Pianist

Matthew Bason

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About Matthew

Matthew is a hugely popular & in-demand pianist performing worldwide - Musical Excellence and Entertainment whatever the occasion!
Pianist
Kettering
Public liability insurance of £10 million
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Solo Musician and Entertainer Keyboards for Edison Lighthouse Pianist for JazzBy5 Jazz Band Pianist with The Ashby Big Band Matthew has been performing in public since 1994. His repertoire spans a vast array of genres - classical; jazz; contemporary; Bollywood; ragtime; blues; latin - and he is always exploring new music. A popular concert and event artiste, his work is predominantly made of contemporary and jazz performances, as he is well-known for his creative flair and 'knack' for improvisation - it is very rare than any 2 performances are the same. He is a very popular and frequent performer around the U.K., mainland Europe, USA and Canada (plus 2 tours of New Zealand and Australia as an organist); with many return visits to venues yearly. He has held residencies at: Sopwell House, St. Albans; Rubens at Westminster (London); The Connaught at Mayfair (London); Kettering Park Hotel and Spa, Northants; The Savoy, London; Althorp House, Northampton; ……..he is currently one of the resident pianists at The Quod, Oxford He is a "Lyric Baritone" vocalist, performing jazz, swing, blues, and musical theatre - although he does go into the realm of rock and roll and contemporary music when the need arises! Often performing with the nickname "Crooning Keys", he either accompanies himself on piano, or Roland Atelier (for orchestral and big-band sounds). Whatever the occasion, along with his excellent presentation and rapport with audiences, Matthew brings musical excellence and superb entertainment to all.

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This act has been working with Encore for over 6 years
10 gigs
Experienced: 10 bookings through Encore
Musicianship
Genres:
Christmas, Contemporary Christian, Traditional church music, Film / TV music, Opera, Musical theatre, Fanfare, Classical crossover, Contemporary classical, Classical, Baroque, Renaissance, 1920s era music, 1930s era music, 1940s era music, 1950s era music, 1990s era music, 1980s era music, 1970s era music, 1960s era music, Folk, Country, Traditional English folk, Gypsy jazz, Jazz, Postmodern jukebox jazz, Gospel, Ragtime, Blues, Cabaret, Latin jazz, Swing, Dixieland, Modern jazz, Jazz fusion, Easy listening, Light music, Pop, Covers, Soul, Acoustic, Top 40, Ambient pop, Motown, Vintage, R&B, Americana, Funk rock, Funk, Disco, Karaoke, Tribute, Rock, Indie, Progressive rock, Pop rock, Rock 'n' Roll, Britpop, Classic rock, World music
See all genres
Instruments:
See all instruments
Event types:
Hotel / Restaurant event, Wedding, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
See all event types
Other skills:
Transcription, Musical comedy, Fluent improviser, Fluent sight-reader, MC, Instrumental teaching, Theory teaching, Singing teaching, Community music worker, Examiner, Accompanist
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Matthew's Song list

Weddings and Functions:
I get asked a lot for "set-lists" or examples of pop/romantic music that I play on the piano for Wedding Receptions.
(This list could also be used for functions or general background music at other events)
Here is a SAMPLE list based on just one of my gig-pads.
This list doesn’t include literally everything that I play, but will give you an idea.
(I can play for around 6 hours with music both in my head and digital sheet music on my iPad)
A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
All of Me – John Legend
All Time Love – Will Young
Amazed – Lonestar
Angels – Robbie Williams
Beautiful – Christina Aguilera
Beautiful Day – U2
Beautiful Stranger – Madonna
Butterfly Waltz – Brian Crain
Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
City of Stars – LaLa Land
Clocks – Coldplay
Come Away With Me - Nora Jones
Dancing In The Moonlight – Toploader
Empire State Of Mind – Alicia Keys
Everything I do I do it for you – Bryan Adams
Greatest Day – Take That
Heaven – Bryan Adams
How Would You Feel – Ed Sheeran
Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
I Giorni – Einaudi
I’m Kissing You – Des’ree
Kiss From a Rose - Seal
Let There Be Love – Oasis
Lets Stay Together – Al Green
Love Changes Everything – Andrew Lloyd Webber
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Million Love Songs – Take That
Moondance – Van Morrison
Nothings Gonna Stop Us – Starship
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Perfect Day – Lou Reed
Rule The World – Take That
Sail Away – David Gray
Say You Love Me – Fleetwood Mac
Shine – Take That
Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay
Smooth – Santana
Songbird – Eva Cassidy
Sway – Dean Martin / Michale Buble
Power of Love – Celine Dion
The Rose – Westlife
The Sweetest Thing – U2
Truly Madly Deeply – Savage Garden
Wonderwall – Oasis
You’re Beautiful – James Blunt
Plus……………
Majority of love songs, jazz/American Songbook/Rat Pack music by composers/artists such as Gershwin, Cole Porter, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, etc.
Popular “light” classical (for example, Chanson de Matin by Elgar, Nocturn in E-flat by Chopin – laid back, not-too-heavy stuff)
Latin-American music by Antonio Carlos Jobin, Edmundo Ross etc.
Customer questions

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

If you need to change your timings, please get in touch and I will do my best to accommodate them.

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

Yes. I can provide this before, during and after as required. Please contact me to discuss timings and if this will generate any extra costs.

How much time do you need to set up?

If using my own equipment, I aim to arrive at least 1 hour before guests do. This is to ensure equipment is set-up safely, and that a decent sound-check has been carried out.

If I have a piano at my venue, are you happy to perform on that?

Yes, of course - as long as the piano is in working order and in tune, then I'm happy to play on it!

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

Yes - you can even ask for music not in the "set list". Please give me a few days notice though so I can either obtain the music, or work it out by ear.

Are you able to bring your own piano or keyboard?

Yes

Can you learn song requests before the event?

Yes - Please give me at least 2 days notice.

What do your clients love most about your performances?

I am able to adapt my playing according to age groups, audience responses and to what is occurring at the time (eg: playing quieter during a meal). I don't copy other musician's arrangements - I put my own ideas in, my own interpretation and style on a piece of music.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I have performed at a wide range of venues around UK, USA and Europe - be it small clubs to churches through to theatres. Notable venues I have performed at in the UK, as a soloist, includes: Oxford Castle; Ashorne Hall, Warwick Savoy Hotel, London Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth; Wolverhampton Civic Hall; The Tower Ballroom, Blackpool; Blackpool Opera House

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Difficult to answer: So many have over the years!

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

I have performed many times in the USA, and still do so - particularly at: Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona; Crystal Theatre, Crystal Falls, Michigan; Pasadena College Theatre, Pasadena, California;

Matthew's 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)£187.50
Up to 1 hour£250
Up to 2 hours£250
Up to 3 hours£312.50

Add-ons

Baby Grand Piano perspex shell
+£100
Organist for Church Service
+£125
Matthew
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4.9 out of 5
20 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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4.9
Communication
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4.8
Punctuality
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4.8

Matthew's Reviews

From Encore customers:

MP
Maureen P
1 year ago
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5 out of 5

Excellent

AD
Adeline D
1 year ago
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5 out of 5

Matthew went above and beyond before the wedding practicing viz zoo. with a friend of ours who was going to sing during the ceremony. Then turned up super early on the day for a final rehearsal in person, which she really appreciated, as well as us. He was a complete super star professional and super friendly to boot. Played for both the ceremony and drinks reception, really making it special. We cannot thank him enough. To those thinking of booking him....just do it you will not be disappointed.

BC
Brandon C
2 years ago
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5 out of 5

Amazing experience having Matthew play at my Grandmas 80th Birthday meal. He was very professional and his skill set as a pianist is incredible. Highly recommended.

DC
David C
2 years ago
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4.8 out of 5

Great playing for the occasion needed.

Read all 13 reviews

From other customers:

LH
Louise H
1 year ago, for a Birthday party in Clapham
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5 out of 5

My husband and I would like to thank you for being a part of our daughter's birthday celebration last week. From our initial introduction through to the day itself, communications have been prompt and supportive. On the day itself, your presence and playing of chosen music was a beautiful addition to the event.

HC
Heather C
3 years ago, for a Wedding in Oxford
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5 out of 5

Matthew played our wedding (after some of the restrictions were lifted) and he couldn't have been a better choice of pianist! He was very accommodating and understanding as we had to change times and dates a lot(!); he played an incredible range of music including modern and some older tunes for our older relatives. We gave him a huge list of titles we liked, and we were amazed that he played ALL of them, and so beautifully too. A really professional and lovely guy, and a brilliant player! We will be recommending him to anyone who asks if we know of a pianist! Thank You SO MUCH! x

Read all 7 reviews