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.
Traditional jazz bands
This genre, sometimes known as ragtime, Dixieland, or New Orleans jazz, arose in response to the triumph of swing in Chicago. The clarinet, trombone, trumpet, and even the banjo and tuba are used more frequently in this type of jazz than saxophones.
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.
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.
How Many Musicians Are in a Jazz Band?
Jazz bands can range in size from trios to a full 20-piece band—the number of people you should be determined by the atmosphere, or tone, you want to set at the event. A small jazz trio or quartet could be ideal for a dinner or tea party, while a large 15–20-piece big 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 Specific Songs?
Absolutely! Most jazz bands can play a wide variety of music, so check their song list first to see whether your song requests are already on the list. Otherwise, notify the jazz band ahead of time; in the odd case that they are unfamiliar with your song, they’ll learn it for your event.