Do you remember the scene from James Bond Live and Let Die with the New Orleans jazz band marching in the funeral procession?
Last month we did the same for a client in Cheshire – and it was really moving.
People are often coy about discussing funerals and as a result, can find themselves at a loose end when faced with the daunting tasks of organising a funeral for a loved one. An already upsetting time can seem all the more stressful when having to trawl through caterers and venues and suppliers.
That’s why, at Silk Street Jazz, we wanted to give you a run through of this recent funeral we performed at – to show that these understandably sad affairs can still have real flair and make for memorable occasions.
Our client had seen the scene above and wanted to create something similar. So, on 23rd March we amassed outside the deceased’s house in Cheshire and took our place in front of a horse and cart, beautifully supplied by Kyla at Horse Drawn Carriages North West. As we walked, the Silk Street Jazz band performed such numbers as ‘St James Infirmary’ and ‘Just A closer walk with thee’.
The procession continued and as we approached the Church gates of St Bede’s Church Appleton Village, Widnes, we began performing the upbeat track ‘Just a Little While to Stay Here’. After the service we led the procession from the crematorium gates, performing the upbeat numbers, ‘My Blue Heaven’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’.
We’re pleased to say that as a band we received many compliments and thanks from friends and family present at the funeral and it struck us as a really special moment and one we won’t forget. Linda telephoned us yesterday and personally thanked us for making it such a special occasion for her mum. She wrote us a review on Trustpilot too:-
Going out in style
“Mum always wanted a good send off, with horses and carriage and a jazz band to see her on her way. We got just that with Silk Street. Jonathan was very attuned to what we wanted and even though I was worried that not everything would go off to plan…it did. Jonathan and his men arrived early and liaised with funeral directors. They did a run through of where they needed to be at different locations throughout the morning, and had everything down to a well run manoeuvre of skill and timing. Everyone commented on what a lovely last wish my mum had and all were impressed at the finale. Thanks Jonathan and team for making my mum’s wishes come true. Linda Roberts and family”
We also wanted to particularly thank both the client and the Funeral Directors of the day, Moar Butler, for accommodating us. We’re really grateful that we got to play a part in the special day.
The Silk Street Jazz Band is available for hire at funerals and remembrance services across the country. For more information, read about our specialist funeral band arrangement here or fill out our Quote Request Form today.