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Missy Jones

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About Missy

Vocalist, violist and guitarist Missy Jones performs traditional, contemporary and original songs and tunes drawn from around the world.
Singer
Glasgow

Missy Jones is a violist, vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and tunewriter who grew up steeped in the musical traditions of the British Isles and the Australian folk festival scene, and has more recently been exploring the traditions of Scandinavia and the Balkans. An award-winning songwriter and performer, drawing on the traditions and session singing she grew up with, her pared-back style brings the story carried in the music into sharp focus. She performs with Elly Arran in contemporary Australian folk duo Red Grenadier, which was a finalist in the 2018 FAA Youth Awards, and has been involved in many large ensemble projects including ceilidh bands, folk orchestras and cultural exchanges since taking up the fiddle in her teens. However, she has lately been gaining attention for her solo performances as an unaccompanied singer of traditional songs, as well as accompanying herself on her big fiddle or guitar. Her skill at telling a story through song carries over to her covers of 60s folk-revival and 90s-nostalgia acoustic indie numbers. She has a wide repertoire of songs to draw from, but can also add new numbers on request, with tasteful new interpretations. Expect a little bit of the silly, a little of the sublime, and some unashamedly nerdy folky death and misery.

Encore badges
4th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 4 years
Musicianship
Genres:
World music, Australian music, Balkan, Italian music, Greek music, Scottish music, Spanish music, Alternative rock, Indie, Acoustic, Vintage, Covers, Ambient pop, Easy listening, Originals, Light music, Experimental, Jazz, Blues, Swing, Jazz fusion, Postmodern jukebox jazz, Ragtime, Cabaret, Gypsy jazz, Folk, Ceilidh, Country, Folk rock, Traditional Irish folk, Traditional English folk, Traditional Scottish folk, Bluegrass, 1920s era music, 1930s era music, 1950s era music, 1960s era music, 1990s era music, Medieval music, Renaissance, Classical, Irish rock, Arabic, Classic rock, Early music, 1970s era music, 1980s era music, Pop, Britpop
See all genres
Event types:
Concert, Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
See all event types
Other skills:
Lyricist, Songwriter, Sound technician, Composer, Arranger, Fluent improviser, MC, Singing teaching, Instrumental teaching
See all skills

Missy's Song list

Lighthouse (The Waifs)
You Were Meant for Me (Jewel)
Fire & Rain (James Taylor)
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen) - choice of all 7 verses
Cheek to Cheek (Irving Berlin)
The Only Exception (Paramore)
Landslide (Fleetwood Mac)
Blue Skies (Irving Berlin)
I Can See Clearly Now (Johnny Nash)
Blackbird (Paul McCartney/The Beatles)
Thick as a Brick (Jethro Tull)
When We're Back Around (Scott Cook)
Rivers Run (Karine Polwart)
River (Joni Mitchell)
Knocking on Heaven's Door (Bob Dylan)
Romeo & Juliet (Dire Straits)
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Ewan MacColl)
The Briar & the Rose (Tom Waits)
Mirabeau Bridge (James Keelaghan)
She Loves Me (Dougie MacLean)
Songbird (Bernard Fanning)
Fourth Floor (The Waifs)
Buckets of Rain (Bob Dylan)
Big Yellow Taxi (Joni Mitchell)
Wish You Well (Bernard Fanning)
Whiskey You're the Devil (Bella Hardy)
St James Infirmary (traditional / Louis Armstrong)
Shenandoah (traditional)
Thousands or More (traditional)
Loving Hannah (traditional)
Byker Hill (traditional)
From Little Things, Big Things Grow (Kev Carmody & Paul Kelly)
Hey Rain/The Innisfail Song (Bill Scott)
Sorry (Karine Polwart)
To Her Door (Paul Kelly)
Cold Missouri Waters (James Keelaghan)
The Golden Vanity/Sweet Trinity (traditional)
Willie McBride/Green Fields of France (Eric Bogle)
The Band Played Waltzing Matilda (Eric Bogle)
Four Loom Weaver (traditional)
He Fades Away (Alistair Hulett)
Anderson's Coast (John Warner)
Moreton Bay (traditional)
Instrumental pieces (traditional and original) - a variety of lengths and styles suitable for background music or dancing, including waltz, march, reel, jig, slip jig, slow air, polska, schottische/schottis, mazurka
Like Rain (original)
Lain at Your Feet (original)
Wren Song (original)
I Suppose (original)
Customer questions

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

I always try my 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. Last minute changes (<48 hours before) may increase the quoted fee if I have to reschedule other commitments because of it.

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

Generally, if performing unamplified, no; if performing with a PA, yes. If this is something you would like, please bring it up when enquiring and I will let you know what I am able to provide at the time.

How much time do you need to set up?

If performing unamplified, I will arrive 30-60 mins before the start time to set up my instruments and pack cases away. If a PA is provided, I will be there 1 to 1.5 hours before the performance time to ensure any soundchecking is complete before the event starts. If I am providing a PA, I will be there 1.5-2 hours before to set up and soundcheck.

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

Yes, absolutely - I have a wide range of music that will suit different moods or events. I can perform themed sets around particular topics (e.g. love, war, travel, protest), or suited to different functional requirements (e.g. chorus songs for singing along, lively songs/tunes for dancing, sombre songs for reflective moments, or just background music).

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

For intimate unplugged/acoustic gigs: Yes, I bring all my own instruments and stands. For amplified gigs: I do not have my own PA, so if you or the venue are not providing it, I will hire one to bring and this cost will be added to the fee. This will generally be around £50.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

Yes! Just ask, because if I don't already know it, up to 5 new songs are included in the set price. If you would like me to learn more than 5 new songs, there will be an extra fee of £20 per song for rehearsals. Keep in mind that some songs may not be suitable for the instrumentation I can provide, but I am happy to try a new interpretation for you!

What do your clients love most about your performances?

The storytelling in my songs, the range and tone of my voice, and the counterpoint between my voice and rich sound of the viola or my deft guitar playing. I have also been told by audiences that they were amazed how varied my set was for a solo performer.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I have performed at many festivals including Woodford Folk Festival, Illawarra Folk Festival, Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival and Cygnet Folk Festival in Australia, at Orkney Folk Festival and Stonehaven Folk Festival in the UK, and at Alkantara Festival in Italy. I have also played background music in bars and restaurants and sung for wedding ceremonies.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Cloudstreet, James Fagan & Nancy Kerr, Andy Irvine & Paul Brady, Mandy Connell.

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

The Woodford Folk Festival opening ceremony, as a soloist with the Ethno Australia Folk Orchestra on the Amphitheatre stage (a venue seating around 20 000 people).

Missy's 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)£50
Up to 1 hour£200
Up to 2 hours£320
Up to 3 hours£480
Packages
Composing an original tune
I will write an original tune in honour of your occasion, or as a gift for somebody special. You can request the tune type (such as a waltz, jig, reel, slow air or march), and I will consult with you to get the right feel and mood for the piece. It will be 16-32 bars long and suitable for dancing or walking in procession to. Please note the tune will not have lyrics. This composition can be dedicated for any type of event, though it would be an especially romantic accompaniment for a wedding proposal, the bridal march during a wedding ceremony, or the first dance at a wedding reception. Price does not include a performance, only the commission of the tune.
£160
Composing an original song
I will compose an original song for your occasion or as a gift for somebody special. You can make requests such as a key that you will be able to sing it in yourself, lyrics or themes you wish to be included, and the rhythm or style of the song - I will consult with you throughout the composition process to ensure the song is suits the mood and feeling of the occasion. You can expect the song to be around 2-4 verses long with a refrain or chorus (total time 2:30-3:00 minutes), but the structure is flexible depending on your wishes. This composition can be dedicated for any type of event, though it would be an especially romantic for a wedding ceremony or anniversary, a thoughtful gift for a significant birthday, or as a memorable addition to a funeral or memorial service. Price does not include a performance, only the commission of the tune.
£320
Missy
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4.5 out of 5
2 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

Missy's Reviews

From Encore customers:

RE
Rachel E
11 months ago
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5 out of 5

Missy was an outstanding participant in our wedding. She sang one of our favourite songs for us as part of the ceremony itself. Its was magical and we were thrilled to have her participate. Perfectly professional, accommodating, and talented. Highly recommended!

From other customers:

SC
Susan C
4 years ago, for a Concert in Morpeth NE65 9UL
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4 out of 5

We booked Missy to play a house concert in her duo Red Grenadier, and we couldn't have been happier with the performance. The audience were very complimentary about their choice of songs and musical skill - playing fiddle and singing at the same time, the intricate guitar accompaniment, and even some a cappella singing which suited the mood of the room perfectly. They were natural performers, and we would recommend Missy to anyone looking for a memorable and varied acoustic folk set, especially for an intimate event.

AL
Ann C
7 years ago

We saw her sing solo at the young folk musician competition at the Illawarra Folk Festival. The judges were clearly as impressed as us, because they awarded her ‘Best Performance of an Australian Folk Song’ and ‘Best Original Song in a Folk Style.’ Then two years later, when she came back, she won both those categories again (with new songs!) as well as a third category, 'Best Performance of a Folk Song from Another Tradition.' We booked her duo Red Grenadier for the next festival after that.