What if the venue doesn't have a piano?
In situations like this Alice's pianist would bring a digital
piano which can even be used outside. Digital pianos are ideal
when playing for events that require music in more than one location.
They can usually be relocated and set up within twenty minutes.
Does a digital piano sound as good as a proper piano?
It does depend on the quality of the proper piano that you are
comparing the digital piano with. A digital piano is nearly always
better than the piano that you will find at a venue. You can hear
the quality of a digital piano by listening or downloading the
music on this site.
Does a digital piano look like a normal piano?
No, it doesn't but it definitely does look neat and tidy. Please
see picture at the top of the page.
Does Alice perform with backing tracks?
In order to keep the music live - Alice does not use backing
tracks in her performances. Therefore the smallest line up available
is the duo (piano and vocals).
How much space does Alice need?
As a duo, using her pianist with digital piano, they can fit
into the tiniest of spaces - a space of 1 metre X 2.5 metres being
more than adequate. Space for larger line ups takes a little bit
more working out as the musicians can be placed in a line or any
number of other formations.
If
we add a bass player to the line up will he play a proper bass?
No offence to bass guitar players, but most people refer to a
double bass as a proper bass. The bass players Alice uses (usually
Mike Porter-Ward) always play a double bass which you can see
in the photograph to the right.
Will it be noisy if we have a drummer in the line up?
No, the drummers Alice uses (usually Dave Trigwell) are skilled
jazz drummers and are capable of playing very quietly. They are
also masters of the long lost art playing with brushes which is
ideal for background music. Also, the drum kit that they use is
different from that of a rock drummer - one of the key differences
being the diminutive size of the bass drum. A jazz kit does not
produce anywhere near the same volume level as a rock kit.
What happens when Alice takes a break?
Alice can provide music during breaks. A CD player or MP3 player
can usually be plugged into the PA system.
Can you send us a playlist?
Alice doesn't usually work from a playlist. She prefers to pick
the songs she is going to sing at the time of the performance.
This enables her to select material that matches the mood and
the ambience of the event.
You can see a list of songs Alice sings on the repertoire
page.
Does Alice need some sort of cover if she is singing outside?
Yes, some sort of cover is needed as protection from the elements
is vital. The heat from the sun can be very harmful to electronic
equipment and a sudden downpour could be disastrous.
Is it necessary to meet up with Alice before the
event?
This isn't necessary as nearly everything has to
be sorted out on the day of the event. No meeting beforehand can
really help with the decisions that have to be made on the day.
Music for ceremonies and other requests can usually be sorted
out by email or telephone.
How do I secure the booking?
After Alice has given you a quote and presuming that you have
decided to go ahead with the booking: she will send you a letter
of confirmation. In order to send you this letter Alice will need
to make sure that she has all following information:
- The type of event (Wedding, engagemant party, corporate
dinner etc.)
- The date of the event
- The address of the venue including postcode
- The line up (piano and bass, solo piano etc.)
- A start time and a finish time
- A contact number for if she has any queries
- On the day emergency contact number (best man's mobile or
similar)
- Dress code (lounge suit, black tie etc.)
- Any other requirements (music for ceremony, gazebo, radio
microphone for speaches, extra long extension lead etc.)
She will send two copies of the letter and all you have to do
is check all the details carefully and send a signed copy back
to her. The booking is then secured.
So How Much Will It Cost?
Prices are from £480 (for vocals and piano) depending on
distance from venue and other requirements. Please contact for
a quote for your individual requirements.
How would you like to be paid?
Cash on the day is preferred. This enables the musicians to be
paid straight away - rather than making them wait for the cheque
to clear in Alice's bank.
Is it OK to pay beforehand just to get it out of the way?
If this is what you prefer then its usually OK.
Is there somewhere public where I can hear Alice sing live?
Throughout the year Alice only does a few public events. The
bulk of the work she does consists of weddings, corporate events
and private parties. However, public events will always be advertised
on this site.
What about Public Liability Insurance?
Alice does have public liability insurance but could we ask,
in the interest of safety, that all children are kept out of the
performance area. Also, they do like to twiddle knobs and press
buttons which can make things very difficult during a performance.
Is Alice's electrical equipment PAT Tested for safety?
Yes all Alice's equipment has been tested by a qualified electrical
engineer.
Alice tries to make sure that all equipment is safe, but once
again, could you please do your part by keeping children away
from the electrical items in the performance area.
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