Jazz-Funk-Swing Bands

Jessie Sparks Duo/Trio-Melbourne

Jessie Sparks Band touches on eras of Pop, Contemporary ballads, Jazz, Blues and Soul Creating a great sort of moods and tempos. Perfect for either ambient or forefront entertainment at selected bars, cafes, restaurants etc.

On the back of a winning showcase at Victoria’s renowned Blue Diamond Jessie Sparks without doubt is an accomplished Australian Singer, Songwriter & Musician whom continues to gain widespread recognition for her unique sound & awesome live performances. d and live performances.

Throughout & well beyond an entire education Jessie Sparks has practiced & pursued numerous facets of voice, piano, musicianship, dramatic art & dance all the while inspiring a repertoire & delivery that cannot help but strike a chord with devoted listeners or those who encounter her music by chance.

jessie has several albums out of her original works.

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East Side Jazz Band-Melbourne

David White’s East Side Jazz Band is a professional band that performs as a trio, four or five piece group. The number of players is usually determined by the size of the venue, number of guests and budget.

East Side Jazz Band play mainly swing style but can play some Latin rhythms, a waltz and rhythm and blues. The band has a good vocal repertoire.

East Side Jazz Band can play at a pleasant conversational level, for background music, cocktail parties or pre dinner.

Line up: trumpet, saxophone, guitar and double bass. Drums are added for a five piece.

Dress Options:
1.  Dinner Suits (Black Tie)
2.  Lounge Suits
3.  Coloured Shirts / Black Trousers and shoes and a long colourful tie
4.  Smart Casual

Venues played: Centra on the Yarra, Butliegh Wooten, Nathania Springs, Windsor Hotel, Rippon Lea, Sofitel, Sherbrook House, 9 Darling St., Goonawarra Winery, Most of the cruise boats, Polly Woodside, Melbourne Zoo Reception Centre, Savoy Plaza, Leonda, many golf clubs (mainly for wedding receptions), Hilton Hotel, Lincoln Receptions, Jaques Reymond Restaurant, RACV Club, Stamford Plaza Hotel (City) etc.

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Total Fire Band-Melbourne

Happy foot-tapping music for every occasion

The Total Fire Band has been entertaining Victorians (and Melburnians in particular) since 1990, at birthdays, fetes, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and wakes, in theatres, restaurants, pubs, clubs, private homes, halls, shopping centres, trams, trains, in the open air - even the Melbourne Aquarium.

While the grounding of all group members is Traditional Jazz, the diverse musical backgrounds and experiences of the individuals means that Total Fire Bands repertoire extends across virtually all eras and styles of popular music and even includes some classical pieces. The unusual line-up of clarinet, banjo and sousaphone allows them to cross all musical boundaries, yet still retain their unique sound.

In order to protect themselves against staleness and the inevitable absences due to illness and other commitments, the band draws on a pool of like-minded musicians, which guarantees evenness of quality and therefore customer satisfaction. Upon request, the regular line-up can readily be supplemented by the addition of one or more of trumpet, trombone and drums. Only the very best jazz musicians are used, whatever the size of the group and whatever the function.

While musicianship is of the highest priority, so is the capacity to entertain – every musician has something unique to add to the audience’s enjoyment and all exude an infectious sense of fun. The most frequent comment made about the Total Fire Band is ‘You guys really enjoy what you are doing!’ - And they do.

Total Fire Bands great strengths is their capacity to play virtually anywhere. With no amplification (unless specifically requested) to worry about, there is no need to be anchored to one spot. The normal three-piece line-up specialises in circulating among the guests, chatting with them and playing their requests.

The distinctive uniform of all black with red braces stamps them as what they are – a truly professional outfit. However, for the sake of the success of a particular function, they will, on request, don whatever is required (on one occasion, old-fashioned neck-to-knee bathing costumes to fit in with the theme of an Aquarium function!) For aesthetic reasons, they draw the line at the Full Monty!

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Slide Mcbride-NSW

Three bands in one is how to describe the band, "Slide McBride".

Other words and phrases that describe the Slide McBride are engaging, dynamic, punctual, thoroughly professional, energetic, versatile, entertaining and always fun!

This band is extremely versatile.

As guests arrive, the band can start out by playing in their roving acoustic mode. Using an old brass megaphone to sing through, Slide takes the band back to the early days of jazz, performing from the repertoires of the likes of Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller. In this mode, the band is completely portable. Amplifiers are not required, so the band can move around and create quite an atmosphere as they engage your guests with their personality and style. In this mode they are perfect for outdoors (as electricity is not required) and being all acoustic means that the music never gets too loud.

Over dinner, enjoy the cool crooning sounds of jazz, lounge, swing and bossa nova. The band will be quiet enough not to intrude on your guest’s conversations, yet they will contribute to setting a sophisticated ambience to the room. Repertoire includes songs made famous by Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Burt Bacharach, Chet Baker and Harry Connick Jnr.

After dinner, let the dancing begin as the band morphs into their alter ego as an energetic and vibrant party band, playing from their pop, rock and dance repertoire. In this incarnation, the band plays songs from The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Kinks, James Brown, Pink, Scissor Sisters, The Killers, Hunters and Collectors, U2, Robbie Williams, Lenny Kravitz, Chili Peppers, Sneaky Sound System, Smashmouth, Queen, Billy Joel, Coldplay, Kiss, Powderfinger, Jamiroquai, Abba, Jet, Beastie Boys, Hoodoo Gurus, AC/DC, Bob Marley and Elvis (just to mention a few).

The band, Slide McBride, are experienced entertainers who read and connect with their audience. They are masters at creating the right “vibe” at the right time. The band’s extensive repertoire consists of over two hundred songs.

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Andy Pobjoy-solo-Duo-trio-Melbourne

The smooth, mellow sound of these timeless jazz classics is the perfect backdrop to any function. Whether it is as guests mingle at a wedding reception, or to create the perfect ambience at your next corporate function, Andy can make your evening shimmer with style and sophistication.

Andy performs these songs acoustically on piano and pedal bass, show casing his years of experience performing at an international level.

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trio Gentlemans swing club

Velvet Blonde-Melbourne

Sophisticated, Cool & Classy - the elegant sounds of a grand piano and sultry vocals combined.

As a firmly established pianist and vocalist, Nina's inspiration and influences derive from artists such as Diana Krall, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Joel & Elton John.

Her performances have included a selection of outstanding venues such as The Park Hyatt Hotel, Chapel off Chapel, and The Rialto, along with many lounge bars, weddings, restaurants and cafes.

Nina's style is diverse with her repertoire ranging from the Jazz tunes of Cole Porter and Gershwin, through to more contemporary songs from artists such as Aretha Franklin, Shania Twain, Crowded House & The Beatles.

Nina's professional craft is supported with the best brands of pro audio equipment which can be tailored to suit any specific requirements and has the ability to perform with or without professionally mastered backing tracks to further personalise her show.

Upon request & consulatation, Nina is also capable of learning an specific song request a client may have for their function.

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Sally Cooper band-Queensland

All Live and fully acoustic, “The Sally Cooper Band” performs world class Jazz & Soulful Blues music that both creates a stylish atmosphere, and also gets every set of feet in the venue on the dancefloor

Every member of The Sally Cooper Band has an impressive resume and  experience performing in 5-6 star venues and Jazz festivals internationally, as well as having worked with some of the big names in showbusiness.

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Song list

Cheek To Cheek-Melbourne

The Incident-Melbourne

The Incident plays all your classic and current favourites. The Incident can perform either acoustically or with backing tracks to sound like a full size band. We are: Michelle Hefners singing experience encompasses corporate, function, dance and wedding bands and Blues and Rock bands. Michelle Hefner is a versatile and experienced vocalist with an impressive repertoire. Keith Rea has been playing guitar for many years. Keith’s has performed around Australia and Asia, playing a mix of Irish, blues and country sounds. Keith also plays in Mamma Mountain Jug band, playing good-time music from the 1920’s in the American South, encompassing jazz, blues, bluegrass, country & more. Strong vocal harmonies and a very full finger picking guitar style have always being Keith’s style.

If you appreciate talented guitar and vocals, then this is the band for you. 

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FunkNSoul-Melbourne

For Corporate Events, Pubs and Weddings: If you want a professional band for your event, then look no further. This band knows it’s all about the dance floor. Funk’N’Soul play songs everybody knows and loves to dance to start the night off right and end up with a packed dance floor, every time. This band can suit any occasion! They are experienced at weddings, corporate functions and pub gigs. Funk’N’Soul plays danceable songs from the sixties up to today.

Funk’N’Soul’s very experienced members are: Michelle Hefner on lead vocals; “Fabs” Giorgio on drums, percussion and backing vocals; Matthias Peitsch on keyboards & backing vocals; Brad Green on lead and rhythm guitar and vocals; and Ryan Di Cecco on that funky, driving bass.

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Swing Both Ways-Melbourne

Swingin' Both Ways are a husband and wife jazz duo with an old-school sound and a gift for drawing out the story behind the song.

We are two in the night’, Swingin’ Both Way’s debut album is ten years in the making. Kimba and Ryan fell in love over music and in the decade that followed they embarked on a musical journey best described as ‘haphazard’.

Ryan Griffith was described by one Japanese magazine reviewer as being ‘more music than human’. His dedication to his instrument and impressive simultaneous melody/bass line playing is complemented by his eloquent compositions and his commitment to teaching music to young people, focusing on improvisation and inspiration.

As a vocalist, Kimba Griffith literally grew up onstage. Blessed with a beautiful lonesome tone, but finding little natural aptitude for jazz mathematics, her study of the jazz form was by turns exhilarating and painfully slow.

Yet a passion for jazz and an incredible on-stage dynamic kept this sometimes unlikely pair playing together through some memorable musical fights, periods of cold war, and tentative truces...in the last year they’ve been able to break the tradition of the pre-gig spat, which, as frustrating as it was for Kimba and Ryan, often led audiences to describe their energy as ‘electric’.

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Dan Mel band-Melbourne

From Jazz to Swing to Top 40 The Dan Mel band can cater for any ocassion.

Herb Armstrong- Queensland

Direct from the world famous clubs of Bourbon Street in New Orleans comes "Hollywood" Herb Armstrong...

Come spend an evening with Herb and his band as he takes you on a musical journey back to his hometown of New Orleans. From tunes made famous his late great grandfather Louis Armstrong, to the funky dance grooves of New Orleans rhythm and blues, you are in for a night of great entertainment!

Herb Armstrong has sung with the likes of Bobby Womack and Missy Elliott, and for the last 5 years was the opening act for the New Orleans own Neville Brothers Show at the famous Tipitina's. Herb's connections to Australia began in 1999 when he met his wife Lisa and began a love affair which was to transform both their lives.

Since his arrival Herb has completely wowed the local entertainment scene with his solo performances and his band, the Royal St. Krewe. Performing Herb's "Tribute to Louis Armstrong" show plus a mixture of New Orleans grooves, jazz standards and dance music, Herb and the Krewe will have you up and dancing from the opening bars! Herb's individual style brings a fresh sound to the timeless traditions of jazz, blues and swing.After taking in the floorshow, kick up your heels and dance the night away as Herb covers a variety of dance hits from artists such as Joe Cocker, the Commitments, Ray Charles, Sam and Dave and Elvis, just to name a few!

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Zion-Queensland

Whether you choose to kick up your heels and dance the night away or sit back and relax, the members of Zion never fail to create a happy atmosphere whilst playing a tasteful selection of music suitable for any occasion.

Band Of Gold-Melbourne

A band for all occasions, playing all types of music, but mainly Jazz-Swing with a touch of covers from 50's-70's. Also suitable for Ballroom functions.

The Swing Sensation-Melbourne

The Swing Sensations with the real sound of the 20's-60's big band charts and artists, able to support any vocalist, or perform on their own.

Reverend Funk & The Horns Of Salvation-Melbourne

Reverend Funk and the Horns of Salvation With their massive horn sound along side one of the best rhythm sections, outstanding vocals and a vast repertoire from Classic soul, 70's, Motown, Disco to just about any style you know of this band delivers every time. Adaptable to any situation, to any style of music from their huge repertoire.

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E Type Jazz Band-Adelaide

ETYPE has sold over 25,000 albums, picked up two Australian Live Music Awards and performed frontline for international acts such as Harry Connick Jr, Olivia Newton John and George Benson. 

The Weekend Australian has called them warm and sexy, Street Press like their cool swinging groove.  Jazzscene say they love this band, and reckon you will too!

Shows vary from intimate audiences of 50 people up to over 800 audience.  Festival and support performances have seen the band perform for audiences of up to 35,000 people in Australia, and up to 1600 people in the United States. 

Performances are five piece with instrumentation being: vocals, sax, bass, piano and drums.

The Essentials-Melbourne

The Essentials are all professional musicians greatly in demand for their versatile repertoire of Pop, R & B, Jazz, and latin. Covering all types of taste and styles.

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Embraceable Jazz -Melbourne

A song list consisting of Jazz Standards from the 1930's through to the 1990's including combination of Swing, Ballads, and Bosa nova rhythms and some up tempo Funky dance groove music still within the Jazz genre. Music that is smooth and easy to listen to yet filled with energy and a contrast of styles. Embraceable Jazz are great over those dinner drinks or dinner party.

Embraceable Jazz Band Songlist

Joanna Lavell Band-Melbourne

Joanna Lavell is breathtaking. With a voice that is truly unique and utterly captivating, she will stir you right down to your soul. Jazz and Latin tunes for Background dining and Groove, Soul, Funk, tunes for dancing, plus some originals. Joanna's ensemble can vary from a Duo to a four piece band.

Thetrio-Melbourne

Thetrio is made up of Richard Lewis on smooth vocals and percussion, Branko Saran on cascading guitar and Peter Mavric on dark and mellow double bass. As you can see from the above ingredients, theTrio explore their love of the all-time standards made famous by such performers as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles et al, yet also bring that love to the modern work of people such as Tom Waits, Elvis Costello and Leonard Cohen. The three musicians perform as a well-oiled unit, swinging their way through any function

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Garry O'Brien-Melbourne

Gary O'Brien has a smooth easy listening voice covering music from Sinatra, Michael buble and others

Uses backing tracks.

Swingmasters-Melbourne

Playing all your swing favourites with vocals from the War Years through to today. Swingmasters are ideal for Ballroom dancing as they know all the popular waltz's, etc.

Red Hot Rhythmakers-Melbourne

‘Hot jazz from the Roaring Twenties’

Michael McQuaid's Red Hot Rhythmakers is an exciting young band from Melbourne, Australia, aiming to bring new life to the hot and sweet sounds of 1920s and 1930s jazz bands such as those led by Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson and King Oliver. Formed in January 2004, the band is led by multi-instrumentalist Michael McQuaid, and features a combination of musicians already highly regarded in the jazz world as well as some exciting newcomers.

Connie Lansberg Trio or Quartet- with The Sweetest Memories band-Melbourne

The Connie lansburg Quartet ia an electric mix of Jazz standards and witty intelligent originals with the emphasis always on melody.

The Sweetest Melodies where we do all the great jazz standards that people know and love. They can make this as swinging and up or as sweet and cool as the client would like. We can do this as a trio if the budget does not accommodate the four piece. The basic trio is Pete on Drums and Jon Wade on Piano/Hammond/Bass and my vocals.

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Mimi Quartet-Melbourne

To engage and excite a crowd there is a musical formula that is paramount. Firstly a group of musicians with the skill and technique to play across styles and eras, and secondly you have to love every moment of what you do. Mimi quartet are able to switch between the coolest ballad, toe tapping jazz standard or up-beat Pop classic. They have an extensive repertoire to cater for any occasion, and can also learn your favourite tunes for your special event.

Mimi Quartet Audio File

Glen Miller Swing Night-Melbourne

A night of dancing and listening to this full band with brass playing all Glen Miller's top songs and featuring songs from Tommy Dorsey,Duke ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and lots more.

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Miss Kimba and The Jazz Gents-Melbourne

Straight Jazz and Soul

Meet Miss Kimba and her Jazz Gents. They look as sharp as a tack and their jazzy sounds dazzle. Jazz to swing, latin to soul, these players can entertain with a quiet cocktail set or get the whole room out on the dance floor. Among them they've played on 5 continents and garner rave reviews wherever they go.

If you're after a group that will leave your guests grinning and talking about your event for weeks afterwards, Miss Kimba and the Jazz Gents deliver the sounds. All live instrumentation, all played from the heart, with soul. Miss Kimba is more than happy to chat with you about the perfect set list for your occasion, be it to dream up a bridal dance with a difference, or make your corporate party light up with well-loved tunes.

This group is available in a variety of combinations from a duo to a ten-piece band. Start with a trio for your cocktail set, then bring in the horn section to get the crowd jumpin! Contact us today to discuss how you can bring your event to life.

Miss Kimba and Gin Remedy-Melbourne

Swing, Jazz and Rockabilly

Sizzling swing. Raucous renditions. Liberal sprinklings of wit and wry humour. That’s what Miss Kimba and her boys cook up each night in their musical kitchen.

Between them, the members of this spirited combo have played on 5 continents from Kyrgyzstan to Denmark, Japan to Sri Lanka, and back again.

As well as dishing out tunes to get your toes a tappin’ and your booty shaking, Miss Kimba and the Gin Remedy are sure to dish out a few surprises, including ukulele solos, vocal trombone choruses, and even the odd tap dance/drum battle.

As Miss Kimba says, there’s only one thing left to do – Drink up and Dance!

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Swingers-Melbourne

Swingers are a jazz trio featuring the talents of Andrew Ogburn on piano, Simon Star on acoustic bass, and Justin Dwyer on drums. They have been performing together for over 15 years in venues all over Australia and individually in countries such as Turkey, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Spain, and Germany.

“Swingers” are perfect for any situation which requires an effortlessly smooth ambiance.

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