Jazz band

Sambinha Jazz Band

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About Sambinha Jazz Band

Top jazz band, bringing you the magic of Brazilian Bossa nova, swing, jive and jazzy arrangements of your favourite pop songs!
Jazz band
London
Public liability insurance of £10 million
Verified profile

Sambinha- "little samba"- is an energetic and accomplished jazz band fronted by Francesca, a seasoned performer who specialises in Brazilian Bossa nova. Francesca is backed by a phenomenal trio, which can be reduced or expanded to suit your event. Sambinha perform an eclectic mix of jazz, from Brazilian grooves, sophisticated ballads, gypsy swing and pop songs arranged in a vintage style. From Cole Porter to Nirvana, the band draws from the Great American Songbook as well as pop classics, but their special focus is always Brazilian Bossa Nova from Jobim, Gilberto and Vinicius de Moraes. Francesca switches seamlessly from English to Portuguese, drawing the varied set together into a sophisticated and streamlined performance. Sambinha has performed at prestigious venues across London including the V&A and Natural History Museums, The National Theatre, Thames river cruises, The Cutty Sark and at the Residence of the Brazilian Ambassador to London

Encore badges
Lightning fast responses
Average response time under 2 hours
Saved the day!
Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice
Top 10 booked musician of 2022
6th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 6 years
25 gigs
Pro: 25 bookings through Encore
Musicianship
Genres:
Jazz, Blues, Jazz fusion, Latin jazz, Postmodern jukebox jazz, Swing, Bossa nova, Brazilian music, Latin, Samba, Christmas, World music, Italian music
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Event types:
Corporate event, Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
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Sambinha Jazz Band's Song list

Vintage Latin Lounge: Bossa Nova and Latin Jazz:
So danco samba - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Triste - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Girl from Ipanema - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Corcovado - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Este seu olhar- Antonio Carlos Jobim
Samba em preludio - Vinicio de Moraes
Wave - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Agua de Beber - Antonio Carlos Jobim
One note samba - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Song for my father - Horace Silver
Chega de saudade (No more Blues)- Antonio Carlos Jobim
O pato - Jayme Silva
Manha de carnaval
Desafinado- Antonio Carlos Jobim
Samba de orfeu- Luis Bonfa
A ra - Caetano Veloso
Estate- Bruno Martino
Latin jazz/ funk:
Berimbau - Baden Powell
Mas que nada - Ben jor
Ronco De Cuica
Canteloupe Island - Herbie Hancock
Watermelon man- Herbie Hancock
Bésame Mucho
Caravan
Deixe Pra La
Aquarela do Brasil
Take it Easy My Brother Charlie - Ben Jor
Partido Alto
Carinhoso- Pixinguiha
Spain- Chick Corea
500 Miles high - Chick Corea
Cuban:
Guantanamera
El Manisero
Oye como va
El Cuarto de Tula
Dos Gardenias
Jazz Standards:
All of Me
All the Things You Are
Anthropology
Anything Goes
Autumn Leaves
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
Black Coffee
Blue Moon
Body and Soul
Can’t Help Loving That Man of Mine
Cry Me a River
Detour Ahead
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Dream a Little Dream of Me
Easy Living
Every Time We Say Goodbye
Extenuate the Positive
Fly Me to the Moon
Georgia on My Mind
Honey Suckle Rose
Honeysuckle Rose
How High the Moon
I Fall in Love to Easily
I Get a Kick out of You
I Put a Spell on You
Is You is or is You Ain’t My Baby
It Don’t Mean a Thing
It Had to Be You
I’m in the Mood for Love
I’ve Got Rhythm
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
Just Friends
Love Me or Leave Me
Lullaby of Birdland
Mac the Knife
Mean to Me
Misty
My Baby Just Cares for Me
My Funny Valentine
My Heart Belongs to Daddy
Night and Day
Peel Me a Grape
Prelude to a Kiss
Route 66
Skylark
Skyliner
Someone to Watch over Me
Summertime
Straighten Up and Fly Right
Take the a Train
Tea for Two
The Lady is a Tramp
The Man I Love
The More I See You
The Sunny Side of the Street
Twisted
What is This Thing Called Love
When I Get Low I Get High
When You’re Smiling
Whisper Not
Why Don’t You Do Right
You Go to My Head
You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To
You're Driving Me Crazy
Pop/ soul/ Motown
Hit the road Jack- Ray Charles
Love potion no.9- The Searchers
Twist and Shout - Beatles
I saw her standing there - Beatles
Michelle - Beatles
Take another little piece of my heart- Janis Joplin
Feeling good- Nina Simone
Stand by me- Ben E King
Light my fire- The doors
Sitting on the dock of the bay- Ottis Reading
Use me- Bill Withers
Rescue me- Fontella bass
Will you still love me tomorrow- Carole King
I just want to make love to you- Etta James
Money (That's what I want)- Barrett Strong
Aint no sunshine- Bill Withers
Walk on by- Dione Warwick
Tired of being alone- Al green
Hallelujah I just love her so- Ray Charles
Unchained melody- Righteous Brothers
Proud Mary- Tina Turner
Dancing in the street- Martha Reeves
I say a little Prayer for you- Aretha Franklin
My Guy- Mary Wells
Natural woman- Aretha Franklin
Sunny- Bobby Hebb
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
Isn’t she Lovely - Stevie Wonder
Heard it through the Grapevine- Marvin Gaye
Son of a Preacher Man- Dusty Springfield
Heart of Glass- Blondie
I want you back- Jackson 5
Dreams- Fleetwood Mac
Tainted love- Soft cell
This Masquerade- Leon Russell
Kiss- Prince
Saving all my love for you- Whitney Houston
Billie Jean- Michael Jackson
Blame it on the Boogie- Michael Jackson
I can't help it- Michael Jackson
Sweet Child of Mine- Guns n' Roses
Love fool- The Cardigans
Smell’s like teen spirit- Nirvana
Creep- Radiohead
Can’t get you out of my head- Kyle Minogue
All about that bass- Meghan Trainor
Seven nation army – The White Stripes
Toxic – Britney Spears
Rehab - Amy Winehouse
Stronger than me - Amy Winehouse
Crazy- Knarls Barkley
If I ain't got you- Alicia Keys
Despacito- Justin Bieber
Feel it still- Portugal, the man
Havana- Camilla Cabello
Forget you- Ceelo green
I want to be like you- The Jungle book
Customer questions

Will the singer be the same as who I see in the videos?

Absolutely! Francesca is the band leader and we strive to make sure the line-up is as you expect. We do have pre-audititioned 'dep' musicians available in case a band member falls ill or is unavailable. As a professional band our reputation means everything so you can be confident that all of our players are of a very high level.

Do you have different line-up options?

This is one of our strongest selling points. We are extremely versatile, and although our basic line up is a 4 piece (drums, bass, guitar/or keys and vocals) we often perform as a duo (voice and guitar) and can extend up to a full 7 piece band with brass!

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

We always try our best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. If timings change slightly in the run up to the event just let us know!

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Absolutely. This is a really popular request and we actually offer this service for free. Just ask. We can create a playlist or you can give us a custom playlist.

How much time do you need to set up?

We usually set up about 1 hour before the performance time, giving us plenty of time to set up.

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Absolutely! Our repertoire list is very long and varies in genre from soft Bossa nova to funkier latin jazz, all the way to 1920's swing and vintage pop. The more information we get from you, including song requests, the easier it is for us to make sure the event is as you expected.

Is all of the equipment (e.g. PA & lighting) included in your quote?

The PA system is provided, but do let us know the size of the venue and the amount of guests so we can ensure that our system meets the requirements. We can provide lighting, but this is something you should request from us first so there aren't any surprises!

Can you learn song requests before the event?

Yes, no problem. Just ask and we will see what we can do!

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Clients love that we bring a classy atmosphere to the event and display genuine musicianship! We are all conservertoire trained musicians, with a love for the music we perform. We are also versatile and can adapt our set list, clothing and audience engagement based on our brief.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Lots of top London locations such as the V&A and Natural History Museums, the Cutty Sark, the National Theatre and on the Thames. We've performed at high profile locations such as the Brazilian Ambassador's Residence in Mayfair and the Taj Mahal in India.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Jazz singers such as: Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Diane Reeves... ....Brazilian artists such as: Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joao Gilberto, Baden Powell and Eliane Elias And more .... Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Jorge Ben Jor, Sergio Mendes, Buena Vista Social Club, Fleetwood Mac Amy Winehouse

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Must have been the private residence of the Brazilian Ambassador in London.... it was a very fancy private party in the heart of Mayfair. We had to go through a lot of security!

Sambinha Jazz Band's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Up to 1 hour£800
Up to 2 hours£1000
Up to 3 hours£1200
Packages
Wedding ceremony3 musicians
This includes music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave.
£500
Drinks reception4 musicians
Two performances of up to 45 mins each during your drinks reception
£900
Wedding ceremony + Drinks reception + Dinner4 musicians
- Music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave. - 1 x 45 min performances at the drinks reception. - 2 x 45 min performances as dinner is being served.
£1100
Sambinha Jazz Band
Full starFull starFull starFull starHalf star
4.7 out of 5
17 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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4.6
Professionalism
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4.6
Communication
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4.6
Punctuality
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4.4

Sambinha Jazz Band's Reviews

From Encore customers:

WC
Wendy C
5 months ago
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5 out of 5

The quality of the music was fantastic the choice of songs was perfect. Expectations were high, having watched them on YouTube and they were brilliant. Thank you!!

Reply from Sambinha Jazz Band
5 months ago

Thanks Wendy! It was a lovely party with a nice piano at the venue. Real pleasure!

SK
Sophie K
6 months ago
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3.3 out of 5

This was a good band and nice people and the lead singer has a great voice, but they were really quite late. They were sue to start playing at 7.30 (so they suggested 7pm arrival as very quick set up), but they arrived at about 8 and didn’t start until about 8.10 which meant that much if their set was played once the guests were already seated for dinner so they didn’t hear or appreciate it. They did let us know they were going to be late once when they were stuck in traffic but for an event like this I think you have to leave masses of time ti ensure arriving on time. Great band, but a shame not many people would have heard them so a bit wasted…

Reply from Sambinha Jazz Band
6 months ago

Hi Sophie, I cannot apologise enough for being late and can reassure you this is not how we usually operate. On this occasion we were held up in traffic for over an hour getting out of London due to an incident. I also do not think we were quite as late as you’ve described. I can see from my messages that we were parking at 7:30pm and it didn’t take us longer than 20 min to set up and start playing. We then played continuously through our break so that we finished at the same agreed time of 9:15pm. I am therefore very surprised that you think people missed the music! We simply started later and played through the break to compensate, so we actually played through the busiest time and only missed the beginning when people were still arriving. Nonetheless, this doesn’t excuse us being late and I can understand that it is frustrating and not the best impression from us. In any case, I am glad you enjoyed the music overall and thank you for booking us.

FH
Fran H
1 year ago
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5 out of 5

Brilliant, Francesca and the band were great, everybody loved them, they seemed to strike just the right note with the music in terms of choice and volume. As we had this party in my backgarden I sent a note to my neighbours explaining what was going on and that it would be finished by a certain time.. I had a note the next day thanking me for the music and saying it was fantastic. They accommodated the songs we submitted with no bother at all and let the kids stand with them while singing happy birthday, everyone said they were lovely people. I'd definitely hire again and fully recommend! Thanks guys for making the night even more special.

IC
Imogen C
1 year ago
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4.8 out of 5

I can’t recommend Francesca and Sambinha highly enough! We hired 4 musicians for 3 sets for the evening party for our wedding. The band provided a mix of jazz classics, bossanova and pop classics building throughout the night. As singers ourselves with many singer friends in attendance - we wanted to be sure of our vocalist - Francesca’s voice is stunning (and so are the Sambinha musicians). The vibe on the dance floor was cracking all night and I highly recommend the group! Would definitely book again!

Read all 11 reviews

From other customers:

D&
Danielle T
4 years ago, for a Wedding in Tanner St
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5 out of 5

Sambinha were fantastic and we really appreciated them learning the additional songs. They were warm, accommodating and completely bought into the vibe. Not to mention the incredible performance and Francesca’s amazing voice!

MP
Maggie P
5 years ago, for a Hotel / Restaurant event in The Adelphi Building
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5 out of 5

The band were fantastic. So professional and the sound was perfect. Everyone enjoyed the music, Francesca's voice was great and the style worked really well with the evening!

Read all 8 reviews