Creating a Professional Yet Fun Atmosphere with Music

I went to music school for three years and studied jazz.. jazz guitar to be precise! I absolutely loved it, and learned so much about music more generally. I really value my time there, and met a lot of musicians I still work with today. Through all of that time, and then afterwards working as a musician and singer, I’ve realised something interesting: Very few people know what Jazz is, at least in the traditional sense. Sure, perhaps purists will cite Coltrane, Miles Davis, Dizzy, and others - but often when people come to asking to book me with a jazz trio (me as a guitarist and singer, with a bassist and a drummer) - that isn’t what they’re thinking of! I love jazz standards as much as any jazz musician. I spent a lot of my music school years playing those tunes.

But often what people are looking for when they want a jazz trio is something that feels smart. An upright bass. Brushes on a snare. It’s rare for weddings or corporate events for people to be actively looking for jazz standards. Of course - these gigs definitely exist! Don’t get me wrong. But jazz is often requested less for song selection and more for an aesthetic and vibe.

So, are you planning a corporate event or a wedding? Are you looking for something that feels smart, professional, a tad classy? But you still want fun? Book a trio with a singer, and ask them to play jazzy covers of pop classics for background music. You get the best of both worlds - the professional, sophisticated vibe of a jazz trio lineup, but with songs that people can hum along.