Question 1

What kind of music will the jazz band perform?

Answer

Our jazz bands perform a wide range of music – of course, each jazz band has a vast knowledge of the jazz standards and classics from the Great American Songbook. As well as that, our jazz bands perform a lot of swing music. Many of our jazz bands also play music from soul, rock n roll and pop. A particularly popular trend is for modern jazz bands to play pop or rock music but in a vintage and jazzy style. The Swing Of Things is a perfect example of this style. A swing band almost always includes a singer in the group. They will cover classic Rat Pack tunes (covering artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr). Many of our bands also perform in the Great Gatsby style, specialising in music from the 1920s – often with a more modern twist too and sometimes even combined with electro-swing music. This style is frequently referred to as post-modern jukebox band style. Gypsy jazz or gypsy swing (also known as jazz manouche) is also increasingly popular, as well as purely acoustic jazz bands. Trad and vintage jazz bands perform more Dixieland, ragtime music and New Orleans-inspired songs that originated in the early 1900s. These bands usually include a full brass or wind section, such as trumpet, trombone, and even sousaphone. These bands are often roaming jazz bands – and some can even perform as marching jazz bands. Blues bands are also featured on FixTheMusic as an especially popular jazz ensemble.

Question 2

What kind of events will the jazz bands perform at?

Answer

On FixTheMusic, our jazz bands are booked to perform at a wide variety of events. The most common are weddings and corporate events, but they also entertain at charity functions, product launches, festivals, gala balls, hotels, restaurants and birthday parties.

Question 3

Can you give me some examples of the kind of repertoire and songs the jazz bands will perform?

Answer

The most commonly requests jazz songs include: At Last (Etta James), All Of Me (jazz standard), Come Fly With Me, Fly Me To The Moon (both by Frank Sinatra), Georgia On My Mind (Ray Charles), It Don’t Mean A Thing (Duke Ellington), On The Sunny Side Of The Street and What A Wonderful World (both by Louis Armstrong). Other famous jazz singers or bands that our jazz groups will cover include Nat King Cole, Charlie Parker, Cole Porter, Billie Holliday, Jamie Cullum, Miles Davis, Otis Redding, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, George Gershwin, Michael Bublé and Nina Simone.

Question 4

What line-ups are available with most jazz bands?

Answer

Jazz acts can range from solo jazz singers, right up to big bands and full jazz orchestras. The most commonly booked size of wedding jazz band on FixTheMusic is a 5-piece jazz band. This usually includes singer (male or female vocals), bass guitar (or upright double bass), drums, piano or keyboard and guitar. If you wanted a bigger line-up (e.g. a 6-piece or 7-piece jazz band), the additional instruments would likely include saxophone, trumpet, trombone or more singers. Jazz duos and jazz trios are also frequently booked – especially for background music, e.g. at an outdoor garden party, drinks reception or even a wedding ceremony.

Question 5

How long does a jazz band usually perform for?

Answer

The standard sets a jazz band will perform are 2 x 60 minute sets. This could be split into 3 x 40 minute sets if you prefer. Some bands prefer to play for a bit shorter than this (e.g. 2 x 45 minute sets). The jazz band will always confirm this with you when they respond to your enquiry. From a cost perspective, it can be a good idea to hire the jazz band to provide live music for earlier in the day, as well as for the evening party. Most jazz & swing bands can provide some live music during the wedding ceremony or afternoon champagne reception at a small additional cost. Hiring a jazz band for your wedding reception is the most common request we receive at FixTheMusic. During the band's breaks, they will provide music from a laptop or similar device. This isn't quite the same as having a professional DJ, but it does ensure your entire evening of musical entertainment is covered. The laptop DJ service is usually provided free of charge by the jazz band. The standard arrival time for a band is 5pm. This gives them enough time to get set up and carry out their soundcheck. They will then finish by 12 midnight. If you wanted them to perform later into the night (e.g. until 1am or 2am) then there would likely be an additional cost for this.

Question 6

Is it possible to see the jazz bands perform live before I book?

Answer

As most professional jazz bands perform at private events the majority of the time (such as weddings and corporate functions), it can often not be possible to see your chosen band performing live before you book. That said, some public gigs do occur now and then, so feel free to ask your band if they have anything coming up.

Question 7

How much space will a jazz band take up?

Answer

You should consider that most musicians would need around 1.5 square metres each, and others (e.g. a pianist or keyboard player, or drummer) would need a bit more space than this. In addition, there would need to be space for the band's PA system and speakers. Our jazz bands are happy to be flexible though – just ask them about the dimensions at your venue if you're concerned and they will let you know what the ideal band size would be.

Question 8

How loud will the jazz band be?

Answer

If your wedding venue has a sound or noise limiter installed, then you will want to consider the volume of the jazz band you are hiring. You can read more about this topic in our guide to sound limiters. Many of our jazz bands can perform without amplification (i.e. as just an acoustic jazz band) – but they are only really suitable as background music or where the number of guests at your event is relatively small. If you want the band to provide music for dancing (e.g. at your wedding reception), then you'll want the band to be amplified through their PA system. Instruments such as the band's drum kit and horns like a trumpet, trombone or saxophone, could trigger a noise limiter at your venue. It's always best to speak with your jazz band about any noise limits at the time of booking.

Question 9

Should I hire a jazz or swing band for my wedding?

Answer

Yes! Our jazz bands are perfect for every part of your wedding day: from providing low-key music for your ceremony (e.g. a jazz singer and acoustic guitarist), to background music for your drinks reception in the afternoon (e.g. from a jazz duo or trio, or solo jazz sax player), to a larger swing band or big band – perfect for getting your guests dancing at the evening's party.