Types of Jazz Bands for Hire
From small birthday celebrations to major festivals, hiring high-quality musicians can make a huge difference in your event. Jazz bands can be small or large, with some as small as three members and others as large as 10 or 12. Some will adjust the size of their band and equipment depending on the occasion and the client’s needs.
There are a variety of jazz sub-genres to choose from.
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Swing jazz bands: Think music from composers and jazz musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Glenn Miller. In the 1930s and 1940s, this genre became well-known and is characterized by a strong rhythm section and the use of brass instruments like trumpets and trombones. They can be seen performing at private events of all sizes, offering styles from classic jazz to bossa nova and swing.
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Traditional jazz bands: Also known as ragtime, Dixieland, or New Orleans jazz, this genre emerged in response to swing’s popularity. Instruments often include the clarinet, trombone, trumpet, banjo, and tuba, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
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Jazz standard bands: The songs these bands play have become part of the jazz classics and constitute the foundation of any jazz musician’s training. Their music includes widely recognized pieces that appeal to a broad audience, like the Jazz Messengers.
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Post-modern jukebox bands: This is the newest of the jazz bands mentioned above; these groups recreate pop tunes in a variety of jazz forms.
Does a Jazz Band Suit My Event?
Jazz bands are relatively versatile in that they can deliver background music or a featured performance, whether hired for a wedding, cocktail hour, party, or corporate event. Jazz background music is perfect to set the mood without overpowering the event.
On the other hand, with the emergence of the post-modern jukebox, jazz bands are increasingly being used as headline acts for weddings and other special events.
How Many Musicians Are in a Jazz Band?
Los Angeles jazz bands can range in size from trios to a full 20-piece band—the number of people should be determined by the atmosphere or tone you want to set at the event. A small jazz trio or jazz quartet could be ideal for a dinner or tea party, while a large 15–20-piece jazz band might be ideal for a larger party or awards ceremony.
Most companies will adjust the size to fit your budget and requirements.
Can I Request a Specific Song from a Los Angeles Jazz Band?
Absolutely! Most jazz bands can play a wide variety of music, so check their song selections first to see whether your song requests are already on the list. If your requested song isn’t on their list, notify the band ahead of time. Most professional jazz bands are willing to learn new songs to ensure your event is exactly how you envision it. Therefore, giving them advance notice gives them enough time to rehearse and perfect the new piece.
When hosting events, here are some of the best jazz songs that should be on your list:
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All Of Me
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Autumn Leaves
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Fly Me To The Moon
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What A Wonderful World
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Fever
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Summertime
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The Girl from Ipanema
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Round Midnight
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Feeling Good
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At Last
How Far in Advance Should You Book a Los Angeles Jazz Band?
It’s best to book a jazz group for your event in Los Angeles, CA, as early as possible to ensure availability, especially if you have specific requests or require a popular band. For major events like weddings, corporate events, and large parties, booking your jazz band several months in advance is ideal. This allows ample time for the band to accommodate any special song requests and coordinate logistics.
If your event is smaller, such as a birthday party or cocktail hour, booking a few weeks to a couple of months in advance is usually sufficient. This still provides the band with enough preparation time.
While it’s always better to plan ahead, many jazz groups in Los Angeles County can accommodate last-minute bookings if they have availability. It’s possible to secure a band on short notice, but options may be limited, and there might be less flexibility with song requests and specific band configurations.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Jazz Band?
The cost of hiring a jazz band for your party is between $3,500 – $15,000. It can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of band, the size of the band, the duration of the performance, and the event’s location.
For example, you could want a jazz trio or jazz quintet. A jazz trio band ranges between $1,000 to $2,000 for a standard event, while a jazz quintet can range between $1,500 to $4,500, depending on the experience and reputation of the band. Larger ensembles with 10 or more musicians can range from $5,000 upwards.
At Liv Entertainment, we help provide specific pricing details based on your event’s needs. Our goal is to ensure you get the best music for your occasion. Contact us now for a quote to find the perfect jazz band for your next event!
Do Jazz Bands Provide Their Own Sound System?
Yes, most jazz bands provide their own sound system as part of their service, especially for wedding receptions, corporate events, and private parties. Professional jazz musicians understand the importance of delivering high-quality sound to enhance the overall experience, so they often come with their own sound system.
However, it is always a good idea to confirm this when hiring jazz bands. Some smaller groups, such as a jazz duo or jazz trio, may require the venue to supply certain equipment. For larger events with big bands or multiple performers, a more extensive sound setup may be needed. Be sure to discuss your event’s size, venue, and technical requirements with the band to ensure the perfect live music experience.
How to Choose the Best Jazz Band?
Before choosing any Los Angeles jazz band, you have to determine your needs by identifying the type of event you’re hosting, the size of the venue, and the kind of ambiance you want to create. You need to decide if you need a jazz duo, jazz quintet, or a larger ensemble.
Liv Entertainment stands out as a premier provider of jazz bands. We have a variety of bands made up of professional musicians and jazz singers. We also offer customizable performances to match your specific needs. Our jazz singers can accommodate special requests, learn new songs, and even tailor their setlist to fit the theme and mood of your event, be it a private party in West Hollywood or a cocktail party in Santa Monica.
Then, you look for brands with excellent reviews and testimonials, like Liv Entertainment. You should also listen to samples of their performances. This helps ensure that the band’s music aligns with the theme of your event.
Furthermore, contact the bands to check their availability for your event date. You should also discuss any special request, such as jazz standards or modern jazz renditions, to ensure they can meet your needs.
For an unforgettable experience with the best jazz bands for hire in Los Angeles, contact Liv Entertainment. Our expertise and exceptional jazz musicians will elevate the ambiance of your corporate event, wedding ceremony, or private party!