Jazz band

Verve Jazz Band

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About Verve Jazz Band

Sophisticated Soulful and Professional Jazz Quartet, Quintet, Trio, or Duo "Inspiring creative music perfect for all events"
Jazz band
Brighton
Public liability insurance of £10 million

Sophisticated and soulful Jazz band led by bassist Nigel Thomas, featuring some of the U.K.'s top Jazz musicians based in the Brighton area and we are happy to travel. The Verve Jazz Quartet/ Trio have performed regularly at many top U.K and European Jazz venues including the 606 club, Ronnie Scott's, Dean street Pizza Express, The East India club, The Verdict Jazz club, Love Supreme Festival, Rye Jazz Festival and countless other events including private parties, Restaurants, Hotels, Pubs, Wedding receptions and Corporate functions... We are passionate about Jazz and we guarantee our music is always creative and inspiring. As professional and committed Jazz musicians we have had many years of performing in the UK and worldwide as a band and also as individuals on various other musical projects, or as sidemen for other top artists. All the members of the band are also talented teachers involved in jazz education and have studied at such prestigious Colleges as the Eastman School of Music and the New School in New York USA amongst others. Many of the band are also bandleaders and composers who have recorded various albums of original material in their own right and have great knowledge of the language of Jazz and the technique to express it. However Jazz is not an academic exercise, it's a real living music and what makes the music special is the great empathy and understanding within the band and the ability to create a wonderful atmosphere at your event! We are really passionate about playing music that's inspiring creative and fun and last but not least great for our audience to listen to! It's true to say we love to play with the full line up of a quartet with either vocals or tenor saxophone (or Quintet featuring both) but we are equally at home as a trio or duo, each having different qualities to suit the client's exact requirements and of course the environment where we are performing. As improvisors we are well accustomed to being flexible in terms of providing the appropriate 'vibe' for the event whether you require something that's ambient and background, straight ahead and swinging or something more lively and groovy whilst always respecting the integrity of the music. We have a very large repertoire of Jazz standards, Bossa nova's, Contemporary Jazz and other music that reflects the diverse influences within the band and the world of Jazz. We are always happy to perform some of your favourite standards, learn a lesser known tune you like or interpret a contemporary pop track through the musical genre of Jazz. Whether its a small intimate party in a house, a large garden party, a corporate event, charity fundraiser or anything else, we'll be able to accommodate your needs and provide some memorable music for your event. The Verve Jazz Band is available in several different line ups, with a flexibility to suit all types of venues and occasions. The Verve Duo - Piano and Double Bass. An intimate and sophisticated sound, perfect for a reception, restaurant environment or private party. The Verve Trio - Piano, Double Bass and Drums. " Swinging and timeless" (also available with Saxophone or Guitar instead of drums). The Verve vocal Trio - Piano, double Bass and female vocals. Intimate and laid back. The Verve Quartet - Piano, Double Bass, Drums and Tenor Saxophone " The Classic sound" (Also quartet with vocals) The Verve Quintet - As the Quartet but with Vocals, or Trumpet or Trombone, A Big Sound! Please contact us for an accurate quote.

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Saved the day!
Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice
4th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 4 years
5 gigs
Experienced: 5 bookings through Encore
Musicianship
Genres:
Jazz, Latin jazz, Modern jazz, Jazz fusion, Blues
See all genres
Event types:
Private event, Corporate event, Wedding, Wedding proposal, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Concert
See all event types

Verve Jazz Band's Song list

Sample Repertoire
Have you met Miss Jones
Comes love
Dedicated to you
Let there be love
Cry me a river
Black Narcissus
Autumn leaves
Round Midnight
Feel like Makin' Love
It had to be you
On the street where you live
Cheek to Cheek
Mas que Nada
Corcovado
Mack the Knife
Bewitched
Take Five
Ain't Misbehavin
Blame it on my Youth
Girl from Ipanema
Black coffee
Come rain or shine
So What
Fly me to the Moon
Basin street blues
This Masquerade
After you've gone
Summer Time
Beatrice
Cocovado (Quiet nights)
Isn't she lovely
Georgia
When I fall in Love (it will be forever)
Brazil
A Foggy Day
Beatutiful Friendship
All of me
Bolivia
Days of wine and Roses
Bye bye blackbird
Bernies tune
Agua De bebe
Just in Time
Alice in wonderland
Blue in Green
Lover Man
Desafinado
Body and soul
Central Park West
The Look of love
Lullaby of birdland
Blue Monk
Centerpiece
Dindi
Alfie
Misty
My funny valentine
Blue Moon
All blues
Caravan
My secret love
Nature Boy
Alone together
Night and day
Confirmation
All the things you are
Cantaloupe Island
Old devil moon
On a clear day
Over the rainbow
Cheesecake
Blue skies
Detour Ahead
C Jam blues
I love you
Perdido
Bouncing with Bud
Country
All or nothing at all
But Beautiful
Crazy Rythym
But not for me
Route 66
Satin Doll
Dinah
Come fly with me
Anthropology
So Danco samba
So What
Angel eyes
Cotton Tail
What is this thing called love
April in Paris
Darn that dream
Cherokee
Bluesette
Golden Earrings
Chega de saudade
Autumn in new york
Blue moon
500 miles high
Chelsea Bridge
As time goes by
Christmas song
Child is born
This is just a small selection of our
extensive repertoire and we are happy
to play any Jazz standard or request you may
require.
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

We are told, people love the band because they can see we are really enjoying playing and we are passionate about the music. The chemistry and communication between the musicians means we can always find a point of rapport with our audience which of course creates a great atmosphere and brings out the best in our playing.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Hammersmith Odeon The Verdict Jazz Club Trading Boundarys Brighton Chambers Ronnie Scotts The Basket Makers Arms The Fishermans Club Eastbourne Indian Summer Margate Jazz Festival Jeremy's Restaurant Rye Jazz Festival and many more

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Miles Davis John Coltrane Ella Fitzgerald Donny Hathaway Paul Chambers Count Baise Keith Jarret Oscar Peterson Canon Ball Aderley Tito Puente Kurt Elling Ben Webster Grover Washington Chet Baker Marvin Gaye Madelaine Peroux Nina Simone Billy Holiday Wayne Shorter and many more

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

Hammersmith Odeon

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

We strive to make sure the line-up you see is what you get on the day/night. 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?

The Verve Duo - Piano and Double Bass. Sophisticated Jazz for a reception, or private party. The Verve Trio - Piano, Double Bass and Drums. Swinging & Timeless or Vocal Trio Intimate & Laid back The Verve Quartet - Piano, Double Bass, Drums and Saxophone The Classic sound Also Quartet with Vocals The Verve Quintet As above with vocals & Sax or Trumpet

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. we are happy to be flexible.

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

Absolutely. We are happy to provide recorded Jazz related music before and between our sets. This is a really popular request and we actually offer this service for free.

How much time do you need to set up?

We need aound 45 minutes to an hour to get set up.

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

Our set lists are crafted from countless performances and learning what works best to ensure eveyone has an amazing time. However, we are very happy to chat through before the event and make sure we find out about any particular songs you would like us to play.

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

We provide all of our own amplification, which is suitable for most events. As Jazz musicians we aim to perform near to an accoustic level. However we are happy to provide a P.A where necessary. Please contact us to discuss costs.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

If a song isn't included in our song list there may still be a chance we already know it. If there is a special song you'd like us to learn we are happy to do this for you. There is a fee of £30 for this service to take into account rehearsal times etc.

Verve 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£400
Up to 2 hours£500
Up to 3 hours£700
Verve Jazz Band
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5 out of 5
5 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

Verve Jazz Band's Reviews

From Encore customers:

CA
Cathy A
1 year ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

Verve were fantastic. Our guests had many positive comments. They were also a real pleasure to work with, offering help and advice. I’d recommend them to anyone.

Reply from Verve Jazz Band
1 year ago

Hi Cathy Many thanks for you review-it was an lovely event and the band really enjoyed playing for you. Nigel x

H
Helen
1 year ago
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5 out of 5

We booked Verve in a trio (double bass, keyboard and saxophone) to play at the drinks reception for our daughter‘s wedding in the gardens of a country house hotel after listening to their tracks online . From our first contact with Nigel we knew we had made a good decision. He was happy to chat through our wishes and we felt confident that the experience and talent of the band would be perfect. And it was. Their musicianship and choice of music created a wonderful atmosphere on the day. A mood enhancing happy vibe. Just perfect for the wedding. I have no hesitation in recommending them to others. They really were the best choice.

Reply from Verve Jazz Band
1 year ago

Hello Helen Apologies for this late response but thank you so much for your review. It was an absolute pleasure to play for your daughters wedding at a wonderful venue on a lovely day. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and I'm sure the fun carried on into the evening! Nigel Verve jazz

JL
James L
2 years ago
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5 out of 5

The band were excellent and everyone attending made a point of telling me how pleased they were with my choice of band and they loved the smooth music. I would definitely recommend them.

Reply from Verve Jazz Band
1 year ago

Hello James A rather late reply but thank you so much for you kind review of our performance- we were delighted to entertain you and your guests at your special event ! Many thanks Nigel Verve Jazz

NM
Nick M
2 years ago
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5 out of 5

Perfect. Musically excellent. Nigel and the band gave us special requests fitted to the occasion. They were a friendly , totally flawless act.

Reply from Verve Jazz Band
1 year ago

Hi Nick Apologies for not responding before but I just wanted to thanks you for your review and say what a pleasure it was for us to perform at your lovely event in your garden ! Many thanks Nigel Verve Jazz

From other customers:

AL
Andy L
4 years ago, for a Private event in Brighton
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5 out of 5

Verve at the Verdict "Verve Jazz and its highly talented members have appeared many times at the Verdict, and have always given us wonderful, upbeat music and a tremendously enjoyable show. I’d heartily recommend them for any jazz-related event!” Andy Lavender - Promoter, Verdict Jazz club

LB
Lou M
5 years ago

The most gorgeous treat of a lunchtime gig yesterday at All Saints, Hove (Concert Series) with the Terry Seabrook Trio. Terry on piano, Nigel Thomas, bass, and Darren Beckett, drums. Celebrating the music of Bill Evans & Miles Davis. Sensitive and atmospheric. And thanks to Peter Morris for this innovative series in such an amazing setting.

Read all 8 reviews