Frequently Asked Questions
This is really a two part answer:
- A tremendous range and depth of popular music spanning seven decades.
- The music that is most appropriate for the situation.
Like most bands playing weddings and private functions our repertoire includes a wide range of material from the 1930’s through today with an emphasis on the “hits”: Big Band, Swing, Standards, Jazz, Latin, Oldies, with some R & B, Classic rock, Seventies “Dance”/Funk, & 80’s and 90’s Pop, and a smattering of Country, with some “ethnic” selections and more. The key is to put together all of this music in such a way that it “compliments” your party.
This is where experience and intuition are essential in “reading” the group and playing just the right songs at the right time to keep all your guests dancing during the “dance” sets and, equally important, to play “background” music where appropriate (usually during the dinner courses). Our flow of music is totally spontaneous and dictated by what we feel will be absolutely optimum for the moment.
We also can break down the group to as small as a solo pianist, with optional duo, trio and quartet ensembles available for lighter music tastes or to meet room size restrictions.
Here comes another two part answer:
- (mostly) yes.
- and (a little) no.
Yes, we welcome your input and recommend that you indicate your preferences from our extensive song list.
You may want to prioritize your favorites (1 or 2 checks) and we’ll make every effort to include these when and where we feel they fit in.
There may be some songs that come to mind that are not on the list. Sometimes we are familiar with these songs and, with a little preparation, can perform all or some of them at your affair.
And yes, we will learn whatever you select for your first dance, though we would require a few weeks “lead time” and may ask you to supply a recording of the song. We will also learn a limited number of songs that are particularly important, perhaps for immediate family members’ anniversaries, birthdays, etc…
No, we can’t guarantee we’ll learn every song that you’d like to hear, but will do our best to include the music that will make your day special!
Though it’s hard for us to be objective as to whether or not we are a “loud” band, we play at what we feel is a “reasonable” volume and constantly monitor the sound on stage and around the room to maintain an appropriate level.
We are committed to the idea that this is your day and we are there to make it as good as it can be, so if you or members of your family feel the band is too loud we will make whatever adjustments in volume and/or speaker placement are necessary to achieve an acceptable level.
Typically we take two breaks for a wedding. We will play continuously until the main course is served at which point we will take our first full band break of approximately 20 – 25 minutes. (Up to that point, individual band members have usually taken a short break, “staggered”, so that there is always some music being played.) After a “dance” set (approximately 1 hour) we’ll conclude with the cake cutting (for example, if your event is a wedding) and take our second break of 15 – 20 minutes as the cake is being served.
This is a fairly typical scenario, though obviously each situation is different based on the length of time we are hired to perform for and we “go with the flow” as needed. (Example: with a buffet the break points would not be defined as easily as with a “sit-down” dinner, however, there are always certain times that are better than others for breaks.)
Our goal is to minimize the impact of the breaks on the flow of the party while giving the musicians the break time they need to do their job well. We will play CD’s though we welcome your CDs or tapes for breaks if you wish to supply them.
Gerry as owner and leader of EBJE has over 35 years of personal experience performing throughout New England. Both the big band and small band repertoires are made up of fully scored “written” arrangements for both vocal and instrumentalists.
The musicians making up the ensemble at your event will be selected from a list of approximately 25 very talented and experienced regional musicians who are fully familiar with the repertoires of both the East Bay Jazz Ensemble and the East Bay Jazz Combo.
As a performing organization with over 30 years of performing history that averages over 75 performances per year, it is imperative to have a “fluid” list of fully trained and talented musicians to insure consistency and top quality with each performance.
We will do whatever “emceeing” you feel would be appropriate for your wedding or event. This can mean anything from minimal or no announcements, to the “traditional” introductions of the Bridal Party, bride and groom, cake cutting, bouquet/garter toss, etc. – or something in between in whatever form works for you. Everyone’s style is a little different – and every event unique.
Having performed at special events for over 30 years , we would be glad to use our experience to help you and your family create a event that reflects your distinct style.
(Saved the best for last – we were wondering when you were going to ask that question!)
There are many fine bands with all the basic prerequisites: top quality professional musicians, a diverse repertoire, years of experience and a “can do/will do” attitude. We too, have all those qualifications. We have something, though, that we feel makes “East Bay Jazz” a little special. It’s what we call the “We love what we do, and it shows” factor.
A few years ago a client was speaking with the band at the end of an event and in the process of complimenting us on what a great job we did she said that having heard many other bands at numerous events was contemplating what was so appealing about “East Bay Jazz”. She concluded that “we obviously loved what we were doing – you are truly having fun up there – and that is contagious to your audience”. We decided she was absolutely right.
The fact is we all enjoy working together and making music together, and it shows.
The result is a wonderful energy that defines the difference between a “band” and a group of musicians “just going through the motions” playing together.
Join in with Gerry Grimo and the East Bay Jazz Ensemble during one of our many public events as …the Adventure Continues…