Mike Smith Saxophonist
Services From Mike Smith Saxophonist in Liverpool
Wedding Jazz Duo - Chilled Vibes
The Stray Horns - Roaming Band
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Description
Hi there
I’m Mike, a musician based in the North West UK.
I play saxophone and keyboards and have performed at thousands of events alongside household names throughout my 25 year career as a professional musician.
I continue to work as a regular sideman with the likes of Elkie Brooks, Echo & the Bunnymen, Tony Hadley, Kid Creole, Heather Small, ABC and Sandi Thom, and now work alongside the international brand CREAM as their sax and keys player for the CREAM CLASSICS shows with K-Klass and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Between my touring commitments, I am available to perform at private events as a soloist, as part of a duo or with my band the strayhorns.
Whether it’s an intimate party or a stadium sized event, I’ll be able to help provide entertainment for your party!
Please drop me a line for availability and to find out what I can do for you and your event
Nick Pounds
• July 16, 2024Mike was phenomenal - his playing was groovy, soulful and varied - pitched perfectly to suit the event and audience. Mike was delightful in his interaction with children and adults; he was responsive to requests and 100% amenable. My wife was delighted with the music - she danced with grandchildren, sons/daughters, friends and colleagues within a great atmosphere. Thank you Mike for sharing your musical talents and passion, - helping make this retirement party a success and a lovely experience for everyone.
Claire Bassnett
• April 14, 2019Was very good had him for my baby shower and it was just perfect
Kim Young
• Nov. 16, 2018Mike was truly amazing!!!! Would definitely recommend! The dance floor was full!! Thank you!!!
natalie eastwood
• March 11, 2023You were both fantastic, really added that special touch to our party, thank you. Many of our friends have mentioned also how great you both were and a few have asked for your contact details which I have passed on. I will be sure to contact you in the future for anymore events.
Thank you so much 😊
ticketmaster UK
• Feb. 17, 2018"Over the past near thirty years, Cream has dominated Liverpool nightlife. From its imperious weekly reign of the nineties up to its present-day incarnation of global superbrand, the goliath has evolved and towered above others, managing to remain relevant to a huge audience of clubbers from every generation of that three-decade dominance.
The Cream Classical concept has been one such example of that ability to evolve. The re-emergence of the older raver in recent years has dovetailed with Cream's knack for somehow making the dance music revisionist agenda fresh. This hasn't just been about giving the more seasoned dancefloor denizen the chance to hear the records that soundtracked their youth, instead welcoming an experience that appeals equally to the younger generation at the same time.
Placing Cream Classical in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral has been part of the masterstroke. By picking a building which quite literally looms over the city, the brand has managed to get its own bragging rights about the clubs and classical trend. If you're going to be involved in what is now quite a saturated marketplace, you need to do it properly. Cream not only bring their heritage but also the brass balls to pull off something once again on this epic scale.
This third edition had a lot to live up to, with the 2016 and 2017 Cream Classical experiences lingering long in the memory. As ever the set-list was rejuvenated, with the theme for this doubleheader Cream Ibiza, the brand's longest-running and arguably most wide-reaching residency which still holds strong.
In terms of the venue itself, none of the previous magic and aura had been dimmed. We've said it before, but there really is nothing quite like walking into this ecclesiastical paradise, whether a first-timer or a veteran long converted to its gloriously gothic charms. Liverpool Cathedral is easily one of the most impressive within Europe, and Cream once more bathed the environ in stunning light, sharp green lasers and smoke regularly piercing the walls.
The music was equally on point, with the set-list bulging with records that defined different tiers of the Balearic experience. Obvious radio friendly crowd pleasers coursed through the venue's walls, Groove Armada's evergreen 'Superstylin' joined by a particularly raucous rendition of Shapeshifters' feel-good anthem 'Lola's Theme', but there was also time for more introspective cuts which made excellent use of the orchestra's full capabilities.
Once such example was a simply stunning rendition of Silicone Soul's 'Right On', the delightful bittersweet strings of one of the most beautiful house music records of all time coming into their own in this space. That, along with a joyous re-imagining of the Source and Candi Staton's Jamie Principle aping 'You've Got The Love'., probably proved the sound based highlughts of the night.
And it being Cream Ibiza trance obviously came to the play. The genre's late nineties heyday has had a bit of a purple patch recently, DJs such as Nina Kraviz and Denis Sulta dipping into the sound whilst the likes of Gatecrasher have made a comeback, but it's rarely been delivered with such grandiose splendour as here."
laura delamar
• Sept. 16, 2017“Oh Mike! You made our wedding, everyone is still raving about the sax man! I think I've got you lined up for the next weddings of my friends plus their friends! Thank you so much! Laura Delamar (Wedding) 10/10”
FAQs
Please, describe your act or business in on sentence:
A very popular saxophonist from the North West, known for his work with Cream Classical and household names such as Elkie Brooks, ABC, Craig David etc
What are the highlights of your career?
Having been brought up in a musical environment, it was inevitable that Mike would make a name for himself as an artist in his own right, but not without earning his spots first. Mike has paid his dues as a sideman over the last fifteen years with the likes of Elkie Brooks, Kid Creole, Heather Small, ABC and Sandi Thom, Mike was asked to work alongside the international brand CREAM as their sax and keys player for the CREAM CLASSICS tour in 2016-2018 with K-Klass and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. A musician from the age of 10, he went onto study at the prestigious Livrpool Institute for Performing Arts, where he now teaches saxophone. His diverse and wide ranging experience have given him kudos amongst his peers and he has become one of the most sought after sax players in the area. Mike has three of his own albums out on the 'playing with sound' record label under his brand name of @gingertunes' www.gingertunes.co.uk
What is your competitive advantage (special features)?
Very experienced and friendly
What kind of events do you usually serve?
Weddings and Events
Who are your previous clients?
Cream, Bose, McDonalds, P&O Cruises, Elkie Brooks, Rolls Royce, Rolex etc...
How can event planners pay for your services?
bank transfer
How long do you play for?
up to 2 hours (with breaks)
Do you have your own PA and lighting?
yes
Do you have Public Liability Insurance and PAT tested equipment?
yes
How much space do you require?
a few meters
My favourite tune is not on your list. Will you be able to play it?
if I'm given enough time, sure!
How many breaks do you take? How long are they?
usually 15 min beaks
What style of music do you offer?
jazz, blues, ibiza, chillout
Is it possible to request something that's not in the repertoire?
yes
Do you do open-air acts?
all the time
Set List/Services
Heres a sample of my repertoire.
It includes (but is not limited to) the following:
Popular Music
Club Ibiza style
Jubel
Changes
The man with the red face
Calabria
Summer love
Hed Kandi etc
Pop
Baker street
A million love songs
Happy (Duo)
Get Lucky (Duo)
Rolling in the deep (Duo)
Let there be love
My Baby just cares for me
Don't know why
Isn't she lovely
When I Fall In Love
We Have All The Time In The World
Come away with me
What A Wonderful World
Me & Mrs Jones
Masquerade
Kiss From A Rose
Here There And Everywhere
Congratulations
You're Beautiful
Come Away With Me
Endless Love
I Am Blessed
Feeling Good
Hey Jude
I'll Make Love To You
Tears In Heaven
Nobody Does It Better
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
Have I Told You Lately
How Deep Is Your Love
Christmas Songs
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Jingle Bells
Lonely This Christmas
Merry Christmas Everybody
Mistletoe & Wine
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Santa Claus is Coming To Town
Sleigh Ride
The Christmas Song
Winter Wonderland
Wonderful Christmastime
Hark The Herald
Mary's Boy Child
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Once In Royal David's City
Silent Night