Choosing a jazz/swing band
In our jazz section you will find bands covering several styles of music. To help you make your choice, here is an explanation of the main styles covered.
"Trad" covers New Orleans and Dixieland styles - the sort of music played by Louis Armstrong and British bands like Kenny Ball.
"Swing" is music of the 30s and 40s including the Big Band styles of Glenn Miller and Count Basie. "Jump Jive" is a style made famous by Louis Jordan and celebrated in the hit show Five Guys Named Mo. With elements of swing and Rhythm'n'Blues, this is great music for dancing to. "Modern" is the style of music which began with Bebop in the 40s and developed over the 50s, 60s and 70s.
If you are looking for acoustic music to play outside for a drinks reception, then go for "trad". For "smooth" background music during a reception or meal, either swing or modern would be more appropriate, with saxophone, keyboard and bass being a popular line-up.
If you want a band for dancing, then swing or jump jive are recommended. Vocals and drums should usually be included, as a singer is good for building a rapport with the audience and getting them on the dance floor, and drums give the performance a rhythmic boost.
Most of these bands, play what they play - meaning that if a guest asks "can you play anything by The Rolling Stones" the answer will be "no"! But there are a few bands who can play both jazz/swing and pop, which is made clear in the band descriptions.