Oxford Classic Jazz provides musicians highly skilled in the joyful style of pre-war jazz, offering anything from solo acoustic piano, duos and trios and larger bands as required. Booking any Oxford Classic Jazz outfit guarantees an upbeat ice-breaking atmosphere for any social event at benign volume levels.
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A word from Nick Gill, solo piano player and organiser
I am sometimes quite surprised at how popular the “old jazz” is when played at social occasions. Everybody seems to lighten up and the response is always hugely enthusiastic. Older people perhaps appreciate that the music is authentic, skilful and never too loud…How often have I been thanked by a relieved customer at a wedding anniversary who has suffered with heavily amplified music at other events! Younger people are often beguiled by the irresistible swinging rhythm, which they may never have encountered in the modern age of loud computerised music. This is made possible thanks to my Portable Real Piano, which I take to all venues lacking an instrument. Needless to say the band is perfect for 1920s Theme Parties, Gangster and Moll Nights or Rent Parties.
The Portable Real Piano being used to entertain at a wedding breakfast in Magdalen College Meadow - no electricity required!
Nick, I can’t tell you HOW fabulous you were on Sunday, and how crucial your presence was at the breakfast! You elevated the party from a sort of chilly, damp, rainy, dreary picnic to a festive, entertaining, and sort of surreal party! Everyone was v. impressed, and the best part was that with your cheerful music around me I was able to relax enough to really enjoy it and speak with everyone…
(email from a newlywed)
There are very few professional musicians who can play this delightful but demanding music, but I think I know most of them and can guarantee a quality performance, whether as a solo piano player or with a sextet (and anything in between). Classic Jazz is somewhat different to “trad”, (which is a sort of Punk Jazz created by English enthusiasts in the ‘50s) in that it doesn’t rely on raw enthusiasm but requires considerable training and musical insight – it hits a subtle balance between tension and relaxation and inevitably gets peoples’ feet tapping without ever blasting in their ears. It is a subtle musical style. As the great “Jelly roll” Morton said, it needs to be “sweet, soft with plenty rhythm”.
Andy, Syd and Ray playing for a swing dance
Just a few words about the past week – Jump Session in Oxford last Saturday was a great evening. So many dancers from all over the place joined together to dance to swing tunes played by THE OXFORD CLASSIC JAZZ BAND. It was well worth the drive down there!(email feedback after playing for a dance in Oxford.)
Over twenty years of professional playing I have found classic jazz and ragtime to be ideal for all sorts of events. Some elegant Scott Joplin goes very well with dining. The genteel songs of Irving Berlin, Gershwin et al can make a perfect accompaniment to a relaxed after-dinner dance. Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong are the ultimate inspiration for a serious bit of partying!
So get in touch if you are looking for some classy, flexible entertainment. Engaging us to play means you do not have to worry about the success of your event – Oxford Classic Jazz is a by-word for musical professionalism and sensitivity. And a real piano is provided at no extra cost!
