Hire Contradave & Co | Singer in London

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From£100

1 hour

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With Francesco Nasone

Solo with prerecorded

Solo with Prerecorded

About Contradave

Contra-clarinet, singer, sax and band leader. Pop, jazz, funk & blues as solo artist and in combos with many other talents.

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Singer

London

Public liability insurance of £5 million

Professional London-based musician and band leader I specialise in clarinet, saxophone, vocals, and my particular speciality: the rare and beautiful contra (bass) clarinet. My solo work falls into two categories: 1. Loop-pedal pop, soul & blues: Groove-based classic songs built live with bass, harmony, and even percussion — all created using my contra clarinet. Vocals and solos are layered on top to create a full, dynamic sound. 2. Live with backing tracks: Pop, jazz, swing, blues and lounge club backing tracks with live melodies/solos added on clarinet/contra clarinet/sax/vocals. Combos: My greatest musical identity is as a collaborative improviser. I love performing as part of other musical talents, complementing their style and repertoire, bringing quality and versatility to each performance. Smaller combos can be expanded (e.g. by adding percussion) to suit your event or setting. Instrumental duos and trios with myself on clarinet, sax (and/or vocals): Rob Stutterheim (jazz pianist). Jenny Carr & Jonathan Lee (piano+drums) Albert Roberts & friends (multiple boogie woogie pianists!) Rhodry Blackwell Trio (piano, drums - modern jazz fusion originals and covers). Boris Latinov (guitar - versatile funk/soul/pop/jazz) Vocalists I accompany: Liz Byrne Duo (vocals/ukulele - charming swing, folk and 50s/60s pop classics), Finn Rivers Duo(singer/acoustic guitarist - sing along pop covers and party songs), Francesco Nasone Duo (vocals/jazz guitar or piano - light, summery jazz), Tsivi Sharret Duo (pianist/singer - instrumental and vocal music from Brazil, the Arab world, Israel and Eastern Europe). Lee Lawrence Trio (piano, vocals - classic jazz show tunes and duets from the 20s, 30s and 40s), Laura Stefan Trio (guitar, vocals - high energy pop, jazz and soul), Larger bands: The Boneshaker Band (eclectic mix of music in a blues-infused skiffle style), Pocket Silver Septet (energetic instrumental hard bop from the golden age of jazz), Ukey Mc Ukeface (ukulele collective - pop classics), World Music Big Band (16 piece band led by renowned trumpeter Steve Pretty) If any of that sounds exciting, please get in contact.

Contradave

5 out of 5

2 verified reviews

Contradave's Reviews

5 out of 5

David regularly plays his clarinets as leader of one of two house bands we get at our monthly events Barbican Nights. This week he performed a set of original songs playing and singing amongst the audience creating a wonderful atmosphere, like being around a campfire. Apart from his musical talents, David's reliability, commitment and ability to connect to our audiences has makes him a treasured part of our nights

5 out of 5

“David has been performing at Frizzante on Thursday evenings for over a year, and he has become an integral part of the restaurant’s atmosphere. His jazz performances are the perfect backdrop to our dining experience, adding an air of sophistication and warmth. David’s musical talent is exceptional! Whether he’s playing smooth standards or more upbeat, improvisational pieces, he never fails to captivate our guests. One of the things that stands out most is his versatility. David knows how to read the room and adapt his performance accordingly, creating a mood that complements the energy of the evening. His attention to detail and passion for the music shine through in every note, and we’ve received countless compliments from diners about how his performances enhance their experience. David is not only an incredible musician but also a true professional. He is always punctual, well-prepared, and easy to work with. His commitment to delivering quality performances every week has made him a valued part of the Frizzante team. We couldn’t be happier with his contribution and look forward to many more Thursday evenings filled with his beautiful music.” Gian – Frizzante Garden Restaurant, Hackney

Encore badges

3rd Anniversary

This act has been working with Encore for over 3 years

Contradave's Song list

***Contradave Solo %100 live***

Blue Suede Shoes

Castle On The Hill

Creep

Do What You Wanna

Do You Wanna Know

The Preacher

Stand By Me

Viva La Vida

Ya Move Ya Lose

Hit The Road Jack

Riptide

With Or Without You

No Woman No Cry

Let It Be

All About The Bass

FEELIN GROOVY

Don't Worry Be Happy

Shotgun

Just The Two Of Us

Dancing In The Moonlight

Stuck In The Middle With You

Sunny

Sissy Strut

I Will Survive

Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers

Saint James Infirmary

**Solo Vocal Jazz w/backings**"

A Foggy Day (George Gershwin)

All of Me (Gerald Mark's)

Almost like being in Love (Frederick Lowe)

Autumn Leaves (Joseph Kosma)

Blue Skies (Irving Berlin)

Come Fly With Me (Jimmy Van Heusen)

Do It the Hard Way (Richard Rodgers)

Don't be That Way (Edgar Samson)

Don't know Why (Jessie Harris/Norah Jones)

Fly me to the Moon (Bart Howard)

Gee Baby ain't I Good to You (Don Redman)

Have you met miss Jones (Richard Rodgers)

I Can't Give You Anything But Love (Jimmy McHugh)

I Could Write a Book (Richard Rodgers)

I Didn't Know What Time it Was (Richard Rodgers)

I Fall in Love too Easily (Jules Styne)

I Get a Kick out of You (Cole Porter)

I got Rhythm (George Gershwin)

I'm Putting all My Eggs in One Basket (Irving Berlin)

I've Got You Under My Skin (Cole Porter)

In a Mellotone (Duke Ellington)

In the Wee Small Hours Of the Morning (Mann-Hilliard)

I Walked Bud (Thelonius Monk)

It's only a Paper Moon (Harold Arlen)

Like Someone in Love (Jimmy Van Heusen)

Look for the Silver Lining (Jerome Kern)

Love Walked In (George Gershwin)

L-O-V-E (Gabler-Kaempfert)

Lullaby of Birdland (George Shearing)

My Funny Valentine (Richard Rodgers)

Nature Boy (Eden Ahbez)

The Nearness of You (hoagy Carmichael)

Nica's Dream (Horace Solver)

Old Devil Moon (Burton Lane)

On the Sunny Side of the Street (Jimmy McHugh)

Our Love is Here to Stay (George Gershwin)

Pick Yourself Up (Jerome Kern)

The Preacher (Horace Silver)

The Shadow of Your Smile (Johnny Mandel)

Smile (Charlie Chaplin)

Straighten Up and Fly Right (Cole-Mills)

Wave (Antonio Jobim)

You're getting to be a habit with me (Anita O' Day)

There Will Never Be Another You (Harry Warren)

They Can't Take That Away From Me (George Gershwin)

Wave (Tom Jobim)

Just The Way You Look Tonight (Jerome Kern)

What a Wonderful World (Weiss-Thiele)

Funk/Pop

Happy - Pharrell Williams

Superstition - Stevie Wonder

Valerie - Amy Winehouse

Stand By Me - Otis Reading

Half a World Away - Oasis

She's Electric - Oasis

Uptown Funk - Bruno Mars

Hit the Road Jack - Ray Charles

I Can See Clearly

It Must be Love - Madness

Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater

High and Dry - Radiohead

True Colours - Cindy Lauper / Justin Timberlake

Instrumental music (clarinet)

A wide range of jazz standards is within my repertoire. Happy to learn any piece of music from any genre with sufficient notice

***Liz Byrne Duo***

Alfie

Almost like being in love

AND I LOVE HER Concert

Autumn Leaves - C Part

Bewitched

Black Is The Colour

Call Me

Caravan

Change Partners

Cheek To Cheek C

Close Your Eyes

COME FLY WITH ME Concert Part

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE Concert part and Lyrics

Do You Know what It Means To Miss New Orleans

Don't Let The Sun Catch Crying

East Of The Sun Eb - C

Every time we say goodbye - C

Falling In Love With Love

FEELIN GROOVY

A FOGGY DAY

Frim Fram Sauce

Girl From Ipanema

I can't Believe That Your I Love With Me

I Thought About You

I Wish You Love D - C

I'll Be Seeing You

I'll Be Your Baby Tonight

I'm Beginning To See The Light

I'm Beginning To See The Light - G - George, Hodges, Ellington, James - RB1-6 Bb

I'm Through With Love

In A Mellow Tone

In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning C

It's Too Late C - C

I've Never Been In Love Before

Lagan Love

Long As You're Living

L-O-V-E

LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME Concert Part

Make You Feel My Love

Misty

THE NEARNESS OF YOU Concert Part

Never Let You Slip Away

Nice And Easy

NIGHT AND DAY Concert C

Old Devil Moon

ON A CLEAR DAY Concert Part

OUR LOVE IS HERE TO STAY Concert Part

Route 66

The Shadow Of Your Smile - C

SKYLARK concert

So In Love - C Part

Spooky

Straight No Chaser - Bb - Thelonious Monk - RB1-6 Eb

Sunny Side Of The Street D - Eb

Surrey With the Fringe On Top

The Surrey With The Fringe On Top - Bb - Richard Rodgers~Oscar Hammerstein II - RB1-6 Eb

S'Wonderful

Tea For Two

That Old Black Magic

That's All - C

This Guys In Love With You Bb - C

TILL THERE WAS YOU Concert Part

Together But Alone

Unforgettable

The Very Thought Of You Eb

The Way You Look Tonight

You Don't Know Me

YOUNG AT HEART Concert Part

You've Got A Friend - C

Francesco Nasone Duo

Finn Rivers Duo

Lee Lawrence Trio

Laura Stefan Trio

The Boneshaker Band

Ukey MC Ukeface

World Music Big Band

Contradave's Prices

Last updated: 2026

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

Duration	Price
Short performance (up to 15 min)	£62.50
Up to 1 hour	£100
Up to 2 hours	£150
Up to 3 hours	£225

Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

I always try to form a connection, make eye contact, build a rapport with my audience, and try to communicate the joy and beauty of life, even through sadness and in pain, so that people come away feeling more positive and more ready for all life brings.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Many venues over London including: The Spice of life Alfie's The Old Crown Soho The George Frizzante Plaquemine Lock The Solo The Eleanor Arms St Giles, Barbican The Hertford Jazz Festival First Light Lowestoft

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Many musicians from many genres on many different instruments. Music isn't one language, it is many. From the folk my parents listened to as a child, to the 90s indie and rock of my teenage years, Chicago blues of my 20s to the jazz and world music of my 30s. Now I enjoy all of those and more, but the light subtle vocals of Chet Baker always delights.

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

I think my favourite concert was at the First Light festival at Lowestoft. Playing on a big stage on the beach to an appreciative audience, then sticking around with my band to see the sun rise on the year's longest day.

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

I am are generally flexible. Please contact as soon as possible regarding any changes and I'll accommodate them if at all possible.

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

Yes this is simple to arrange between sets and once the PA is set up. If you require it significantly before/after the performance I can provide this for an additional fee, depending on timings and how it affects other band members' journeys

How much time do you need to set up?

I typically set up 45mins-1hour before the performance time. For longer journeys I allow more time. Once the PA is set up I can start providing background music

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

The different musical artists I work with each have their own repertoires, as listed in my music list, however all the music on my list of solo repertoire I can perform as a solo pieces even if my band members are unfamiliar with them.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes I have it all covered :)

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

If a song isn't included in my song list there is a chance I already know it. If there is a special song you'd like me to learn I am happy to do this for you. Depending on the lineup there may be a small fee for this service to take into account rehearsal times etc.

Musicianship

Genres:

Jazz, Swing, 1940s era music, 1930s era music, 1950s era music, Covers, Pop, 1980s era music, 1990s era music, 1960s era music, Funk, Vintage, Acoustic, Postmodern jukebox jazz

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Instruments:

Singer, Bass clarinet, Clarinet, Alto saxophone

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Event types:

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

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Other skills:

Accompanist, Fluent improviser, Live looping, Instrumental teaching, Lyricist, Arranger, Composer, Songwriter

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