Let's Have a Party!

Hello lovely people! After a few days busy making music I'm back and I've got a fabulous fun musical discovery for you in the form of the fantastic Yorkshire based Party Band The Superlicks!

If you're looking for a group to get your wedding guests up and dancing then The Superlicks are definitely the guys for you, covering a great range of music from the 1950s up to recent chart hits in an upbeat set designed for fun and dancing.

In fact, I've had a bit of dance around the office to these guys today!

The Superlicks have performed at  a range of venues across Yorkshire for weddings, charity events, corporate gigs and lots more but the best thing about their fun loving attitude and fab music is that they go the extra mile to design a great musical package for your event.

Whether you want the bells and whistles live band or an acoustic set for a smaller more intimate venue, The Superlicks will deliver. Also included in their packages are full lighting rig, all the equipment they need and DJ to keep the music going whilst the boys take a well earned comfort break! Or, if you and your guests fancy a spot of karaoke then The Superlicks will do the honours and organise that too.

A cool bunch of gents, check out The Superlicks' promo video here:

If you love them, book them! Either contact me or get in touch via the band's website and remember to mention you saw them here! http://www.partycoversband.co.uk/

Love
Tabby xxx

A New Release...

If you've been searching for a man with what has been described as a "velvet voice, " then look no further than Brian James, a gentleman who sings the songs of the classic "Rat Pack" greats.

Brian performs at many weddings and events and if you're considering having a singer at your event but unsure as to who to book, then why not buy Brian's new CD which is released today to assist you in your decisions.

Having a good listen to an artist or particular songs is a great way to choose your perfect music and Brian's album released today will be worth the listen.

Entitled "Around the World," the album features 14 tracks of classic songs made famous by the likes of Nat King Cole, Michael Buble, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, including "Come Fly With Me," "Buena Sera" and "New York, New York." All the music gets a special 'Brian James' twist of musical interpretation though.

If you want a preview or fancy getting hold of a copy of the new album, then just go to Brian's website at www.brian-james.org.uk or www.reverbnation.com/brianjamessings

Enjoy!

Love

Tabby xxx

Let's Eat Cake!

Hi everyone!

Yesterday was my son's 9th birthday and it seems like I have done nothing but bake birthday cakes for last week! It's a been a week of celebrations and there have been no less than five birthday cakes for various family, friends, school etc! Non-stop cake making... and eating too!

Whilst busy baking though I started thinking about musical themed wedding cakes and so had a good scout around for some images to inspire you for wedding cakes with a musical theme.

So whether you're searching for cute cupcakes like these...

...or a sophisticated yet more simplistic cake like this...

I've found a few ideas for you to enjoy. It's easy to keep your music theme running through every detail of the wedding.

Enjoy some more pictures and musical wedding inspiration through my Pinterest boards at http://pinterest.com/modefor/musical-wedding-cakes/

Love
Tabby xxx

Wedding Crashers!

I was asked the other day: "How can I turn my wedding reception into one big party soul and motown party?" and then I discovered a band that might just be able to fulfil that very request!

If you're looking for a fab band to "crash" your wedding, then the Wedding Crashers won't crash it, but at your invitation they'll certainly supply the va-va-voom required to get your wedding party swinging!

This 6-piece party band is just ace, providing a mix of live soul, rock and Motown classics which are guaranteed to get your guests up dancing the night away.

The band has plenty of experience with every type of performance under its belt from weddings to corporate events to live open air festivals and whilst based in West Yorkshire, they have toured and performed in the UK, Europe and the USA, bringing their mix of energetic musical performance to numerous stages to the absolute delight of audiences, party-goers and wedding guests.

They're great value for money too, with realistic fees and some great music for your money, these guys will rock any wedding, party or event and certainly come as my recommendation of the day for some great, funky tunes to get dancing too.

So have a listen and enjoy. If you're interested in finding out more or booking them just drop me an email at expressivoweddingmusic@gmail.com and don't forget to check out the band's own website at www.theweddingcrashers.eu

Have a great rocking day!

Love
Tabby xxx

Take My Breath Away...

Have you ever looked at a picture and it's quite simply just taken your breath away? Well, that has just happened to me this morning. I wasn't intending on writing about this today, but I just had to share the beauty and possibility.

A beautiful musical friend of mine, Kate Gee (who is a wonderful celebrant too www.hatsandchampagne.com), just posted a picture on Facebook of one of the most amazing venues for a marriage you could possibly imagine. It is simply stunning and the kind of venue I would love to set the most amazing musical performances in.

Would you like to see? Well here it is. The Chapel in the Woods at Arkansas.

I'm right in saying it's stunning aren't I? I can envisage a couple walking down the aisle and I can hear the sounds of wonderful music too. This is a venue I would love to perform in as a musician, using the architecture and surrounding natural beauty as inspiration for some fabulous music.

Having spent all weekend rehearsing with various brass ensembles and whole lot of time on private musical practice, I have to give a nod to the sound of brass for this venue, and having also been inspired this morning by the amazing musical prowess of an ensemble called German Brass, I think the music in this video could bring something very special to this venue for a spectacular wedding ceremony.

Or there's always the other option of going 'natural' and having music such as King of the Swingers from the Jungle Book!

Either way, I just had to share this fabulous picture.

Love
Tabby xxx

Sunday Sounds No. 2

Hooray I hear you say! It's Sunday and for many  a day of rest, relaxation, good food, good company and listening to great music. For me, today will entail 8 hours of music rehearsals and a bit of travelling to and from them! But, I get to listen to great music and you should too.

So, after the success of last week's first 'Sunday Sounds,' I'm offering some more musical treats for you to help you through the day and maybe give you a little wedding music inspiration!

I was quite amused when chatting to a bride this week who mentioned the 'in joke' for their wedding was to enter in to Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries from Act III of Die Walküre. Now this would make a stunning entry. A fabulous piece of music, not often used for weddings but would definitely make an impact. What do you think?

So from the sublime Romantic classical great composer Wagner (and not the real musician and composer, not the act that appeared on X-Factor a few years ago!) to one of the most sublime romantic singers of today (in some people's opinions, but yes, I like a lot!) it's Michael Buble. Let's face it, there's plenty of his songs you could select that would work brilliantly for moments such as signing the register or the first dance, but probably one of the most popular would be 'Everything.' Perfect words, perfect meaning for a wedding day and a great singable memory. Enjoy!

Enjoy Sunday Sounds; I hope they make you feel inspired. For me it's off to rehearsal now so catch you tomorrow.

Love
Tabby xxx

Off to the Wedding Fayre...

It's Saturday morning and many suppliers and couples are off to wedding fayres up and down the country. Wedding fayres are fab as they allow you to meet suppliers, gain inspiration and negotiate some good deals and discounts.

To be honest, I wish I was at  a wedding fayre today but for me, a  day of admin and musical rehearsals ensues as I embark on a very busy week of music-making!

However, in this very quick journal today (I'm preferring the word 'journal' to 'blog' so go with it whilst I try it out for size!) I thought I'd give you the first of a few hints on things to consider when talking to potential music suppliers for your wedding.

• Most importantly, whilst searching for music for your wedding, even though it might not be a priority in your budget, do remember that musicians have to earn a living and pay bills too. If you want professionals you will have to pay for services. If you want live music but only have a small budget, think of cutting down the required time, what kind of ensemble you have or even consider getting a fabulous semi-professional or amateur organisation (like your local town bass band or village choir).
• Having said the above, don't be afraid to negotiate prices.
• Make sure the musicians are able to accommodate your exact music requests and make sure there is plenty of notice so they can source or arrange the music you want. I'm sure they will be happy to add in any piece of music to their repertoire with a little bit of notice.
• Be realistic. Your musicians cannot play continually for six hours without  a break. They will need suitable comfort breaks and refreshments so be kind! Playing a musical instrument is like being an athlete, the musicians have to look after their muscles, bodies and minds.
• Make sure your ensemble is suitable for your venue. No good booking a full scale symphony orchestra for a very small church. 

If you're unsure of anything just talk and ask. I'll give you any advice I can so don't be shy, just get in touch.

Enjoy your day at the wedding fayre or however you're spending your Saturday.

Love

Tabby xxx

The Arrival...

Happy Friday! End of the week and heading for the weekend when you can all find time to listen to some music. I guess for some of you, it might be opportunity to hunt out some great musicians for your wedding or find that perfect piece of music?

Well let me help. Let's start with the arrival, or the processional as we like to call it in the business! Today I'm going to go with something traditional, a piece of music that is very popular for the both the processional and recessional. It has the uplifting power to send the married couple on their way after the service, however, it also makes a grand statement for the arrival and, well really, the clue is in the title; The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.

The Arrival of the wedding party as it walks down the aisle is one of the most significant parts of any wedding ceremony and this piece of music by Handel will set the stage for a very uplifting stately arrival. But the mood can be adjusted dependent on the musicians performing.

Just because Handel composed the music for one particular set of musicians doesn't mean that's what you have to go with, any musical ensemble comprising any range of instruments can perform the piece of music you love. So don't be led to believe that you can't have this piece of music when you really want a solo harp to play at your wedding.

So I've had a look on You Tube for you to show you just how you can choose a traditional piece of music, such as The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, and it can be performed by a variety of musical instruments.

Let's start with the original piece:

Perfect in its compositions, stately, lively and full of spirit. But if you haven't got an orchestra handy, how about just a mandolin (or guitar could do the same).

Looking for something a little more contemporary and also want a touch of jazz later to entertain the guests? Then why not consider a saxophone quartet, like this one.

Looking for simplicity, style and elegance? Then a solo harpist will do just the trick.

Not rousing enough? Then it has to be the brass instruments to add some extra uplifting power:

Or if you're in church and just have the organist at your disposal then the music still works as perfectly on organ.

You get the idea then. Any piece of music can work in so many ways, to make the music and the musicians perfect for your wedding.

Take some time to look for yourself. Choose a piece of music you love and find different versions; you could discover some great versions. Then just get in touch if you want any more assistance.

Love
Tabby xxx

Bringing a Touch of Elegance...

Good Morning lovely people! I've spent the last 24 hours discussing music choices for a wedding this Spring with a lovely bride and, to match the elegance of the wedding, we've settled on a subtle string quartet to supply the music.

It got me thinking about how music can reflect the style of a wedding and how quite often, elegance and sophistication is associated with string quartets (though as a brass musician I know we are just as sophisticated!).

Thanks to the powers of being a professional musician for many years I've been so lucky to meet and work with some amazing musicians, but a few weeks ago I happened upon a lovely London and South-Eastern based string quartet called Carnaby Strings.

Consisting of four beautiful ladies (apologies gents as all this week's musicians have been female, but superiority, bias and all that!), the group have been working and performing together since their days of musical studies. Each, in their own right, are talented and sought after musicians, performing for some of London's most famous musical establishments such as English National Opera, Royal Opera House, BBC Concert Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and numerous West End Shows and they join together to create some stunning music through the medium of Carnaby Strings.

Tailoring each event perfectly, the ladies offer a wide selection and genres of music for weddings, private functions and corporate events and they have performed at weddings and events at some of the most distinguished of venues. Just check out the venue list on their website! Ranges from The Ritz and The Dorchester to The Houses of Parliament.

With quite obvious style and class, there's no doubting they would offer the most fabulous touch of elegance to your wedding and the sounds they provide could be the most fabulous accompaniment to processionals, recessionals and reception music.

Do you have dreams of walking down the aisle to Pachalbel's Canon? Click here, have a listen, close your eyes and imagine... http://soundcloud.com/carnaby-strings/carnaby-strings-johann

Or are you looking for something different to lift the spirits of your guests, a perhaps of Dionne Warwick perhaps? http://soundcloud.com/carnaby-strings/carnaby-strings-walk-on-by

You can hear and see for yourselves how beautiful this string group sounds and looks and they will not disappoint, working closely with you to make your experience perfect, and that's what we love about all our musicians we feature, the personal musical touch to make your day perfect.

For more info on Carnaby Strings get in touch with me at expressivoweddingmusic@gmail.com or check out Carnaby Strings website at http://carnabystrings.co.uk/

I'm in Love....

Yes, it's true. I'm in Love! Of course, I love my other half very much, but this week I'm particularly in love with all the wonderful music themed wedding finds.

This blog is a fantastic opportunity to showcase fabulous musicians and promote their work and bring you inspiration of sounds, but I've also discovered a much bigger world of wonderful musical themed wedding ideas!

My particular love today is these wedding invitations, from a picture I found on Pinterest.

Don't you just think they're adorable? I think they're so fantastic I've decided I'm going to start trying to make some of these fabulous ideas, I mean, it's not like there's a  shortage of sheet music in our house from vintage, to the brand new music composed by my wonderful partner, Simon, every day!

In fact, How fabulous would it be to have your own special music composed or arranged for your wedding day, printed out to create the invitations and then performed on the wedding day itself. Well, that's an idea - I'll be launching that one and you lovely readers heard it here first! I'm loving all this wedding music fever, puts a smile on my face every day!

Having found the above picture obviously I had to look for some more and so here they are:

Simple, clever and adding a beautiful musical touch, there are a variety of ideas available.

But one of my favourites is this! Little, perfect musical packages!

Until tomorrow... Have a wonderful day.

Love

Tabby xxx

A Touch of Vintage Style...

I love Vintage! I mean, who doesn't really? A reflection of the past all wrapped up in modern day chic. A nod to the heroes of Wartime or a hint of the old school done completely with finesse, glamour and so much love. Vintage seems to be all the current rage for weddings, with vintage detail from dresses to flowers, tea cups to bunting. I love it! But what about the music, I hear you say? (Yes, I can hear you learning that in my blog it's all about the music!)

Well, I have an amazing treat for you today as I feature the first of many amazing musicians and acts on offer to you. All of the musicians I am going to feature in forthcoming blogs are fine professional and amateur musicians that I would have no hesitation in supplying and have, actually supplied to our list of amazing clients from couples to corporate.

So, with a nod to the Vintage style, today's featured group is an amazing trio of singers called The Haywood Sisters. They look beautiful to start with, the epitome of Vintage glamour and style and the sounds they produce with sweet sounds and close harmonies are so easy on the ear you can't help but stop and listen.

Singing songs from the 1920s, through the Wartime years and in to the 1960s they offer a huge repertoire of songs that could fit so many themed weddings and events and they add the perfect sparkle wherever they go. Be it the ceremony, wedding breakfast, or the evening reception (or any corporate or other function you can think of), one of the best things is the ladies work with you to create your perfect set-list for you and your guests, and I've said before, it's so important to have the music YOU love.

Working with other musician colleagues, the ladies can even bring along a fantastic big band, which is surely the perfect musical climax to any Vintage themed wedding day? They are all self-sufficient too, down to earth and always ready to assist and perform, just give them a plug socket for their own PA equipment and they'll give you a musical experience you'll not forget.

Have a listen right now via this You Tube video:

Last night was a big event for the ladies as their new website went live, and even the website offers a fantastic feel of Vintage style and chic with that expected glamour and sparkle.  See what I mean? http://www.thehaywoodsisters.com/wp/

Fancy booking The Haywood Sisters for your wonderful Vintage themed event, then you can contact me directly or the ladies themselves and just mention that you heard about them here.

Love Vintage? Then you'll love The Haywood Sister.

Until tomorrow....

Love
Tabby xxx

Thank you Pinterest!

Morning! It's Monday again, but it's a lazy half term Monday with no school runs. I can hear the cheers across the country!

I spent Sunday afternoon familiarising myself with Pinterest, one of the few social network kingdoms I haven't investigated yet.. but now I have. How fabulous are some of the amazing photos and what incredible inspiration, ideas and concepts you can find. I'm quite overwhelmed with what I found!

Musical Inspiration

My interest in Pinterest was only jerked into reality when I was reading another blog when searching musical themed weddings on the internet and I found some incredible ideas using music manuscript, then shortly after there was a re-tweet on Twitter with some fabulous flowers made from manuscript, just like this one.

I'm really quite taken with them and it has become apparent that music in your wedding can play a much bigger role than just the sounds your hear. I've decided that every so often in my blog I'm also going to feature musical inspiration in many forms, and not just the audible sort!

Today's inspiration is a gathering of wedding flower ideas, but with a musical twist and flowers that might not like water, but will last a lifetime. I found a few pics on Pinterest which I've put together for you so have a look and marvel at the creativity of these people. 

Follow this link and it will take you to my little collection. http://pinterest.com/expressivomusic/musical-wedding-flowers/

I'm truly in awe of the artistry, perfection and how such a simple yet clever idea can result in something so unique, stunning and memorable. Enjoy, share and be inspired. Until tomorrow my lovely readers.

Love

Tabby xxx

The new 'Sunday Sounds' featuring Lyndsey and Mark

It's Sunday and it was fantastic waking up with the window open and birds singing; true sounds of spring and I love it!

I'm looking forward to today; a day of musical rehearsals and then relax time for the evening before two weeks of intense music-making. Therefore, I have decided that we need to make the most of the few hours relaxation we get on a Sunday, so I am re-naming Sunday 'Sunday Sounds.' The day when we get to listen to some great sounds and music.

My plan is to find you some great accessible music to listen to from the traditional to a little different, hopefully it will give you some ideas and inspiration, either for your own wedding or just inspiration of some great music to listen to.

So, where shall we start? Let's start at the beginning, with the traditional and for the Processional (the bit where the bride walks down the aisle!) sometimes there is nothing better than the sounds of Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke. Now I might be biased as I'm a trumpet player but it is superb!

This version is the fantastic London Symphony Orchestra performing the classic piece of music.

Lyndsey and Mark and the salute from the Slaithwaite Band

In December 2012 two lovely people, Lyndsey and Mark, married in the beautiful Yorkshire town of Holmfirth and by request from Lyndsey, she walked down the aisle to Trumpet Voluntary, played by me on this occasion and accompanied by the Slaithwaite Brass Band, the band which Mark plays with and Lyndsey is one of the 'WAGS!'

It was a fantastic day, even in December the sun shone and the music was so special, mainly because it was performed by friends and people who love the gorgeous young couple, and they had a fantastic trumpet player too!

Their service music also consisted of hymn tunes including Shine Jesus Shine and a fantastic, but slightly unusual choice of recessional music (the going out bit!) of a march called Killaloe, which is the regimental march of the Royal Irish Regiment.

This was chosen not because of any real connection to the Military but purely because Mark had played it several times when a member of a brass band and loved it. It's a rousing finish to any concert or musical event and I think it made the perfect finale to this wedding. Have a listen here and see what you think:

Music played such an important part in the wedding day of Lyndsey and Mark, with the Slaithwaite Band also playing at the evening reception, before a DJ took over the evening.

A mix of the traditional and unusual, enjoy the Sunday Sounds  that made Lyndsey and Mark's wedding perfect.

Love
Tabby xxx

Picture courtesy of Karen Walton Photography

A Little Bit of Italy...

Happy Saturday everyone and what as Saturday it is! A gorgeous sunny day, the doors and windows are open (complete with duvets hanging out of them!) and I've a day of wedding admin, or "wedmin" as we like to call it, plus I've got some great music playing in the background!

The sunny weather has reminded me of last year's lovely weeks in Italy, a nice little spot myself and the other half have found to hang out on the Tuscan / Umbrian border but we also spent time in Venice, Abruzzo, Rome and Lake Garda.

I found some great venues for weddings whilst we were there and some superb musicians to play at theme too so if you're thinking of marrying in Italy just get in touch for some ideas and gems of inspiration. But what about if you can't afford to travel to Italy, why not bring some of the culture to your wedding day with some fabulous Italian music. 

The home of so many great composers, including Antonio Vivaldi who wrote so much music played at weddings and the home of amazing musicians including singers who so many of us love to listen to such as Andrea Bocelli. I've just had his 'Con te Partiro' on full blast which is a real treat, especially this live version here from "A Night in Tuscany," oh how we could all do with a night in Tuscany right now!

Aside from the fact the song translates as Time to Say Goodbye, this song is special to so many couples as it's the epitome of romance, I know it's a favourite of my brother and sister-in-law who got married in 2011.

In fact, I'm really excited as they still haven't had their honeymoon yet what with one thing and another but we've clubbed together and sending them to our little piece of Umbrian perfection this Summer; so exciting!

Preparing for the Opera in Rome 

Other great music for your church service with an Italian theme could include music from the opera. We went to watch the wonderful outdoor performance of Bellini's 'Norma' in Rome last Summer, but Verdi's 'Grand March from Aida' makes an amazing entrance for any bride (in fact my Mum had it when she married in 1999!).

How about a great Tarantella to get everyone up dancing in the evening or emulate the relaxing feel of life in Italy with an amazing and subtle mandolin or guitar playing during the wedding breakfast, bringing images of the Amalfi coast.

A singer to sing some of the great traditional Italian songs heard at weddings in Italy, such as 'O Sole mio,' 'That's Amore,' 'Ti Amo,' and 'Buona Sera.'

Enough for now but I'll leave you with a few more images from one of the most romantic countries in the world.

Love
Tabby xxx

The Romance of Venice

The Wonder of Rome

The Vatican

Churches of Umbria

Let's Start at the Very Beginning...

What a lovely sunny Friday it is today, a great day for gaining inspiration for weddings! But here's a question, where do you start with finding your inspiration for music for your wedding? Well, to kidnap a line from the Sound of Music, "Let's start at the very beginning...a very good place to start."

You're engaged, congratulations! Maybe, in fact your lovely partner popped the question yesterday on Valentines Day! If so, huge congratulations. Usually the first things that brides and grooms think about are the when and where the wedding will be. Church, hotel, random outside location with an amazing marquee and so on...

Then there's the theme. Not everyone has a particular theme, maybe just  a colour scheme, but some may opt for themes such as Vintage, classical or black tie. The dresses are dreamed about then chosen, the honeymoon is booked, the budget is nearly spent and then comes the thought of music. I've already touched on this in an earlier book saying you should choose music you love, which is all very well but so many times I ask brides and grooms what music they like and they say "I don't know, can you just put something together, we don't know how to choose?"

So, ideas for gaining your musical inspiration can be resolved by asking yourself a few questions:

* What's your wedding theme? 
Can you choose music from that era or style, such as vintage, Italian etc.

A beautiful Italian church - Inspiration in itself xx

* Do you have a 'special' song or piece of music?
Is there a song that brought you and your loved one together
* Did you spend childhood's playing in music groups?
Perhaps you had a childhood playing in the local brass band and have just remembered how much you love the sound after hearing one in the park.
* What's your favourite country?
For instance, you had a romantic trip to Dublin and think a Ceilidh Band to dance to would get your guests on the dance floor, or you visited Rome and the thought of Italian Opera during the signing  of the register would set the mood perfectly.
* Do you want something really amazing to declare the start of the wedding breakfast?
Some people hire a toastmaster, why not use a fanfare trumpeter to declare the start of the wedding breakfast and the speeches.

By just asking yourself a few questions and listening or looking into your past you will find your own unique musical inspiration and for even more ideas you just have to ask me! I'm full of amazing ideas and can put you in touch with a huge host of fabulous musicians.

But for now, I'm off to gain some musical inspiration of my own.

Love
Tabby xxx

Happy Valentines!

Evening everyone! Sorry it's a short and sweet one today but it's been a mega day of music making!

Anyway, Happy Valentines Day! Has it been wonderful or were you forgotten by your loved one?

I've been a lucky girl and what's better is I've spent the day listening to some great sounds and looking at some great live bands for forthcoming weddings.

There is such a hype around Valentines Day and the market for cards and presents is astounding, but what about Valentines musical memories? They can be free.

If you look back on this Valentines Day tomorrow or next year, what piece of music will stick in your mind as your musical memory of today?

Mine has to be "Pussycat, Pussycat, I love you.." As it will forever remind me of an incident with a Valentines rose, a pilfering cat and my other half at 3am this morning! Romance in a fun musical form!

Have a great night everyone and see you tomorrow!

Love
Tabby xxx