Jazz Band for Weddings

A live band is an excellent source of wedding entertainment, and our unique blend of jazz, swing, Latin, soul & Motown classics is a tried and tested way to entice wedding guests of all ages and musical tastes on to the dance floor – and keep them there! The Jazz Reporters is a professional jazz band for weddings and parties, with years of experience.

The Song List
Typically the band will get through around 30 songs, and our clients are welcome to choose as many of these as they wish (please visit our “songlist” page). When it is left to us to choose some or all of these, we will always go for our most popular up-tempo dance floor fillers and tend to only player any slower songs that have been requested. You are also perfectly welcome to point out any songs you would rather we avoid!

iPod…
As standard, we will always provide an iPod (if required) preloaded with suitable playlists to go on in our breaks, and before / after the band’s performance.

We have a selection of different playlists, covering various styles from background jazz to more upbeat soul / funk / disco, and some more current dance-floor fillers.

Sometimes our clients prefer to bring their own iPods to play through our sound system – this is something we encourage, because it ensures that you hear all (and only) the songs you want to hear!

…or a DJ.
We could alternatively provide a DJ for the cost of an additional band member (which is usually a lot less than hiring a DJ separately).

The advantage of having a DJ is that they will play all the songs you request in advance, and can also respond to your guests’ requests on the night. They will mix the songs together (avoiding unwanted silences) and would normally have a microphone, enabling them to connect with their audience, invite requests and encourage people on to the dance floor!

Our DJs are always happy to discuss your requests in advance by email or telephone.

The First Dance
This is an important part of your wedding celebration, and The Jazz Reporters will take great care in performing your chosen song exactly how you would like it! Some couples know from day one which song they would like for their first dance, whereas others may have no idea at all and are open to suggestions. We are always happy to learn a new song for the first dance (we normally ask for 6 weeks notice) – we also have a number of suggestions from our setlist for those which require some inspiration, which are listed below:

At Last Etta James
The Nearness Of You Hoagy Carmichael
Fly Me To The Moon Frank Sinatra
My Baby Just Cares For Me Nina Simone
L-O-V-E Nat King Cole
Our Love Is Here To Stay Gershwin
The Way You Look Tonight Jerome Kern
It Had To Be You Harry Connick, Jr.
Someone To Watch Over Me Gershwin
Come Rain Or Come Shine Harold Arlen
Let There Be Love Nat King Cole

Whilst these are all songs from our jazz repertoire, we are sometimes asked for something more soulful – such as “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green, or “For Once In My Life” by Stevie Wonder. All of these songs make beautiful first dances, and are an excellent way for the wedding couple to open the dance floor!

Wedding Venues
Every year we provide the entertainment for around 60 wedding receptions, and find ourselves in all kinds of venues – including stately homes, village halls, hotels, marquees, restaurants, pub function rooms, golf & country clubs, tythe barns, castles, boats and private homes.

Summary

  • The band is happy to learn your first dance;
  • Varied set list – requests catered for;
  • High quality sound & lighting equipment;
  • Music in breaks provided (on iPod);
  • DJ can be provided if required;
  • Professional musicians;
  • Your guests won’t be able to resist the dance floor!