Swing & Jive Bands for hire in Oxford

Find the perfect live swing band in Oxford 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 277 swing bands right here.

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Swing & jive bandsinOxfordforany price, sort bybest match
All the bands below are available to travel to Oxford
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Hire The Polka Dots Swing & jive band with Encore
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£900 - £1355
Swing & jive bandHigh Wycombe

Take three sassy voices, arrange a collection of classic and modern swing songs, add sharp dance routines and you have The Polka Dots!

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Hire The Mulberries Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1237.50 - £2312.50
Swing & jive bandReading

A vibrant jazz outfit comprised of some of the finest, distinguished professional musicians. Range of line ups to choose from.

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Hire The Alison Carter Jazz Trio Swing & jive band with Encore
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£550 - £1200
Swing & jive bandLeighton Buzzard

The Alison Carter Trio is a sophisticated high-class jazz band that will be sure to make your event go with a swing!

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Hire Andrew Bourn Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1100 - £3200
Swing & jive bandHigh Wycombe

One of the most in demand jazz, swing and function bands in the UK! Start your event classy and finish with a party!

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Hire Santa Babies Swing & jive band with Encore
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Swing & jive bandHigh Wycombe

Three beautifully festive voices, a collection of the BEST Christmas classics, laced with sharp dance routines, and voila! The Santa Babies!

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Hire Groove Star Swing & jive band with Encore
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£750 - £2812.50
Swing & jive bandSwindon

Groove Star features male and female vocalists, delivering a blend of Motown classics, rock anthems and contemporary dance floor fillers!

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Hire 41 Degrees Big Band Swing & jive band with Encore
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£2750 - £4125
Swing & jive bandSwindon

41º are an exciting 18-piece Big Band, in the North Wilts area.

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Hire The Groove Company Swing & jive band with Encore
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From£690
Swing & jive bandBicester

The Groove Company are a 4/5 piece self contained band that cover; pop, rock, jazz, soul, rock n roll, ballroom & sequence dancing.

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Hire All Jazz Quartet Swing & jive band with Encore
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£300 - £450
Swing & jive bandReading

Jazz quartet performing a wide range of swing, latin and jazz standards, with specialised sets for Roaring 20s, Christmas and Halloween

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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 The Swing Ninjas Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1250 - £1750
Swing & jive bandBrighton

High energy, 4-part harmony, singing swing band combing the best of New Orleans and UK swing - playing well known and original swing.

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Hire Nouveau Lounge Swing & jive band with Encore
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£2625 - £4175
Swing & jive bandKent

Nouveau Lounge are a UK band who perform their own arrangements of modern pop songs played in a Vintage Style.

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Hire The Unswung Heroes Swing & jive band with Encore
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£2000 - £3125
Swing & jive bandLondon

Top diverse London band, with everything from vintage covers to function classics. Over 20 lineups & nothing but 5* reviews, book now!

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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 Victoria & The Foxes Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1250 - £3750
Swing & jive bandLondon

#1 International Jazz, Soul, Funk, and Party band in London. We bring sass, style and soul to any event!

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Hire Ruby & The Dukes Swing & jive band with Encore
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From£900
Swing & jive bandLondon

Ruby and the Dukes: A Vintage 1950's R&B, RocknRoll, Blues, Rockabilly, and Retro Swing Band!

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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 Mista Trick Collective Swing & jive band with Encore
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Swing & jive bandBristol

Live Multi Genre Knees Up Experience with Live Drum and Bass. We’ve played Glastonbury, Boomtown and SGP

FAQs about hiring Swing & Jive Bands in Oxford

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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 Oxford

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 Oxford?

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 Oxford

“It’s difficult to put into words the impact Frankly Jazz had on the day of our wedding. Professional, smart and true masters of their respective instruments - they rolled with the flow of the audience and had literally everyone dancing from kids to the oldies. It’s hard to know how a band will sound or work in the room you have when booking a wedding, but I assure you Frankly Jazz will negate any worries and exceed all expectations. Each giving the others space to roll with a solo when they feel like it made for some truly magical moments. Thank you Frankly Jazz - I hope we cross paths again.”

14 October 2023
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Amira hired Frankly Jazz for a Wedding (available in Oxford)

“Frankly Jazz we’re absolutely brilliant at our wedding celebration party. Their music was just right, and so many of our guests commented on how good they were. They were such fun and a pleasure to listen and dance to. They sorted themselves out (setting up) with all the plugs and sockets, so we just left them to it. We shall recommend Frankly Jazz to everyone.”

15 July 2023
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Elizabeth hired Frankly Jazz for a Bar / Club / Venue event (available in Oxford)

“Frankly jazz made our wedding reception absolutely spectacular. Many of our wedding attendees were professional musicians all of whom were blown away by their performance. Screaming deal for such professionalism. Can’t recommend enough. Stop looking Just book them. -Emily and Brandon ”

25 May 2023
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Brandon hired Frankly Jazz for a Wedding (available in Oxford)

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A guide to hiring Swing & Jive Bands

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