The idea behind and name “Big Day Music” came to me one day whilst living in my camper van during a 7 month travelling adventure in Italy. I was wondering how it could be made easier for people to find the best musicians and bands in Jersey? My answer was to bring all of the bands I play in under a single umbrella. That umbrella is ‘Big Day Music’!
I’ve been playing in and running bands in Jersey since 2000 when I came home after a 12 year stint in the RAF Music Services. Since then my Quartet, now a Quintet, co-lead with Tim Horsfall, has been the resident band at the Savoy for the Friday jazz session.
A reoccurring comment has been “Oh, I didn’t know you played in other bands”. So, Big Day Music is a neat way of grouping together all the bands that I’m involved with.
‘Big Day Music’ now collaborates with other musicians and singers across the island. In particular with Jessica who has become an integral part of it. And, of course, Tim Horsfall is the heart-beat of all the bands whether on String Bass, Piano or Guitar.
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Our band, ‘The Jessica Lloyd Band’, is flipping epic. Not only are we a bunch of misfits but we happen to really like one another. We have laughed and cried and shared many a Saturday evening together on this 9 by 5 island we call home. Never a dull moment! I sometimes look around at a gig and I simply can’t believe how blessed I am to have found musicians as slick and talented as these. The musicians in my band are some of the most talented musicians on the Island.
I have lots of experience with people and with performing, and I get what the client is trying to achieve, whether it’s a wedding or a private corporate event. I have ambition and zest and our bands pride themselves in their flexibility and the personalisation of each event. Ultimately though, the most important thing about music is…..making it fun!”
We play dance-floor fillers by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, James Brown, Michael Buble and Amy Winehouse. We also arrange your ‘First Dance’ song especially for you
‘Big Day Music’ has now evolved into a collection of fantastic bands, all unique in their own way but all maintaining musical quality at their core. As well as performing weekly as the Savoy Hotel’s immensely popular resident band, ‘The Brian White / Tim Horsfall Quintet’, Tim and I have also formed an instrumental duo together, ‘The Brian White / Tim Horsfall duo’, designed for the more intimate occasion or setting. Both bands have performed extensively throughout Jersey for corporate and private events and public ones and we are seasoned favourites on the wedding circuit. We strive to maintain an authentic approach to Jazz and have had great responses from both Jazz enthusiasts and from people who have discovered that they actually like Jazz. Our ambition is not to fake Jazz! – #nofakejazz
To say that the last couple of years have been a complete write-off for the music industry is an understatement. What it has done though, is given us all the gift of time. Jersey is a hub of talent and with this gift of time that we talk of, we are seeing more bands and artists coming out of the wood-work.
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So, is competition ramping up? We don’t think so. Firstly, we are not in competition with anyone, we do what we love and we do it well and there is enough room in Jersey for everyone to shine their talent like a beacon of light!
This year we are headlining both ‘The Grantez Sunset Concerts’ for the 2nd time. That’s on Saturday June 18th. And the ‘Corn Riots festival’ which is on October 1st and 2nd. We also have several weddings and corporate events happening. We will also work on more promotional material, venture off to the UK for a few gigs and there are a couple of surprises in store.
Our sister band -‘The Atlantic Quartet’ also has some promising events lined up this year. As a band it is a unique and exciting venture, ‘The Jessica Lloyd Duo’ meets ‘The Brian White / Tim Horsfall Duo’. It results in an artistic fusion of musicianship, a carefully chosen combination of songs from past and present, intricate melodies, authentic sounds and burning hot soloing. It is a riveting band bringing to its audience timeless jazz and blues favourites!
On the last note…Music is universal. It’s a way in which we can express ourselves and a way in which we can delve into that other world where we relax and dream. It provokes memories from the past, creates new ones and tickles the imagination. It sets us free! We shouldn’t take anything for granted! It is a gift and the biggest gift are the people we share it with!
Anybody who would like the experience of live music at its best for their wedding or event should get in touch with Big Day Music, they won’t be disappointed! We can take care of the music for their whole day; music in the church, music to break the ice at the reception and a band that will get everyone up dancing in the evening.
www.bigdaymusic.co.uk
bigdaymusicES@gmail.com
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