Pianist

Thomas McBrien

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About Thomas

Award winning pianist, accordionist and composer working throughout London and Europe.
Pianist
Bexleyheath
Public liability insurance of £10 million
Verified profile

Introducing Thomas McBrien, an exceptional jazz pianist and composer based in the vibrant south east London. With a remarkable two decades of experience, Thomas has dedicated over half of his life to perfecting his craft as a professional musician. He pursued his passion by obtaining a bachelor's degree in music from Canterbury Christ Church University and further refined his skills through a post-graduate program in Jazz Piano Performance at the esteemed Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Thomas's extraordinary talent has taken him on captivating tours across the UK, Europe, and America, captivating audiences with his remarkable solo performances and collaborations with diverse ensembles. When it comes to composition, Thomas specializes in creating captivating pieces primarily for the piano. Moreover, he showcases his versatility by skillfully arranging his compositions to suit the unique requirements of the ensembles he collaborates with. As a solo pianist, Thomas frequently performs at a variety of events in London and throughout the UK, including weddings, restaurants, and birthday parties. With his easy-going nature, punctuality, and impeccable sense of style, Thomas is a pleasure to work with. You can now book Thomas McBrien through Encore to add a touch of musical excellence to your special event.

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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
10 gigs
Experienced: 10 bookings through Encore
Musicianship
Genres:
Christmas, Classical crossover, Contemporary classical, Classical, 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, Jazz, Blues, Cabaret, Dixieland, Modern jazz, Latin jazz, Jazz fusion, Gypsy jazz, Postmodern jukebox jazz, Swing, Ragtime, Gospel, Easy listening, Experimental, Originals, Light music, Pop, Covers, Funk, Disco, R&B, Motown, Top 40, Soul, Vintage, Rock 'n' Roll, Pop rock, Bossa nova, French music, Latin, Salsa, Klezmer, Spanish music, Tango, Bluegrass, Traditional English folk, Traditional Irish folk, Rockabilly, Funk rock, Ambient pop, Acoustic, Rock, Balkan, Calypso, Bavarian oompah, Samba
See all genres
Instruments:
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Event types:
Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
See all event types
Other skills:
Arranger, Composer, Producer, Transcription, Orchestrator, Fluent improviser, Fluent sight-reader, Theory teaching, Instrumental teaching, Composition teaching, Community music worker, Examiner, Live looping, Accompanist
See all skills

Thomas' Song list

Jazz Repertoire
A Child Is Born - Thad Jones
A Grand Night for Swinging - Gerry Mulligan
A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square - Eric Maschwitz and Manning Sherwin
Ain't Misbehavin' - Fats Waller, Harry Brooks, and Andy Razaf
All Blues - Miles Davis
All Of Me - Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons
All Of You - Cole Porter
All The Things You Are - Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II
Anthropology - Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie
Armundos Rhumba - Chick Corea
At Last - Mack Gordon and Harry Warren
Au Privave - Charlie Parker
Autumn in New York - Vernon Duke
Autumn Leaves - Joseph Kosma and Johnny Mercer
Beatrice - Sam Rivers
Billie's Bounce - Charlie Parker
Black Nile - Wayne Shorter
Black Orpheus (Manhã de Carnaval) - Luiz Bonfá and Antônio Maria
Blue Bossa - Kenny Dorham
Blue Concept - Billy Taylor
Blue In Green - Miles Davis and Bill Evans
Blue Monk - Thelonious Monk
Blue Skies - Irving Berlin
Blues for Alice - Charlie Parker
Blues On The Corner - McCoy Tyner
Body And Soul - Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, and Frank Eyton
But Not For Me - George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Bye Bye Blackbird - Ray Henderson and Mort Dixon
C Jam Blues - Duke Ellington
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man - Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II
Cantaloupe Island - Herbie Hancock
Celeste - Miles Davis
Celia - Bud Powell
Cheek To Cheek - Irving Berlin
Cherokee - Ray Noble
Come Rain Or Come Shine - Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer
Concerto De Aranjuez - Joaquín Rodrigo
Confirmation - Charlie Parker
Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars) - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Countdown - John Coltrane
Cry Me A River - Arthur Hamilton
Dance Of The Elders - Max Roach
Desafinado - Antonio Carlos Jobim and Newton Mendonça
Dig Dis - Hank Mobley
Dolphin Dance - Herbie Hancock
Don't Get Around Much Anymore - Duke Ellington and Bob Russell
Donna Lee - Charlie Parker
Doxy - Sonny Rollins
Emily - Johnny Mandel and Johnny Mercer
Eternal Triangle - Sonny Stitt
Everybody's Song But My Own - Kenny Dorham
Everything Happens To Me - Matt Dennis and Tom Adair
Everything I've Got Belongs To You - Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
Exactly Like You - Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields
Eye Of The Hurricane - Herbie Hancock
Feel Like Makin' Love - Gene McDaniels
Five - Bill Evans
Fly Me To The Moon - Bart Howard
Footprints - Wayne Shorter
Four - Miles Davis
Four on Six - Wes Montgomery
Freddie Freeloader - Miles Davis
Funkerello - Horace Silver
Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You - Don Redman and Andy Razaf
Georgia On My Mind - Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell
Giant Steps - John Coltrane
The Girl From Ipanema - Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes (English lyrics by Norman Gimbel)
Groovin' High - Dizzy Gillespie
Have You Met Miss Jones? - Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
Honeysuckle Rose - Fats Waller and Andy Razaf
How Deep Is The Ocean - Irving Berlin
How High The Moon - Morgan Lewis and Nancy Hamilton
How Insensitive (Insensatez) - Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes (English lyrics by Norman Gimbel)
I Can't Get Started - Vernon Duke and Ira Gershwin
I Fall In Love Too Easily - Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn
I Got Rhythm - George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
I Wish I Knew... - Harry Warren and Mack Gordon
I'll Remember April - Gene de Paul, Patricia Johnston, and Don Raye
Impressions - John Coltrane
In A Sentimental Mood - Duke Ellington and Manny Kurtz
In A Mellow Mood - Duke Ellington
In A Mellow Tone - Duke Ellington
In Walked Bud - Thelonious Monk and Jon Hendricks
Infant Eyes - Wayne Shorter
Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
Israel - John Carisi
It Could Happen To You - Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke
It's Only A Paper Moon - Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg
Jordu - Duke Jordan
Joy Spring - Clifford Brown
Just A Gigolo - Leonello Casucci and Irving Caesar
Just Friends - John Klenner and Sam M. Lewis
Kind Folk - Kenny Dorham
L-O-V-E - Bert Kaempfert and Milt Gabler
Lazy River - Hoagy Carmichael and Sidney Arodin
Let's Get Lost - Jimmy McHugh and Frank Loesser
Little Sunflower - Freddie Hubbard
Long Ago and Far Away - Jerome Kern and Ira Gershwin
Lonnie's Lament - John Coltrane
Love For Sale - Cole Porter
Lover Man - Jimmy Davis, Roger "Ram" Ramirez, and James Sherman
Lucky To Be Me - Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green
Lullaby For Helen - Bill Evans
Maiden Voyage - Herbie Hancock
Manhattan - Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
Milestones - Miles Davis
Misty - Erroll Garner (with lyrics added later by Johnny Burke)
Moanin' - Bobby Timmons
Moon River - Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer
Mr. PC - John Coltrane
My Favorite Things - Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II
My Funny Valentine - Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
Naima - John Coltrane
Nardis - Miles Davis
Nature Boy - Eden Ahbez
Never Will I Marry - Frank Loesser
Night and Day - Cole Porter
Night Dreamer - Wayne Shorter
Night In Tunisia - Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Paparelli
Night Train - Jimmy Forrest, Lewis Simpkins, and Oscar Washington
No Blues - Miles Davis
Now's The Time - Charlie Parker
Oleo - Sonny Rollins
Oliloqui Valley - Herbie Hancock
On Green Dolphin Street - Bronisław Kaper and Ned Washington
On The Street Where You Live - Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner
On The Sunny Side Of The Street - Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields
Once Upon A Summertime - Michel Legrand, Johnny Mercer, and Eddie Barclay
Ornithology - Charlie Parker and Benny Harris
Out of Nowhere - Johnny Green and Edward Heyman
Parisian Thoroughfare - Bud Powell
Passion Dance - McCoy Tyner
Peace Piece - Bill Evans
Peel Me A Grape - Dave Frishberg
Penthouse Serenade - Will Jason and Val Burton
Perdido - Juan Tizol, Hans Lengsfelder, and Ervin Drake
Poinciana - Nat Simon and Buddy Bernier
Polkadots and Moonbeams - Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke
Pure Imagination - Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley
Recorda-Me (Recuerdame) - Joe Henderson
Rhythm-A-Ning - Thelonious Monk
Round Midnight - Thelonious Monk
Satin Doll - Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and Johnny Mercer
Scrapple From The Apple - Charlie Parker
Second Balcony Jump - Billy Eckstine, Gerald Valentine, and Don Redman
Secret Love - Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster
So What - Miles Davis
Softly As In A Morning Sunrise - Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein II
Solar - Miles Davis
Some Other Time - Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green
Someday My Prince Will Come - Frank Churchill and Larry Morey
Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg
Song For My Father - Horace Silver
Spartacus Love Theme - Alex North
Speak Low - Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash
Speak No Evil - Wayne Shorter
St. Thomas - Sonny Rollins
Star Eyes - Gene de Paul and Don Raye
Stella By Starlight - Victor Young and Ned Washington
Straight No Chaser - Thelonious Monk
Summer Time - George Gershwin and DuBose Heyward
Sunny - Bobby Hebb
Take Five - Paul Desmond
Take the "A" Train - Billy Strayhorn
Tea For Two - Vincent Youmans and Irving Caesar
Teach Me Tonight - Gene De Paul and Sammy Cahn
Tell Me A Bedtime Story - Herbie Hancock
The Days of Wine and Roses - Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer
The Kid From Red Bank - Neal Hefti
The Nearness Of You - Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington
The Peacocks - Jimmy Rowles
The Song Is You - Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II
The Way You Look Tonight - Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields
There Is No Greater Love - Isham Jones and Marty Symes
There Will Never Be Another You - Harry Warren and Mack Gordon
This I Dig Of You - Hank Mobley
Time Remembered - Bill Evans
Tune Up - Miles Davis
Unsquare Dance - Dave Brubeck
Watermelon Man - Herbie Hancock
Waters Of March (Águas de Março) - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Wave - Antonio Carlos Jobim
When Lights Are Low - Benny Carter and Spencer Williams
What Is This Thing Called Love - Cole Porter
Windows - Chick Corea
Yesterdays - Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach
You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To - Cole Porter
500 Miles High - Chick Corea
Pop Repertoire
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie
All of Me - John Legend
All This Love That I'm Giving - Gwen McCrae
All You Need Is Love - The Beatles
At Last - Etta James
Big Poppa - The Notorious B.I.G.
Blackbird - The Beatles
California Dreaming - The Mamas & The Papas
Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley
Cream - Wu-Tang Clan
Don't Go Breaking My Heart - Elton John and Kiki Dee
Dreams - Fleetwood Mac
Electric Relaxation - A Tribe Called Quest
Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac
Half the World Away - Oasis
Harvest Moon - Neil Young
Heart of Gold - Neil Young
Hotel California - Eagles
How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding
Hypnotize - The Notorious B.I.G.
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
Imagine - John Lennon
Jackson - Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash
Juicy - The Notorious B.I.G.
Just the Two of Us - Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers
Let It Be - The Beatles
Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding
Make You Feel My Love - Adele (Originally by Bob Dylan)
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Michelle - The Beatles
Ms. Jackson - OutKast
Mumma Mia - ABBA
Pastime Paradise - Stevie Wonder
Perfect - Ed Sheeran
Rotterdam - The Beautiful South
Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur
Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder
Sitting on the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
Stand by Me - Ben E. King
Summertime - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
The Truth - Handsome Boy Modeling School
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Wonderwall - Oasis
You Are the Reason - Calum Scott
Your Song - Elton John
Classical Repertoire
Ave Maria - Franz Schubert
Canon in D - Johann Pachelbel
Children's Corner - Claude Debussy
Clair de Lune - Claude Debussy
Comptine d'un autre été - Yann Tiersen
Fantaisie-Impromptu - Frédéric Chopin
Fantasia in D minor (K. 397) - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Für Elise - Ludwig van Beethoven
Gymnopédie No. 1 - Erik Satie
Goldberg Variations - Johann Sebastian Bach
I Giorni - Ludovico Einaudi
Impromptu in G-flat major (Op. 90) - Franz Schubert
La fille aux cheveux de lin - Claude Debussy
Liebesträume No. 3 - Franz Liszt
Moment Musical No. 3 in F minor - Franz Schubert
Moonlight Sonata - Ludwig van Beethoven
Nocturne in C-sharp minor (Nocturne Op. 27) - Frédéric Chopin
Nocturne in E-flat major - Frédéric Chopin
Now
Pavane pour une infante défunte - Maurice Ravel
Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major (K. 331) - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Prelude in C major (WTC Book 1) - Johann Sebastian Bach
Prelude in C-sharp minor - Sergei Rachmaninoff
Prelude in D-flat major (Raindrop Prelude) - Frédéric Chopin
Prelude in G minor - Sergei Rachmaninoff
Partita No. 1 in B-flat major - Johann Sebastian Bach
Reverie - Claude Debussy
River Flows In You - Yiruma
Rondo Alla Turca - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The Heart Asks Pleasure First - Michael Nyman
Toccata and Fugue in D minor - Johann Sebastian Bach
Traumerei - Robert Schumann
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

As a pianist, I prioritize clients' requests, offer personalized experiences with vintage charm. Excellent communication ensures unforgettable performances. My warm character captivates audiences.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Ronnie Scotts The Barbican Conservatory Southwark Cathedral Norwich Cathedral

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Bill Evans Herbie Hancock Rachmaninov Debussy Oscar Peterson Ahmad Jamal

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

Dazzled the grand halls of Southwark Cathedral, mesmerizing a captivated audience of hundreds, while elegantly harmonizing with an enchanting choir.

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

We always try our 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 us know.

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

Absolutely. This is a really popular request and we actually offer this service for free. If you'd like a DJ service via our PA after the final set until the venue closes, we provide this for an additional £100.

How much time do you need to set up?

I usually set up about 1 to 1.5 hours before the performance time. As soon as my PA is set up we can provide a free playlist service to help set the atmosphere and get your guests ready for our live performance!

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?

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

Are you able to bring your own piano or keyboard?

Yes, absolutely! I bring my own instrument to play.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

If a song isn't included in our song list there may still be a chance we already know it. If there is a special song you'd like us to learn we are happy to do this for you. There is a fee of £30 for this service to take into account transcription and practice times etc.

Thomas' 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)£200
Up to 1 hour£250
Up to 2 hours£375
Up to 3 hours£500
Packages
Wedding ceremony
This includes music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave.
£150
Private event
Two performances of up to 45 mins.
£350
Drinks reception
Two performances of up to 45 mins each during your drinks reception
£450
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.
£900
Thomas
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5
6 verified reviews
Satisfaction
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0

Thomas' Reviews

From Encore customers:

CS
Charles S
3 months ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

Thomas was excellent. He turned up with ample time, was dressed impeccably for the event and his performance was faultless. I would 100% recommend him for other events.

Reply from Thomas
3 months ago

Thank you Charles, I'm glad you enjoyed my performance! It was a great evening!

SC
Sophie C
4 months ago
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5 out of 5

Tom was great! Professional, friendly and all of the guests loved him, as well as being a superb pianist! Thank you Tom :)

Reply from Thomas
4 months ago

Thank you so much Sophie, I’m glad you and your guests enjoyed my music! It was a pleasure to perform at your wedding!

GW
Gordon W
6 months ago
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5 out of 5

Thomas followed the brief of the private party providing excellent background of our chosen period, he also responded to quest requests. I would recommend him if asked.

Reply from Thomas
6 months ago

Thank you so much for your kind words Gordon. It was a pleasure to perform for your event!

JF
Jared F
1 year ago
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5 out of 5

Thomas was a joy to work with. He played jazz from the 1950s and 60s. A real treat during our wedding reception.

Reply from Thomas
7 months ago

Thanks so much Jared, really enjoyed performing at your wedding. It was a great day!

From other customers:

GH
George H
1 year ago, for a Wedding in Caroline Gardens
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5 out of 5

Tom's performance at our wedding ceremony was truly magical. From the first note he played, he filled the air with elegance and emotion, creating a beautiful and intimate atmosphere. His skillful touch on the keys brought our chosen songs to life, and his interpretation was captivating. Working with Tom was a highlight, as he effortlessly arranged music for a cellist to join him in a breathtaking duet. The collaboration added depth and richness to the performance, creating a harmonious blend of piano and cello that left our guests in awe. Tom's ability to coordinate and arrange with other musicians showcased his versatility and dedication to creating a personalised experience. Not only was Tom a masterful pianist, but he was also professional and accommodating throughout the entire process. He took the time to understand our vision for the ceremony and worked closely with both the cellist and us to curate a repertoire that perfectly captured the essence of our love story. His attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond made us feel confident and at ease. Tom's talent shone through every note he played, and our guests were captivated by the duet performance which featured versions of our favourite songs, all masterfully arranged by Tom in the lead up to the big day. The seamless collaboration between Tom and the cellist added a special touch to our wedding day that we will cherish forever. We wholeheartedly recommend Tom. His exceptional skill, professionalism, and warm personality made him and the cellist an absolute pleasure to work with. If you're seeking a pianist who can arrange beautiful duets and create an enchanting ambiance for your wedding ceremony, Tom is the perfect choice.

JM
Joe M
4 years ago, for a Private event in Beckenham
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5 out of 5

We hired Tom to play the piano at my daughters Christening party and would definately hire him again and have already recommended him to friends and family. Tom turned up on time and played beautifully. Everyone commented on how great he was and how nice it was to have live piano music at the party. Tom was friendly and a really nice guy and was also great talking with the kids and took some time to teach them some piano basics when he really didn’t have to. Highly recommend.

Read all 5 reviews