!! We really, really enjoyed it. Everyone was raving about you and the place was on fire when you played. So talented and can play anything! It was a pleasure to deal with you from start to finish and lovely to meet you last night. Will be recommending you to anyone I know getting married. Hope you got home safely and thank you again!😀

Read all 12 reviews

Encore badges

Most booked in region, 2022

Lightning fast responses

Average response time under 2 hours

25 gigs

Pro: 25 bookings through Encore

Saved the day!

Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice

7th Anniversary

This act has been working with Encore for over 7 years

Encore expert

Demonstrated expertise by completing the Encore Academy

Member of the Encore community forum

John's Song list

Club/Dance Ibiza Style:

1. Jubel - Klingande

2. Baker Street (Remix) or original - Gerry Rafferty

3. Careless Whisper (Remix) or original - George Michael

4. Love in a hopeless place - Calvin Harris

5. This is What You Came For - Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna

6. Freed from Desire - Gala

7. This Girl - Kings Cook-in’ on 3 Burners

8. Don’t You Worry Child - Swedish House Mafia —

9. Insomnia - Faithless:

10. Flowers - Miley Cyrus Sandy Sax/BKaye remix

11. Pjanoo - Eric Prydz

12. Children - Robert Miles

13. Titanium - David Guetta

14. What is Love - Haddaway

15. Infinity - Guru Josh DJ Klass

16. Get Back - J Lo

17. Baianá - Bakermat

18. Changes - Faul & Wad

19. Toss the Feathers, Remix of Irish Reel

20. One Day - Bakermat

21. Baby - Bakermat

22. Hey Brother - Avicci

23. Wake Me Up - Avicci

24. I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Kepa Remix Whitney Houston

25. Destination (Unknown) Calabria - Alex Gaudino

26. Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan

27. Man with the Red Face - Mark Knight

28. Piece of your heart: Meduza

29. Game of Thrones (Syntheticsax Saxophone Edit)

30. Only God Can Save Our Souls - Klingande

31. No Man No Cry - Jimmy Sax

32. Living - Bakermat

33. Calvin Harris - How Deep Is Your Love

34. Time – Jimmy Sax

35. Shouse - Love Tonight (David Guetta Remix)

36. Intoxicated - Martin Solvig

37. I Follow Rivers - Lykke Li

38. Levels Avicci

39. Lola's Theme- The Shapeshifters

40 Fireball - Pitbull

41 Rhythm of the Night - Corona

Jazz/ Blues

S’ Wonderful – George Gershwin

A Foggy Day – George Gershwin

Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Fats Waller

Airmail Special – Benny Goodman

All of Me – Gerald Marks

All the Things You Are – Jerome Kern

Angel Eyes – Matt Dennis

As Time Goes By – Herman Hupfeld

Autumn Leaves – Joseph Kosma

Begin the Beguine- Cole Porter

Black Orpheus – Luis Bonfa

Blue and Sentimental – Count Basie

Blue Bossa Kenny Dorham

Blue Moon – Richard Rogers

But Not for Me – George Gershwin

Bye Bye Blackbird – Ray Henderson

Pick Up the Pieces – Candy Dulfer

Cantaloupe Island – Herbie Hancock

Caravan – Duke Ellington

Cheek to Cheek – Irving Berlin

Come Fly With Me – Jimmy Van Heusen

Creole Love Call – Duke Ellington

Days of Wine and Roses – Henry Mancini

Desafinado - Antonio Carlos Jobim

Don’t Get Round Much Anymore – Duke Ellington

Easy to Love – Cole Porter

Equinox – John Coltrane

Fascinating Rhythm – George Gershwin

Fly Me to the Moon – Bart Howard

Harlem Nocturne – D Rogers & E Hagen

Have You Met Miss Jones – Richard Rogers

How High the Moon – Morgan Lewis

I’ve Got Rhythm – George and Ira Gershwin

I’m Beginning to See the Light – Duke Ellington

I’m in the Mood for Love – Jimmy Mc Hugh

I’ve got a Crush on You – George Gershwin

I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Cole Porter

In a Sentimental Mood – Duke Ellington

In the Mood Its All Right With Me – Cole Porter

It's All Right With Me - Cole Porter

Li'l Darlin'- Neal Hefti

Lullaby Of Birdland – George Shearing

Mack The Knife – Kurt Weill

Me And Mrs Jones – Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Cary Gilbert

Misty – Erroll Garner

My Funny Valentine – Richard Rodgers

My Way – J. Revaux & C. Francois

New York New York – John Kander & Fred Ebb

Night and Day – Cole Porter

Over the Rainbow – Howard Arlen

Petit Fleur - Sidney Bechet

Satin Doll – Duke Ellington

Secret Love – Sammy Fain

Sing Sing Sing – Luis Prima

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes - Jerome Kern

Stardust - Hoagy Carmichael

Stompin’ at the Savoy – Benny Goodman

Summertime – George Gershwin

Sweet Georgia Browne – Ben Bernie

Swinging Shepherd Blues – Moe Kofman

Take Five – Paul Desmond

Take the A Train Billy Strayhorn

The Girl from Ipanema – Antonio Carlos Jobim

The Lady is a Tramp – Richard Rogers

The Pink Panther – Henry Mancini

The Way You Look Tonight - Jerome Kern

These Foolish Things - Jack Strachey

They Can’t Take That Away From Me – George Gershwin

What A Wonderful World – B Thiele & G Weiss

When I Fall In Love – Victor Young

When the Saints Go Marching In

You Make Me Feel So Young – Josef Myro

Pop/ Classics

A Whiter Shade of Pale

After the Love is Gone – Earth Wind and Fire

All Shook Up – Elvis Presley

Angels – Robbie Williams

Angie – Mick Jagger

Another Brick in the Wall – Pink Floyd

Are You Lonesome Tonight – Elvis Presley

Arthur’s Theme – Christopher Cross

Bad Moon Rising – Clarence Clearwater Revival

Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty

Bamboleo – Gypsy Kings

Before I Cry – Lady Gaga

Can’t Smile Without You – Barry Manilow

Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley

Careless Whisper – George Michael

Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley

Chocolate Jesus – Tom Waits

Count On Me – Bruno Mars

Crazy – Patsy Cline

Dance Monkey - Tones and I

Dancing in the Moonlight - Toploader

Desparado

Diggin’ My Own Grave – Lady Gaga

Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

Fantasy – Earth, Wind and Fire

Flashdance – Irene Cara

Get Up, Stand Up – Bob Marley

Grenade – Bruno Mars

Heartbreak Hotel – Elvis Presley

Help Me Make It Through the Night – Kris Kristofferson

Hey Jude – The Beatles

Home - Michael Bublé

Honesty – Billy Joel

I Can’t Stop Loving You – Ray Charles

I Don’t Care – Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran

I Feel It Coming the Weeknd – Daft Punk

I’ll Never Love Again – Lady Gaga/Bradley Cooper

I’m Still Standing – Elton John

I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

Imagine - John Lennon

I’ve Had the Time of My Life – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

Kiss Me – Sixpence None the Richer

La Bamba – Richie Valens

Let’ s Groove – Earth Wind and Fire

Livin’ la Vida Loca – Ricky Martin

Losing My Religion – REM

Mission Imposible – Lalo Schfrin

My Heart Will Go On – James Horner (Titanic)

Night Fever – Bee Gees

No Woman No Cry – Bob Marley

Ob La Di, Ob La Da – The Beatles

Only You – Buck Ram

Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison

Never Going to Give You Up – Rick Astley

Rock Around the Clock – Bill Haley

Rolling in the Deep – Adele

See you Again – Wiz Khalifa

Senorita – Shaw Medes Camila Cabello

Set Fire to the Rain – Adele

Sex Bomb – Tom Jones

Shallow Lady – Lady Gaga

Shape of You – Ed Sheeran

Smooth Operator – Sade

Stairway to Heaven – Led Zepplin

Stay With Me – Sam Smith

Sugar – Maroon 5

The Final Countdown – Europe

The Sound of Silence – Paul Simon

Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

This Girl – The Kungs vs Cookin’ on Three Burners

This is What You Came For – Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna

Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper

Titanium – David Guetta

Unchained Melody – Righteous Brothers

Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars

Waiting for That Day – George Michael

We Will Rock You – Queen

When a Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge / Michael Bolton

While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Eric Clapton

Who Wants to Live Forever – Queen

YMCA – Village People

You Should Be Dancing – Bee Gees

You’re Beautiful – James Blunt

Your Latest Trick – Dire Straits

Your Song – Elton John

Ceremony Music

I Can play a suitable range of classical and popular pieces to compliment your ceremony. If you have a particular choice I can learn it.

John's Prices

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

Performance duration	Price
Short performance (up to 15 min)	£250
Up to 1 hour	£290
Up to 2 hours	£350
Up to 3 hours	£400

Wedding ceremony

This includes music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave.

£220

Drinks reception

Two performances of up to 45 mins each during your drinks reception

£220

Wedding ceremony + Drinks reception + Dinner

- Music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave. - 2 x 45 min performances at the drinks reception. - 2 x 45 min performances as dinner is being served.

£350

Customer questions

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

We try to be understanding and flexible as events and weddings do not always run to time. If timings change before an event, please inform me.

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

My speaker operates via Bluetooth so it should be possible to link up with a phone/Ipod if necessary if you have a spotify playlist before I play.

How much time do you need to set up?

Setup time: usually around 30 minutes (depending on ease of access etc. I would require access to a power supply, Performing alongside DJ, John requires a Mic input on the DJ desk to perform over the DJ’s music.

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

If you have favourite songs or want them played in a particular order it can be easily accommodated.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes. I have the equipment needed for your event! I play on top quality instruments and excellent, new audio equipment to provide the best possible sound.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

If there is a song that is not included on the song list, I may be already to play it. If there is a special song that you need, I can do it if given sufficient time to do so. There is an additional fee €30 approx if it requires a new track to be prepared which is not on my complete playlist which runs to hundreds of popular tunes.

What do your clients love most about your performances?

My aim is to always hit the right notes for clients performing exactly what is required for any occasion whether it is a smooth jazz sound or a high powered energy packed performance.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I have performed in most of the leading hotel venues throughout the island of Ireland, from Antrim to Cork and Kerry and from Dublin to Galway. I have played in large concert halls and theaters to smaller more intimate venues.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

I love performers who show their love of their art in every note they play. It doesn’t matter what style they play you can feel their energy and commitment. That’s what I set out to do in any performance I am involved with.

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

Hard to highlight one but I have performed on tv programmes in the past, with symphony orchestras to stage musicals to pop groups and some of the best wedding bands out there.

Musicianship

Genres:

Classical, Jazz, Folk, Pop, Rock, Electronic, Traditional church music, 1920s era music, 1930s era music, 1940s era music, 1950s era music, 1960s era music, 1970s era music, 1980s era music, 1990s era music, Avant garde, Christmas, Baroque, Classical crossover, Musical theatre, Electro-Swing, Ibiza club, Cabaret, Modern jazz, Swing, Easy listening, Light music, Covers, Disco, Funk, Karaoke, Top 40, Contemporary classical, Early music, Medieval music, Experimental

See all genres

Instruments:

Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Bass clarinet, Soprano saxophone, Recorder

See all instruments

Event types:

Wedding, Corporate event, Theatre / Show, Wedding proposal, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Cruise

See all event types

Other skills:

Musicologist, Examiner, Instrumental teaching, Theory teaching, Arranger, Fluent sight-reader, Perfect pitch, Community music worker, Composition teaching, Singing teaching

See all skills