Velvet Express Solo offers an 'Easy Listening, Standards, Variety, Solo Act featuring: 'Live' Tenor Saxophone along with 'Backing Tracks, making Velvet Express Solo Show 'sound like' a full 3-4 piece Combo. The Saxophone plays the Lyric line, melody, and solo fills.
Velvet Express Solo caters to, and designed to create a 'Relaxing & Romantic' experience for dinging or any event. Songs:Fly me to the moon,This Masquerade,Summertime,Girl from Ipanema.
Also Consider:
"Trilogy" 70's Soft Rock Trio Available For Happy Hour Lounge Shows
Songs from: Seals & Crofts, Fleetwood Mac, America
Or "Velvet Express Trio" featuring, Saxophone, Guitar, and Vocals
Popular Radio Hits from the 1930's-1990's
Bill was great! A true professional! Always kept in touch, arrived early to set up, and played beautiful music! We will definitely hire him again. Thank you Bill!
Everyone enjoyed the music . A true professional. Will ask him again next time
We have a celebration . Thank you Bill
Bill showed up on time, was very professional, and one of the best to ever to perform for my wife and I on Valentine’s Day. I will definitely hire him again! A+++ service
Response from Velvet Express Solo/Trilogy Trio:
It was an honor performing for Binni, and his wife, in their lovely home, for a wonderful Valentine's Dinner Surprise! I am so happy they enjoyed my music.
Photos from this event
Great musician, client was very pleased with arrangements. Arrived on time. Thank you.
Response from Velvet Express Solo/Trilogy Trio:
Thank you. The pleasure was all mine. I'm happy you enjoyed my music. Wishing you all the best in 2020!
He interacted well with guests, especially the guest of honor, who was 96 years old!
Response from Velvet Express Solo/Trilogy Trio:
It was my privilege performing for this remarkable event. "96" year old Birthday Party! I enjoyed playing selections from the 40's and beyond, seeing you folks dance as well. Thank you again for this joyous opportunity Cheryl :) I'm so glad you were happily entertained!
Photos from this event
Bill was very Professional
Showed up on time and set up smoothly
He played for the entrance of my Bride
And played flawlessly throughout
Our reception
Everyone loved it!
Muchas Gracias
Dave & Conchita
Response from Velvet Express Solo/Trilogy Trio:
It was truly my pleasure to provide quality live music performance for Dave and Conchita on their very special day. A beautiful couple, great group of family and guests, a gorgeous day on the lake, beautiful music, all came together for a successful and memorable event. Thanks so much for choosing me for the Entertainment.
He is so professional and very friendly. Our guests had a lovely time on our wedding day.thank you so much...
Response from Velvet Express Solo/Trilogy Trio:
Thank you so much Nyokabi. As I mentioned prior, I loved being a part of such a wonderful heart felt Wedding Event. All the very best to you and your new Husband :)
Bill Blackstone-Saxophonist Entertainer
Bill was awesome at our Golf Event playing the National Anthem. He communicated well ahead of time and showed up well in advance to prepare for the event. Everyone loved the performance!!
Response from Velvet Express Solo/Trilogy Trio:
It was my pleasure providing The National Anthem for Seattle University Redhawks Invitational Golf Event. Great meeting Shawn and the rest of the staff and golfers. We had a beautiful Sunshine Day on top of it all!
Photos from this event
accompanied my sister (sang) by playing "this will be" by Natalie Cole . The song was harder than originally anticipated but Bill did a great job!
Response from Velvet Express Solo/Trilogy Trio:
Thank you so much for entering my review Mallory. I'm happy I was able to contribute a professional and enjoyable part to your Special Event.
Wishing you and your new Husband and very long, and fruitful marriage. It was a pleasure to perform for, and briefly meet some of, your wonderful family.
Looking forward,
Bill Blackstone-Enetertainer
Super musician who gelled with our party guests and kept up a super jazzy ambience. Definetly work with him again.
Response from Velvet Express Solo/Trilogy Trio:
Yes, it was a pleasure Entertaining for Greg, his wonderful Holiday guests, and friendly staff. I'd love to provide my Solo, Duo, or an Ensemble at his next upcoming festive event!
BILL WAS GOOD AFTER. rough setup/ start hurdles. Room was a challenge
Response from Velvet Express Solo/Trilogy Trio:
Yes the load in and set up was a challenge, there were unexpected parking restrictions that required much extra time, regardless, I was set up and prepared to start on time. Also the room was very small, however, I am skilled enough to play at a very low volume, which this application required. The client tipped me as well. Satisfaction achieved.
Price Range: $350, and up, depending on details
Gig Length: 60 - 180 minutes
Languages: English
My Solo act features Beautiful, Relaxing, Romantic, and Classy Live Tenor Sax Entertainment. Professional and Seasoned. Mainstream Popular Radio Hits from the 30's through 90's.
I also offer a Trio.
Trilogy 70's Soft Rock Trio, Or: Bill Blackstone's Velvet Express Variety Dance Trio.
Perfect for Corporate, Company or Private Events and Receptions. (See Video)
Songs include: Black Magic Woman, Give Me One Reason, Don't Be Cruel, Low Rider, At Last, Smooth Operator, Fly Me To The Moon, Black Velvet, Black Horse And The Cherry Tree, Blue Moon of Kentucky, In The Mood, Rockin' Pneumonia, Tennessee Waltz, Knock On Wood, Us & Them, Sweet Home Chicago, etc. Trilogy 70's Soft Rock Trio Songs Include: Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Cat Stevens, & Country!
I have over 25 years professional stage experience. Started playing at the age of 5. I had over 10 years of private instruction. Played in College Jazz, and Symphonic Bands. Started working in 3-7 piece bands, at night clubs, private events, corporate parties, receptions, in 1979. Have performed with several working groups. Top 40 Dance, Blues, Mowtown, Jazz, Funk and Rock. Stage presence comfortable and confident. I can sing some, play a little flute and guitar. Have years of Recording experience. Also an accomplished song writer, and my material is available on CD.
My specific appeal, on saxophone, is Sound, Soul, and Tone. I have a pitch perfect ear, and 'feel' the music come thru me. The audience truly feels this. I am exceptional with phrasing, and improvised solos.
I am well groomed, have a handsome presentation, and always appear in professional Musicians attire. I am prompt, courteous, reliable, and professional.
Some minimal stage lighting will be provided upon request.
I can set up in any dry, flat, area, with access to electricity, and only require a small 5x5 sq. ft. area for staging.
I can perfom up to 3 hrs. of 45 min. sets with 15 min. breaks.
Any fees paid under $500 need to be cash payment upon completion of engagement.
Private Events, Company/Corporate Parties, Receptions, require an advance deposit of 50%
Any late evening jobs over 100 miles travel distance must include 1 hotel room for the evening in addition to performance fee.
Note: Fee for the Trio is higher and may require more than 1 hotel room depending on commute distance.
| August 03, 2024 • 4:30pm - 7:30pm | Birthday Party |
| March 16, 2024 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Cocktail Party |
| October 09, 2022 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Birthday Party |
| May 21, 2022 • 5:30pm - 8:00pm | Surprise |
| February 14, 2022 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Surprise |
| December 21, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| November 11, 2018 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Birthday Party |
| August 12, 2017 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| July 29, 2017 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| April 02, 2017 • 12:00pm - 12:15pm | Sporting Event |
| January 21, 2017 • 6:30pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| December 18, 2016 • 5:00pm - 10:00pm | Cocktail Party |
| December 14, 2013 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Christmas Party |
| July 19, 2013 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Corporate Event |
Partial Set List Sample for Velvet Express Sax Solo Show:
Fly me to the moon, Sara Smile, Moondance, Summertime, Stand by me, Unchain my heart, Girl from ipanema, Higher ground, Georgia on my mind, I can see clearly now, Over the rainbow, Autumn Leaves, You are the Sunshine of my life, This Masquerade, Fire & Rain, Yesterday, Dock of the bay, All of me, Bye Bye Blackbird, Smooth Operator, The Look of Love, Do it again, Maneater, Deja Vu, Sweet Home Chicago, etc.
**TRIO Songs Include: Black Horse and The Cherry Tree, Give me One Reason, Black Magic Woman, Knock on Wood, Black Velvet, At Last, Crazy-Gnarles Barkley, Chain of Fools, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Don't Be Cruel, Tennessee Waltz, Europa, Low Rider, Rockin Pneumonia, etc.
Trilogy 70's Soft Rock Trio Songs Include: Fleetwood Mac, America, Garth Brooks, Van Morrison, Ace, Cat Stevens, Gerry Rafferty, Seals & Crofts, Steely Dan, etc.
The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Earth Wind and Fire, Chicago, Dean Martin, Tony Benett, Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power, B.B. King, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, The Rolling Stones, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Ray Charles, etc..
I provide a small sound system and limited stage lighting. Require a min. 5x5 stage area and access to electricity. NOTE: Stage Size is greater for the Trio
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