The Big Easy

» Profile

THE BIG EASY is a 7-piece jazz/blues band. Comprising;
The Preacher – lead vocals, guitar, harp
Martin Barter – keyboards, vocals
Rod Boatswain – tenor sax, b’king vox
Andy McIntyre – trumpet
Mike Parris – bass, percussion
Brendan Rayner – drums, percussion

The popular outfit covers the very best of ‘good time’ jazz, blues and rhythm & blues – or ‘Jooz’ as they call it. THE BIG EASY are a work man like band who deliver with energy and style a fine selection of classic numbers, right across the board, from the 1930s to the present day. From Louis Prima to Van Morrison, Ray Charles to Jools Holland. Indeed, they feel comfortable in declaring that they have ‘something for everyone’. Aint no sitting back when THE BIG EASY hit town .. prepare yourself for an evening of hot, steamy ‘raucous & roll’ ! from the coolest, most cruelest band on the planet !

The band in-demand burn rubber the length and breadth of the UK, performing at jazz clubs, festivals, functions, corporate and events of all shapes and sizes – not to mention a millionaires wedding ! The Big Easy have gone from strength to strength since forming some 3 years ago and have gained admirers from all corners of the music scene mainly due to their appealing renditions of classic jazz and blues numbers and thoroughly entertaining live shows. Indeed, Big Bear Music were impressed enough to invite them to perform in the Birmingham International Jazz Festival 2006. Whilst also taking in the Coventry Jazz Festival and Town & Country Festival the same year and being featured on CWR radio, Heart fm and Touch fm along the way. Continuing the festival trail in 2007 the band were featured in the Liverpool Maritime Event at Wellington Dock, the Lichfield Real Ale and Jazz & Blues Festival and ArtsFest in Birmingham. 2008 saw The Big Easy take to the stage at the massive Americana Festival in July, while taking in the huge Godiva Festival the same month. And driving on to Wales to thrill an enthusiastic audience at Lllangollen Pavilion Theatre.

In august the band was invited to perform live on Wedding Breakfast TV (Sky channel 277) and received considerable feed-back from viewers. Red TV is now also lining up the band for a session in April 2008.

The Big Easy will be stealing time from a busy 2008 work schedule to record their 10 track CD entitled: ‘JooZ’ .

The Preacher has been described as: “possibly the best around in what he does” .. “a vocalist of great dexterity and power”. While the band’s undoubted skills as vocalists, musicians and arrangers is now taking them into the big league. It is therefore no surprise that The Big Easy is attracting much interest. Nowhere else will you see such a band - they are unique. With such a fast growing reputation they are quite simply becoming a band difficult to ignore.

The Big Easy - one of the UK’s premier jazz/blues outfits !

» Previous Clients

• Birmingham International Jazz
• Festival
• Town & Country Festival
• Coventry City Football Club
• Lichfield Jazz & Blues Festival Liverpool Maritime Festival
• Wedding Breakfast TV
• ...and Many More!

» Line-Up

• Dave Lines — lead vox, sax, guitar
• Carl Sinclair — lead vox, keyboards
• Rod Boatswain — lead vox, sax
• Dave Perry — guitars, backing vox
• Steve Sage — bass, percussion
• Ed Franklin — drums, percussion

» Testimonials

"One of the UK’s premier jazz / blues outfits.”
- Touch FM

“A knock out!”
- Birmingham International Jazz Festival

“A full on party band... they even had me up dancing!”
- Brian Pretty of Lichfield Jazz & Blues Festival Enthused

“A wonderful evening of top class entertainment!”
- Michelle McCain, Ricoh Arena, Coventry

“A big thank you to The Big Easy for helping to make Artsfest a great success — see you next year!”
- Emily Bartlett, Birmingham Arts

“The guys made the whole event go with real swing!”
- Town & Country Festival

“A bloody fantastic band!”
- John Bowes, British Airways

“The Big Easy went down a storm!”
- Kirsty Blakeman, Liverpool Maritime Festival

“A terrific live band... good time guaranteed!”
- Steve ‘Big Man’ Clayton

“Thanks for doing such a superb job! You are all absolute stars! Really appreciate you coming down and being part of the show.”
- Adrian, Series Producer Wedding Breakfast TV

“The Big Easy was the principal reason for everyone having such a good time. We all really appreciate all your efforts for us. We hope to see you again sometime!”
- Dennis And Sue

“A big thanks for a great performance... everyone at my daughter’s wedding thought you were truly amazing... I hope I get the chance to book you again some time!”
- Brides Father

“great music guys”
- Daniel Day-Lewis

“a terrific live band” ... “good time guaranteed!”
- Steve ‘Big Man’ Clayton

“One of the best bands we’ve had in a long time”
- Sam Williams, Lllangollen Pavilion Theatre

“The Big Easy went down a storm”
- Kirsty Blakeman, Liverpool Maritime Festival

“A knock out”
- Birmingham International Jazz Festival

“Don’t know who thrilled the crowds more – The Big Easy or the Red Arrows?!”
- Fowey Royal Regatta

“Great stuff .. they even had me up dancing”
- Brian Pretty, Lichfield Jazz & Blues Festival

"Wish you the best, leaving you with my thoughts for the New Year Much Respect! The Big Easy!"
- Mohammed Ali, onto myspace page

“Excellent feedback from the audience, great repertoire of songs and loads of fun. One of the technicians who contracts for different venues said you were one of the best bands he'd seen in a long time! (he's seen a LOT of bands) I'm going to forward your contact details to one of our main festival/events organisers”
- Sam Williams, Llangollen Pavillion Theatre

"Thanks for doing such a superb job! You are all absolute stars! Really appreciate you coming down and being part of the show. Very Best Wishes."
- Adrian, Series Producer, Wedding Breakfast TV

"The Big Easy was the principal reason for everyone having such a good time. We all really appreciate all your efforts for us. We hope to see you again some time!”
- Dennis and Sue

“Absolutely brilliant! Everyone we spoke to yesterday said how much they'd enjoyed The Big Easy. Yet another night that will remain in the memory for a long time to come. Thanks Guys and keep on rockin'"
- Terry Critchley

"Now that's what I LIKE!!!!!! Congrats on a great energetic sound. Keep it coming - a big high five!! You guys have got a great sound....need to hear more."
- Showcase Your Music

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