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What is a jazz band?

A jazz band (also known as a jazz ensemble or jazz combo) is a group of musicians who play jazz music, a style known for its rhythm, improvisation, and ability to bring together different musical influences. Jazz bands can vary in size from small groups, like trios or quartets, to larger ensembles with many members. The instruments typically found in a jazz band include the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, double bass (or electric bass), and drums. Sometimes, you might also hear a guitar, clarinet, or flute. Many jazz bands also feature a singer.

What makes jazz bands special is the way they play music. Unlike many other types of music where musicians follow the notes exactly as written, jazz musicians often improvise. This means they make up parts of the music on the spot, which makes every performance unique. Jazz bands play a wide variety of music, from slow and smooth tunes to upbeat and fast songs that make you want to dance.

Jazz music started over a hundred years ago in the United States and has roots in African-American musical traditions such as the Blues. Over time, it has morphed from Dixieland and traditional jazz (aka trad.) into swing, modern, freestyle (or free) and even acid jazz, spreading worldwide and influencing many other music styles.

How much does it cost to hire a jazz band for weddings and events? 

In 2024, the average price of a live jazz band was around £1198. The cost of a jazz band will vary depending on travel distance to your event, and the number of members in the band. We have jazz bands costing from as little as £233 for solo jazz musicians up to £5188 for the best big bands and jazz orchestras with around 20 members!

Here’s a rough breakdown of the cost range of different jazz bands and musicians:

• Solo jazz singer (with backing tracks) = £250 - £1000
• Solo jazz musician = £250 - £1000
• Solo jazz pianist = £170 - £1000
• Jazz Duo = £300 to £1,100
• 3-piece jazz trio - £525 to £2000
• 4-piece jazz quartet = £630 - £2500
• 5-piece quintet = £900 to £3000
• 6-piece band line-up = £1,000 to £3,800
• 7-piece and larger bands = £1200 - £4700
• Big Jazz Band Orchestras = £2,300 - £7,000+

Most Jazz bands are self-contained, providing all the equipment needed for their performance, such as a PA system, microphones, instruments and where applicable - stage lighting.

What types of jazz band are available and what will they do at my event?

Alive Network’s most popular types of jazz band include:

A Wedding Jazz Band

Jazz bands for weddings will perform live music for your wedding ceremony, drinks reception or evening wedding party. With an extensive repertoire of jazz covers chosen to appeal to a wide range of age groups and musical tastes, you can expect a blend of classic jazz standards, with rat-pack style swing, and jazz covers of popular music. If you love the idea of cool, sophisticated jazz music weaving it's way around your wedding day, but you're worried you don't know much about jazz - never fear - booking a wedding jazz band is a safe bet, with the band tailoring their set to suit a wedding audience. The music can take the form of background jazz to set the ambience, or larger swing bands might be suitable for dancing at your evening celebration. A jazz band is the perfect musical accompaniment a sunny afternoon wedding reception, whilst guests toast the happy couple. Click here for more wedding entertainment ideas.

Trad Jazz Bands & Dixieland Jazz

Dixieland jazz bands and brass bands evoke the spirit and sound of New Orleans, the birth place of jazz. A vibrant and improvisational music that's perfect for creating an uplifting atmosphere at wedding receptions and outdoor events, Dixieland jazz musicians bring a unique blend of trumpet, clarinet, trombone, and a rhythm section, with a repertoire that ranges from traditional jazz standards and classic Charleston to custom arrangements of popular tunes. 1920s jazz features music by artists such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Kid Ory, and traditional jazz bands will add a touch of vintage charm to any wedding celebration.

Swing Jazz Bands / Big Band Jazz

Swing jazz bands epitomize the infectious and dynamic energy of jazz. Originating in the 1930s and 1940s, an era often referred to as the Swing Era, Swing music is known for its compelling beat and use of big arrangements, encouraging listeners to dance. Jazz Big Bands were characterized by their large line-ups of 15-20 musicians. Their powerful brass sections and rhythmic precision brought an electrifying energy to the American music scene, defining a golden age of jazz.

Among the most famous big band swing artists are Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Benny Goodman, the "King of Swing," brought swing to a wider audience, and defined the sound and style of swing jazz, making it an enduring genre in the landscape of American music, and influencing groups like The Rat Pack. Although the Rat Pack itself wasn't a band, its members, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., were pivotal figures in popularizing swing band music through their individual and collective performances. They often collaborated with jazz orchestras, incorporating swing elements into their music and live shows. Sinatra's smooth vocals over lush, swinging orchestrations in hits like "Fly Me to the Moon" and "I've Got You Under My Skin" typify the swing era's sophisticated style

Modern swing-jazz bands would also include music from artists like Michael Bublé and Jamie Cullum.

Jazz Standards Bands

Jazz standards bands specialize in performing melodic middle of the road (MOR) jazz, and classic tunes from the Great American Songbook, a collection of the most influential American songs of the 20th century. These bands cover a wide range of music written by legendary composers like George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin, featuring timeless standards such as "Summertime," "Night and Day," and "Cheek to Cheek." Famous artists within this genre include Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis. Jazz Standards bands sometimes include a singer, but these iconic tunes can also be performed by an instrumental jazz band.

Gypsy Swing Bands

Gypsy swing jazz bands descend from a vibrant musical tradition, bringing to mind the lively spirit of Parisian cafes. Rooted in the genius of Django Reinhardt, the father of gypsy jazz, and the intricate weaving of Stéphane Grappelli's violin, these ensembles blend gypsy folklore with the swing rhythms of the 1930s and 40s. Gypsy jazz musicians, renowned for their virtuosity and improvisational skill, will add a little joie de vivre to wedding receptions or outdoor festivals. With their fast-paced guitar, violin harmonies, and rhythmic drive, gypsy jazz bands for hire offer a repertoire that spans from Reinhardt’s classics to swing, as well as interpretations of popular music hits.

Modern Jazz Bands

Modern jazz musicians fuse traditional jazz styles with new sounds like funk, hip-hop, and electronica. Bands like Snarky Puppy and The Bad Plus have brought new life to jazz, making it exciting and accessible for a wide audience. Musicians such as Kamasi Washington, Esperanza Spalding and Robert Glasper, who mixes jazz with R&B and hip-hop, lead the way in making jazz cool for a younger audience. These contemporary artists keep jazz alive by adding new twists, making it fun and interesting for all kinds of music fans.

Pop Music Covers In A Vintage Jazz Style

For customers who don’t know their Gershwin from their Grapelli, but who want that jazz sound at their event, our bands who play vintage jazz covers of pop songs are the perfect choice. With a decedent 1920s Gatsby style, a Post-Modern Jukebox inspired vintage swing band will bring you the very best of both worlds, with hits from Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson and Meghan Trainer transformed into upbeat, sophisticated swing jazz. If you'd usually think about hiring a party band or a traditional function band, try a post-modern jazz band instead - you're guests will love it!

What kind of songs will wedding jazz bands play?

The overarching term ‘jazz’ encompasses a wide variety of musical genres. While some jazz bands will stick to their speciality style, others can offer a range of genres or play popular music in a jazz style.

Wedding jazz bands typically perform a wide verity of popular jazz songs, as well as swing music, classic pop and easy listening music. We've put together a list of songs that remain firm favourites with wedding couples:

1. "At Last" - Etta James
2. "Fly Me to the Moon" - Frank Sinatra
3. "L-O-V-E" - Nat King Cole
4. "The Way You Look Tonight" - Frank Sinatra
5. "Unforgettable" - Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
6. "What a Wonderful World" - Louis Armstrong
7. "All of Me" - Billie Holiday (also popular in versions by modern artists)
8. "Cheek to Cheek" - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
9. "It Had to Be You" - Harry Connick Jr.
10. "Moondance" - Van Morrison
11. "Autumn Leaves" - Various Artists
12. "Summertime" - Ella Fitzgerald
13. "My Funny Valentine" - Chet Baker
14. "Let's Fall in Love" - Diana Krall
15. "A Night In Tunisia" - Dizzy Gillespie
16. "Blue Bossa" - Kenny Dorham
17. "Take Five" - Dave Brubeck
18. "Misty" - Erroll Garner
19. "In a Sentimental Mood" - Duke Ellington and John Coltrane
20. "Feeling Good" - Nina Simone

The set list for each of our artists is available to view on their individual profile page.

Will a wedding jazz band learn my first dance?

Yes it's common for a jazz band for weddings to learn a special request or a first dance. To be sure, ask the question early on when you first submit your enquiry, and be sure to give plenty of notice before your big day.

How far in advance should I book jazz musicians?

The most talented jazz bands in the UK will get booked 12-18 months in advance, so the sooner you can secure the date, the more choice you'll have. Remember, availability will be lower on peak dates between May and September, with Saturdays being most popular for weddings.

How long do jazz bands perform for?

A typical performance at a wedding or private party would consist of 2 x 45 minute sets or 2 x 60 minute sets, usually within a 3 to 4 hour period. Longer or shorter performances can be arranged to suit your requirements.

For weddings and formal evening events, couples occasionally like jazz bands to play during their drinks reception and their evening meal. In this case, a band may perform three 60-minute sets for an additional charge.

Start times for evening performances usually work around your catering. If guests have just eaten, you will probably need to allow some time before they’re ready to get up and dance. For most evening events, the band would arrive at 6pm and get set up and sound checked by 7.30pm to 8pm. Performance might start at 9pm, with the second set at around 10.30pm, through to a standard midnight curfew. Many jazz bands also offer later/longer performances at an additional cost, including finishing times of 1am and 2am.

Jazz bands can provide background music from a laptop between their performances.

How much space will a live jazz band need?

The area required for a jazz band varies, and will increase the more members are in the band. This guide shows approximately how much minimum space bands of different sizes need:

• 3-piece jazz band - 3 x 3 metres
• 4-piece jazz band - 4 x 3 metres
• 5 and 6-piece jazz band - 5 x 3 metres
• 15 piece big band - 10 x 5 metres

A jazz band ideally needs a minimum of 1.5 square metres per musician, with drummers and pianists needing slightly more, around 2 square metres each.

Space will also be needed in front and at the sides for the PA, speakers and lighting stands, if the band is using them. Consider the available space of your chosen venue, when thinking about the size of your jazz band. Because of the many variations of instruments available in our jazz ensembles, we recommend you discuss the space and available options with your Entertainment Coordinator.

How loud is a jazz band?

Depending on the style they’re playing in, a live jazz band’s volume can range from relatively quiet background music where your guests can still hold a conversation, to energetic sets guaranteed to make you move! In most cases a jazz band can perform more quietly than a typical rock and pop party band, mainly due the more more laid back style of music they play.

In the case of a jazz big band, louder performances can often be in the region of 95dB – 110dB (decibels) – this is a big sound and is comparable to the volume of a rock concert. If a jazz band features a horn section, this can raise the volume, with peaks around 120dB.

If you have your heart set on a larger jazz band but your venue has a sound limiter or noise restrictions, feel free to chat to our Entertainment Coordinators. They will be able to advise you further on what is possible. Bands can work with brushes or ‘hot rods’, rather than standard drumsticks, which can significantly reduce the overall volume of the band.

Can a jazz band perform outdoors?

In the case of dixie jazz bands, who don't use any electronic equipment, they're often hired specifically to perform outdoors, roaming around guests in the summer sunshine (fingers-crossed UK customers!)

With most other typical jazz bands, it's common to have outdoor performances, especially for wedding receptions, but it's important to ensure they have adequate shelter in case of bad weather.

Please consider the following points if you're thinking of having your band play outside:

• Equipment must not be allowed to get wet
• Any shelter such as a gazebo needs to be wider in all directions than the size of performance area they require
• The shelter should be designed to allow for the sides to be closed to prevent wind-driven rain from entering the performance space
• The performance area must remain dry, ensuring that water neither pools on it nor flows across it
• Starting the band's performance in a sheltered location is crucial to avoid significant delays that moving mid-performance would cause.
• Outdoor performances tend to project sound further, increasing the chances of noise complaints from neighbours.
• Outdoor settings require increased volume due to the lack of walls for sound reflection, potentially necessitating the rental of a larger PA system by the band.

Can you help me find a local jazz band near me?

We have local jazz bands in each part of the UK. You can use the search form at the top of this page to enter your event type, event date and event location, and the search results will show jazz bands available to hire, ordered by popularity in your area. You can sort the results by 'nearest me' to see the artists who are based closest to your location first.

Many jazz bands offer to travel throughout the UK to perform at events, so don't worry if your favourite band is based out of your area. Once you've entered a search, the price you see will be an estimate of what they charge to travel to your location.

You can also click the links below to view the most popular jazz bands to hire in each part of the UK:

How to book a jazz band

After you find your perfect Jazz band, submit your enquiry to Alive or reach out to us directly by phone or email. We'll verify their availability and provide you with a precise quote tailored to your specific needs. When you decide to proceed, just inform us, and we'll lock in your date with the band, draw up secure contracts, and ask for a nominal deposit. It's as straightforward as that!

What security will I get booking a wedding jazz band with Alive?

Aside from finding some of the best Jazz Bands in the UK and getting expert advice from our friendly staff, one of the main reasons to hire a Jazz band from Alive Network Entertainment Agency is security. We ensure your contract is covered 24/7 against any eventuality, so that no matter what, you can enjoy your event without worrying about whether your entertainment will turn up. If your band is ill or unable to perform, our team will be on hand to source a suitable replacement even out of office hours and at short notice. Imagine having to do that yourself!?

• Outstanding five-star customer service
• Emergency cover 24/7, 365 days a year
• Hand-picked UK jazz bands for the ultimate in quality and reliability
• Safe, secure contracts for your peace of mind
• Easy enquiry process
• Hundreds of Jazz Bands, Jazz Singers and Jazz Musicians to choose from
• Trusted brand with over 170,000 previous clients & high-profile industry partnerships
• Instant online prices & availability

Established in 1999, Alive Network has grown to become the UK's largest live entertainment agency and one of the leading online entertainment hire services in the world. We specialise in wedding entertainment, party entertainment and corporate entertainment, trusted by companies like Apple, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, Coca-Cola & Nike, and we have helped over 170,000 customers to hire the perfect live entertainment for their events. We are formally partnered with BIMM, the largest and leading provider of contemporary music education in the UK and Europe, ensuring that we are able to bring you the very best new talent exclusively at Alive Network.

Find more about Alive Network Entertainment Agency here

Frequently asked questions

For information on the following, see our Frequently Asked Questions:

• How do I make a booking?
• What payment methods do you accept?
• What if the artist cancels?
• Can I see the artist live before booking?
• Will the band learn a first dance request?
• What are the benefits of booking through Alive Network?