Latest News
Solo Sax and Solo Piano
Graham Brown, our saxophonist and keyboard/piano player, is now offering a unique service to clients who are looking for tasteful and sophisticated background music. He has recorded over a hundred solo piano tracks which he now uses as an accompaniment when playing solo saxophone. Graham's repertoire on the piano is almost unlimited and he is able to provide both instruments "... for the price of one". Jesmond Dene House, Wynyard Hall and Rockliffe Hall are just some of the venues who regularly book Graham to play solo sax and solo piano music for their Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas Lunch etc events . The service is ideal for entertaining guests at a wedding breakfast, drinks reception or network meeting: http://www.pauljamesmusic.co.uk/background.php
"Just to confirm what a wonderful wedding day Nadine and Russell had because of Graham's music. Graham is truly a fabulous musician and his contribution to the wedding made the event even more special. The guests were amazed at his talent and he did receive lots of compliments. He played both saxophone and piano beautifully and made Nadine and Russell's wedding just perfect.
Thank you for suggesting we hired Graham for this very important occasion, I know the day will be remembered for a long time to come. Thank you." Mr & Mrs R Hope Longhirst Hall on 5th February 2011
Congratulations Mr & Mrs Elviss
Slaley Hall's banqueting suite was transformed last February to celebrate the wedding of Jane and Tom Elviss. Every table was named after an Elvis song and the band were asked to perform each song during the wedding breakfast; at which point the guests at the respective table leapt up and sang along! We then provided a surprise visit from the 'King' himself as our guitar/vocalist Andy Moon donned the famous attire and performed 'Jailhouse Rock'.
"You were absolutely brilliant! Everybody commented on the band and your singer has an amazing voice. I can't impress on you just how much we all enjoyed it. Thank you." Pauline Hellens, Mother of the Bride, March 2011
Celebrity Strictly Dine and Dance
“Paul James and his wonderful band did us proud at our Celebrity Strictly Dine and Dance evening which raised a whopping £60,000 for St Oswald’s Hospice. Paul and the band were dedicated and patient with us, having never attempted an event of this type before, and the music on the night was phenomenal. Having the live band play the dancers’ music made the night extra special and there wasn’t a bum note.
I can’t thank Paul and the gang enough and have already booked them for next year’s event I was so impressed. Thanks gang.”
Amy Wilson, Community Fundraiser – St Oswald's HospicePic - Guests partying on the dancefloor during our dance set at The Hilton Gateshead.
The Paul James Band featuring Laura Adams and guitarist Phil Hudson - 25th March at Jesmond Dene House
Since being awarded 'European Young Jazz Soloist of the Year' in 1991, Phil has gone on to tour and record with a host of names including Tina Turner, Beverly Craven, Mica Paris, Geri Halliwell, Omar and Blue. Phil returns to his native North East to reunite with his friends as guest soloist in The Paul James Band with a programme of Latin and Jazz standards and a few compositions from Phil's recent album 'Somewhere Else'.
Phil recently appeared with Heaven 17 on 'Later with Jools Holland' and is currently on tour with The Lighthouse Family.
Strictly Dine and Dance at The Hilton Gateshead, February 2011
Our Seven-Piece Band recently provided the music for a spectacular event in aid of St Oswald's hospice. It featured many of the regions familiar faces from the world of sport, news & radio. The guest dancers were; footballer John Beresford, Metro FM's Anna Foster, boxer Glenn McCrory, Real Radio's Lisa Shaw BBC's Jeff Brown, Alfie Joey, Hannah Bayman and Colin Briggs.
The event was hosted by our good friend Steve Walls and TV presenter Kim Inglis and was such a success it has already been scheduled again for next year on 11th February 2012:
0191 2469123 or amywilson@stoswaldsuk.org
Pic courteousy of markslaterphotography.com
For more pictures and information about the event, visit Steve’s website at: http://www.stevewalls.co.uk/stevewallshostingstrictlydineanddanceball.htm
An Evening with The Paul James Band at Horton Grange - Fri 17th June 2011
"Enjoy a fabulous evening with The Paul James Band featuring their highly acclaimed vocalist Laura Adams performing some of the very best from The Great American Songbook."
Including a 3 Course Meal with Champagne and Canapes on arrival.
£40 per person. Only a few tables remaining!
01661 860686
Law Society Ball, Newcastle Civic Centre - 29th Jan 2011
"Thanks for a fantastic night; everything went perfectly. The dance floor was full and the band was great. Everybody had a cracking time!" Nicholas Moss, Law Society
The Sunshine Fund
The Paul James Band performed once again for The Sunshine Fund 'Sunflower Ball' held at The Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel. The Band have performed regularly at this prestigious event for several years which raises thousands of pounds for disadvantaged children in the North East.
"Thanks for entertaining us so well... everyone's had a great night!"
Ant & Dec, Sunflower Ball
Lord Mayors Ball, Newcastle Civic Centre - December 2011
Thanks once again to Helen, Trish and the team at Newcastle Civic Centre for a most enjoyable Christmas Ball.
"The feedback from our guests has been fantastic – look forward to seeing you again next year!" Trish Lockey, Newcastle Civic Centre.
A Private Evening With Alan Shearer
The Paul James Band recently performed at an exclusive event for Alan Shearer to raise money for his care home in West Denton, Newcastle; www.alanshearercentre.org.uk. The event, held in the Magpie Suite at St James' Park, raised over £10,000 for disabled children using the centre.
"Thanks for a great night, you were fantastic!"
Alan Shearer
Choosing A Wedding Band
Some tips on finding the right band for your wedding!
Geordie Latinos Salsa Band
Members of The Paul James Band are delighted to be reunited with the renowned Salsa Band 'The Geordie Latinos' featuring Newcastle United Legend Nobby Solano on Trumpet.
We're performing at St James' Park before the match on Sunday 22nd May and then later in Shearer's Bar.
We're also performing at one of the region's most popular events - 'The House Party' with Shaun Ryder and The Happy Mondays headlining the bill on Sunday 29th May.
Tickets from the venue: 1 The Close, Quayside, Newcastle
0191 2301813
www.riversidenewcastle.co.uk
Union Club, Soho
It was great to work once again with Rick Locklan, one of London's top session musicians, at a wedding in the capital last weekend.
Ian and Anna, the Happy Couple, had seen us perform at a friend's wedding in Newcastle and invited us to provide the music for their own celebration in a private members club in the city centre. The dance floor was full most of the evening and Ian and Anna were delighted with our performance.
Sunshine Fund Ball, Gosforth Park Marriott October 2010
Thanks to Caroll, Pam Royle and the team for another great night at the Sunflower Ball.
"Hi Paul, thank you for helping to make the Ball a fab night again the atmosphere was amazing and we raised over £22k net on the evening so we were delighted, plus we have received some really good feedback. We have provisionally booked the Gosforth Park Marriott again for 14th October so would be grateful if we could book you too. Thanks again and best wishes, Caroll"
Christmas Lunch at Jesmond Dene House
Graham performing Piano and Solo Sax once again at Jesmond Dene House.
Residency at Jesmond Dene House
The band are delighted to continue their residency in to 2011 at the region's top boutique hotel; Jesmond Dene House performing a series of themed nights at the venue's renowned 'Jazz Supper'. The band recently performed a programme of Latin Jazz and were joined by two of the UK's leading percussionists; Carlos 'El Tipo' and Marco Solano.
"Every month, on a Friday evening, the Great Hall is turned into a laid-back little supper club, where diners are entertained by some of the region's finest jazz musicians. The band play everything from swing to blues, and Latin American to classic standards, during a three-course, bistro-style supper and guests can chill out to the sounds or, if the tempo suits, can strut their stuff on the dance floor."
Newcastle Journal, September 2010"Thanks for a great night, I have once again received excellent feedback from our guests and General Manager!"
Muriel Vanel, Special Events Manager, Jesmond Dene House
Dates of forthcoming public events and details of how to book can be found at www.fixagig.co.uk and www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
New Websites
Paul James Music – For Your Wedding: www.pauljamesmusic.co.uk
Paul James Events – The Best of Corporate Entertainment: www.pauljamesevents.co.uk
Our new websites providing music for Weddings, Parties, Corporate Events and Themed Party Nights are now firmly established. Please visit to see sample entertainment programmes, videos, pictures and ideas for your event.
Evening of Dance with Anton du Beke
The band had the pleasure of performing with Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke and his dance partner Erin Boag at Newcastle Civic Centre for an evening of dance. The event sold-out as soon as tickets were released and a return visit by the TV celebrity is planned for next year.
"Your band played beautifully and your singer has a lovely voice. Thanks for a great night!' Anton du Beke, 'Strictly Come Dancing'"
Newcastle Civic Centre
Christmas Party Nights at Rockliffe Hall
The Paul James Band are delighted to be performing as the resident band this Christmas at the prestigious 5* Rockliffe Hall Hotel near Darlington.
Having performed at the venue’s grand opening for Spa members the band will be providing music and entertainment at the Christmas Party Nights every weekend throughout December 2010. Please email reservations@rockliffehall.com
or call 01325 722221 to reserve a table.
'Preferred Supplier'
The Paul James Band are proud to be recommended by a host of the region’s top venues as a ‘Preferred Supplier’ of Music and Entertainment.
The Band have extensive experience of working with events teams in the north’s most prestigious venues and are now recommended by staff to their clients as a professional outfit who have been ‘tried and tested’. Venues who recommend us and list us on their website include; Rockliffe Hall, Jesmond Dene House, Beamish Hall, Wynyard Hall, Matfen Hall, Seaham Hall, Dissington Hall, Eshott Hall, Durham Castle, Mansion House and many others.