Swing & Jive Bands for hire in West Sussex

Find the perfect live swing band in West Sussex 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 bandsinWest Sussexforany price, sort bybest match
All the bands below are available to travel to West Sussex
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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 One Jump Ahead Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1375 - £1875
Swing & jive bandCaterham

Highly entertaining - vast repertoire of 1940s - 50s Swing/Jive, Rhythm & Blues, Great American Songbook, Rat Pack, etc. Dancers love 'em!

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Hire The Daisy Chains Swing & jive band with Encore
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Swing & jive bandCaterham

The Award Winning all girl, all singing, all playing rock 'n' roll band!

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Hire Swing 21 Swing & jive band with Encore
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£320 - £800
Swing & jive bandBrighton

Add some atmosphere, ambience and a touch of class to your event.

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Hire Summer Samba Swing & jive band with Encore
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£565 - £680
Swing & jive bandBrighton

Super fun, beautifully mellow, authentic bossa nova and swing jazz trio.

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Hire Jazzanova duo Swing & jive band with Encore
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£380 - £440
Swing & jive bandBrighton

Authentic jazz and bossa nova duo - "they seemed to play as a single person, their ensemble being so good".

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Hire Swing It Ela Swing & jive band with Encore
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£565 - £825
Swing & jive bandBrighton

Sophisticated yet upbeat trio with a passion for swinging jazz and lilting bossa nova.

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Hire Jazz & The Tonics Swing & jive band with Encore
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Swing & jive bandWoking

Jazz and Swing band playing your favourite Jazz standards, Swing classics and postmodern jukebox favourites! Elegant, classy and great fun!

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Hire Smooth Groove Swing & jive band with Encore
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£400 - £750
Swing & jive bandSurrey

Jazz and party band for all occasions, smooth and mellow, or upbeat and swinging. Timeless and sophisticated sounds to impress your guests.

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Hire Hollie De Villier Band Swing & jive band with Encore
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From£640
Swing & jive bandGuildford

Your favourite vintage jazz/swing hits with a vintage twist!

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Hire Ru & The Party Grooves Swing & jive band with Encore
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£875 - £2250
Swing & jive bandBrighton

One of the most sought-after versatile bands in the UK. Party grooves play hit covers from all ages, as well as soul, smooth jazz&swing.

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Hire Cali's Soul Experience Swing & jive band with Encore
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£775 - £2856.25
Swing & jive bandEast Grinstead

Show-stopping vocalist, a natural entertainer! Jazz/Soul/Motown band w warmth vintage & humour | Amy Winehouse specialty w Amy's guitarist!

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Hire Anthony'sAllStars Cool Jazz Swing & jive band with Encore
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£380 - £2260
Swing & jive bandGodalming

Swing & Latin Jazz, always melodic & at a sensible volume for events. Variable size from duo to sextet according to budget/space available

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Hire Chris Coull Big Band Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1250 - £2500
Swing & jive bandBrighton

Compact band with a big sound - we have played all over the UK and Europe with our own distincitve brand of jazz, swing and big band tunes.

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Hire Lana-May & her Hot Jazz Band Swing & jive band with Encore
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£550 - £2937.50
Swing & jive bandPortsmouth

Authentic Vintage 1920s-1930s Hot Jazz, Blues and Swing Band

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Hire Chris Coull Band Swing & jive band with Encore
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£450 - £1250
Swing & jive bandBrighton

Flexible and authentic swing and jazz group from Brighton.

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Hire The Eternal Triangle Swing & jive band with Encore
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£500 - £650
Swing & jive bandBrighton

This jazzy trio plays the classic jazz standard repertoire. Perfect as an unobtrusive background to wedding receptions, dinners and more.

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Hire Junction 4 Big Band Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1250 - £2500
Swing & jive bandFleet

Junction 4 Big Band are an 18 piece big band playing swing, jazz and music from the 30's and 40's in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire.

FAQs about hiring Swing & Jive Bands in West Sussex

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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 West Sussex

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 West Sussex?

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 West Sussex

“Great energy, got everyone dancing young and older. Thank you Kit and the group. ”

26 November 2022
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Jacob hired One Jump Ahead for a Wedding (available in West Sussex)

“We were absolutely delighted with one jump ahead . Kit and his band were extremely professional and helpful from the very beginning . Our son and daughter in law had a wonderful day and I put that down to the uplifting and easy listening jazz that put a smile on everyone’s face. My sister in law commented that when the music started the whole mood of the wedding party was uplifted . We loved the music and the three sets pulled the whole afternoon seamlessly together. Wonderful! Thank you one jump ahead .”

6 August 2022
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Joanne hired One Jump Ahead for a Wedding (available in West Sussex)

“One Jump Ahead were everything we could possibly have wanted in a wedding band and more!! Communication before the day was great- Kit designed a bespoke set list for us and even took the time to edit things to suit how we wanted the night to play out. On the night they instantly lifted the mood, had everyone up dancing and really interacted with us- some band members even signed our guest book! We loved how every musician showcased their talents with solo sections, but mostly how they all came together to give us an unforgettable performance. Thank you so much to the entire band for making our wedding reception unforgettable- I don’t think I left the dance floor all night! :)”

4 August 2022
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Kim hired One Jump Ahead for a Wedding (available in West Sussex)

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A guide to hiring Swing & Jive Bands

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