Ben Martin Jazz

Ben Martin Jazz is your one stop shop for the best in jazz entertainment. Ben, who according to the Guardian no less is 'a soloist of immaculate taste and lyricism' is a saxophonist who has been performing all over the world for over 30 years. He has vast experience of playing weddings, corporate events, parties, crusies, funerals and more. He even played an event for Sir Paul McCartney who was so impressed he jumped on stage and performed a few songs with him. Ben has played many festivals including North Sea, Brecon, Rotterdam and London EFG and world famous jazz clubs such as Ronnie Scott's in Soho and Smalls in New York. Ben can perform solo on his beautiful 1950s Selmer tenor saxophone. He uses exceptionally high quality backing tracks played by top British musicians and recorded in a world class studio. Using a portable battery powered pa system means he can play just about anywhere and moving between from outdoors to indoors is no problem. Perfect for a ceremony or drinks reception or if space and budget are tight. Next up is a duo. Ben can perform with piano, guitar or double bass or switch to guitar to accompany Jeanie on vocals. She's a wonderful singer in the tradition of Doris Day and Julie London. A trio can be made up of saxophone with piano or guitar and double bass and for a quartet just add drums. Add Jeanie to that line up and you have a band capable of filling the dance floor at any occasion. To really knock your socks off add trumpet for that mini Big Band sound. Ben also fronts a traditional jazz band 'The Fabulous Tea Bag Boys' playing music from the early days of jazz. Saxophone, trumpet, banjo and bass complete the line up. A trio of saxophone, trumpet and double bass are available as a roaming band. The repotoire spans the jazz age from the roaring 20's to the present day taking in the Swing Era, Be-Bop and Blue Note and include songs by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, Jerome Kern and Hoagy Carmichael and made famous by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and many more. Latin music is a favourite especially the songs of Antonio Carlos Jobim. All the musicians Ben uses are hand picked for their musicality, professionalism and enthusiasm for going the extra mile and doing the best possible job. All the equipment is PAT tested and the musicians are fully insured. As we're playing music from the jazz age we dress accordingly in sharp suits and Jeanie wears vintage dresses. PA and lights come as standard. We're happy to take requests in advance and play first dances.