The A Band

The A Band is ranked among Britain’s premier function bands. Made up of the finest musicians and vocalists, they have built a reputation for professionalism, reliability and excellence.
Both male and female vocalists have performed at the highest level, including weddings and parties for ‘A list’ celebrities and sportsmen, and through years of experience understand how to cater for the needs of clients, and deliver a quality product.
Top class vocals are complemented by a stunning brass section and rock solid rhythm making up a 9 strong line up. Their repertoire is broad and includes the Big Band and Rat Pack classics, Rock and Roll, Soul, Disco, the biggest hits of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and chart hits of today.

Natalie McGrath and Matthew Ford are currently running the A Band. With 6 years experience performing together with some of the top musicians in the industry, this band will blow you away….

Matthew Ford is widely regarded as the finest big band singer in the UK. Performing for 5 years with the multi-award winning Syd Lawrence Orchestra gave him the chance to develop and grow as a swing singer, and in 2006 Matthew was voted ‘Best UK Male Big Band Vocalist’ and nominated alongside Jamie Cullum in the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Awards (Best UK Male Vocalist category).

As a soloist Matthew makes regular appearances with the RTE and BBC Concert Orchestras, and has also worked with the Northern Sinfonia, City of Birmingham Symphony, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Halle and Philharmonia Orchestras. 2010 saw Matthew invited to join the cast of ‘Singing in the Rain’ for the first ever concert performance of the original film score, reconstructed by John Wilson and performed at Festival Hall.
As a big band vocalist Matthew is always in demand, working with the BBC Big Band, Grammy nominated John Wilson Orchestra and many others including the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra.

Matthew has been invited to perform for both domestic and international royalty, as well as for celebrity weddings and parties.

In 2009 Matthew made his ‘Friday Night is Music Night’ debut, and broadcast with the BBC Big Band for the 30th Anniversary of BBC Radio 2’s ‘Big Band Special’ programme. His appearances with the RTE Concert Orchestra are regularly broadcast on RTE 1 and Lyric FM throughout Eire, whilst his album recordings have aired across the UK on Radio 2.
Matthew has released 4 albums under the independent label ‘Diving Duck Recordings’, the latest of which is a celebration of songs from 1960’s musicals, performed in his own style with a jazz trio. Of the album, titled ‘Something Else’, BBC Radio 2 presenter Claire Martin said ‘this collection will I’m sure win many new fans for Matthew. He can most definitely count me in!’

“Matthew Ford has it all – the voice, the style and the personality which make him the 21st Century successor to the likes of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett” late Malcolm Laycock BBC Radio 2

“..the biggest vocal talent this country has produced since Matt Monro….his voice is mesmerising.. …he doesn’t just sing a song, he lives it” Sheila Tracy, Encore Magazine

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Natalie McGrath started singing from the age of 8 years old, performing for many musical theatre groups and starring in many shows and productions. She is the ultimate female artiste who has captivated audiences all around the world with her vocal talents. With styles including pop, rock, soul, swing, R&B, motown, disco and a vast array of beautiful ballads all performed in Natalie’s immaculate poise & style.
Natalie has now been performing professionally for over 11 years. She has performed at many great venues and at high profile celebrity events around the world. She has also worked along side Peter Andre, Jason Donovan, Keisha White, West End star Louise Dearman, Jimmy Cricket, The Bachelors, Gwen Dickie (Rose Royce), Frank Carson & The Pasadenas to name just a few.
At the age of 18 she started her tribute to Kylie Minogue. Her Kylie show has taken her all over the UK and worldwide to Dubai, Caribbean, Turkey, Spain, Crete, Egypt, Rhodes, Malta & various cruises.

Natalie is currently running the A Band along side Matthew Ford. With 6 years experience performing together with some of the top musicians in the industry, this band will blow you away with the incredible vocal talents and the amazing sounds from the A Bands’ musicians.

“Well we’re back from honeymoon thank you for being so amazingly entertaining at our wedding. I look forward to booking you again in the future”. Cherelle Brown – Wedding Client.

“Just a short note on behalf of all staff and customers at White Cross Bay to thank you for your performance on Saturday night. We all really enjoyed the night. Thanks again”. James Morphet (Holiday Park manager)

“Just wanted to say a huge thank you to you both for last Saturday. I don’t think anyone could believe how fantastic you were. As you know, I was running around, trying not to let Benny know what was going on, so it was a massive relief to have you just turn up and get on with everything with minimal fuss. Thank you again, you were superb. I’ll be recommending you to everyone I know.
Kind Regards”. Julia and Benny x (Surprise Party)

“This Manchester-based act also offers a Kylie Minogue tribute and Natalie certainly has some vocal ability on show.” The Showcall 2005, Mark Ritchie

he A Band has a wide variety of songs to suit all tastes…. a small selection is provided below, please contact us for more information

The A Band Music List:
Swing/slow songs for 1st Set:

From This Moment On
Ain’t That A Kick in the head
Bad bad Leroy brown
Let there be love
Mack the knife
That’s Life
Fever
Angels
Mr Bojangles
Feeling Good
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
Fly Me To The Moon

Pop/Rock/Dance 2nd Set:

Build Me Up Buttercup
Suspicious Minds
Dancing Queen
I Will Survive
I’m In The Mood For Dancing
Livin On A Prayer
Spinning Around
You To Me Are Everything
Young Hearts Run Free
Let Me Entertain You
Sweet Child O’Mine
Summer Of 69
You Shook Me All Night Long
I Don’t Feel Like Dancing
Sex On Fire
Sharp Dressed Man
Respect