Here at Last Minute Musicians, we love to shine a light on some of our favourite acts on the directory. Today, it’s the turn of the fantastic jazz act, Smooth Duo.
Who are they?
Smooth Duo are an amazing jazz act from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. They comprise of Contralto vocalist, Susie, and talented multi-instrumentalist, Andy. They’ve been gigging together since the year 2000, meaning they have over 20 years of live performance experience.
They’ve opened for an incredible selection of famous acts, including The Osmond Brothers, Ken Dodd, Russell Watson, Billy Ocean, Lulu, the National Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Lance Ellington and Paul Potts.
They’ve also played live at the Granada TV studios for the cast and crew of Coronation Street (after the iconic live 50th Anniversary episode) and have also performed for the cast and crew of Emmerdale on various occasions.
Based in the East Midlands, they are centrally situated with easy access to the M1, A1, A38 etc. They will travel anything up to 300 miles for events, with a modest travel charge added for shows that are over 100 miles away.
What do they do?
The key is in the name – this is a smooth duo. Their repertoire consists of easy listening live lounge-style music that recreates “the acts of the Ronnie Scott’s club and Vegas Lounge era”.
As such, their repertoire includes jazz standards like “Summertime” and “Fly Me To The Moon”, aa well as smooth-pop classics, like Peggy Lee’s “Fever” and Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine”. Their style has often been compared to the likes of Diana Krall, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Alison Moyet and Sade.
Their repertoire makes them perfect for all sorts of events, from corporate events to wedding receptions, and even public shows in restaurants and bars. They typically perform two sets of 45 minutes, but can play up to a maximum of 3 x 50 minutes sets.
What do we think?
We love the fact that Smooth Duo have truly embraced their USP (unique selling point). Their music is all about creating an atmosphere – the perfect background music.
The flexibility of Andy being a multi-instrumentalist means that each song has a great variety in its arrangement, while still keeping to the overall theme of being chilled out and relaxed. Susie’s voice is simply flawless for the style of music they perform and, when they play together, it becomes a style of music you could literally enjoy all afternoon.
Smooth Duo offer quite specific advice on the events that they will be perfect for, and we love how refreshingly honest they are. It means that every potential client gets a true insight into what events they will be best for – “If you want live music but not a loud disco or dance band – we are the perfect choice”.
Their style is brilliant for any public event in a lounge, restaurant or bistro, and they offer tailored sets private events, like dinner shows, drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts/dinners, cocktails/meet & greets etc.
What do their clients say about them?
Smooth Duo performed during drinks and canapes at our wedding in May 2018 and they were fabulous. Communication beforehand was great and the performance was perfect. Suzie and Andy were professional, friendly, easy going and extremely talented. Their tunes set the mood for the event and were widely complimented by our guests.
The Ashlees (Private wedding)
We have heard Smooth Duo many times at various venues. They are excellent performers playing a relaxing and varied mix of music. They play to the crowd taking requests and adjusting their set as needed. Susie’s voice is like immersing yourself in a rich cup of drinking chocolate, smooth and deep. Andy is a skilled musician who provides a great accompaniment, he seems to do the work of a small band! They are perfect easy listening and have great personalities that really create a friendly atmosphere. We thoroughly recommend them to hotels and restaurants as well as private parties and weddings.
Ray and Susan Dodd
Fantastic duo. Started the evening off perfectly. So professional. Talented musicians. Would highly recommend.
Karen Roch (Drinks reception Emmerdale Ball)
As a soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra, I had the huge pleasure of enjoying Smooth Duo performances on many occasions. Without doubt the best duo I’ve ever heard…beautiful, classy vocals complemented by sensitive, stylish accompaniments. This is a very, very special voice you really have to hear to believe. Outstanding.
Annette Wardell
If you’re looking to book Smooth Duo for your event, or want any other information, make sure that you check out their Last Minute Musicians Profile!
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