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Overview
We are a flexible, professional jazz ensemble--from a trio to a quintet. The Standards are a joyful collective of Bay Area jazz musicians. We play your favorite cool jazz songs from the late 1950s and 1960s, one of the grooviest and listenable eras in jazz history. Whether you are a jazz aficionado or a casual listener, The Standards will set the scene for a special experience of live music. We prioritize fun, generosity and spirited interaction in our music.
3 Reviews
We hired the Standards for a fundraising event we recently hosted in our home. They were a fantastic pick. Great communication; good questions to make sure they were providing the music and atmosphere we were hoping for; AND, of course, wonderful music. The pieces they chose were fun but not overpowering so people could still talk while enjoying the music. Would definitely ask them to come again!
Jazz Band
The Standards rocked the house with familiar, upbeat jazz classics that brought a fun and classy vibe to the taproom. Each instrument shined within this ensemble. They had their sound down, as it was the perfect volume for our large, high ceiling taproom. You could tell they were all very experienced and have been playing with each other a long time. I could see this band performing at weddings, company events, and breweries alike!
Jazz Band
Response from The Standards:
Thank you so much! You're too kind. It was a pleasure to play at the taproom. We'll look forward to our next performance there. Warm regards, Neil
The Standards played for our "Wednesday Night Music Series" which was created to help bring in more business on a Wednesday evening for dinner. Each time "The Standards" played, they packed the house!
The band is professional and easy to communicate with. Our series closes during the rainy season and that is the only reason that they aren't booked on a regular basis at Babette. I highly recommend this band.
Jazz Band
Response from The Standards:
Thank you so much, Joan! I so appreciate your kind words. We had a blast and can't wait to play at your restaurant again. Warm regards, Neil
Booking Info
Price Range: $500 and up
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
What to Expect
Our jazz band, The Standards, provides a professional live music experience. The ensemble includes drums, bass, keys and one or two horns. We will take care of all your musical and logistical needs. We are flexible and can play as a trio or as a quintet.
We set up, get the sound levels right, start and end on time and present and discreetly pack up. We can even provide some tasteful lighting, if the client desires.
Most importantly, we will play outstanding and fun jazz music! We play intimate indoor gatherings, restaurant spaces and large outdoor venues. The Standards can tailor our set to upbeat tunes or more mellow jazz ballads. We are happy to be featured performers or provide background music--or anything in between.
About
Led by bandleader Neil Sachs on drums, we are a collective of Bay Area jazz musicians. The Standards play your favorite cool jazz songs from the late 1950s and 1960s, one of the grooviest and listenable eras in jazz history. Whether you are a jazz aficionado or a casual listener, The Standards will set the scene for a special experience of live music. We prioritize fun, generosity and spirited interaction in our music.
We play songs by Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, Chet Baker, Cannonball Adderley, Horace Silver, Benny Golson, Wayne Shorter and Sonny Rollins. We also mix in Latin Jazz and Bossa Nova, including songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Mongo Santamaria.
About the musicians:
Neil Sachs (Drums, Band Leader) - Neil is an active bassist, drummer, vocalist, guitarist, DJ, producer/engineer and songwriter. His ambient-pop recording project is Multiplicity, which can be heard on all streaming platforms. Neil can also be found drumming and singing in the Classic Rock cover band, The Rough Edges. In the daytime, he works as a psychiatrist.
Harry Gray (Bass) is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and music educator, known for his work with several Bay Area bluegrass, rock, folk and jazz ensembles. Harry’s CD of original material, The Rest of My World, is featured on major streaming and download services.
Michael Schuler (Piano) - For over a decade throughout Europe and the United States, Mike worked as an opera and musical theater conductor as well as a vocal coach. He is a lover of languages and works to design humane, conversational AI experiences.
Jake Blackshear (Sax) - From his roots playing Elks Lodge dances with the swing bands of Humboldt county, Jake has been playing saxophone professionally for over 25 years. His eclectic experience includes Jazz, funk, soul, Motown, musical theater, Afro beat, salsa, ska, pop and rock. He also has a Masters degree in jazz performance.
Phil Gorman (Trumpet, Piano) - Phil grew up in Berkeley in a musical family playing keyboards and horns. He composes musical theater and is equally comfortable playing in a jazz band, on a rock stage, in the pit, jamming with friends by the campfire or singing silly kids songs.
Yoshi Laing (Alto Sax): Yoshi’s alto saxophone roots began in jazz, but he loves to journey anywhere from funk to the interstellar. He has played with the Stanford Jazz Orchestra and the Latin-tinged funk band, En Fuego.
Additional Booking Notes
We supply all the musical equipment, microphones and sound system. We can even provide some lighting, if the client desires.
Services Offered
Set List
All Blues by Miles Davis
All of Me
Alone Together
Autumn Leaves
Blue Monk by Thelonious Monk
Cantaloupe Island by Herbie Hancock
Corcovado (Quiet Nights) by Antonio Carlos Jobim
Equinox by John Coltrane
Footprints by Wayne Shorter
Freddie freeloader by Miles Davis
Girl from Ipanema by Antonio Carlos Jobim
Have You Met Miss Jones
Killer Joe by Benny Golson
Let’s Cool One by Thelonious Monk
Maiden Voyage by Herbie Hancock
Moanin’ by Art Blakey
My Funny Valentine
September in the Rain
Someday My Prince Will Come
Song for My Father by Horace Silver
Speak No Evil by Wayne Shorter
St. Thomas by Sonny Rollins
Straight No Chaser by Thelonious Monk
Triste by Antonio Carlos Jobim
Watermelon Man by Herbie Hancock
Well You Needn’t by Thelonious Monk
Influences & Inspiration
The Standards play your favorite cool jazz songs from the late 1950s and 1960s, one of the grooviest and listenable eras in jazz history. We play songs by Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, Chet Baker, Cannonball Adderley, Horace Silver, Benny Golson, Wayne Shorter and Sonny Rollins. We also mix in Latin Jazz and Bossa Nova, including songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Mongo Santamaria.
Setup Requirements
We supply all the musical equipment, microphones and sound system.