Jazz Ensembles
Jazz Ensembles
The jazz players that we work with are all seasoned players who perform in and around New Orleans 4-6 nights every week. We usually contract these groups for receptions, brunches, and other events. They can play most requests (especially if we get them the music in advance), and they add quite a bit to the ambiance of the party
without interfering with dinner conversation, and can also play more upbeat and danceable tunes as the night goes on.
Our most popular ensemble is a brass band which consists of 2 percussionists, 1 saxophonist, 1 trombonist, 2 trumpeters, 1 souzaphonist. They can play stationary or “second line” around your reception. They do sing some tunes; however, most of their performance is instrumental. We can provide a sound system and microphones but it is usually not necessary with this group; it depends on the venue and the number of guests.
If you would like more non-brass instrumentalists, I would recommend that we build your ensemble around a pianist or guitarist, upright bassist, and a lead instrument (trumpet, saxophone, violin, or clarinet).
Here are some options for instrumental ensembles:
- Trio (guitar/piano, bass, horn)
- Quartet (percussionist added)
- Quintet (guitar and piano, or additional horn player or violin)
- Sextet (I recommend guitar, bass, percussion, piano, and 2 horn players; however, we can substitute an additional horn player for the guitarist or pianist)
- Septet (guitar, bass, percussion, piano, 3 piece horn section)
A Closer Walk with Thee – Trumpet, banjo, bass, and vocals
I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
How High the Moon – Vocals, trumpet, piano, bass, percussion
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
Sunny Side of the Street – Saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, percussion
Down By the Riverside – Clarinet, trumpet, piano, bass, percussion
Live wedding bands come in all different shapes and sizes. From your favorite local rock band, cover bands (top 40), dance and funk to blues, rock, pop, motown and everything else in between; each group will have their own personal attitude and traits which will leave a distinct impression on your reception and guests. We offer small jazz combos which play light, dinner/background music. We have jazz big bands playing the classic jazz music of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Glenn Miller to get everyone dancing. We also have jazz ensembles which play a wide array of music ranging from the distinct dixieland jazz sound to the more modern swing music exemplified by musicians such as The Brian Setzer Orchestra and Harry Connick Jr. Popular solo jazz musicians include singers, horns players, guitarists, pianists, and string players. We also offer DJs for the ultimate in fun & flexibility for your next party or gathering. Hire a disc jockey! A music DJ can assure that you hear all your favorite songs plus he/she can act as an emcee for your event. From keeping everybody on the dance floor to incorporating fun and games into your event or party, DJs offer a lot for the money. Other genres of ensembles include big band, swing, bluegrass, country, blues, disco, motown, R&B, irish, jewish/klezmer, jazz, latin, salsa, and classical.
Pop/Rock ensembles:
- The core 7 member band consist of – Male Lead Vocalist – Female Lead Vocalist – Guitarist & vocals – Keyboardist & vocals – Bassist & vocals – Percussionist – one horn (saxophone, trumpet, or trombone).
- Traditional Brass Band: 2 percussionists, 1 saxophonist, 1 trombonist, 2 trumpeters, 1 souzaphonist
- The 8 member Band: All of the above + additional horn player.
- The 9 member Band: All of the above + additional horn player.
- The 10 member Band: All of the above + the multi – Percussion player.
- Soloists: Pianist, guitarist, horn, or string player.
- Duo: Pianist or guitarist with horn player or string player.
- Trio: Pianist or guitarist, Bass & Percussion (or horn player).
- Quartet – Piano, Guitar, Bass & Percussion (or horn player).
- Quintet – Piano, Guitar, Bass, Percussion, and horn or string player.
- Full State of the art Sound System & Sound Engineer for the Perfect mix at all events.
Ian McPhail, John Bagnato and Jerry Pekinto
