FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s)
Q1. Our most asked question. Why do you guys charge less than other
bands we have asked for quotes? (Also check out question 2 please).
A. As you can see from our credentials we are extremely experienced
professional musicians. We have played more weddings, corporate
functions, pubs, clubs etc than we can remember over more than 30
years.
We have also seen some horrendous bands, (jazz and otherwise) that
charge huge amounts, (ESPECIALLY FOR WEDDINGS) and we would never
over-quote you. We want to play and ask a reasonable price depending
on travel, number of musicians, length of time hired. Every job is
different, BUT we will always quote a REALISTIC price. The majority
of our jobs are RETURN bookings from satisfied customers.
Q2. Why have I found other jazz bands that charge a lot LESS than
your bands?
A. As per the answer to question 1, when you hire my bands you are
employing the top players. Whilst I have already explained there are
some really nasty Jazz Bands that charge through the roof, there are
also plenty that are REALLY bad and play for almost nothing, thus
taking work from full-time professionals like ourselves.
Q3. I want a jazz band but don’t know what type?
A. Jazz music covers nearly 100 years and has many varied
styles. Because of the variance you may absolutely hate one
type. This is why I like to advise the customer of the various types
so they will be able to choose the type according to their taste.
Q4. Do I need to pay a deposit?
A. Unfortunately after many years of never requiring deposits and
relying upon the goodwill of people, due to an increase in people
failing to pay bands (including us) I have had to start insisting on
a booking fee of $50.00 per man before accepting a booking. A sign
of the times?
JAZZ STYLES WE PLAY.
1. Traditional (Trad). Basically this is the 1920’s -30’s jazz that
everybody relates to. Think of legends like Louis Armstrong, Al
Jolson and Scott Joplin with songs like “When the Saints, Basin
Street Blues, Alexander’s Ragtime Band.” This is the good happy
music “toe-tapping” music that is appreciated by most people. If you
like this type of Jazz then check out our OZZ JAZZsection of this
website.
2. Swing. This is the Big band era Think of legends like Frank
Sinatra, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Nat ‘King’ Cole and more
recently Michael Buble and Harry Connick Jnr. Songs like Fly Me to
the Moon, New York New York, Route 66 etc. If you like this type of
jazz then go to our RHAPSODY section of this web site.
WE DO NOT PLAY THE MORE MODERN TYPES OF JAZZ SUCH AS MILES DAVIS,
CHARLIE PARKER OR SIMILAR.
Q5. I can’t afford a whole band, what can I do?
A. We can vary sizes of bands depending upon your budget and type of
music required. We can often play as a duo, trio or solo show.
Please check out THE JAZZ TROUBADOURS, OZZ JAZZ or my SOLO SHOWS.
Q6. What instruments can you have in the band?
A. Here are the many and varied line-ups we can provide.
LINE-UPS
OZZ JAZZ
1. Accoustic Trio:- Banjo, Tuba and Trumpet (I also sing and may
play other instruments depending on what you like). This group does
not need power and is perfect for backyard parties, shopping centres
and corporate promotions such as exhibitions.
2. Quartets and bigger: - We can add various instruments up to our
10 piece big band using various combinations of Trumpet, Reeds,
Trombone, Banjo (or guitar, or piano), Tuba (or bass) and drums. On
all of these groups I sing.
RHAPSODY
This band is amazing. Not only do we cover Jazz (Trad), Swing and
Rock/Pop but we have a large variation in line-ups.
1. The Rhapsody Duo:- either two guitars with vocals, or a guitar
and banjo with vocal or a guitar and piano with vocal.
2. Basic Trio:- Me on Trumpet plus (Vocal, Sax and Guitar) with a
Piano (doubling guitar) and Bass.
3. Quartet:- Add drums
4. Quintet:- Also add a sax player or extra guitar player. With this
line-up we can play as a straight swing band - trumpet/vocal,
Sax, Piano, Bass and Drums, or we can switch instruments in seconds
and become a rock group with 2 guitars, sax bass and drums, or 3
Guitars, Bass and Drums, or 2 Guitars, Piano, Bass and Drums
or………(you get the idea!).
Q4. How can I hire one of your bands?
A. Follow this simple procedure. It is a bit like ordering a
Pizza!!!!!!
1. Decide what type of music you want i.e. Trad Jazz (Traditional
crust), Swing (Thin crust), Rock/Pop (Stuffed crust) or a
combination of all (Supreme)
2. Decide what topping you want i.e. the size of the band and
instruments you like.
3. Give me a call on 0412 573 654 or go to
CONTACT and email me to
discuss a price.