marc334267

SEEKING

Keyboard, Piano, Cello.

ABOUT

Hi,

I'm an experienced/talented 52 year old singer-songwriter and classically trained guitarist based in Barnet, Hertfordshire. I'm searching for a competent (either sight reading or great 'by ear') cello accompanist to play while I sing on my guitar (‘filling in’ with incidental music and accompaniment to enhance) and also singing with just cello. I'd loke to find someone who could play songs from musicals (e.g. Bart, Rodgers & Hart etc.), standards from the 30s - 50s (e.g. Gershwin, Porter, Berlin etc.), and newer melodic songs from artists such as Katie Melua, Cat Stevens, The Beatles and Neil Sedaka etc. (Due to the level of technicality required, I don't generally play many 'standards/musicals on my guitar - it is more songs from the 60s onwards). I also enjoy singing some of my own songs at the right places. I would particularly like to introduce more of a jazzier side, and love the songs and style of Blossom Dearie and Gregory Porter. I love the cello, which is why I thought it may make a nice combination with the guitar. And it's not 'all about me'! As a team, it would be nice to hear you playing also, without me singing.

Alternatively I would like to find a competent piano accompanist (again, either sight reading or great 'by ear'), to then see if drums and double bass could be added at a later date.

For the past 19 years I have been performing at care homes, charities, supper clubs and community festivals, sometimes with a piano accompanist - paid and unpaid (before that I performed in amateur musicals and comedy revues). I need to find someone who has the time to commit to a long term collaboration and perhaps isn't already playing with a couple of other bands/singers. I have got to the stage where I feel I’m not fulfilling my potential and should be making more of my talent before it’s too late - even if it’s part time. My aim is to make some money, have fun and enjoy my singing. I've got a pleasant, melodic voice, which can be heard at www.marcharris.co.uk, where there is also my repertoire of songs which I enjoy singing (which does not include all of my 'classic' repertoire - Gershwin etc.), and there are always more to learn! One thing I should explain is that even though I have a good memory for songs/lyrics, I unfortunately can't sing with my guitar without the music in front of me, as I have a terrible memory for chords/music - possibly not helped by years of playing classical music and relying on reading the music throughout. Anyway, just to advise you. I have no problem with singing without the lyrics if singing without my guitar.

There are a number of things I'd like to do. Community/charity events (which are important for me to do, and usually would not be paid, including singing twice a year since 2012 in the conservatory in Broomfield Park, Palmers Green), some care homes (which are highly satisfying and usually paid) and potentially weddings/parties (as background music for receptions etc.) I would ideally like to put a great set of songs together so that we can be up and running for autumn 2023 and beyond - Watford Fringe in September/October may be something to aim for. I'm not looking to become famous by the way but it would be great to be able to make my way musically - performing, earning and doing what I love - singing and performing, and creating opportunities which could ultimately take over from a day job - the sooner the better, or sit alongside it. Hopefully you will have similar ambitions also.

I will look forward to speaking with you and meeting up in order to create a unique and special musical sound and partnership.

Best wishes,

Marc (Updated 26/3/23)

Screen name:: marc334267
Member since:: Oct 08 2017; Active over 1 month ago
Level of commitment:: Committed
Years playing music:: 45
Gigs played:: 50 to 100
Tend to practice:: 1 time per week
Available to gig:: 1 night a week
Most available:: Nights

Influences

... and singers I enjoy listening to: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Katie Melua, Neil Sedaka, Cilla Black, Paul Simon, Blossom Dearie, Gregory Porter, The Everly Brothers, Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, The Beatles, Joe Brown. Roy Orbison, David Essex, Bing Crosby, Glen Campbell, the Bee Gees plus more.