PLEASURE UNLIMITED ORCHESTRA
"excellent music,
perfect performance,
mesmerized audience."
L'Echo
Introduction
Before the 1980s, it was common to see an orchestra live on stage outside of the classical music genre. There is nothing like feeling the vibration of a full string section or the wind from a complete horn section. These instruments physically move the air surrounding us.
That cannot be duplicated by recorded samples or physical modeling techniques that are currently available in computer programs and electronic synthesizers. We acknowledge that these alternatives have their respected place in music today – yet they will never replace the human performance on an acoustic instrument.
Since the creation of the Pleasure Unlimited Orchestra in 2008, the goal has been to reproduce the sound and high standard of live Soul, R&B, Funk, Pop and Jazz music as it was in the 60s, 70s and 80s. We bring back great musicians playing "real music", the way you know and love it from your favorite recordings. No corners cut or stones unturned. With highly skilled leadership and teamwork, severe attention to detail and surpassing musicianship, discipline and persistence, our goal has been accomplished and already taken us to some of the world’s most prestigious stages.
James Simpson's Pleasure Unlimited Orchestra provides you with uncompromised, authentic quality to fulfill your entertainment desires. It consists of 19 to 31 (or more) multinational musicians. Under the musical direction of James Simpson, it’s emotionally catching, world-renowned "Barry White Show" has become an international success.
The group is available in various sizes and also supports other artists on tour or for special events.
Formations
James Simpson’s Pleasure Unlimited Orchestra is available in a variety of formations to accommodate your individual needs.
Below you find four example formations for the Barry White Show. The instrumentation is, of course, subject to change depending on the required performance and budget.
Smaller formations such as instrumental jazz trio, vocal or instrumental quartets are available upon request. Contact us for further details and assistance.
12-piece
GROUP
1 Lead Vocalist
3 BG Vocalists
1 Drummer
1 Percussionist
2 Keyboardists
2 Guitarists
1 Bassist
1 Saxophonist
19-piece
ORCHESTRA
1 Lead Vocalist
3 BG Vocalists
1 Drummer
1 Percussionist
2 Keyboardists
2 Guitarists
1 Bassist
4 Horns
4 Strings
24-piece
ORCHESTRA
1 Lead Vocalist
4 BG Vocalists
1 Drummer
1 Percussionist
2 Keyboardists
2 Guitarists
1 Bassist
4 Horns
9 Strings
30-piece
ORCHESTRA
1 Lead Vocalist
3 BG Vocalists
1 Drummer
1 Percussionist
3 Keyboardists
2 Guitarists
1 Bassist
6 Horns
12 Strings
Services
If you are an artist on tour and need the highest level of musicianship to support your performance, our services are available to you upon request.
If you are an agent, company or an individual planning a special event that requires distinguished, elegant and highly professional entertainment, allow the Pleasure Unlimited Orchestra to satisfy all of those needs.
Performance Highlights
JAVA JAZZ FESTIVAL
In 2012, James Simpson's Pleasure Unlimited Orchestra made world history performing the "Barry White Show" at the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival in Indonesia by being the first and only Barry White tribute orchestra to perform on an international festival.
The Java Jazz Festival is the biggest international jazz festival in the world. James Simpson's PUO headlined on March 2nd and performed a special show on March 3rd. In the two days, over 12,000 Barry White Fans attended the concerts. It was a fantastic success! The arena was sold out on both occasions and the reviews were glowing.
Other headliners for the festival that year were: Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau, Bobby McFerrin, Dave Koz, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Joey DeFrancesco, Pat Metheny and Sheila E.
50 YEARS MARY KAY COSMETICS
In 2013, Mary Kay celebrated the companies anniversary with a breath-taking gala evening.
The Pleasure Unlimited Orchestra played songs from the Barry White Show as well as famous tunes from various other artists. The performance was accompanied by Deutsches Showballett Berlin.
SUPPORTING BILLY OCEAN
In 2015, the Pleasure Unlimited Orchestra had the privilege to be supporting Billy Ocean at the Radio Regenbogen Awardshow when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
References
The orchestra has headlined and featured in concerts alongside some of the worlds greatest artists to include:
Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Mike and the Mechanics, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Joey Defrancesco, Billy Ocean, Kim Wilde, Melanie C., Bananarama, The Manhattan Transfer, Erykah Badu, Pat Metheny, Ron Carter, Poncho Sanchez, Isabel Varrel, Deutsches Showballett Berlin
Barry White Show
The Barry White Show is dedicated to one of the greatest singers, writers, composers and entertainers the world has ever seen – a man whose music influenced multiple generations and still remains just as popular to this day. With this program, James Simpson's Pleasure Unlimited Orchestra brings people together to honor the legacy of this incredible artist and celebrate his music.
With love and dedication, the orchestra performs a selection of some of the greatest Barry White hits, among them disco classics from the 70s such as "You’re The First, The Last, My Everything", "Just The Way You Are", "Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe" as well as his newer hits like "Practice What You Preach" and many more!
Indulge yourself while James Simpson's Pleasure Unlimited Orchestra interprets and pays homage to “The Man, The Maestro”, Mr. Barry White. In the spirit of "Let the Music Play On" we are sure you will enjoy the worldwide only Barry White Show that provides a sound, a voice and a production this close to the original.
Videos
Photos
Press Reviews
“A Barry White Show beyond comparison!”
Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger
“The concert is a tribute to the Love Machine; an evening of love songs and
dance pieces that are reminiscent of old times and bring hope for the future.”
Virtual Nights
“Soul, strings and the promise of eternal love – it even stopped raining.”
Mitteldeutsche Zeitung
“Tribute to Barry White can’t be better than this.”
Jazzuality.com
“The greatest hits of Barry White performed with wonderful precision,
passion and enormous respect of the originals.“
Il Manifesto
“Prepare yourselves for a night full of love.
This concert is like a date of your dreams.“
Die Zeit
“This show is an ideal event for all those in love.
No other concert will immerse you in such great amounts of love and passion.
Barry’s music is like an aphrodisiac!“
Guardian
“An unforgettable evening; the greatest hits of Barry White,
excellent music, perfect performance, mesmerized audience.“
L’Echo
Booking
Requests in English
James Simpson