Performing as a Pianist in South Wales
My name is Eugene Portman and I love visiting South Wales as a pianist. There are some wonderful venues in the region and most of them are in real beauty spots.These venues range from castles and country pubs to hotels and golf courses. This makes the area a perfect place for anyone who is looking for a venue for their event.
Throughout the year I play the piano for many events in South Wales, but most of the time I’m booked for weddings.
The Music
I’ve mentioned weddings, but in order to be a successful wedding pianist in South Wales, I have to be very versatile. To explain, it isn’t uncommon for me to have to provide different styles of music for the various parts of the day. For example, classical music is usually the first choice for ceremonies, while jazz and swing are regular choices for drinks receptions. Also, the wedding breakfast would probably have an entirely different style of music to an evening reception. Luckily I play many styles of music including Latin, pop, rock, classical, blues, and sing-along.
Although I play classical, and other styles, at the end of the day, jazz is the music I really love to play. Sometimes the word jazz can frighten people off, but the style I play is an older style of jazz and is both melodic and easy to listen to. Just to elaborate, I play all the songs written by Cole Porter, Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and other great songwriters. These were the songs made famous by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. Further to this, my jazz piano style has developed through listening to the great pianists of the past. These great musicians include Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Erroll Garner, and Teddy Wilson.
My main aim when I am performing is to make my music entertaining and I play tunes that people know and can relate to. I also try and add sparkle to your event without drowning conversation.
Different Instrumental Line-ups
My work in South Wales is generally as a solo pianist, but occasionally I am required to provide larger line-ups. These can range from duos and trios right up to a five-piece jazz band. Here is a full list of the line-ups I provide:
a) Duo – piano and vocals or piano and bass
b) Trio – piano, bass and vocals or piano, bass and drums
c) Quartet – piano, bass, drums and vocals or piano, bass, drums and sax
d) Five Piece Jazz Band – piano, bass, drums, sax and vocals
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need help choosing a line-up for your event.
Singalong Pianist in South Wales
A recent trend in South Wales has led to me being booked for events as a sing-along pianist. Furthermore, this has quickly become something I really enjoy. This sort of music tends to suit informal parties and pub nights, but it is becoming more popular with formal events such as weddings. When I perform at a sing-along event I provide all the song sheets and I dress like an old fashioned Cockney pianist. This consists of a Bowler hat, waistcoat, grandad shirt, neckerchief, pocket watch, etc.
For more information please visit sing-along page or my other website at www.uksingalongpianist.co.uk.
Here are some of the venues in South Wales where I’ve performed as a pianist:
- Morlais Castle Golf Club, Pant, Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales CF48 2UY
- Peterstone Court Hotel, Llanhamlach, Brecon, Powys, Wales LD3 7YB
- Portmeirion Town Hall, Portmeirion, Gwynedd, Wales. LL48 6ET
- Portmeirion Hotel, Portmeirion, Gwynedd LL48 6ET
- University Of Wales Newport, Caerleon Campus, Newport, Glamorgan, South Wales NP18 3YH
- The White Swan Llanfrynach, Wales LD3 7BZ
- Lake Vyrnwy Hotel,Llanwddyn, Powys, Wales SY10 0LY
- Stradey Park Hotel, Furnace, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, South Wales SA15 4HA
- St Mellons Golf Club, St Mellons, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, South Wales CF3 2XS
I perform as a pianist all over Wales. Here are some of the areas I cover:
- Cardiff
- Swansea
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Carmarthenshire
- Caerphilly
- Flintshire
- Newport
- Bridgend
- Neath Port Talbot
- Wrexham
- Powys
- Vale of Glamorgan
- Pembrokeshire
- Gwynedd
- Conwy
- Denbighshire
- Monmouthshire
- Torfaen
- Ceredigion
- Isle of Anglesey
- Blaenau Gwent
- Merthyr Tydfil