nightlife Jazz & Lounge

Cocktail Pianist

Sophisticated jazz piano for drinks receptions, private parties, and elegant evenings. Solo, duo, or full ensemble.

piano 20+ Years Playing Jazz
library_music The Great American Songbook
groups Solo to Full Ensemble
format_quote A Special Moment

The Chet Baker Connection

"One evening at the Pump Room, a woman approached me after my set. She introduced herself as the daughter of Chet Baker's pianist — the musician who played on those iconic recordings. She told me my playing reminded her of her father."

That moment confirmed what I'd spent two decades pursuing: capturing the essence of jazz — the intimacy, the swing, the storytelling. Whether it's the cool sophistication of the West Coast sound or the fire of bebop, I bring authentic jazz to every performance.

Bebop Cool Jazz Trad Jazz Dixieland Swing
Musical Range

The Sound of Sophistication

From the Great American Songbook to modern jazz interpretations, I tailor my repertoire to create the perfect atmosphere.

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The Standards

Cole Porter, Gershwin, Irving Berlin. The Great American Songbook — timeless elegance that never goes out of style.

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Cool Jazz

The West Coast sound. Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, Bill Evans. Sophisticated, understated, and utterly captivating.

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Bebop & Modern

When you want more energy. Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson — virtuosic playing with fire and swing.

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Trad & Dixieland

New Orleans spirit. Joyful, energetic, infectious. Perfect when you want your guests smiling and tapping their feet.

Flexible Line-Ups

From Solo to Full Ensemble

I collaborate with exceptional musicians across the South West. Build your perfect sound from intimate solo piano to a swinging jazz band.

piano Solo

Solo Piano

Intimate elegance. Perfect for smaller venues, background ambience, or when you want the piano to take centre stage.

  • check Cocktail receptions
  • check Restaurant ambience
  • check Intimate dinners
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Jazz Duo

Add another dimension. Piano with vocals, double bass, guitar, or saxophone creates richer texture and interplay.

  • check Piano & Vocals
  • check Piano & Double Bass
  • check Piano & Saxophone
groups Trio

Jazz Trio

The classic jazz format. Piano, bass, and drums — or add a vocalist for that authentic jazz club experience.

  • check Piano, Bass & Drums
  • check Piano, Bass & Vocals
  • check Piano, Guitar & Bass
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Jazz Quartet

Full jazz band sound. Add horns for that unmistakable swing and presence. Perfect for larger events.

  • check + Trumpet
  • check + Saxophone
  • check + Vocals
hub 5+ Piece

Full Jazz Band

The complete experience. Multiple horns, rhythm section, vocalist — for events that demand something special.

  • check Corporate galas
  • check Large celebrations
  • check Festival stages
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Build Your Own

Have something specific in mind? Let's discuss your vision and I'll put together the perfect line-up for your event.

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Sample Repertoire

A Taste of the Setlist

Every performance is tailored to your event. Here's a glimpse of the standards, classics, and favourites I draw from.

View Full Repertoire
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Fly Me to the Moon

Bart Howard

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Autumn Leaves

Joseph Kosma

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The Way You Look Tonight

Jerome Kern

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My Funny Valentine

Rodgers & Hart

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Take Five

Dave Brubeck

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Summertime

George Gershwin

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Blue Moon

Rodgers & Hart

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All of Me

Gerald Marks

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Cheek to Cheek

Irving Berlin

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Georgia on My Mind

Hoagy Carmichael

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Night and Day

Cole Porter

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What a Wonderful World

Thiele & Weiss

Perfect For

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Drinks Receptions

Elegant arrival ambience

restaurant

Private Dinners

Sophisticated dining music

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Corporate Events

Professional entertainment

storefront

Hotels & Venues

Regular residencies

Client Experiences

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"The jazz trio was absolutely perfect for our drinks reception. Sophisticated, classy, and exactly the atmosphere we wanted. Several guests asked for their details."

Corporate Events Team

Bristol Law Firm

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"Jools played for our anniversary dinner and it was magical. His rendition of 'The Way You Look Tonight' was absolutely beautiful. Highly recommend."

Margaret & Robert

Private Dinner, Bath

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"We've booked Jools for our hotel lobby several times now. He always reads the room perfectly and creates exactly the right ambience. A true professional."

Events Manager

Boutique Hotel, Clifton

Common Questions

What's the difference between solo and ensemble? expand_more
Solo piano is intimate and elegant — perfect for background ambience or smaller spaces. Adding bass creates more groove and swing. A full trio with drums brings energy and presence. I'll help you choose the right configuration for your venue size, budget, and desired atmosphere.
Can you play specific songs we request? expand_more
Absolutely. If it's not already in my repertoire, I'm happy to learn special requests. Jazz is about interpretation, so I can also create jazz versions of popular songs — transforming modern hits into sophisticated lounge numbers.
What equipment do you need? expand_more
I bring a high-quality stage piano with professional amplification suitable for any venue. If you have an acoustic or grand piano, I'm always delighted to use it. For larger ensembles, we'll discuss specific requirements — most venues can accommodate a jazz band easily.
How far in advance should I book? expand_more
Popular dates (especially weekends and the Christmas season) book up quickly. I recommend enquiring as early as possible. For ensemble bookings, more notice helps ensure availability of my preferred collaborating musicians.
How much does it cost? expand_more
Pricing depends on ensemble size, duration, and location. Solo piano starts from a base rate, with additional musicians priced accordingly. Please use the contact form for a bespoke quote — I'll respond within 24 hours.
nightlife

Ready to Add Some Sophistication?

From intimate solo piano to a swinging jazz band — let's create the perfect atmosphere for your event.