About these Gypsy Swing Bands

Are you ready to transport your event through time? If you're planning a party that's in definite need of a Parisian twist, then use the Last Minute Musicians directory to hire a gypsy jazz band near you! With 63 currently on the directory, you have plenty of acts to choose from. Simply add a smoky bar and a few strong cocktails, and you have yourself the recipe for an unforgettable party!

The gypsy jazz bands on the directory come in all forms, and have played right across the UK... some have even taken their gypsy jazz sound around the world!

"Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. My husband really wanted to have a gypsy jazz band to play at our wedding, as it is his father's favourite music and seeing my father in law listening to you and asking for requests with such a huge smile on his face certainly made every penny worth it!"

Rachel's review of The Collective

Ideal for:

If you're planning an event that needs something completely extraordinary, then a gypsy jazz band will be for you. Working well at vintage-style themed events, gypsy jazz bands will be most at home in venues that have been decorated for a similar vibe, with a crowd that has been encouraged to look the part! Birthday parties, ticketed public events, weddings and product launches could all greatly benefit from a gypsy jazz band.

When booking Gypsy Swing Bands:

The instrumentation of gypsy jazz bands can vary - some will use 5 or 6 members, incorporating double bass, banjo, accordion and all sorts of other instruments. Some will come with a line up as small as a guitar or guitar/violin duo, perfect for really intimate events. For this reason, it's important to pay attention to your prospective band's promotional material.

Many gypsy jazz bands are happy to perform acoustically, as this was how the music was traditionally performed, but this won't always be the case - especially for larger events. Make sure your contact in the band knows how many guests are planning to attend, and how big the venue will be.

Prices for Gypsy Swing Bands:

Prices for gypsy jazz bands will depend on factors like how many musicians are in the line up, what kind of event you are holding and how far they have to travel. Usually, a gypsy jazz duo will start at a minimum of £300, and if you are looking to keep travel costs down, use the "advanced search" feature to find a gypsy jazz band near you.

About Gypsy Jazz music:

Gypsy jazz music (sometimes also known as Manouche or Manouche jazz) began in the cafes and bars of paris in 1930s. Unlike many other forms of popular music, it is generally accepted to have one chief founder - guitarist, Jean "Django" Reinhardt. In the 1930s, Django would perform and record around France, with compositions like "Minor Swing" going on to become the standards of the gypsy jazz genre. Indeed, the term "Manouche" is a reference to Django's roma gypsy clan heritage.The genre would be one of the first to pioneer the guitar as a lead instrument in jazz, and the effect would be profound.

Chiefly remembered for his performances with violinist Stephane Grappelli, Django would overcome serious burns on his fretting hand that initially had doctors claim he would never play the guitar again. Despite his serious set back, Django would go on to re-teach himself the guitar. Though dying of a brain haemorrhage at the age of 43, Django Reinhardt is widely considered to be one of the greatest musicians to have ever lived.

The gypsy jazz bands on this directory will doubtlessly draw from some of Django's most famous compositions, as well as performing other jazz standards and possibly even some pop tunes, in a gypsy jazz style.

The Gypsy Swing Bands featured on this page are all members of the LastMinuteMusicians.com entertainment directory. Use the refine section at the top of this page to find Gypsy Jazz Bands close to you. Simply choose a county or enter a post code into the "available in" box to refine the listings to your local area. Click the "visit listing" button to see the full profiles of the individual Gypsy Swing Bands. With over 3300 active listings you are sure to find the perfect entertainer, musician, band or entertainment service to make your event just perfect. Don`t forget you can use our online chat (below) to get instant help with your booking.