Swing & Jive Bands for hire in Chelmsford

Find the perfect live swing band in Chelmsford for your wedding, party or corporate event. Whether you want to jive the night away, or lindy hop into the early hours, our professional bands will definitely keep your guests on their feet. Browse our selection of over 275 swing bands right here.

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Swing & jive bandsinChelmsfordforany price, sort bybest match
All the bands below are available to travel to Chelmsford
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Hire Swing Train 42 Swing & jive band with Encore
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£340 - £850
Swing & jive bandLondon

Gypsy swing jazz trio that covers classic Django tunes and jazz standards with the unlikely instrumentation of mandolin and guitar.

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Hire Green Chimneys Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1250 - £2800
Swing & jive bandLondon

A young and energetic band that guarantee to give you a night that you'll never forget.

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Hire The Rockabellas Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1500 - £3500
Swing & jive bandHalstead

Killer heels, killer curves, killer harmonies - Today's answer to The Andrews Sisters!

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Hire Hetty and the Jazzato Band Swing & jive band with Encore
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£440 - £1820
Swing & jive bandUpminster

Anglo-Italian swing band giving a quirky modern twist to vintage Italian songs, gypsy-jazz, & swing standards to get your feet tapping! 🇮🇹

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Hire Natty Congeroo & The Flames of Rhythm Swing & jive band with Encore
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£2500 - £5000
Swing & jive bandLondon

A jaw dropping live immersive party experience guaranteed to have you dancing all night!

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Hire The Sweet-Spots🎷🎙 Swing & jive band with Encore
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£650 - £950
Swing & jive bandLondon

Sax & Vocals Duo. Vintage-inspired, Pin-Up, Rock n' Roll, Swing, Jive, & Blues, this classy pair are ready to entertain guests at your event

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Hire Colin Peters Set Swing & jive band with Encore
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From£640
Swing & jive bandDartford

Music is my first love and it will be my last.

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Hire Sambinha Jazz Band Swing & jive band with Encore
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£400 - £1800
Swing & jive bandLondon

Top jazz band, bringing you the magic of Brazilian Bossa nova, swing, jive and jazzy arrangements of your favourite pop songs!

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Hire Matt Sulzmann Duo (+more) Swing & jive band with Encore
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£550 - £700
Swing & jive bandLondon

Enhance your special event with the Matt Sulzmann Duo, a slick and sophisticated jazz band with 10+ years experience.

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Hire Down for the Count Swing & jive band with Encore
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From£1440
Swing & jive bandLondon

Stylish band performing jazz, swing, soul and Motown music. Previous clients include Virgin, Dell, BMW and Lindt.

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Hire Camino Sonoro Jazz Band Swing & jive band with Encore
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From£640
Swing & jive bandLondon

Camino Sonoro are unique and versatile jazz band performing an elegant mix of swing, latin jazz, bossa nova's.

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Hire Diamond Skyline Orchestra Swing & jive band with Encore
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From£4235
Swing & jive bandLondon

Unique London based showband. 7-12-piece Swing Band, 9-14 piece Party Band or a 19-piece Big Band, 100 years of live music to choose from!

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Hire JS Jazz Band Swing & jive band with Encore
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£350 - £600
Swing & jive bandLondon

JS jazz band (led by jazz vocalist Jekaterina Sarigina) offers an elegant rendition of the American Jazz Classics with a flexible line up.

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Hire MJ & The Fellas  Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1125 - £2800
Swing & jive bandRomford

Fronted by one of the finest jazz and swing vocalists in the U.K. MJ & The Fellas effortlessly bring the Great American Song Book to life.

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Hire Two Not One Swing & jive band with Encore
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£300 - £900
Swing & jive bandLondon

Professional Jazz/Swing Duo

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Hire Decatur Street Jazz Swing & jive band with Encore
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£950 - £1500
Swing & jive bandSouthend-on-Sea

Bring Jazz Club vibes to your event! Sultry vocals, sparkly keys and a double bass you can't help but move to!

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Hire Jazz Time Swing & jive band with Encore
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£750 - £1200
Swing & jive bandLondon

A superb and stylish band, specialising in delivering jazz of the highest quality to your event.

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Hire Dukes of Jazz Trio Swing & jive band with Encore
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£700 - £750
Swing & jive bandLondon

“relaxed jazz from the swing era that makes your party or wedding an unforgettable day”

FAQs about hiring Swing & Jive Bands in Chelmsford

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What is a swing band?

A swing band is a musical ensemble specialising in swing music, a genre popularised during the 1930s and 1940s. It typically comprises brass instruments such as trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, accompanied by a rhythm section including piano, bass, drums, and guitar. Swing music is characterised by its upbeat tempo, syncopated rhythms, and a lively "swing feel" that encourages dancing. Big band leaders like Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington were instrumental in its popularity. Today, swing bands often feature vocalists and continue to perform at corporate events, drinks receptions, and clubs, preserving the energetic and nostalgic spirit of the Swing Era.

What's the difference between jazz and swing?

Jazz and swing are closely related musical genres, but they have distinct differences in terms of style, era, and influence. Jazz: Jazz is a broad musical genre that originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in African American communities in New Orleans, United States. Jazz encompasses a wide range of styles, including Dixieland, bebop, cool jazz, and fusion, among others. It emphasises improvisation, complex chord progressions, and varying rhythms. Jazz musicians often explore experimental and avant-garde techniques. Jazz can be slow and soulful or fast and energetic, and it allows for a high degree of individual expression and creativity. Swing: Swing is a subgenre of jazz that became popular during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in the Big Band Era. Swing music is characterised by its lively and infectious rhythm, often referred to as the "swing feel." It features a strong emphasis on the offbeat or upbeat rhythms and typically includes a brass section, woodwind instruments, and a rhythm section. Swing music is highly danceable and is known for its catchy melodies and arrangements. While swing is a style within the larger jazz genre, it specifically refers to the music that was popularised during the Swing Era. In summary, swing is a specific style of jazz known for its energetic rhythm and danceability, while jazz is a broader musical genre encompassing various styles, including swing, with an emphasis on improvisation and creativity.

What does a swing band consist of?

A swing band, also known as a big band, typically consists of a group of musicians playing instruments that contribute to the characteristic lively and rhythmic sound of swing music. Here's what a swing band commonly includes: 1. Brass Section: - Trumpets: Usually multiple trumpets provide the bright and bold melodies. - Trombones: Trombones add depth and richness to the brass section. - Saxophones: Alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones provide the harmonies and often play the famous saxophone solos in swing music. 2. Rhythm Section: - Piano: The pianist provides harmonies, chords, and sometimes solos. - Double Bass (or Electric Bass): The bassist plays the low-end rhythm, anchoring the band. - Drums: Drummers maintain the swing feel with their rhythmic patterns, including the distinctive ride cymbal pattern. - Guitar: The guitarist plays rhythm guitar, providing additional harmonies and accents. In some bands, a guitarist might also play solos. 3. Vocalists: - Some swing bands features vocalists who sing the lyrics, adding another layer to the performance. 4. Occasional Instruments: - Clarinet: Clarinets are sometimes used in addition to saxophones, especially in earlier swing bands. - Flute: Flutes might be used in specific arrangements to add a different texture to the music. - Additional Percussion: Some swing bands incorporate additional percussion instruments for specific songs or effects. The combination of these instruments creates the dynamic and energetic sound that defines swing music. Swing bands are known for their versatility, allowing for various instrumental combinations and arrangements to suit different songs and styles within the swing genre.

What is gypsy swing music?

Gypsy swing, or Gypsy jazz, is a style that emerged in 1930s France, blending Romani music with American jazz and swing. It's characterised by fast, virtuosic acoustic guitar and violin performances, driven by a rhythmic "pompe" technique. Improvisation plays a significant role, and musicians often use unique Manouche guitars. Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France popularised the genre. Gypsy swing remains vibrant, with musicians worldwide honouring its lively, improvisational spirit, making it a cherished subgenre in the jazz world.

What music does a swing band play?

A swing band typically plays swing music, a genre that became popular during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in the United States during the Big Band Era. Swing music is characterized by its lively and infectious rhythm, often referred to as the "swing feel." Swing bands play a variety of tunes, including: 1. Swing Standards: Timeless classics such as "In the Mood," "Take the 'A' Train," and "Sing, Sing, Sing" are common in swing band repertoires. 2. Big Band Jazz: Swing bands perform famous compositions by renowned bandleaders like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller. 3. Dance Tunes: Swing music is highly danceable, and swing bands play tunes like the Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, and Charleston, encouraging dancers to showcase their skills. 4. Vocal Jazz: Swing bands often feature vocalists who sing jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, adding a vocal element to their performances. 5. Latin and Blues Influences: Swing bands may incorporate Latin rhythms and bluesy tunes into their repertoire, showcasing the diversity of the swing genre. 6. Original Compositions: Many contemporary swing bands compose and perform their own original swing music, adding a modern touch to the traditional style. Overall, swing bands play a wide range of music that embodies the lively, rhythmic, and upbeat spirit of the swing era, delighting audiences with both instrumental virtuosity and vocal prowess.

Are swing bands good for weddings?

Swing bands are an excellent choice of wedding entertainment due to their danceable tunes, timeless appeal, and versatility. The infectious rhythm of swing music encourages guests of all ages to hit the dance floor, providing a lively atmosphere for the celebration. Classic swing tunes, with their nostalgic charm, add an elegant and vintage touch to the wedding. Swing bands also often cater to diverse musical preferences, offering a mix of romantic ballads and high-energy tunes, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone. You can look through Encore's curated collection of swing bands for weddings or talk to one of our experts to get more tailored advice.

Hiring a Swing & Jive Band in Chelmsford

Useful information

Popular genres:
Jazz, Pop, Rock
Average response time:
1 hour
Busiest times:
June, July, August

How much does it cost to hire a Swing & Jive Band in Chelmsford?

The typical price per group member for Swing & Jive Bands is:
£Budget£220
££Pro£330
£££High-end£400+

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Bear in mind: musicians typically play for 45 mins with a 15 min break per hour.

Recent reviews of our Swing & Jive Bands in Chelmsford

“We couldn’t have wished for more perfect music for our party. All our guests loved it and Hetty and her band were wonderful- they looked lovely and sounded brilliant. Highly recommended!”

20 August 2022
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Sue hired Hetty and the Jazzato Band for a Private event (available in Chelmsford)

“We had The Flames perform as a trio for the first half of the party. People loved them. They commented that the music could be heard as they approached the party from the village and sounded amazing. It created a warm fun atmosphere whilst people had drinks and enjoyed their street food dinner. Natty and the remaining musicians joined for the second half of the set and steadily ramped up the pace to get people moving. The weather was so good and we were outside in a marquee it took a little while for people to get dancing but when they did they all remarked how fantastic it was to have something different to the standard DJ! As people the band were easy and very nice to deal with, Especially Evan who was our point of contact. We’d really recommend them all! ”

9 July 2022
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Lydia hired Natty Congeroo & The Flames of Rhythm for a Private event (available in Chelmsford)

“Absolutely lovely afternoon listening to Cloud Nine playing at my husband’s birthday garden party (piano, drums, sax). All the guests thought they were great - they were punctual and totally self sufficient in setting up, played all afternoon with barely a break, played a beautiful selection of jazz, which just touched the mood of the event, were a pleasure to be with. Couldn’t recommend Cloud Nine highly enough: you won’t be disappointed.”

7 July 2018
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Victoria hired The Colin Peters Set for a Birthday party (available in Chelmsford)

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A guide to hiring Swing & Jive Bands

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