What Is A Jazz Band And What Will They Do At My Event?

What Is A Jazz Band And What Will They Do At My Event?

In addition to providing a refined form of evening entertainment and a perfect backdrop for a night of dancing, Jazz bands also offer the perfect accompaniment to a fun filled reception over drinks. Jazz bands can cover a wide range of music beyond the traditional, with a head bobbing, toe tapping sense of ‘cool’ that stretches far beyond the sort of music provided by a harpist or a string quartet. For an upbeat reception over drinks that truly swings, be sure to take a closer look at our varied selection of Swing Jazz bands below.

On the other hand, jazz performances can also offer a much more sultry and mellow vibe. Those who wish to enjoy a more ethereal, bluesy feel at their next event can also take the time to check out a few of our fantastic cocktail singers and jazz duos, who can bring their own unique brand of sophisticated charm to your proceedings with their spirited Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole renditions.

Jazz is a rather broad term that is designed to cover various incarnations of the form, from jazz blues to Dixieland. Acid jazz, free jazz and modern jazz are also included underneath this umbrella. Because there are so many different styles of jazz to select from, the instrumentation and lineup of our many jazz bands will also come with the same sort of variety.

When it comes to the booking of private events and weddings, these are some of the most popular types of jazz bands:

Traditional Dixieland Jazz bands 

These wandering musicians will typically offer lively Charleston/New Orleans old school jazz rags.

Swing Jazz bands

These bands tend to have a lead vocalist and often play Frank Sinatra, Rat Pack, Jamie Cullem and Michael Bublé.

Jazz Standard bands 

These bands do not offer jazz in the classic sense but take their inspiration from Middle of the Road jazz classics and the Great American Songbook. These bands can be vocal and instrumental.

Pop music in the style of jazz bands

This is a fairly new addition to our roster. Now, our clients can enjoy an awesome selection of quirky and fun bands offering contemporary and classic pop and rock tunes, but with a swing/jazz twist. Perfect for customers who but who want that jazz sound but may not know Fitzgerald from Gershwin!

In most instances, jazz bands for events and parties are comprised of 3-6 members. The most commonly utilized instruments are drums, bass, double bass, guitar, saxophone, plus a singer. To get more for your money, you can hire a jazz trio with a singing pianist.

Jazz bands who are fronted by male vocalists tend to focus on the “Rat Pack” repertoire and are also adept at providing “swing” music and jazz standards. 

Jazz bands who are led by female vocalists will favor play smoother styles, performing songs by the likes of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.

A number of jazz bands also provide cover versions of modern songs from artists such as Norah Jones and Michael Bublé, in addition to other songs currently on the pop charts.