I first got the taste for jazz when my theatre studies lecturer encouraged me to a revise by bribing me with coffee and jazz! Dave introduced me to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone to name but a few. The influence of these great artists along with my own style lent itself well to jazz and whilst performing on board the TSS Topaz the more soulful jazz material just seemed to come my way. This is when I developed and grew as an artist performing to 1200 passengers a night for 9 months without a day off!
My Style
Today…as well as the usual Jazz standards I’ve tried to take modern music back in time by injecting a jazz swing into well loved songs like Kylie "Can’t Get You Out Of My Head" and The Beatles "Hard Days Night". My arrangement of these songs is so much my own now that I have trouble remembering the original melody.
The Performance
Performing at both the Wirral and Southport Jazz festivals and starring alongside the likes of Courtney Pine and Dennis Rollins and singing live for both BBC Radio Lancaster and Radio Merseyside. I have performed throughout the North of England at many sophisticated lounge bars and restaurants, all places I’d like to relax…..if I just had the time!
The Duo
Pianist - Pete Watson & I have worked together for over 6 years appearing regularly in Blundell Street, The London Carriage Works, Simply Heathcoat’s, Jalons Bridewell and the Lowry, along with a whole host of weddings and corporate events across the North of England. My favorite was performing to Richard Branson in 2003 when he launched his new Virgin Train and yes, you guessed it, the train was late!
The Trio
The introduction of Jack Stevens on bass makes up the trio and adds that little something extra. The trio entertained the rich and famous at the launch of (B59) Austin Martin held at Sugar Lounge Manchester. The same trio has performed at numerous weddings and corporate events across the North West and over to the Isle Of Man.
The Band
Enter Marcus Bonfanti on guitar, James Cruickshank on Saxophone, Steve Parry on trumpet and Paul Walsham on Drums. With this line up you’ve got the amazing sound of ‘The Toni James Jazz Band’ One of the great gigs we did was held at the Liverpool Empire and was in the Echo as the biggest wedding of the year!! The couple actually got married on the stage!
Here is an example set list
The Set
1. Summertime - Porgy And Bess
2. Fever - Peggy Lee
3. My Baby Just Cares For Me - Nina Simone
4. My Funny Valentine - Various
5. Fly Me to the Moon - Various
6. Every Time We Say Goodbye - Ella Fitzgerald
7. Sway - Various
8. When I fall In Love - Nat King Cole
9. Lady Is A Tramp - Various
1. Get Happy - Various
2. Moondance - Van Morrison
3. Hard Days Night - Beatles
4. It Had To Be You - Various
5. Under My Skin - Various
6. Dance Me - Madeline Peyroux
7. Tainted Love - Soft Cell
8. Can't get You Out Of My Head - Kylie
9. Streetlife - Randy Crawford
8. Can't get You Out Of My Head-Kylie
9. Streetlife- Randy Crawford ** Please note.If you like jazz and blues but also like a bit of pop, soul, disco we can combine the two styles together in one gig. A more of a jazzier first set then a funky shake ya ass get everyone up dancing second set. |
