BANDS
Any band for any occasion, Life & Soul International can provide the
right band for you. From internationally recognised bands to the very
best of local talent, we can cater to your needs and your budget.
By having years of experience in the entertainment industry it enables
us to negotiate the best possible prices with numerous bands worldwide.
We have chosen not to list examples of any big name bands as they need
no explanation, and if you wanted to book them any of our staff would
be able to do that for you. Instead we have chosen to list just a few
of the bands who have worked with or been recommended to Life & Soul
International. All the bands we book have talent and showmanship and bring
alive any venue or party.
Jamtastic
Jamtastic have been described by dignitary Sir Jimmy Saville OBE as "these
guys are absolutely jamtastic". The Wessex heart beet charity ball
has been quoted as saying "Jamtastic were a storming success (just
as I knew they would be)". When Mike Mason from Bid-Up TV was asked
about the band his reply was "When I'm asked the question, what makes
for a great night out, I reply with one word....Jamtastic..... They can
perform as a four or five piece band and can play anything from 60's classics
to chart hits of today with style, talent and originality. Jamtastic love
playing together and this comes across in their performances. Jon Carson
was lucky enough to work with Lynn, Mark, Ginger and Andy on numerous
occasions and defiantly recommends this band for any venue or party.
Soul Connection
Comprising some of the south's best vocal talent, Soul Connection
is a fantastic soul band, with powerful male and female vocals combining
powerful gospel harmonies with classic soul, blues, pop and funk music.
Highly experienced, the band has been playing in the south for several
years and play regularly at the annual Blues on the Farm festival.
Soul Connection ranges from five to seven members, with the full band
featuring four vocalists to create a truly tremendous sound for the larger
wedding, party or corporate event. Every singer is a solo artist in their
own right, resulting in a superb chorus of talented and well-blended singers
which will not only impress your guests, but make your event forever memorable.
Vitalized
Playing hits from the 60's to today's charts; Vitalized provide a Hi-Energy,
professional performance combined with strong vocal harmonies and non-stop
audience participation. Our clients' requirements come first, therefore
we tailor each individual performance to your precise needs. Make song
requests in advance, we'll play them. Want to sing with the band?
we'll arrange it. We now also offer DESIGN YOUR OWN SET LIST. Create
a complete personal song list for your event! ALL music is performed entirely
LIVE with no backing tracks.
Essence
Claire, Kate and Laura are all from the South coast and Sam
is our resident Hippie from Stone Henge, or if you were to believe Kate,
that would be Hedge End! Sam and Laura met back
in 2003 when they were both part of another quartet which ended
a year later. They decided to look for 2 new members and
do something a bit different than before, so scoured the papers and
Internet sites and held numerous auditions until they found something
a bit special - Claire. Finding the fourth member was proving somewhat
more difficult than they first anticipated, they knew who they wanted,
someone fun, cheeky and someone with a great voice . Then they
found her, the ex baby-spice and rock n roll member of the band - Kate.
So that's us, we've been doing this for a number of years now
and we're loving every minute! We still want to rock the world,
well Portsmouth and the surrounding area anyway, world domination can
wait.... for now!! ha ha Let us introduce you to the Essense Girls, and
thats essense girls and not essex girls. We can assure you there
are no shell-suits, ford cortina's or burberry hats in sight, we just
need to convince Kate that white stilletto's really arent cool!!
(We're so going to get killed for that last comment!!!)
Six Bearded Fish
Six Bearded Fish or 'The Fish' are a four-piece function and originals
band from Southampton in the UK. Formed in 2000, the four 'known' Fish
are Tim Slater (Vocals, Harmonica & Percussion), Paul Thomas (Electric
Guitar), Aidan Hampson (Bass, Electric Piano & Acoustic Guitar) and
Rob Hampson (Drums, Percussion & Backing Vocals). The Fish are now
focusing on function events and are available for hire throughout the
southern counties of England. Suitable for weddings, parties, corporate
functions, or similar, they are an established and experienced outfit
with music spanning the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and more contemporary styles.
Slippery Soul
If you like your music live and funky then Slippery Soul are the band
for you. Covering hits from all the soul and blues legends, great for
Corporate Functions, Festivals and any Party. Our Soul Sisters' dance
moves and vocals will get you out of your seats and onto the dance floor.
Bang Bang Lulu
Bang Bang Lulu are fast building a reputation as an exciting and energetic
live act. Based in Portsmouth/Southampton, UK, they are currently appearing
at live music venues all over the South Coast of England. If you like
Ska, Northern Soul, and Mod influenced Beat music, and you have not yet
found yourself dancing like a frenzied sweat monster at a BBL gig, then
you might want to consider poppin along one night and seeing whats going
down with this lot. Bang Bang Lulu first formed in 2005, the nucleus of
the line up containing the ex Looney Toons/2 Tonic guys, Al Owen, Jason
Richardson and Paul Mathieson along with long time Shamen buddy Gav Knight.
Gary Plews and Dave Oakley (ex Hideaways) were subsequently recruited
along with original vocalist Shannon. After several live appearances Shannon
left and was replaced by Captain Skalet (ex Fruit Farm) and Donna Bretton
(ex Hideaways) on vocals. The varied musical styles that the band perform
reflect the infuences and backgrounds of the initial band members. Al,
Jas and Paul bringing years of experience playing Ska and Reggae and Gav
adding his vast knowledge of the rare soul genre and his wide experience
gained touring the world with artists like The Shamen, Marc Almond and
Maroon Town. When Dave and Gary joined the band it added a love of 60's
Hammond groove, mod, freakbeat and rally classics, plus a recognition
of some of the finer moments of the late seventies/early eighties 2nd
generation such as the Dexy's for example, and the more recent Ska revivalist
acts. Finally with the addition of Capt. Skalet a.k.a and Donna, who both
have a wide appreciation of all of the above genre's and more, the melting
pot was coming to the boil nicely. This blend of influences has shaped
Bang Bang Lulu into an act with an almost uniquely varied repertoire,
covering practically all aspects of the musical genre that can only be
very loosely termed Mod or Scooter Scene related. For Bang Bang Lulu this
genre covers Ska (from 60's to present day), Northern Soul, Vintage R&B,
60's/70's/80's pop, Hammond 'groove' and 60's garage.
Django
Django formed at the back end of 2006 and is made up by former members
of some of the best known ska bands on the south coast. It is our aim
to perform material covering all genres of Ska from Trojan through to
3rd wave and Ska/Punk. We are currently writing material some of which
is already in the set and aim to have recorded a few tunes within the
next couple of months !
And just in case you were wondering, Django is pronounced "jan-go".
4Sure
4Sure are proud to have made it to the Live rounds of The X Factor 2006
out of 100,000 applicants. Singing live to a TV audience of 10 million
viewers is an experience they'll never forget. Since leaving the show
4Sure have been overwhelmed by the support & interest in the group.
Opening for major acts such as Ne-Yo, Donell Jones, Genuwine, Montell
Jordan, Boyz II Men & Brian Mcknight are particular highlights. 4Sure
have been developing their sound and writing new original material. The
songs on this page, bar Poison, were written & arranged by 4Sure with
Production & Recording by 4Sure and all instruments played by 4Sure.
Rattlesnake
Rattlesnake was formed in March of 2006 although the concept was first
conceived in the summer of 2005 by Will Wallner. Will started playing
guitar in 2003 and was heavily influenced by Zakk Wylde, Van Halen, Yngwie
Malmsteen, Pantera and Guns N' Roses. After spending his first two years
of guitar playing practicing for 10 hours a day in his bedroom, he decided
he wanted to form a band. He started by writing a bunch of songs and thinking
of ideas to make his band unique. September 2005 to March 2006 was spent
searching for the right musicians to make up the band. During that time
Will enrolled at Portsmouth University and saw this as the perfect opportunity
to find the right people. Hidi was chosen for Bass, Mark on Drums. Both
of these study on the same Music course as Will and share similar musical
tastes. Finally, after hearing to many singers who sound like kids, Will
decided to find an older voice to fill the Lead singer position. Tref
was found over the internet and seemed like the perfect candidate to complete
the Rattlesnake line-up. As all the songs were written they spent the
next couple of months learning the set list and are currently writing
new songs with the band.
Time-Bomb
Time-Bomb formed out of the ashes of one of the countries greatest un-signed
ska bands, 2 Tonic. 2 Tonic had established themselves as the tightest
ska act on the circuit and were acclaimed for their original, self penned
music, much of it written by Time-Bomb's own Keith Weston. From 2 Tonic,
Time-Bomb get the signature powerhouse of the rhythm section Bass and
Drums in Simon & Keith.
Steve Green who was the original guitarist for 2 Tonic has been fronting
Ruby Soho, a four piece with Keith on Drums for the past two years. A
master of guitar and guitar collecting, Steve also has a fantastic signing
voice. Guy Cowmeadow has been a long term 2 Tonic fan and just e-mailed
Simon asking to be auditioned but had no experience. We were so impressed
by his enthusiasm we gave him a go and here he is with an awesome voice,
awesome stage presence and the cheek to go with it. Steve Hayes has played
keyboards for everyone locally and ironically was auditioned by Time-Bomb
band members in a previous band ten years ago. Steve just popped up again
out of the blue. A life long Hammond Organ fan Steve brings that mighty
sound to Time-Bomb.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you something special, I give you the revolution.
Rang-a-Tang
Rang-a-Tang
is a rare animal indeed. The UK's favourite party band, they get even
the most reluctant revellers up on the dance floor shaking their tail
feathers. Playing an exhilarating mix of non-stop hits from the 60's right
through to the naughties, all in their inimitable funky salsa style, there
as much fun to watch as they are to listen to. Probably the only band
in the world able to merge Blur's rousing "Song 2" seamlessly
into Andy Williams' groovy "I love you baby", a Rang-a-Tang
performance is always a thrill-a-minute roller coaster ride, which leaves
audiences screaming for more. With 4 people playing a grand total of 16
instruments, some really nifty dance moves and literally boundless energy,
they really are the monkey business.
BlueState
BlueSTATE
are a four piece Blues band based in the South of the UK. Playing
a carefully crafted mix of blues/soul/funk with a subtle hint of jazz.
Established since 2000 the band members have a collective wealth of experience,
having played at a variety of events from small pubs through to major
venues such as the famous Marquee Club in London. Using modern sound and
lighting equipment the band also are able to cater for a wide range of
interval CD music too. Whatever your venue or function, BlueSTATE will
be sure to deliver a show of popular songs and great entertainment.
Innervision
Innervision
are one of the South's best function bands, entertaining audiences with
a wide range of hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s right through to recent
chart material. INNERVISION are the ideal band to book for Weddings, functions
and parties and have over 10 years experience in this field having played
at most of the popular wedding and function venues in the area. All the
band members are experienced musicians with an in-depth understanding
of the latest music technology. This has allowed us to invest in some
of the latest sound and lighting equipment, guaranteeing the benefit of
a superb live sound and a brilliant light show at every function we play.
Put all of this into practice and we have no doubt that Innervision are
the right band to make your function a highly successful and memorable
occasion.
Ry Byron
Ry
Byron had a dream. A dream that one day music might have melodies again
and that bands would try and put on a show and entertain their audience
rather than stare at their shoes and pout with their cheek bones and tight
jeans. Fuelled by the Genius of David Bowie, Elton John, Stevie Wonder,
The Beatles, Motown and many many more, he decided to try and bring 'songs'
back to the world. Along with the best band in the world, this is slowly
but surely starting to occur. Their live show is now legendry and stands
out from all the blandness that surrounds them. With the ethos of putting
the crowd first they are cutting the teeth from the Hydra of modern Indie.
They intend to keep up the good fight and surround you with warmth deep
into 2007.
SOLOS & DUOS
Liquid Jazz
Professional Jazz Ensemble available as a Jazz Duo, Trio or Quartet in
the South of England Performing a mixture of cool sophisticated jazz standards,
swing and bossanova favourites, Liquid Jazz have been the highlight of
many weddings, private functions and corporate events. The repertoire
includes numbers made popular by the original jazz divas like Sarah Vaughan
, Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, but they are often given a modern
twist more in the style of Eva Cassidy , Gwyneth Herbert and Diana Krall.
The jazz duo combines the superb jazz vocalist Louise King with the formidable
keyboard talents of jazz pianist Paul Francis but is also available as
a jazz trio with bass, jazz quartet with drums or other larger jazz band
combinations to suit on request.
Stephen Bayliss
Stephen has been one of the North's most successful performers selling
out every concert he plays. Playing original and Motown covers his show
is the favourite of everyone. Stephen has been seen on TV as Michael Barrymore's
'Guest Performer' and on the TV show 'Star for a Night' with Jane MacDonald.
Most recently he has been involved in the production of his own theatre
show. The show, entitled All Night Long saw Stephen perform hits from
the swinging fifties to soul classics including fly me to the moon, let
there be love, give me the night, never to much and, of course Lionel
Richie's All night Long. The show is also a platform for Stephens's
much-requested original material. Stephen has always been very keen to
be involved in Charity fund-raising work and performed at Londons prestigious
Café Royal for Breast Cancer Cares Big Kiss Annual Event which
started in 2004. So far raising in excess of £15,000. Stephen launched
his first original debut album 'Play for Keeps' on 21st November 2005.
He has been described as the 'black Mick Jagger' with the 'velvet voice'.
The album evokes songs that appeal to a wide audience and captures every
emotion, from the upbeat, foot tapping 'High & Mighty' to the slow
and seductive ballad 'Don't leave me without Love'. Stephen is currently
in the studio working on his next album.
eNVy
eNVy are an exciting new musical duo that can meet the needs of the most
demanding client. A blend of first class vocal and guitar talent,
supported by recording studio quality backing that will make every song
sound like the original recording! Add to this a lively act that
is big on performance, visual impact and audience participation. eNVy
are Yvonne and Paul, both highly talented and experienced musicians.
Yvonne has the vocal talent to encompass a range of styles to suit any
occasion. Paul is the versatile and virtuoso guitarist who can add
that live, vibrant sound to backing and solo performances. Their
act can be tailored to suit the needs of the client, running from the
classics of the 60s to the very latest dance chart hits, from ballads
to pop, rock to disco. This is achieved using first class equipment,
modern technology and with a style that is highly polished and professional
and yet fun!
Lucy
Carson
Lucy has worked as a professional singer for six years. Performing
solo and in various groups, bands and shows at every venue you can imagine
from Bar/Restaurant to Casino to open-air stage to Haven and many army
bases. Her audiences range from toddlers to senior citizens with particular
appeal to the 20-50 age range. Lucy has a great stage voice and knows
how to work a crowd. She can host or compare confidently putting personality
into her work.
Russ Matthews
Russ Matthews is an exceptionally top-class professional with outstanding
talent and ability to entertain making him one of the most highly sought-after
artistes available. Along with his excellent voice, guitar-work and personality,
they key to his success is a complete entertainment package consisting
of a blend of music from the 50's and 60's through to the memorable
times of the 70's and early 80's
The Boots
If you're putting on a special event then you will know that the must-have
ingredient to make things really swing are professional, talented musicians.
Boots, the renowned and highly in demand Hampshire based girl duo will ensure
your function goes with a swing. Boots are made up of Lisa and Kim
who have a wealth of experience behind them at creating the right sound
for any function. Boots' repertoire covers tracks from the 50's through
to modern day chart hits. Lisa started singing in a dance band with her
brother and a few friends back in her birthplace of Norfolk.
The band regularly performed for weddings, parties, dance schools and
Masonic Lodge events. Over the years Lisa has performed a variety
of music including indie pop (where she wrote some of the original material)
to singing chilled out jazz standards. Last year Lisa performed
regularly as the lead vocalist with a Hampshire function band performing
all over Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and London for many military events,
weddings and parties. Kim has been singing for many years.
Kim has performed in a variety of stage shows including Exposed Productions
shows. Kim recently qualified as a finalist for the Chicago Rock
Singing Competition and a Regional Finalist for South Coast Idol.
Brooke Nolan
Brooke lives in Bournemouth and has been singing since as long as she
can remember and after trying out numerous different things she is now
a cabaret singer along the South coast. She started off as an entertainer
on a holiday park in Bournemouth but now singing and performing without
it ever feeling like a real job! She sings a variety of different genres
and caters for everyone and she has played in numerous venues across the
south cost
TRIBUTE ARTISTS
Over the last decade or so it has been noticed how Tribute shows have
been increasingly popular. Not just bands that play other peoples songs
but artists, who look, sound and perform like the person they are paying
tribute to. They give you the ability to see some of your favourite performers
(as long as you can suspend belief) at times and places that you would
never normally get to see them and at a price you know you can afford.
Due to the nature of this art some tributes are nothing more than someone
singing someone else's song, but at Life & Soul International we ensure
each tribute is of the highest standard and would only offer you the very
best. If you want your favourite artiste at your venue or party then don't
hesitate to give us a call.
Counterfeit Beatles
The Counterfeit Beatles have established themselves as one of the UK's
most sort after international acts with two of the highest profile performances
ever undertaken by any Beatles tribute band. Headlining the main stage
at Japan's Fuji Rock Festival - with Coldplay, Elvis Costello. Steve Winwood,
Primal Scream, Bjork- to an international crowd of 80,000. Also starred
in the £300,000 stage production Beatlemania at the Theatre Vergina
Thessaloniki, ainland Greece, for Walt Disney's award winning directors
Derrick Lasalla and Stavros Sideras - with full national television and
radio coverage.
Abba's Angels
Abba's Angels have been established since 2000 and have performed all
over the UK and Europe to rave reviews. They are undoubtedly one of the
classiest Abba Tribute acts on the UK circuit today. Available as an Abba
tribute duo or a 4 piece Abba tribute band with the addition of live guitar
and keyboards from Benny and Bjorn. Abba's Angels perform all the best
known Abba songs wearing hand made replica costumes with choreographed
dance routines. Abba's Angels are equally comfortable performing in front
of thousands at outdoor festivals and hotels or in local nightclubs and
restaurants and are available in the South of England and internationally
on occasion.
Frank Sinatra
James Selfridge as Frank Sinatra displays all of the exceptional talent,
style and poise inherent in the man himself. his relaxed, laid back
style, so reminiscent of "Ol' Blue Eyes" himself, entrances
audiences wherever he performs. James has been performing as Frank Sinatra
for over 15 years, performing with Big-Bands and playing at premier venues
around the globe. James has been delighting audiences at most types of
functions, including Corporate Events, Weddings and many theatre shows.
His smooth style and delivery of all the classics that made "Sinatra"
famous, has astounded guests both young and old. He posses an excellent
vocal range, coupled with the right amount of sincerity, confidence and
acting ability to effortlessly project the unique style that is, indeed,
the best tribute that could ever be paid to the great man himself. As
a performer, James Selfridge is available self-contained with authentic
Big-Band Backing tracks, or with a live 9, 12 or 16 piece Big-Band. This
show can be tailored to suit any event or venue with the emphasis on entertainment
of a quality that will make that special occasion unforgettable.
Bee Gee - One Man's Tribute to the Brothers Gibb
On Stage, Bee Gee not only sounds like Barry Gibb with his falsetto vocals
on tracks such as Tragedy, Night Fever and Stayin' Alive, or those natural
heart-warming overtones for ballads such as Words and Ive Gotta Get A
Message to him. He also looks like him, coupled with this ability to portray
the unmistakably subtle voice of Robin Gibb on tracks such as Massachusetts.
Armed with guitar and professionally produced backing sound, all the top
Bee Gees hits are accurately covered during this ultimate one man live
act.
SPECIALITY PERFORMERS
Orchestre
Pyramide
Orchestre Pyramide is a typical French band performing for 15 years in
the north west of France and jersey. Let's amaze your guests with something
different, a real French mood with the accordion! Edith Piaf, "les
chansons de Paris", Montmartre style, musette and guinguette's dances...
All is here to make your event a huge success. Many French songs and many
French style dances such as;
Java, Marche, Valse Musette, Farandoles...will keep everybody on the dancing
floor all night long!
Steve Warnette
Steve is a classically trained pianist with the essential years of experience
to create the beautifully mellow atmosphere required for a cocktail lounge
or restaurant From the timeless classics of George Gershwin, Cole Porter
etc. through to more modern artistes such as Elton John and Billy Joel,
Steve has many hours of music to provide just the right atmosphere for
your event.
We are contnuingly updating this part of the website
and adding new acts and bands each week. For a full listing of artists
available please use the booking form under the "Booking Enquiries
& Job Opportunites" Page.
