Countdown are a sensational 9-piece function band performing a fantastic mix of Jazz, Rat Pack and Soul music to give you a night to remember!
These experienced musicians can also provide classical or contemporary music for your wedding ceremony, and will learn your favourite song to make the first dance even more special.
This versatile and talented band transform the atmosphere of your event – playing sophisticated jazz music during dinner, Swing and Rat pack classics to get your guests on their feet, and Soul and Motown hits guaranteed to fill your dancefloor all night long!
** PLEASE NOTE: All quotes indicated are based on the 9 Piece line-up. Smaller line-ups are also available at reduced rates **
Countdown are a sensational 9-piece function band performing a fantastic mix of Jazz, Rat Pack and Soul music to give you a night to remember!
These experienced musicians can also provide classical or contemporary music for your wedding ceremony, and will learn your favourite song to make the first dance even more special.
This versatile and talented band transform the atmosphere of your event – playing sophisticated jazz music during dinner, Swing and Rat pack classics to get your guests on their feet, and Soul and Motown hits guaranteed to fill your dancefloor all night long!
- Fun, young, yet highly experienced jazz and soul musicians
- Strong female vocals and accomplished male/female band
- Previous clients include E-On UK, RAF, and many satisfied private customers
- Self contained for all events with high quality PA system and lights as standard
Your event is special to the band and every gig is treated separately ensuring that your requirements are met. From choosing the perfect line-up to suit your event to smaller details such as the dress code special requests and performance times Countdown aim to be completely flexible to make sure that you get entertainment perfect for your event.
Both the 6 - and 9 - piece bands fit into a very small performance space and are perfect for any venue and any sized audience from 40 people to 400+. The band is self-contained with a compact yet powerful Mackie PA system as standard and lighting rig with effects. Music between sets is provided free of charge along with a microphone for speeches.
Ceremony Music
Countdown also provide classical or contemporary music for your wedding reception. Bandleader Mike is a highly trained pianist and church organist, and has played at over 150 wedding ceremonies. He will work with you to choose music that suits your religious or non-religious ceremony. Additional musicians, such as a singer, trumpeter, cellist or vocalist can join with Mike to perform before the service and during the Signing of the Register.
Jazz Band
Countdown are also able to provide background jazz music - a 3-5 piece jazz band creating the perfect atmosphere for cocktail parties and dinner events. They can also perform background music during afternoon drinks receptions and photos, before the main function band performs for your guests in the evening.
Christmas Parties
Countdown are perfect for Christmas Parties, performing carefully selected Christmas hits made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Andy Williams and The Jackson 5 alongside their usual Swing and Soul repertoire.
- 9-piece: female vocals, piano, bass, drums, keyboards, trumpets (2), alto sax/flute, tenor sax/clarinet
- 6-piece: female vocals, piano, bass, drums, keyboards, tenor sax
- Jazz quintet: female vocals, piano, bass, drums, tenor sax
- Jazz quartet: piano, bass, drums PLUS vocals, sax OR trumpet
- Jazz trio: piano, bass, drums OR piano, bass, sax
Countdown can also provide musicians to play classical and contemporary music for your wedding ceremony - please enquire for details.
Please note that songs marked with an asterisk can only be performed by the 9-piece band:
***RAT PACK AND SWING***
Frank Sinatra
Come Fly With Me*
Fly Me to the Moon
For Once in My Life
Have you met Miss Jones
I Get a Kick Out of You*
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
The Lady is a Tramp*
Luck Be a Lady*
Mack the Knife
Me & My Shadow
My Kind of Town (Chicago Is)*
New York, New York*
Strangers in the Night
The Tender Trap*
That’s Life
The Way You Look Tonight*
Dean Martin
Ain’t That a Kick in the Head
Sway
Nat 'King' Cole
Almost Like Being in Love*
Let There Be Love
Let’s Face the Music and Dance*
L-O-V-E
Straighten up and Fly Right
Michael Buble
All of Me
Call Me Irresponsible*
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Etta James
At Last
Billie Holiday
That Ole Devil Called Love
Ella Fitzgerald
They Can’t Take That Away From Me
Manhattan
Louis Armstrong
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
What a Wonderful World
Nina Simone
Feeling Good
My Baby Just Cares For Me
Judy Garland
Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart*
Shirley Bassey
‘S Wonderful
Dinah Washington / Jamie Cullum
What a Difference a Day Makes
***CLASSIC BIG BAND AND LATIN***
Glenn Miller
American Patrol*
In The Mood*
Tuxedo Junction*
Count Basie
Cute*
L'il Darlin'*
Ya Gotta Try*
Benny Goodman
Sing, Sing, Sing*
Doris Day
Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps
Dizzy Gillespie
Manteca
The Andrews Sisters
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy*
Ray Charles
One Mint Julep*
Perez Prado
Mambo No 5*
Rosemary Clooney
Mambo Italiano
***SOUL & MOTOWN***
Stevie Wonder
Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing
I Just Called To Say I Love You
Isn’t She Lovely
Knocks Me Off My Feet
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Sir Duke
Superstition*
Michael Jackson & Jackson 5
Blame it on the Boogie
I Want You Back*
Man in the Mirror
Rock With You*
Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough*
Aretha Franklin
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough*
I Say a Little Prayer For You
Respect
Son of a Preacher Man
Think*
Until You Come Back to Me
Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up
Dusty Springfield - Am I The Same Girl
Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On*
Rose Royce - Car Wash*
Etta James - I Just Wanna Make Love to You
Amy WInehouse - Valerie
James Brown - I Feel Good*
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You
Andy Williams - Can't Take My Eyes Off You
Billy Joel - Just The Way You Are
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Heatwave
Tom Jones - It's Not Unusual
Earth, Wind and Fire - September
Dolly Parton - 9 to 5
Jamiroquai - Love Foolosophy*
Otis Redding - My Girl
Average White Band - Work To Do*
Van Morrison - Someone Like You
CeCe Peniston - Finally
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - The Tracks of My Tears
George Benson - Give Me The Night
***CHRISTMAS REPERTOIRE***
Frank Sinatra
Let It Snow*
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
Andy Williams
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Maria Carey
All I Want For Christmas Is You
Eartha Kitt
Santa Baby
Nat ‘King’ Cole
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
Jackson 5
Frosty the Snowman
****JAZZ BAND REPERTOIRE***
All of Me
Angel Eyes
Bewitched (Bothered and Bewildered)
Beyond the Dea
Cheek to Cheek
Easy to Love
A Foggy Day
The Girl from Ipanema
Just Friends
Lullaby of Birdland
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
Old Devil Moon
On the Sunny Side of the Street
Satin Doll
Stompin' at the Savoy
Stormy Weather
Take the 'A' Train
These Foolish Things
The Way You Look Tonight
What a Wonderful World
Witchcraft
...and many more!
James Smith, Wedding Reception, Oxfordshire
We're just back from our honeymoon and I wanted to say a big thank you to the band for such an amazing performance. Sorry I didn't get to say much on the night, as you can imagine it was a bit hectic! Your performance was perfect, I couldn't have imagined anything better, you were extremely professional and the music and singing was incredible - a beautiful entertainment group that completed a perfect evening. Thanks again, and please say a big thank you to everyone in the band.
Ross Thompson, RAF Christmas Party, Cambridge
Countdown gave a great performance at the RAF Christmas Party. The arrangements for the band all went very smoothly, and the show on the night was first rate - the band even agreed to perform an additional set at short notice. They were virtually held hostage by the crowd until the end of their third encore! I’d have absolutely no hesitation in booking them again.
Fran Newman, 50th Birthday Commemoration Ball, Oxfordshire
When I heard about you, a jazz, Rat Pack and soul band, I just knew you were perfect for our Ball to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Aylesbury High School. Now we are here on Monday after the Ball, I have to tell you how many people have contacted me to let me know how WONDERFUL Countdown were. You were professional, smart and above all flexible! You changed from a jazz quintet to greet our guests as they sipped champagne, to the full function band to dance to after the dinner. And dance! I have never seen a dance floor more packed for the whole evening. Everyone loved dancing to the Rat Pack set - so sophisticated! The soul set was perfect to dance to the end of the evening.
You may have heard that no-one was prepared to let you off the stage - the "encores" could be heard in the next county! So a very big thank you from us all at AHS - you made the evening.
Lin Carey, Mother of the Bride, Oxfordshire
Sarah and Jami are, of course, on honeymoon. However I couldn't wait until they return to send our own thank-you for your fantastic music at our daughter's wedding last Saturday. You were absolutely perfect and really hit the spot getting all ages on the floor - from age four to ninety! We will highly recommend you.
Richard Speight, Wedding Reception, East Sussex
To Mike and all the guys in Countdown, Well, we're back from our honeymoon now; and we'd both like to really thank all of you for helping to make our wedding such a fantastic day. The music was perfect from the first dance to the last - even if our dancing didn't quite do it justice! Everyone had so many great things to say about you, and were unanimous in your praise. The only downside was that it had to end!
Lucie Abson, Wedding Reception, Nottingham
Countdown played at one of my oldest friend's weddings last week - the best wedding I've ever been to, and the band played a huge part in that! We all rushed to the dancefloor and didn't leave. The music pleased all age groups, which is just what you want on these occasions, and the band looked like they really enjoyed being there too. I've stored them in the memory bank to recommend to others - talented, professional, slick, fun!
Tom Fane, Wedding Reception, Warwickshire
After our wedding last week we wanted to write to thank you and the band for your fantastic performance. We both had a brilliant day, as did our guests, and Countdown were a vital part of it, creating the perfect atmosphere. All three of the sets were spot on and really kept the night buzzing right through to the end of the party. So many people have commented on how much they loved both the music and the dancing and it will certainly live long in our memories. Thanks also for letting us plug in our laptop, use your mikes and for being so accomodating and flexible with our timings for the evening which went a bit off schedule. Thanks again for helping to make our wedding party so special.
Ellie, 21st Birthday Party, Cheltenham, April 2010
Just a short email to say how much we enjoyed having Countdown at our party on Saturday. You were absolutely fantastic. Very nice people, very smartly dressed, very well organised and flexible, and you even learnt a song that we requested! We were so happy with the band and would thoroughly recommend you to anyone. You were absolutely great. Thanks very much.
Chris Johnson, 50th Birthday Party, Buckinghamshire
Hi Mike, I just wanted to drop you a quick email to thank you and your band members for the excellent music we received for my special birthday celebration dinner on 7th November at the Carriage House Restaurant. Without exception, all my guests were impressed with the quality and professionalism of your band. I have received lots of compliments - all of which you certainly deserve. The evening went without a hitch and we could have all danced on for hours and hours!! My thanks again for helping to make the musical entertainment part of a memorable evening. I will certainly recommend you to anyone who is looking for high quality music for a special event.
Previous Clients include:
The Royal Air Force
E-On UK
Oxford University Press
Prestige Purchasing
Mellon UK
Nautronix
Venues:
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Knightsbridge
ExCel Centre, London
The Berkeley Hotel, Knightsbridge, London
The Imagination Gallery, London
Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Oxfordshire
The Oxfordshire Golf and Country Club
Gray's Inn, Inns of Court, London
Buxted Park, East Sussex
Enfield Chace Hotel, Middlesex
St. Michael's Manor Hotel, St. Albans
The Rose & Crown, Henley-on-Thames
Magdalen College, Oxford
Why should I book Countdown?
Countdown formed five years ago and our line-up hasn't changed since. Performing together on hundreds of occassions over the years has meant that we are extremely well rehearsed, and have developed a fantastic and unique sound that really sets us apart from other function bands.
We are extremely flexible, and can transform from a piano/cello duo for your wedding ceremony to a background jazz band playing over dinner, right up to a fantastic 9-piece function band for dancing all night long.
We also use top quality PA and lighting equipment to make sure each performance looks and sounds slick and professional.
We pride ourselves on our personal service. We treat every event separately, whether large and small, to make sure that you get the perfect music for YOUR special occasion.
How far do you travel?
We regularly travel up to 150 miles from London. We are also happy to travel further than this, though we may need to arrange overnight accommodation which would incur additional charges.
Are you insured?
Yes, the band holds a £5m Public Liability Insurance policy with Musicians Insurance Services, and all of our electrical equipment is regularly PAT tested. Please ask us if you need copies of these documents.
What is your standard line-up?
Countdown usualy perform as a 9-piece band - this features a four-piece horn section, giving an amazing 'full' sound to our Rat Pack and Soul repertoire. Countdown are also available as a 6-piece line-up, and smaller jazz combos for more intimate events.
How long do you need to set-up?
We need around 90 minutes to set up for the Function Band (the Jazz Band will take about 30 minutes to set up). It usually takes about 45 minutes to pack up when we've finished playing.
How much space do you need?
The function band needs about 18' x 8' performance space. However, we are used to squeezing into small spaces so we'll do our best wherever we are!
Can you play outside?
Yes, but only if we have adequate cover over us. This is to protect us - and more importantly our equipment - against both sun and rain, as both can get in the way of a good performance! You must also check that there is an adequate power supply close to the performance space.
How much electricity do you need?
The Function Band needs at least three separate 13 amp sockets. This does NOT mean a four-way extension lead taken out of a single socket, as it will not provide enough power for the lights and speakers. The Jazz Band only needs one socket close to the performance space.
How much equipment do you bring with you?
Not as much as many other bands, and it doesn't compromise the way the band looks. We have a compact yet powerful PA system, and use simple, compact lighting which makes the band look a lot nicer!
Can you arrive to set up earlier in the day?
Yes we can, but if you want us to arrive more than three hours before we are due to start playing there may be an additional charge. We always aim to finish setting up before your guests arrive, and will be as flexible as possible to try and accommodate your needs.
Can I have the Jazz Band play during a drinks reception in the afternoon, and then have the Function Band in the evening?
Yes, we regularly do this and find it works very well. It also works out much cheaper than booking two separate bands!
Can you play after midnight?
If you want us to play past midnight, there may be an additional charge. Please ask us for more information.
What happens between sets?
We bring along a laptop computer and use it to play recorded music along the same lines as the ones we perform. However, we are also happy to play your choice of music, if you make a compilation of songs/mp3 files on a CD and give it to us beforehand. We are also able to plug your laptop, mp3 player or iPod into our PA system so that you have complete control over the songs played between sets.
Can we use your microphone for the speeches?
Yes, this is no problem. However, please note that you will not be able to stand further forward than our speakers - otherwise you'll get lots of horrible feedback!
I'm having a disco afterwards - can you help?
Our top-quality PA system is fantastic for a disco set after we've finished playing. There are some limitations with this, but generally speaking it's MUCH cheaper to use our equipment for your disco than hiring your own DJ.
Can you learn our first dance?
Often we can, yes. It's best you talk to us as soon as possible to discuss this if it's something you would like us to do.
What about other requests?
When you book the band you are more than welcome to go through our repertoire and highlight songs you particularly do or do not want us to play. Sometimes it is possible to learn new songs, but it can be hard to fit this into the band's busy schedule and may incur additional charges. Let us know well in advance and we can discuss the options with you straight away!
- Standard performance: three 45 minute sets OR two 60 minute sets.
- Extra sets available on request.
Please Note: The fees indicated below are approximate and based on a central location for each county. They are intended to provide a rough guide only and exact quotes can only be given once the date and exact location of your event have been provided.
East
- Cambridgeshire - £1,782.50
- Huntingdonshire - £1,782.50
- Norfolk - £1,955.00
- Suffolk - £1,782.50
Mid Wales
- Cardiganshire - £2,587.50
- Montgomeryshire - £2,357.50
- Powys - £2,357.50
- Radnorshire - £2,127.50
Midlands
- Derbyshire - £2,012.50
- Gloucestershire - £1,897.50
- Hereford and Worcester - £2,127.50
- Herefordshire - £2,127.50
- Leicestershire - £1,897.50
- Lincolnshire - £2,012.50
- Northamptonshire - £1,840.00
- Nottinghamshire - £1,897.50
- Rutland - £1,897.50
- Shropshire - £2,300.00
- Staffordshire - £2,012.50
- Warwickshire - £1,897.50
- West Midlands - £1,897.50
- Worcestershire - £1,897.50
North West
- Cheshire - £2,587.50
- Cumberland - £2,875.00
- Cumbria - £2,875.00
- Greater Manchester - £2,645.00
- Lancashire - £2,645.00
- Merseyside - £2,587.50
- Westmorland - £2,587.50
South East
- Bedfordshire - £1,782.50
- Berkshire - £1,782.50
- Buckinghamshire - £1,782.50
- East Sussex - £1,840.00
- Essex - £1,782.50
- Hampshire - £1,897.50
- Hertfordshire - £1,782.50
- Isle of Wight - £2,300.00
- Kent - £1,840.00
- London - £1,782.50
- Middlesex - £1,782.50
- Oxfordshire - £1,782.50
- Surrey - £1,782.50
- Sussex - £1,840.00
- West Sussex - £1,840.00
South Wales
- Breconshire - £2,127.50
- Carmarthenshire - £2,587.50
- Dyfed - £2,587.50
- Glamorgan - £2,127.50
- Gwent - £2,127.50
- Mid Glamorgan - £2,127.50
- Monmouthshire - £2,127.50
- Pembrokeshire - £2,702.50
- South Glamorgan - £2,127.50
- West Glamorgan - £2,127.50
South West
- Avon - £2,127.50
- Cornwall - £2,817.50
- Devon - £2,817.50
- Dorset - £1,955.00
- Somerset - £2,127.50
- Wiltshire - £1,926.25
