Tom Blake - The Roaming Accordion Solo accordionist delivering enchanting tunes - Café Music, Tango and beyond

Based in United Kingdom

London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Main band photo

LOCATION
London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

TRAVEL
up to 100 miles

PRICE
from £175 (GBP)

RATED
10 / 10 from 13 reviews

Watch / Listen

Gallery

Price Guide

Description Price
1 x 60 minutes - Solo Accordion£175 (GBP)
2 x 45 minutes - Solo Accordion£250 (GBP)
4 x 30 minutes - Solo Accordion£300 (GBP)

About / Biography

Looking for a captivating accordionist to elevate your event? With a repertoire that spans French café music, jazz, tango, Latin, and folk, I deliver a unique soundscape perfect for weddings, private parties, corporate events, and hospitality settings. Trained under celebrated musicians at France’s École Philippe Gaulier, my performances capture the essence of diverse musical traditions, from the romantic streets of Paris to the lively rhythms of Balkan folk and Celtic melodies.

Whether you desire background music to create a chic, atmospheric vibe or a lively set that gets guests engaged, I adapt effortlessly to your needs. My performance can be acoustic or amplified, and I offer roaming sets that interact with guests, adding an immersive touch to the experience.

I am fully self-contained, with high-quality audio equipment, PAT tested and covered by public liability insurance, ensuring a seamless experience for you and your guests.

Make your event unforgettable with the timeless sound of the accordion—book today to bring a touch of elegance and joy to your occasion!


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Reviews (13)

There are currently 13 user ratings for Tom Blake - The Roaming Accordion

AVERAGE RATING

10 / 101

Location

Based in United Kingdom

London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Travels up to 100 miles
green circle = areas covered (up to 100 miles)
Travel areas on the map are approximate (distances may vary) free quote

Autumn Leaves – Joseph Kosma

La Vie en Rose – Édith Piaf / Louiguy

La Vraie Valse Musette – Gus Viseur

Sway – Pablo Beltrán Ruiz

Baltry Bay / Reconciliation Reel – Traditional Irish

La Cumparsita – Gerardo Matos Rodríguez

Les Yeux Noirs – Traditional Russian

Bésame Mucho – Consuelo Velázquez

Edelweiss – Richard Rodgers

La Partida – Victor Jara

Marseille – Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle

Flambée Montalbanaise – Gus Viseur

Reine de Musette – Émile Vacher

Le Temps des Fleurs – Boris Fomin

La Sorcière – Michel Emer

Indifférent – Tony Murena

Blue Bossa – Kenny Dorham

Accordéon sur Seine – André Verchuren

All of Me – Gerald Marks, Seymour Simons

Brise Napolitaine – Tony Murena

Ça Gaze – Jo Privat

Espuma de Champagne – Luchesi

Fleur de Paris – Henri Bourtayre

Hungarian Dance No. 5 – Johannes Brahms

Klezmer Songs from Sark – Traditional

La Pastourelle – Traditional French

Ménilmontant Swing – Charles Trenet

Misty – Erroll Garner

November Moon – Astor Piazzolla

Paris Pigalle – Georges Ulmer

Paris, Mon Gai Paris – Jean Loysel

Pigalle – Georges Ulmer

Poema – Francisco Canaro

Por Una Cabeza – Carlos Gardel

Quizás – Osvaldo Farrés

Sous le Ciel de Paris – Hubert Giraud

Sur les Quais du Vieux Paris – Marguerite Monnot

Un Gamin de Paris – Mick Micheyl

C’est Si Bon – Henri Betti

Hymne à l’Amour – Édith Piaf, Marguerite Monnot

La Javanaise – Serge Gainsbourg

Padam Padam – Norbert Glanzberg

Sous les Ponts de Paris – Vincent Scotto

Libertango – Astor Piazzolla

Jalousie – Jacob Gade

Czardas – Vittorio Monti

El Choclo – Ángel Villoldo

Tico Tico no Fubá – Zequinha de Abreu

Petite Fleur – Sidney Bechet

Manha de Carnaval – Luiz Bonfá

Cheek to Cheek – Irving Berlin

La Mer – Charles Trenet

Hava Nagila – Traditional Jewish

Amapola – Joseph Lacalle

Milord – Marguerite Monnot

Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien – Charles Dumont

Minor Swing – Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli

Amélie Soundtrack (La Valse d'Amélie) – Yann Tiersen

Les Champs-Élysées – Mike Deighan

Besame Mucho (Latin Jazz Arrangement) – Consuelo Velázquez

Nuages – Django Reinhardt

La Paloma – Sebastián Iradier

Isle of Capri – Wilhelm Grosz

Quand On N’a Que L’Amour – Jacques Brel

Que Sera, Sera – Jay Livingston, Ray Evans

I Love Paris – Cole Porter

Schindler’s List Theme – John Williams

Carnival of Venice – Traditional

The Entertainer – Scott Joplin

Begin the Beguine – Cole Porter

Sous les Toits de Paris – Maurice Yvain

Tango d’Amor – Jacob Gade

Ménilmontant – Charles Trenet

Valse Musette – Émile Vacher

Ne Me Quitte Pas – Jacques Brel

Technical Info

What are your basic technical requirements?

I can perform acoustically and/or with amplification depending on the event. I require a standard power outlet nearby if performing with amplification. I bring my own portable PA system, which is ideal for intimate venues and mid-sized gatherings. If a larger setup is necessary, please let me know in advance to discuss options.


What information do you require about a venue?

Please provide details about the size and layout of the space, access for setup, and the availability of a power source. It’s also helpful to know any specific venue restrictions, like noise limits or loading requirements, so I can plan accordingly.


Do you provide sound and lighting equipment?

Yes, I am fully self-contained and provide my own professional PA system, ensuring excellent sound quality. However, I do not supply lighting equipment. If additional lighting is required, I can coordinate with the venue or recommend solutions.


Can you provide a Spotify/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yes, I can provide background music through Spotify before and between my sets to maintain the atmosphere. I can tailor the playlist to suit the mood of your event or take guidance on your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gig you've ever done and the best venue you've ever worked at?

One of my favourite gigs was performing at Selfridges in London, creating a French café atmosphere right in the heart of the store. It was amazing to see how the accordion’s sound transported shoppers, making the experience feel truly unique and memorable.


What's your favourite type of event?

I enjoy all events, but weddings hold a special place for me. The accordion adds a romantic, old-world charm that’s perfect for such a special day. Plus, guests love the ambiance it creates, whether it's classic French tunes during a cocktail hour or lively folk tunes to get people dancing!


What's your previous experience and how did you start gigging?

My journey began after studying accordion in France, after studying piano under renowned Russian jazz pianist Katya Sourikova. I started gigging at intimate French cafés and eventually expanded to weddings, private parties, and high-profile events. Over time, I've had the pleasure of performing for diverse audiences, from corporate functions to lively cultural festivals.


Which artists have you been most influenced by, who is your favourite artist and what is the greatest song of all time?

I've been heavily influenced by the legendary French accordionist Richard Galliano and jazz greats like Art Van Damme. I’m also inspired by Astor Piazzolla's tango masterpieces, as they bring such passion and rhythm to accordion music. If I had to choose one, Piazzolla's 'Libertango' might just be the greatest accordion composition of all time for its energy and innovation.


Do you perform music from specific cultural traditions?

Yes, my repertoire spans French musette, Latin tango, Balkan folk, and jazz standards. I love celebrating a range of cultures through music and am always happy to customize for the event’s theme or setting.


What sets your performances apart?

I focus on creating a tailored experience, whether by roaming among guests, playing acoustically or amplified, or selecting tunes that suit the mood of each moment. My goal is to bring warmth, versatility, and authenticity to every event.


What inspires you most about playing the accordion?

I love how the accordion instantly transports people to another place. Whether it’s the charm of a Parisian street or the energy of a lively folk dance, I enjoy creating a unique atmosphere that makes every event unforgettable.

Performance Info

What are your typical setup and performance times?

I generally arrive about an hour before the performance to set up and do a sound check if needed. My usual performance format is 2 x 45-minute sets, but I can adjust the timing to fit your event’s schedule and atmosphere.


Are you happy to perform outside?

Yes, I’m happy to perform outdoors and offer a roaming performance to interact with guests and create a unique atmosphere.


Do the clients have a say in what you play or is it a set repertoire list only?

Clients are welcome to choose songs from my repertoire, and I’m also happy to learn up to 3 specific requests before the event. Alternatively, I can create a setlist tailored to suit the event's mood and style.


How do previous clients most commonly describe your performances?

Clients often describe my performances as 'charming, engaging and atmospheric' adding a distinctive, lively ambience that makes their events memorable. They appreciate the atmosphere and charm that live accordion music brings to an occasion.

Recent Clients

Tom Blake - The Roaming Accordion has performed for these clients:

Selfridges

The Albany

The Horse & Hounds

Venues

Tom Blake - The Roaming Accordion has performed at these venues:

- Twist Connubio, Baker Street

- The Beauchamp

- The Spanish Galleon

- Two Spoons

- The Leconfield

- The Galvanisers Union

- The Crown and Sceptre

- Sir Colin Campbell Pub

- The Crown

- Klose and Soan

- Yapix

- The Old Pack Horse

- Old Justice

- Corn Exchange

- Symposium Wine Bar and Restaurant

- Shepherds Inn, Beckton

- Hopscotch Taprooms

- Beckton Inn

- Garden Rooftop Charing Cross

- Coach and Horses

- LSQ Rooftop, Leicester Square

- Americana

- Plan B, Crouch End

- The Orangery

Contact

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