Westchester Jazz Band

We generally play jazz standards and jazz interpretations of modern tunes. The mood can be modified to the event, so if Bossanova or a Latin flavour is preferred we can do that. If 30's tunes are preferred, we can tailor it to suit. If a particular jazz composer takes your fancy, let us know. You can have a whole night of Thelonius Monk tunes, if you like... Our piano player is a popular classical pianist, having played as Joshua Bell's accompanist for some years. If you need a classical interlude, we can oblige... If you want a jazz rendition of Stairway to Heaven, we might even give that a go!

Here's what people have to say:

"Amazing, Sophisticated, Talented and Professional. We had the pleasure of hiring the Westchester Jazz Band for a social event to celebrate the grand opening of our luxury apartment community at 15 Bank Apartments in White Plains. Not only did they arrive early and in full suits but they were more than reasonably priced. I thought we would have to pay a lot more when you think that the cost is shared amongst three people. To have a jazz trio play for a few hours with minimal breaks, they barely seemed to break a sweat. The music was amazing, this band didn't require any direction from us and we ran out of business cards for them halfway through the event. I had a lot of questions since this was my first time booking a band and I never felt like anyone was annoyed by me. The response time was quick and they were willing to answer all my questions."

Our core band is a QUINTET (piano,saxophone, guitar, bass, drums) but is often modified to be a quartet or trio depending on your needs and budget. However, we can expand or change the lineup to include pretty much any instrument or vocalist. With almost 70 years of collective experience playing in New York, and indeed internationally (Japan, China, Scandinavia, Europe and the United Kingdom) you can be assured of the highest standards of musicianship. We have played in a wide spectrum of settings, from jazz clubs, to park bandstands, store openings, restaurants, hotels and of course: weddings, and corporate functions and private parties. We know what it takes to make your special event even more special and memorable.

We have worked independently at diverse venues from The 606 Jazz Club (UK), The Hampton Court Flower Show (UK), M On The Bund (Shanghai), to many, many reputable establishments in NY state, including the Watercolor Cafe (Larchmont), Hastings Station Cafe, The Bassline Jazz Club (Mt Vernon), Thyme Restaurant (Yorktown Heights).

We have worked independently alongside such names as The Buddy Rich Big Band, Frank Sinatra, Clark Terry, Eddie Daniels, Charles McPherson, Gary Versace, Eric Alexander, Joe Farnsworth, Ben Williams, John Medeski, Bob Moses, Lou Donaldson, Shunzo Ohno, Roberta Piket, Claire Martin, Jamie Cullum, Phil Robson, Liam Noble, Julian Arguelles, Branford Marsalis, Regina Spektor, Jay Azzolina, Van Morrison, Dame Shirley Bassey - even Yehudi Menuhin!

We are all experienced in playing many styles of jazz, from traditional Dixieland, to bebop, modern or funky jazz, although for most functions people want something cool and sophisticated. We can play a huge repertoire of jazz standards from memory, and we also have reference charts for more obscure tunes. It should be noted that we are not a covers band. If a specific tune is required that is not a jazz tune (in the case of a newly weds 'first dance', for example), we ask that this be communicated at the time of booking, so that a perfect rendition can be rehearsed in advance.

We can dress to suit pretty much any occasion: black tie and tails, suit and tie, smart casual or even hawaiian pants - whatever is required!

We usually play 45 minute sets with breaks in between, although we realise that not all events are alike. Sometimes a client will want just a single set of 90 minutes. Others want us to play in one location to welcome in the guests, then move and set up elsewhere for dinner. We try hard to be as flexible and forward thinking as possible. We will usually ask important questions prior to booking such as availability of AC power, shelter in case of rain for outdoor events, availability of changing room and rest facilities, availability of dedicated parking, availability of food etc

Most hirings tend not to be longer than 210 minutes. If there are extra time factors to be considered, such as early set-up/late finish times, or we are needed for an entire day, the booking fee will have to be negotiated accordingly.

We require amplification for at least the guitar, and most usually for the bass as well. Unless a piano is provided, the pianist will bring a portable electric keyboard with stand and amplifier. We can use a plug board, but for most ensembles two AC outlets are required as a minimum.