Soulful and irresistibly swinging, the Midlands-based Chris Watts Quartet offers an exhilarating mix of classic vocal jazz and contemporary song that is the ultimate in sophisticated entertainment. A typical evening’s performance might start with some cool cocktail jazz, ideal for creating a relaxed party atmosphere, and then go on to some livelier sets including soul/funk numbers more suitable for dancing. This makes the quartet ideal for occasions where something more than background jazz but less than a full-blown rock band is required.
The quartet features highly experienced professional musicians, performing a repertoire ranging from Swing to Latin and featuring their own stylish arrangements of jazz classics and show tunes. Chris himself provides the smooth vocals, with phrasing and intonation that shows influences of “Rat Pack”, Harry Connick Junior and Jamie Cullum. The similarity doesn’t end there: just like those both those two artists, Chris is also the excellent pianist in the band.
The demo tracks feature a quartet of Chris on vocals and piano, plus guitar, double bass and drums, but this is flexible with the possibility of replacing the guitar with saxophone or going up to a quintet featuring both instruments. The band can also slim down to a trio, duo, or even Chris performing solo on piano and vocals.
The band have performed at Sheffield’s famous One Eleven Club as well as at numerous private functions including weddings, parties and corporate receptions. They bring full PA and normally play three 45 minute sets. Dress is smart suits or black tie.
Price: from £875
Chris Watts is Leicestershire based
click here for details of travel costs, etc
