Function bands
Soloists
Function bands
Soloists
Shim sham to a swing band, tap your toes to dixieland or simply relax and sip a cocktail to some background jazz. We also have big bands, crooners, Postmodern and gypsy jazz bands for hire.
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Experienced, versatile jazz trio, performing jazzy takes on pop music from The Beatles to Sam Smith as well as classic jazz. Suitable for mellow background music at weddings, corporate events and more! Also available with drums and vocals.
Vastly-experienced Dixieland jazz band playing songs in the classic New Orleans style. Great for background music or wandering entertainment. Larger line-ups are available for dancing too.
Classy, stylish vintage band inspired by Postmodern Jukebox. The band play all your favourite chart hits from a 1920s Charleston version of 'Put Your Records On' to a Motown-style arrangement of ‘Can’t Feel My Face'.
Hugely entertaining and swinging 1920s-style jazz band, who have previously performed at Wembley Stadium. The band put their own unique and eccentric take on modern pop, from Taylor Swift to Motorhead! DJ laptop service available on request.
A group of professional jazz musicians offering quality live music for all occasions and specialising in arrangements of jazz and swing classics from the Great American Songbook.
Talented gypsy jazz trio playing their own arrangements of tunes ranging from swing & jazz classics to modern pop anthems.
Quirky vintage swing band with a fantastic female lead putting a retro take on modern songs like Get Lucky, Uptown Funk and Billie Jean. Additional musicians, acoustic jazz sets and laptop DJ service available.
Cool and classy trio playing jazzy versions of pop songs as well as jazz standards, from Frank Sinatra to Ed Sheeran. Available as an instrumental ensemble or with a male vocalist.
Renowned for their live shows full of infectious energy, and their ability to win over any crowd large or small, The Southside Jazz Band is the band that most evocatively recreates the bold, brassy, blues-infused spirit of 1920s New Orleans jazz in the UK today.
An inebriating mix of jazz, swing and modern pop hits delivered by world class musicians. Additional musicians and afternoon sets also available.
Exceptional jazz and swing trio with an extensive repertoire of classic jazz tunes by the likes of Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and George Gershwin, plus an optional pop repertoire. Suitable for elegant background music or with drums and vocals for evening dancing.
The Serenades are a talented pop and jazz duo, comprising jazz-influenced electric guitar, soulful piano, and crisp male/female vocal harmonies.
Young, professional jazz trio and regulars on the London jazz scene, The Richmond Jazz Trio perform jazz classics by Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong, and many more.
Quirky and retro acoustic trio and band playing modern pop songs in a gypsy jazz style. Available as a quartet and quintet with stunning female vocalists and percussion. Free laptop DJ service.
Westminster Duo are a classy act who perform across the UK and abroad! They specialise in jazz, smooth soul and laid-back pop, perfect for background music at your event.
Classy background jazz duo performing jazz standards set to guitar and voice, as well as contemporary material – from Fats Waller and Sinatra to Justin Timberlake and Pharrell. Vocal/piano duo also available.
Fun, lively 4-piece playing classic and modern rock & pop with a jazzy, boho twist! The band's winning combination of infectious energy and dancefloor cool is winning over audiences at weddings and parties up and down the UK.
A lively and experienced acoustic gypsy jazz trio playing the music of Django Reinhardt and other jazz standards, plus arrangements of classical tunes and modern rock ‘n’ pop favourites.
This versatile swing ensemble really is a cut above the rest! Their plethora of material spans the contemporary chart hits from the last 80 years. Larger line-ups, lead male vocals, acoustic afternoon sets and DJ service are available.
Outrageous jazz, swing and postmodern jukebox style band! Various line-ups available.
We have modern jazz bands for drinks receptions, swing bands for dancing, trad or dixieland jazz bands for outdoor garden parties and gypsy jazz bands for a touch of 1930s Paris! Our Postmodern Jukebox style bands play all your favourite modern chart songs in a jazzy style. Remember, if your event doesn’t have the budget or space for more than one musician, you can still hire one of our jazz pianists or solo Rat Pack style singer who will add a touch of elegance and class to any event.
For the perfect background music at daytime or early evening receptions, you might want to hire a smaller jazz band such as a duo or trio. These are typically fronted by a vocalist or saxophonist and feature the glorious jazz standards of the Great American Songbook made famous by Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday, as well as modern jazz artists such as Jamie Cullum and Michael Buble.
When it’s time to get dancing, you’ll want to book a larger swing band or big band that include drums and are fronted by the best crooners and starlets available. You’ll be treated to upbeat jazz dance music from the 1920s all the way through to the late 1940s by artists such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Count Basie and Benny Goodman. A Great Gatsby-style 20s band is a glamorous choice for a corporate event, high-end wedding or Prohibition era or mobster-themed party.
All our jazz & swing bands are fully self-contained with their own PA sound system so you don’t have to worry about speakers or sound engineers. Some of our big bands and swing jazz bands will bring lighting for the stage or dance-floor for after-dinner entertainment too but check their profile page for more details.
You’ll be treated to up to two hours of jazz music, usually over two 1-hour sets or 3 x 40 minutes, but they can play for longer (for an additional cost) if preferred. If you need the band to play for longer or later than midnight, extra fees can apply.
For afternoon and early evening events, our bands aim to arrive about 90 minutes before the scheduled start of the performance, and smaller line-ups rarely need more than 30 minutes to set-up and sound-check.
To keep your guests on the dancefloor into the night, larger bands can provide recorded jazz music between sets using their own sound system and mp3 player or iPod (or yours, if you prefer). Many are able to upgrade to a more advanced service using virtual DJ software so that they can mix songs and take your guests’ requests – check the band’s profile page for details!
If you’re planning a summer garden party, trad jazz bands and some gypsy jazz bands are the perfect, “pressure off” choice, as they usually perform “unplugged” and will not require power. Most other jazz bands will need access to at least two standard domestic plug sockets and, as well as power, you’ll need to provide a flat, dry performance area large enough for the band. As a guide, always allow approximately 1.5m squared per musician. If the band is required to play outdoors, they will also need shelter from the rain and the sun.
Most jazz bands can perform within the limits of sound limiters with no problems. However, if you’re booking a larger swing band (upwards of a 4-piece) including drums and brass, it’s worth checking the noise restrictions at your venue. In many cases, levels can be reduced by asking the drummer to use brushes or “hot rods” instead of wooden sticks.
Most jazz & swing bands performing for after-dinner entertainment will require food and drink on the night. Some bands will also request things like reserved parking or a secure changing room, but this will be detailed in your booking contract with them. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions about anything you’re not sure about!
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