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Big Easy Band
- New Orleans, LA
- New Orleans Style Entertainment
- Travels nationwide
- $300 and up depending on event and # of musicians.
Overview
The award winning Big Easy Band provides an unforgettable New Orleans music experience for your corporate event, cocktail party, wedding reception, etc. With over 20 years experience performing in New Orleans and worldwide, band leader and Billboard charting artist James Martin curates unparalleled professionalism, talent, and vision ensuring the highest quality of service with the least amount of stress.
Fully customizable in size and style, we work with our client's vision to provide a tailored experience that'll have your guests talking for years to come; whether an 8+ piece high energy party dance band, a small conversation level background Jazz ensemble, or Brass Band 2nd Line Parade.
21 Reviews
James Martin Band is amazing!!! We hired his band as a Second Line and to perform during our wedding reception at the Marigny Opera House.
To say he killed it is an understatement. Our wedding guests had such an amazing time that we ended up watching him perform again at the Spotted Cat that same night!
James was extremely professional and responsive during the entire planning process. He was very accommodating and sought to ensure our event ran smoothly from the rehearsal, ceremony, second line, cocktail hour and reception.
I would highly recommend James Martin Band for any event!!!
Brass Band, Brass Musician, Cover Band, Funk Band, Jazz Band, Party Band, Saxophone Player, Wedding Band, New Orleans Style Entertainment
Response from Big Easy Band:
Thank you Chris! We really enjoyed being a part of your beautiful wedding and we loved the energy that your that your crowd brought. We all had a lot of fun and it was surely a memorable night. I hope to see you and Jovone back at one of our shows sometime in the future. All the best to you both!
James
James put together a four piece band (sax, guitar, bass, drums) for our reception and a separate six piece brass band for our second line and they were both amazing! My now husband and I are big music fans and we worked with James to put together our ideal setlist for the reception a good mix of New Orleans Funk with some Classic Rock; i.e. The Meters, Allen Toussaint, Talking Heads, The Band, David Bowie, JJ Cale and Robert Palmer to name a few. He was happy to accommodate some special requests and they knocked those songs out of the park - THEY ROCKED IT. I was truly blown away by the talent we had. A lot of our guests were from out of town and spent their late nights seeing shows around the city and several said that our wedding band was the best show they saw all weekend (and they went to see some very popular New Orleans artists that weekend). I look forward to seeing James and his band members play the next time we are in town. I cant thank them enough for an amazing job and making our wedding so special.
Brass Band, Cover Band, Funk Band, Party Band, Saxophone Player, Wedding Band, New Orleans Style Entertainment
Response from Big Easy Band:
You all were such a fun group to entertain and thank you for this great review!! I hope to see ya'll back down in New Orleans sometime soon!
James
We took to the streets for 3 days of music and marching for an Allstar Weekend activation powered by Reebok and Footaction. The guys did a fantastic job across multiple pop-up performances around the city including a show at the mall with a local Emcee and a 2nd line battle of the bands on Bourbon Street ((2) 8-person marching bands going head to head). The event, however complicated could not have gone better thanks to these awesome musicians!
Everyone enjoyed
Saxophone Player
I had them perform during my proposal. They were easy to work with, learned our favorite songs to play and everyone said the band was one of the best they’ve ever heard.
Thank you for making my event so special, you guys rock!
Jazz Band, Wedding Band, New Orleans Style Entertainment
Can’t say enough about what a great band they are they made my daughter and new son in law’s wedding 💒 we also hired him for the 2nd line it was so much fun, thanks James for everything
Brass Band, Jazz Band
James Martin and his band are INCREDIBLE!!!! They are so much fun, have such amazing energy, and are extremely talented musicians. I can’t speak highly enough of them! Many of our wedding guests said our wedding was the best they’ve ever been to, and much of that was due to the Big Easy Band! HIRE THEM!
Wedding Band
James was fantastic, very talented, timely, professional and easy to work with
Brass Musician
Response from Big Easy Band:
Thanks for the kind words and great review!
James
We hired the James Martin Band for a memorial/celebration of life event where we had a New Orleans style funeral march. They were wonderful and very professional! Would definitely recommend them for any event!!
Brass Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, New Orleans Style Entertainment
Very talented. Easy to work with and very accommodating with requests,
Would have preferred that he walk around the room and engage.
Saxophone Player
He was awesome. I’m looking forward to his next performance
Saxophone Player
They were very flexible and accommodating with a last minute time change, played a variety of genres and were the highlight of the night!!
Brass Band
Nothing short of AMAZING!!!!
James Martin Band went Above and Beyond My Expectations!
I only booked 1 Musician, James, and His Saxophone for an intimate outside picnic/dinner.
James played All the songs I requested and I now have UNLIMITED BROWNIE POINTS with My Inamorata!
I already knew his skills were Amazing...
But he literally blew her away!!!
Thanks again James And the James Martin Band for providing an Amazing Experience we will Forever Remember!!
Worth Every Penny and More!!!
Saxophone Player
James and his band were phenomenal. They came out for a corporate retreat and we had an amazing time. I would definitely recommend them for your next event.
Jazz Band
Response from Big Easy Band:
Thank you Mary! We really love it when an audience responds and gets into it like you all did! Hope to see you all back in New Orleans sometime soon!
James
Our event was a Navy reunion. James Martin Band has fantastic musicians. They were very entertaining and played a variety of music. Everyone in our group thoroughly enjoyed the band. If we were to come back to this area we would definitely book them again.
Brass Band
Response from Big Easy Band:
Thanks, Ralph! It was a privilege to perform for you all!
James was great to work with during our event in NOLA. Through multiple requests, changes in our program and technical issues in the hotel, James was so flexible and communicative through the whole thing. Would certainly hire again!
Brass Band
Wonderful to work with, and a lovely addition to our event!!
Jazz Band
James Martin Band was amazing -- it was the perfect entertainment for my party. I highly recommend!
New Orleans Style Entertainment
Response from Big Easy Band:
Hi Christina, thank you for the great review! We all had a fun time performing at the party and please keep us in mind for any future parties/events that need entertainment. Thanks again!
We loved these guys for our corporate event that normally doesn't include entertainment so they were working against the grain. The guys were amenable to changing up schedule and taking requests. The only suggestion I have for people booking them is that we really liked them and wanted them to play longer. Having been burned in the past with such requests and not being paid after, they only take cash or check on site so have that handy as you'll want them to stay all night!
New Orleans Style Entertainment
James did an excellent job!! It could not have gone any better. He was there with more than enough time before the final moment and played the song perfectly. James played the song 'Sunday Morning' by Maroone 5 and 'isn't she lovely' by Stevie Wonder for me at my proposal. It was a hectic day because of French Quarter Fest and James was right on que and everything leading up to the moment was perfectly orchestrated. Thank you again James!!
Saxophone Player
We booked James and company for my friends bachelor party. Despite it raining heavily, James was on time and more than willing to parade us in the rain. It really made our weekend and gave our friend something special. Not to mention, the music was awesome! I highly recommend these guys!
Brass Band, Marching Band
Response from Big Easy Band:
Thanks for hiring us!! Glad ya'll had a great time!
Booking Info
Price Range: $300 and up depending on event and # of musicians.
Gig Length: 60 - 240 minutes
Languages: English, Portuguese
What to Expect
Whether a small background Jazz ensemble, a traditional New Orleans Brass Band, or a high energy party dance band with a full horn section, the James Martin Band will tailor fit your needs. Have any special requests not on our song list? We will be more than happy to play your favorite songs.
Comprised of the most accomplished and in demand musicians in the New Orleans region, our goal is to make your party as easy and memorable as possible. We will work with you and your other vendors to ensure your timings for dinner and formalities are perfected to optimize time on the dance floor.
No one event is exactly like the other and so we will work with your needs and budget. We also offer several services in house such as a professional sound system and lighting that will help lower your costs.
About
The Big Easy Band is an event music service curated by New Orleans native James Martin. Through his experience performing in New Orleans and throughout the world over the past 21+ years, the Big Easy Band provides an unparalleled music experience with the highest level of talent, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Notable private event clients/performances:
New Orleans Mayor's Office
Almafi Coast - Ravello
Reebok NBA All Star Weekend
Dr. Pepper (BCS National Championship)
National Minority Supplier Development Council - Award Show
Breda Jazz Festival, Netherlands
Copenhagen, Denmark Jazz Festival
Country Club of Louisiana
Carousel Lounge - Hotel Monteleone
Port au Prince Jazz Fest - Haiti
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar - Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Mardi Gras World
Spotted Cat
Ritz Carlton Hotel
Nole
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Jazz in Duketown Festival - Netherlands
Touro Hospital
US Mint
Children's Hospital - Sugarplum Ball & Moonlight and Miracles
Latrobe's
Marigny Opera House
Marriott Hotels
Microsoft
Royal Sonesta
Bayou Boogaloo
Bizou Wines
Bourbon Vieux
Metairie Country Club
Round Table Club
Brooklyn Bowl - New York
New Orleans City Park
Race & Religious
Napoleon House
Ace Hotel
Hotel Peter and Paul
Additional Booking Notes
A professional sound system and lighting can be provide for additional costs.
Past Booked Events
August 10, 2023 • 8:00am - 8:15am | Corporate Event |
March 18, 2023 • 4:00pm - 4:30pm | Surprise |
November 05, 2022 • 6:00pm - 10:30pm | Wedding Reception |
October 21, 2022 • 7:00pm - 9:30pm | Cocktail Party |
May 13, 2022 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Wedding Reception |
March 18, 2022 • 7:00pm - 7:15pm | Birthday Party |
November 06, 2021 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
November 03, 2021 • 8:00pm - 8:15pm | Birthday Party |
October 15, 2021 • 4:30pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 03, 2021 • 7:30pm - 10:30pm | Rehearsal Dinner |
July 23, 2021 • 4:30pm - 7:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 10, 2021 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Baby Shower |
June 12, 2021 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Cocktail Party |
April 09, 2021 • 5:00pm - 6:30pm | House Party |
October 24, 2020 • 6:30pm - 7:15pm | Birthday Party |
September 11, 2020 • 5:00pm - 5:30pm | Personal Occasion |
June 13, 2020 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
February 15, 2020 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
December 20, 2019 • 6:00pm - 10:30pm | Christmas Party |
November 09, 2019 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
October 25, 2019 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Corporate Event |
May 01, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Corporate Event |
January 05, 2019 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
November 14, 2018 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Corporate Event |
October 06, 2018 • 7:30pm - 7:45pm | Surprise |
September 29, 2018 • 7:00pm - 11:00pm | Reunion |
April 24, 2018 • 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Corporate Event |
April 12, 2018 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Corporate Event |
November 04, 2017 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Fundraiser |
October 14, 2017 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Wedding Reception |
September 30, 2017 • 9:00pm - 11:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |
May 31, 2017 • 8:00pm - 8:45pm | Convention/Trade Show |
April 08, 2017 • 1:30pm - 2:00pm | Surprise |
April 01, 2017 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Sugar Plum Ball - Children's Hospital |
March 29, 2017 • 7:30pm - 9:30pm | Corporate Event |
March 25, 2017 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Bachelor Party |
February 18, 2017 • 10:00am - 6:00pm | Cultural Event |
January 27, 2017 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Latrobes |
December 20, 2016 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Bizou Wine Christmas Party |
December 18, 2016 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Debutante Party |
November 20, 2016 • 11:00am - 1:00pm | Metairie Rotary Thanksgiving for Seniors |
November 04, 2016 • 6:30pm - 9:30pm | Marriott - Children's Hospital Auction |
October 20, 2016 • 9:00pm - 11:00pm | Bourbon Vieux - Corporate Event |
September 30, 2016 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Solo Sax Wedding - New Hope Baptist Church |
Set List
NEW ORLEANS:
All By Myself - Fats Domino
Big Chief - Professor Longhair
Brickyard Blues - Allen Toussaint / Three Dog Night
Carnival Time - Al Johnson
Certain Girl - Ernie K. Doe
Hey Pocky Way - Meters
Iko Iko - Dixie Cups
I’m Walkin - Fats Domino
Jambalaya
Mardi Gras Mambo - The Meters
New Orleans Ladies - La Leroux
Right Place, Wrong Time - Dr. John
Southern Nights - Allen Toussaint / Glen Campbell
Way Down Yonder in New Orleans
What a Night - Dr. John
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
BRASS BAND:
Blackbird Special
Bourbon Street Parade
Do Watcha Wanna - Dirty Dozen
Grazin in the Grass
Lil Liza Jane
Mardi Gras
Second Line
Treme Song
When the Saints Go Marching In
JAZZ:
At Last - Etta James
Autumn Leaves
Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
Girl From Ipanema - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Just the Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
L-O-V-E - Nat King Cole
Margie
Misty - Ella Fitzgerald
Royal Garden Blues
St. Thomas - Sonny Rollins
Sunny Side of the Street
Take the A Train - Duke Ellington
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
Wave - Antonio Carlos Jobim
CONTEMPORARY:
All About that Bass
Blurred Lines
Cupid Shuffle
Genie In A Bottle
Hey Ya
How Sweet it Is
I’m Yours
Thrift Shop
Uptown Funk
Wobble
CLASSICS:
ABC
Boogie Shoes
Brick House
Brown Eyed Girl
Can’t Get Enough of Your Love
Can’t Stop Till You Get Enough
Easy Like Sunday Morning
Groove Me - King Floyd
Groove Tonight
Higher and Higher
I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey bunch)
I Feel Good
Just My Imagination
Kiss - Prince
Let’s Get it On
Let’s Stay Together
Love the One You’re With
Mustang Sally
My Girl
New Orleans Ladies
Oh! Darling - Beatles
Play That Funky Music
Proud Mary
Stand By Me
Superstition
Sweet Soul Music
Shout
Signed Sealed Delivered
Soul Man
Stand By Me
Superstitious
Wonderful Tonight