Swing & Jive Bands for hire in Glasgow

Find the perfect live swing band in Glasgow 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 45 swing bands right here.

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Swing & jive bandsinGlasgowforany price, sort bybest match
All the bands below are available to travel to Glasgow
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Hire Romacaleo
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£350 - £2000
Swing & jive bandGlasgow

Close your eyes & you might think you are in a 1930's Parisian bar... a barmitzva... or a ceilidh?

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Hire Studio
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Swing & jive bandGlasgow

Wedding band with virtuoso sax player based in Glasgow. 600+ weddings under their belts! Flexible, professional and unforgettable.

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Hire Marianne McGregor duo / trio / full band
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£350 - £700
Swing & jive bandGlasgow

'Best Vocalist' - Scottish Jazz Awards 2021 - with superb accompanist / trio or full band.

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Hire Rosa Belles Post Modern Vocal Trio
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£800 - £1250
Swing & jive bandAlloa

The Rosa Belles Vocal Trio are a glamorous postmodern vocal trio with an elite harmonising sound. Guaranteed to wow your guests!

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Hire The Stone Combo
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£400 - £1100
Swing & jive bandGlasgow

A swing/jazz three-piece based in Glasgow but playing all over Scotland. Let us bring fun-filled jazz and swing favourites to your event!

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Hire Foxstep
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Swing & jive bandGlasgow

A new band with old soul, Foxstep brings together some of Scotland's finest musicians, performing Jazz, Swing, Rhythm & Blues, and Motown.

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Hire Kal's kats
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£1600 - £1800
Swing & jive bandDerbyshire

A brilliant rhythm and blues Band - playing 20's, 40's, 50's and party tunes as well as dance tuition provided. First Class entertainment!!

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Hire Mr Swing's Dance Orchestra
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£1875 - £2250
Swing & jive bandTadcaster

A compact 13-piece swing band performing classic songs by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Harry Connick Jr, Michael Bublé etc......

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Hire Cranberry Flick
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£550 - £650
Swing & jive bandNottingham

Cranberry Flick are a 7 piece swing, jive, rhythm &blues band performing music in their distinctive vintage style.

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Hire Andy Bayley & The Swing Kings
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£1200 - £1600
Swing & jive bandWireal

Fantastic 9-piece mini big band with 'King of Swing' Andy Bayley on vocals. The ideal choice for weddings, functions and events!

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Hire THE ROAMING BAND UK
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£800 - £2400
Swing & jive bandWigan

We take great songs and give them a makeover. We can perform indoors or outdoors to wherever your guests may be !

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Hire Swing Kings
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£350 - £1125
Swing & jive bandLiverpool

An ultra-hip, swinging band from the buzzing North West jazz scene! Creating a unique new twist on jazz standards and modern classics!

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Hire Smoke and Honey Jazz
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£650 - £2000
Swing & jive bandManchester

Sophisticated jazz and blues ensemble based in the North-West.

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Hire Honey Bee Jazz
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£550 - £2300
Swing & jive bandManchester

Honey Bee Jazz are the UK's premier choice for jazz arrangements of popular songs, available for any occasion. 3 Lineups Available!

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Hire The A Sides
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£1000 - £1500
Swing & jive bandChester

The A Sides' are an exciting quintet featuring Vocals, Trumpet, Piano, Double Bass & Drums playing Jazz & Blues and modern day hits!

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Hire MonoChromatix
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£837.50 - £1512.50
Swing & jive bandManchester

A jazz band that transports you back to the Jazz Age with traditional tunes and new covers.

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Hire The Stray Horns
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£1875 - £2500
Swing & jive bandShrewsbury

A High energy, Acoustic & Fun Roaming Party Brass Band From New Orleans through to Pop, we take requests!

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Hire Dinner Jazz Duo
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£300 - £920
Swing & jive bandManchester

High quality piano and double bass jazz duo for any occasion! Playing well known jazz classics!

Hiring a Swing & Jive Band in Glasgow

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 Glasgow?

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

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Answer 2 quick questions to get an instant quote estimate
1How long would you need musicians for?
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2How many musicians would you want to hire?
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Bear in mind: musicians typically play for 45 mins with a 15 min break per hour.

Frequently asked questions

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.

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