Although not traditionally used as the main act at wedding, the live jazz acts for wedding hire through Freak Music section is in pretty rude health these days.
Ali Affleck and Vieux Carré have a fondness for early Hot Jazz and the upbeat ‘Tin Pan Alley’ movement. Working the ‘not so standard’ tunes of old in with the Great American Songbook, the Vieux Carré repertoire is energetic and lively – with some sassy and seductive numbers thrown into the mix just for fun. With comparisons to Peggy Lee and the vocal styling of of an young ‘optimistic’ Billie Holliday…vocalist Ali Affleck loves to share the stage and revels in the artistry of her band. Adding a bona fide seal of approval to the quality of performance- the grandson of Ralph Rainger praised Vieux Carré by stating that his grandfather, “ would have greatly enjoyed the wonderfully effortless way you sing,” and that their ‘Le Debut’ album performance of ‘Easy Living …“struck me as so ‘right.’”
Containing all the classic ingredients to create that authentic small Jazz band sound, Articulate Jazz (above) is perfect entertainment for corporate events, product launches, birthdays and of course weddings. Available as both a vocal and instrumental led ensemble these are some of the finest young Jazz musicians in the UK having worked with the likes of Gwilym Simcock, Kenny Wheeler, Kit Downes, Empirical, Soweto Kinch and many more. The band’s repertoire includes hundreds of well known jazz and latin standards, ballads, swing, funk/fusion as well as more commercial jazz such as Jamie Cullum and Michael Bublé. Articulate Jazz is a bespoke service that can be tailored in terms of repertoire and line-up to suit your requirements. Certain venues that we have performed in are only licensed to house completely acoustic ensembles which we can comply with upon request.
Emily Matthews (right) is a versatile and experienced jazz vocalist, with a huge repertoire, suitable for background dinner music, cocktail receptions, drinks events, weddings, and parties. She can be booked to perform accompanied by high quality backing tracks, or with a live jazz band. The vocal and piano duo is perfect for wedding ceremonies, adding the saxophonist gives more variety for drinks receptions, and adding the bassist and drummer will give your event the rhythm and feel to get people dancing. If you want a more retro sound, the piano can be replaced by a Hammond Organ, to add a real touch of the 60s and 70s to your event.
Haynes Jazz deliver the perfect accompaniment for any occasion including weddings, corporate functions, anniversaries and birthday parties. Able to perform anything from background instrumental jazz to Rat Pack swing and Pop and Soul classics for dancing, they offer the flexibility and adaptability to meet your needs. Led by singer/saxophonist Guy Haynes their talented musicians have a wealth of experience and have played thousands of gigs all around the country. They can provide a variety of line-ups ranging from a duo to a five-piece band depending on what best suits your requirements. Their comprehensive jazz repertoire is based around popular numbers that anyone will recognise and enjoy, featuring tunes made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Harry Connick Jr and Michael Buble. Their Pop and Soul repertoire features classics by the likes of Van Morrison, Otis Redding, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder and James Brown – perfect for dancing (and singing along!)
