I was recently booked to provide music for a James Bond themed evening, mixed in with a selection of jazz at the newly opened Grapevine bar in Tenterden. Licence to thrill was a great success and so much fun that I thought I’d share an insight into it here – for anyone else considering shaking (not stirring) up their own event with some live music!

Following the popularity of their Rye-based music venue (where I hold a regular residency), the Grapvine Champagne & Jazz Bar recently opened a sister bar in Tenterden. They wanted to celebrate opening in style with a themed night, and James Bond was it!

Guests were encouraged to dress to impress and were welcomed by equally sparkling bar staff, smiles and champagne. Canapés circulated all evening and were accompanied by a fantastic selection of Bond-inspired cocktails – as well as live music, of course!

As well as including plenty of Bond songs and themes, I went for a set list filled with music I thought would feature on a night out with our favourite special agent. This included A night like this by Caro Emerald (actually featured in a Casino Royale-style martini advert) and Peggy Lee’s Why don’t you do right… as well as plenty of bossa nova!
You can check out my set lists below. If you’re ever thinking of a Bond-themed event, I’d love to repeat the experience. It was great fun preparing for it musically – and taking part in the event itself!
Set 1 No time to die Besame mucho Blue moon From Russia with love A night like this Fever Night and day We have all the time in the world All blues Love me or leave me Why don’t you do right Black Orpheus Tomorrow never dies | Set 2 Diamonds are forever Autumn leaves One note samba Roxanne All of me Nobody does it better Corcovado My funny valentine Live and let die Fragilidad Clare | Set 3 Back to black For your eyes only Don’t know why Girl from Ipanema La vie en rose Sway Cry me a river Senorita Writing’s on the wall Skyfall That man Hit the road Jack |