JAZZ BANDS

ALCHEMY
Based in Johannesburg
Top-class husband and wife duo, Alchemy, brings together an extensive repertoire and polished act to create the perfect entertainment package. Riccardo Guarrera  has been a solo musician/entertainer for almost 20 years and imitates over 100 music artists' voices ranging from Cat Stevens to Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner to Nat Kingcole and many more. Together with wife Estie, they create magic moments suitable for every type of event. MORE

ATMOSFERIC
Based in Johannesburg
Atmosferic is the definitive jazz band for any up market event or function that requires that finishing touch of sophistication. This popular outfit is lead by Wendy Twyford (Lead vocals & Percussion) and Graeme Currie (Double / electric bass), with the rest of the band being drawn from a pool of highly respected musicians. MORE

BABU
Based in Cape Town
The Quartet Babu uses Indian classical inspired composition with Jazz and Western classical idiosyncrasies. The compositions make use of Ragas and Talas as well as Jazz forms and harmonies. The music searches for the heart of the raga's tale, its eternal sound sentiment. Using the language of the Tabla. The band is rhythmically charged, creating pulses within the pulse and rhythms shifting in and out of phase, setting alight an ecstatic melodic improvisation. MORE

BAOBAB THREE
Based in Cape Town
The Baobab Three (vocals, guitar and violin) perform at concerts and functions in and around Cape Town. Their repertoire includes jazz, swing and latin standards,folk songs, as well as some home grown South African favourites. The Baobab Three are the perfect way to enhance your special occasion. More

BEAT-ROUTE
Based in Durban
Beat-Route is a classic traditional jazz combo. The band has, over its 3 years, developed an extensive repertoire of originals, standards, grooves, Latin, Afro, popular and show tunes executed with real panache and style in the jazz idiom, and has made quite a reputation in Durban featuring regularly at corporate functions, parties, weddings, fairs, restaurants and on the local jazz circuit. More

BLUE NOTES SWING BAND
Based in Johannesburg
The Blue Notes Swing Band is a group of highly professional musicians re-creating the music of the Big Band era and adding the elements of modern swing to offer a fabulous mix of repertoire suitable for all ages. MORE

BREAKFAST INCLUDED FUNK & JAZZ BAND
Based in Cape Town
What’s that sound? It’s jazzy, it’s groovy, it’s proudly South African with a whole lotta soul - it can only be Breakfast Included. They first took to the stage for a sell-out performance in 1999 and it’s been a success story of rave reviews ever since. Their cool new sound, classy look and fresh approach had an immediate and lasting impact on the face of jazz in South Africa. MORE

CHARLES HARTZEN PROJECT
Based in Johannesburg
Since its inception the charles hartzen project has mostly been involved in television production and live performances which is currently its main demand.  The band is versatile and offers an impressive repertoire for serious and not so serious jazz lovers. MORE

CHILLI 'N LIME
Based in Johannesburg
Chilli & Lime is a dynamic young jazz outfit that has recently started making waves on the local music scene. This innovative new collaboration of Johannesburg’s finest talent draws on a fusion of styles including Latino, funk, African Favourites and traditional jazz. MORE

CLASSIC JAZZ MASTERS
Based in Johannesburg
The Classic Jazz Masters was formed in 1988 by drummer Dave Mills and cornet/trumpet player Bob Wade to highlight classics of jazz. The band is still very much alive and still performing their unique brand of Dixieland Jazz. MORE

COOL SOUNDS
Based in Cape Town
COOL SOUNDS was formed in 1996, and consists of drums and lead vocals, guitar, keayboards, bass, sax, and fmale lead vocals. The band has entertaineed big names such as Pieter Dirk Uys, and have played at high profile venues such as Pigalle Restaurant, Cape Town International Convention Centre, Mount Nelson Hotel, President Hotel, wine estates such as Rhebokskloof and Vredenheim, various Rotary Clubs, etc. MORE

CUECUMBER JAZZ
Based in Cape Town
Hailing from the foot of Table Mountain, Cape Town, CueCumber Jazz is deeply rooted in the Rhythm and Harmony synonymous with Jazz. The band's repertoire moves from Swing, to Latin, to Modern Jazz and Funk, encompassing improvisation as a key factor in their music. MORE

DIXIE SWINGERS
Based in Cape Town
The Dixie Swingers Jazz Band is a charming acoustic Jazz ensemble that will enhance your social or corporate event by creating the perfect mood, without being intrusive. Headed by Eddie Blackhouse, the band is a professional outfit consisting of highly acclaimed brass players, all of whom have played in the Cape Town symphony and/or Philharmonic orchestras, plus Banjo player. MORE

freshlyground
Based in Cape Town
Fast becoming South Africa's top celebtrity band, freshlyground is a 7-piece eclectic ensemble with diverse cultural and musical backgrounds, and the band’s unique sound reflects this. Their music is original and energetic with a ‘fresh mix’ of musical styles and influences - from indigenous African folk music and jazz, to contemporary. MORE

GEORGE MARI BAND
Based in Durban
The George Mari Band has a wide repertoire including a large selection of Afro-Jazz standards, popular/main stream Jazz favourites and original compositions. The band performs regularly in and around Durban. Regular appearances at various Durban venues include a residency at Zacks at Musgrave Centre and Wilson 's Wharf, the BAT Centre, Gateway, Centre for Jazz & Popular Music (UKZN) and the Sun Coast and Sibaya Casinos. MORE

JAZZ ASSASSINS
Based in Johannesburg
The Jazz Assassins is comprised of a core of professional jazz and session musicians who decided to combine their wealth of experience gained working under various bandleaders into one solid outfit.  The band primarily plays a mixture of swing era jazz, latin and smooth jazz, and prides itself on adjusting its sound to the complement the atmosphere of any event, taking your guests through cocktails and dinner with atmospheric, laid-back jazz and eventually leading them out onto the dancefloor with latin and smooth jazz rhythms as the evening progresses.  MORE

JEREMY & FRIENDS
Based in Cape Town
Jeremy Olivier was born and raised in Zimbabwe, but has been living in Cape Town since 1995. Jeremy & Friends consists of some of Jeremy’s great musician friends, who along with Jeremy are considered to be some of Cape Town's most popular and well known musicians. They are a great bunch of charismatic performers who all have a few things in common: superb talent, ultimate dedication and passion for great music, and of course their good friend, Jeremy Olivier.  MORE

LIGHT YEARS
Based in Johannesburg
Light Years, founded by Avzal Ismail, represent the cutting-edge of musical excellence in the contemporary South African music arena. We are not merely a service, but a special brand of service excellence. Their sole aim is to make your event a truly memorable one by providing you with the very best entertainment available. This truly world class group specializes in Smooth Jazz, both Modern and African. It also features a mainstream jazz, fusion, Latin / Afro-Cuban and dance repertoire capable of exceeding the demands of any event, function or concert environment. MORE

LMR TRIO
Based in Cape Town
The LMR Trio consists of Lisa Bauer, Maxim Starcke and Ronan Skillen which form the core unit of this unique and organic performance group. While fusing such musical styles as jazz, world music and some nu-folk and Classical elements the LMR Trio incorporate an otherworldly aesthetic into their beautiful atmosphere and transporting, earthy yet magical performances. MORE

LYNNE POULSEN
Based in Cape Town
Lynne Poulsen is an accomplished vocalist and has performed in venues ranging from the GREEN DOLPHIN, THE DOCK ROAD CAFÉ and BERTIES LANDING in Cape Town to THE BASSLINE in Johannesburg. She was also the support band for the likes of MIRIAM MAKEBA and SIBONGILE KHUMALO at Corporate events in 200. THE LYNNE POULSEN BAND plays an eclectic mix of jazz and acoustic rock, and has been active in Johannesburg and Cape Town since it’s inception in 1994. MORE

MASSEY QUARTET
Based in Johannesburg
The Massey Quartet is a group of educated jazz musicians consisting of male vocals, piano, bass and drums who produce a truly distinguished classic sound and style of jazz. The band, fronted by vocalist Andrew Massey, has a repertoire ranging from Brazilian bossa nova and funk to straight-ahead cool jazz with a strong vocal element. The 'loungy' feel of the music could easily be categorised together with that of vocal legends Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick Jr. MORE

MELANIE SCHOLTZ GROUP
Based in Cape Town
Award winning songbird Melanie Scholtz has achieved praise in South Africa as well as internationally. Winning the Old Mutual Jazz Encounters competition in 2002 as Best Jazz Vocalist and performing the South African Anthem at the Presidents’ Cup in 2003 in front of a world audience of 1 billion people. Melanie Scholtz has performed on live Norwegian radio as well as part of a Music against Misery concert in Holland in 2002. She has worked with the cream of South Africa’s musicians; Jimmy Dludlu, Sibongile Khumalo and Judith Sephuma, amongst others. MORE

MPHO & UVIMBA BAND
Based in Cape Town
MPHO AND UVIMBA is a seven piece band which was formed in 1994, starting as "Mpho and friends". Sophiatown Afro-Jazz at its best!
The Band members, who are all from Guguletu and Nyanga townships in Cape Town, individually came from differrent Bands and Groups and some have travelled extensively. MORE

MPUMI DHLAMINI BAND
Based in Johannesburg
There is no doubt that Mpumi Dhlamini is a rare talent that will elevate South African music on a global scale and one that is here to stay for a long time.  The release of his debut album heralded the public appearance of a gifted young artist on the South African jazz scene. With his band, Mpumi performs an eclectic mix of Jazz repertoire which will enhance any special event. MORE

NDITHINI MBALI BAND
Based in Johannesburg
Ndithini Mbali was born in East London to a family of musicians. Her grandfather was a music lecturer and founder member of the African Jazz Quavers in the 1960's. Ndithini's mother is a singer, songwriter and pianist; and her brother is a recording artist, known as SliqAngel of the Amantongomane fame. Ndithini started playing music at the age of 12, taught by her grandfather. Only a few years later, she was already playing in public at weddings and concerts, together with her grandfather and her brother. MORE

NIGHTSHIFT
Based in Cape Town
Nightshift is a fully funk tional, semi-collapsible, truly sensational group, comprising the best of Cape Town's music talent. The band moves effortlessly through a range of styles: from swinging jazz standards to easy-listening pop, as well as a repertoire of dance favourites from the disco grooves of the seventies to the silliness of the "Ketchup song". MORE

OFFSHORE JAZZ BAND
Based on the Garden Route & Cape Town
The Offshore Jazz Trio, comprising Jonno Sweetman on drums, Paul Gibbings on upright bass and Martin Wolfaardt on piano, is a Knysna-based band playing at various venues on the Garden Route. A unique mixture of inspired original music and Jazz standards, this band is an exceptional and innovative collaboration. MORE

PALESA
Based in Johannesburg
All-female vocal trio PALESA - the “The First Ladies of Kwaai Jazz” -  took the music industry by storm with their debut offering, PROMISE, in 2003. Palesa's founder and producer Don Laka explains thus: "For as long as I can remember, female Trios have always been a colourful and integral part of the showbiz scene. Lately, they have just inexplicably disappeared; leaving a void I jumped at filling." MORE

QUINTESSENTIAL
Based in Cape Town
A culturally diverse group of musicians that are committed to providing a high standard of music excellence, coupled with exceptional professionalism, class and distinction. The repertoire is a Mixed Masala of music for every occasion and audience. Styles range from medium tempo swing to lush ballads, and even as far as contemporary, fusion, popular, and afro-centric music from well-known local and international artists. MORE

ROB BLAINE JAZZ BAND
Based in Cape Town
Rob Blaine (Keyboardist) is the bandleader of this dynamic four- piece jazz band and has performed with a variety of different musicians and bands,  including local artists Jimmy DIudlu, Judith Sephuma and many other South African musicians who perform both locally and internationally MORE

SIGNATURE SOUNDS TRIO / QUARTET
Based in Johannesburg
Signature Sounds is an accomplished, talented, homegrown Afro-Jazz /Funk band founded in 2003. Sultry lead vocalist, Julia Lamberti, whose style and sound is often compared to that of Norah Jones, fronts the three-piece outfit. Julia's versatility and vocal ability ranges from sentimental ballads to jazz funk, timeless standards and R&B. Talented bassist and singer, Kenneth May and Kenny Thomas on keys are the other members that make up this dynamic trio. Additional instrumentalists can be added to the trio to form a 4- or 5-piece outfit. More

SIGNATURE DUO
Based in Johannesburg
Talented guitarist and singer, Virgil Ellis and lead vocalist, Julia Lamberti forms this exciting two-piece act.  The duo weaves an exquisite blend of jazz, rock, soul, R&B, blues and adult contemporary classics into every performance. MORE

SIMPLY SMOOTH JAZZ AND FUNCTION BAND
Based in Cape Town
Simply Smooth is a function band from the Winelands, playing a variety of styles including Jazz, covers, Cabaret, Marimba, Ghoema, Rock, R&B... They have performed at venues such as the Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Grace Hotel, Cellars Hohenort, Cape Town International Convention Center (Marimba Restaurant), Green Dolphin Restaurant, V&A Waterfront and the Arabella Sheraton Hotel. MORE

SOUND IMAGE BAND
Based in Cape Town
With their all-encompassing repertoire and extensive experience in the corporate entertainment industry, Sound Image has earned it's reputation as one of Cape Town's top Jazz and function bands. Headed by guitarist Gary Deacon, the band is made up of Cape Town's finest: Andrew Ford from VJR (keyboard), vocalists Jeff Weiner (ex Jonny Cooper Big Band) and Denay Willie, Willie van Zyl on saxes, clarinet, and penny whistle, and Ian Alexander on drums/vocals. MORE

SOUTH EASTER BAND
Based in Cape Town
The South Easter Band consists of some of Cape Town's Jazz legends. The South Easterns have an extensive repertoire to suit all tastes, and are capable of providing the perfect entertainment (from soft background music to dance music) for any occasion. The repertoire includes a wealth of jazz standards, as well as a wide variety of dance music styles such as rock 'n roll, Latin, Cape Malay, music for Jewish weddings, waltzes, sambas etc. MORE

TRADEWINDS JAZZ AND DANCE BAND
Based in Johannesburg
Tradewinds specializes in Corporate Functions/Events, Weddings, Barmitzvahs, etc. Their repertoire includes Jazz, Blues, R&B, Continental, Rock & Roll, Party Music and German and Jewish Traditional music performed instrumentally and vocally.  Some of the band's performances include the German Beer Festival for the German Consulate at The Polana Hotel in Mozambique, Year-End Functions for Fedsure Health (Sun City Superbowl), Discovery Health, etc. MORE

TUCAN TUCAN
Based in Cape Town
Tucan Tucan's musical style has been described as a kaleidoskope - where and whenever you listen to this music, it's colourful variety fascinates and captures the listener. Latino rhythms like salsa, samba and bossa nova, and African elements such as those utilised in Kwasa Kwasa, Marrabenta and Ju Ju are used in the compositions. With these elements, a unique sound is created, which appeals to both local and international audiences. More

URBAN GROOVE
Based in Cape Town
Urban Groove specializes in a mixture of great jazz standards, favorite love songs, and a range of enjoyable popular background music!  Urban Groove performs with live instruments (saxophone, keyboard and female vocals) as well as with the highest quality tailor made backing tracks.  The combination of the live element performed with the tracks gives the band the full, dynamic sound of a much larger band. MORE

VIRTUAL JAZZ REALITY
Based in Cape Town
Formed in 1993 V.J.R. is a fully professional outfit comprising of some of the most respected, versatile and experienced artists on the South African music scene. Collectively and or individually they have performed throughout Africa, United Kingdom, America (New Orleans, New York), Far East UAE (Dubai), Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Europe. MORE