As an accomplished saxophonist and pianist, I've been fortunate to play all over the world for artists including the Supremes, the Temptations, Nick Heyward from Haircut 100, Curiosity Killed the Cat, and the Drifters. As well as being an instrumentalist I also sing in a relaxed and swinging style. I perform regularly at the Celtic Manor Resort and my experience as a musical director includes several years with Carnival Cruises and as bandleader at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
Born in London, I'm a graduate of Leeds College of Music and have an MA from the University of Westminster. In recent years I've often played as an orchestral and jazz musician for BBC TV Wales and S4C and I'm a published songwriter and composer.
Performing solo or with a duo or small band I have an extensive repertoire of modern pop songs, swinging jazz and soulful easy listening and whether playing beautiful saxophone melodies for a champagne reception, classic piano favourites for a wedding ceremony or DJ-ing for a party, I aim to provide the complete music service at an all-in price that is fantastic value.
The musical backing tracks I use are produced exclusively for me and included in the DJ service is a high quality PA and performance lighting system, perfect for a reception of around 120 guests. I'm very happy to play for larger gatherings - recently I played at the Cardiff Millennium Centre for around 500 guests - and can arrange for a larger sound system if necessary.
I always aim to be melodic and listenable and feature the lighter side of the jazz and pop repertoire. I'm available for wedding ceremonies, breakfasts and receptions, birthday parties, events and corporate functions as a solo performer, in a duo with a guitarist, pianist, harpist or female vocalist, and with a small band.
For a wedding ceremony, clients can make selections from a large repertoire of classical, romantic pop, and jazz pieces - including Pachelbel, Mendolsohn, Handel, Elton John and Nat King Cole. From Mozart to the Monkees, most styles and requests can be catered for!
I also play classical and jazz flute and I'm frequently engaged as a solo flautist accompanied by harp or piano.
All the technical equipment to make your celebration a success is supplied, including a top quality digital piano, PA system, lighting and disco. I'm also happy to DJ for parties and to play saxophone as a special cabaret feature!
Julian was brilliant. Everyone commented on how good he was.
He was fantastic, playing all the music we liked and even letting us use his microphone for the speeches. It was a perfect afternoon and I highly recommend him!
Julian was fantastic, Arrived at venue with plenty of time to set up - played a lovely mix of music and even our wedding registrar complimented him. If you are looking for a professional, amenable musician - Hire Julian! Thank you for a lovely evening.
Julian was great. He was very organised and worked with our DJ to coordinate our entrance. I received lots of positive comments from guests that he played some good songs, both Bollywood and western during the Champagne reception. He also played our entrance music which went down really well.
"Julian arrived in plenty of time to set up for my husbands 70th birthday party, he was very accommodating to all our needs, ""special requests"" no problem. everybody at the party had a really great time, they really enjoyed themselves.
Julian is a very talented entertainer with his extensive repertoire of classical, romantic pop, and jazz and we would have no hesitation in recommending him.
We would like to say thank you for all your help.
Kindest regards,
Philomena"
Excellent musician and a very nice person. Would definately book again
Happy
In the Mood
Baker Street
Just the Way You Are
Just the Way You Look Tonight
Ain't Nobody
Sway
Brown Eyed Girl
Cheek to Cheek
Let's Face the Music and Dance
Better Together
Everything
I'm Yours
Straighten Up and Fly Right
Makin' Woopee
Valerie
Mack the Knife
Let it Go