Hire Tessa Smith | Singer in West Yorkshire

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About Tessa Smith

Vintage vocalist, performing music from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Perfect for Charleston, Swing Dances or vintage-inspired events.

Singer

Leeds

Public liability insurance of £10 million

Hi there! I’m Tessa and I love singing the songs of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. After studying Jazz music at University, I discovered Swing Dancing and completely fell in love with it. This lead me down the vintage route, and saw me creating bespoke sets of music from the 1920s - 40s. I love being able to sing this fantastic music for people, and maybe even teach them a little Charleston to really bring back the feel of the roaring 20s. I have been lucky enough to perform all over the country for organisations such as National Trust, English Heritage, and the Ryder Cup, as well as countless private parties, weddings and music events. As a solo vocalist, I pride myself in being professional and efficient - I know how much it takes to organise an event and will absolutely help to make sure things run smoothly. I can be completely self-contained, and have a battery-powered amp for outdoor events. This has proven very useful over the pandemic as I have performed in NHS and Residential Home gardens! I can also perform with a vintage 1940s Trio (The Honeybirds) or a full band of up to 6 additional musicians, depending on the budget and space of the event.

Tessa Smith

4.9 out of 5

2 verified reviews

Satisfaction

5.0

Professionalism

5.0

Communication

4.5

Punctuality

5.0

Tessa Smith's Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Excellent performance, very professional at all times. Will look to book for future events. Highly recommended.

Reply from Tessa Smith

1 year ago

Thanks Simon, I had a wonderful time at your event. Thank you for your hospitality.

5 out of 5

Tessa was absolutely amazing in every way. She was very accommodating when schedule didn’t quite go to plan. She looked and sounded amazing. She was a real asset and made the event. Thank you so much

Reply from Tessa Smith

2 years ago

Thanks Alex! I hope the wedding went brilliantly 🥰

Tessa Smith was storming at the Sunday Tea Dance! I would certainly recommend her and her band any time.

The Honeybirds really look and sound the part. Amazing vocals which were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. These ladies are a pleasure to work with, and listen to!

Encore badges

3rd Anniversary

This act has been working with Encore for over 3 years

Tessa Smith's Song list

I have split my song lists

into eras for you, to

make it easier to find

what you might be looking for.

More information is available

at the bottom of the list.

Categories are:

1920s

1930s and 1940s

Post 1950

Christmas/Festive

Many thanks,

1920s

· After You’ve Gone

· Ain’t Misbehavin’

· Alexander’s Ragtime Band

· Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen

· Bill Bailey, Won’t You Come Home

· Button Up Your Overcoat

· Bye Bye Blackbird

· Dinah

· Down By The Riverside

· I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate

· It’s A Long Way To Tipperary

· Margie

· Minnie The Moocher

· My Blue Heaven

· Sing Sing Sing

· Somebody Stole My Gal

· St Louis Blues

· Sweet Georgia Brown

· Sweet Sue

· ‘S Wonderful

· The Charleston

· When The Saints Go Marching In

· When You’re Smiling

· White Cliffs of Dover

· Who’s Sorry Now?

1930s and 1940s

· A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square

· A Tisket A Tasket

· Ain’t Nobdy’s Business

· All Of Me

· Almost Like Being In Love

· Basin Street Blues

· Blue Skies

· Body And Soul

· Chattanooga Choo Choo

· Cheek to Cheek

· Don’t Fence Me In

· Dream A Little Dream of Me

· Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye

· Fever

· Georgia on My Mind

· Get Happy

· God Bless The Child

· Honeysuckle Rose

· I Got Rhythm

· I Only Have Eyes For You

· I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl

· I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter

· I’ve Got You Under My Skin

· Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby

· It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing

· It Had To Be You

· It’s Only a Paper Moon

· Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off

· Let’s Face The Music and Dance

· Love Me Or Leave Me

· Lover Man

· Lullaby of Birdland

· Mack the Knife

· Makin’ Whoopie

· Mr Bojangles

· My Baby Just Care For Me

· My Funny Valentine

· Nice Work If You Can Get It

· On the Sunny Side of the Street

· Orange Coloured Sky

· Pennies From Heaven

· Shiny Stockings

· Someone To Watch Over Me

· Summertime

· Take the A Train

· The Lady Is A Tramp

· The Nearness of You

· The White Cliffs of Dover

· Them There Eyes

· They Can’t Take That Away From Me

· This Can’t Be Love

· Too Darn Hot

· We’ll Meet Again

· Why Don’t You Do Right

Post 1950

· Bridge Over Troubled Water

· Can’t Buy Me Love

· Hallelujah I Love Him So

· He’s A Tramp

· Hello Dolly

· I’m in The Mood for Love

· Imagine

· Nothing’s Too Good for My Baby

· Over The Rainbow

· People Get Ready

· Songbird

· The Bare Necessities

· The Very Thought of You

· Time Is a Healer

· What A Wonderful World

· You’ve Got A Friend In Me

CHRISTMAS SONGS

ALSO AVAILABLE:

· All I Want For Christmas Is You

· Auld Lang Syne

· Blue Christmas

· Deck The Halls

· Driving Home For Christmas

· Frosty The Snowman

· Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

· It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

· It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

· Jingle Bell Rock

· Jingle Bells

· Let It Snow

· Merry Christmas, Baby

· Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree

· Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

· Santa Baby

· Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

· The Christmas Song

· We Wish You A Merry Christmas

· What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve

· White Christmas

· Winter Wonderland

INFORMATION:

I am constantly adding

to my list of backing tracks.

Should there be a song you

want that is missing,

I can look for it for you!

If being booked with an

accompanist or band,

more repertoire is available.

Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

My energy and smile are what's most commented on. Also, the Charleston dance instruction I can provide on a 1920s performance!

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I have performed in so many, it's hard to keep track! National Trust venues, English Heritage venues, Gleneagles Golf Club (for the Ryder Cup) and The Sage in Gateshead all top the list though!

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Eva Cassidy - so may incredible female vocalists!

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

Probably the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles with my 1940s Trio, The Honeybirds.

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

I know that timings can change during the planning of an event and I always try my best to be flexible to ensure your event runs smoothly. If timings change in the run up to the event, just get in touch to let me know.

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

Yes indeed! I can play songs in the style of the booking between seting up and performing, and during sets. Unfortunately, I can not offer a DJ service following the performance, but I can make recommendations to help you find a DJ, if you like.

How much time do you need to set up?

I usually set up about 30 mins to 1 hour before the performance time, depending on whether I'm alone or with an accompanist.

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

My set lists are crafted from countless performances and learning what works best to ensure guests have an amazing time. However, I'm definitely happy to chat through and make sure we find what works for your event.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes, absolutely. I bring all the sound equipment needed to perform. I also have a battery-powered amp, if you want the performance outdoors!

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

If a song isn't included in our song list there may still be a chance I can perform it. It may depend on whether a suitable backing track is available, or needs to be made especially. If there is a special song you'd like me to learn I am happy to do this for you. There is a fee for this service to take into account backing tracks, rehearsal times etc.

Musicianship

Genres:

Swing, Vintage, Jazz, Ragtime, Dixieland, 1920s era music, 1930s era music, 1940s era music, Christmas, Film / TV music, Blues, Easy listening, Acoustic, Covers

See all genres

Instruments:

Singer, Ukulele

See all instruments

Event types:

Wedding, Private event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Corporate event, Concert, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve, Virtual event, Funeral / Memorial service, Hotel / Restaurant event

See all event types

Other skills:

Arranger, Lyricist, Transcription, Accompanist, Fluent improviser, Theory teaching, Singing teaching, Examiner, Community music worker

See all skills