Dr Jazz – Testimonials and Reviews

Testimonials

Click here for reviews

We would just like to thank you very much for your help. It was a perfect day and Danny couldn’t and possibly wouldn’t have done it without you.
Paul & Lynne Watson – Son’s marriage proposal at York Races
September 2022

Thanks so much for coming to Knowsley and taking part in our Serious Nonsense Festival. Your performance was one of the highlights of the programme and we have had so much positive feedback from audience members and visitors. Dr Jazz were as popular as ever!
Bev Ayre, Knowsley Council – Prescot
August 2022

Sorry I didn’t come over and say hello. I did get a chance to watch you and you were very good. We have had some really positive feedback and I will keep you in mind for future events.
Andy Christofis – Oulton Park Race Track
July 2022 (Dr Jazz solo gig at vintage weekend)

Thanks so much! Everyone loved you and your band and I really appreciated the way you just seamlessly fitted in with our plans! The music really was just ripping and really set the tone for the whole evening! Young and old thought it was spot on. I would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone!
Greg (Lord) Barker’s family party – Hastings
June 2022

Thanks so much for last weekend. Everyone loved the music. We got there in the end!
Abigail & Chris’s Wedding – Malton
March 2022 (3rd date due to Covid!)

Matthew – thank you SO much for yesterday, you were a star. Totally what we wanted for our wedding. Everyone said how great you and the band and the DJ were!! You handled the tight venue conditions so well too. Hope you got home safe.
Alexandra & James’s Wedding, Windermere
December 2021

Thankyou so much! We had SUCH fun and all my guests LOVED you!
Alice’s 30th, Harrogate
October 2021, Solo gig

Matthew, we had a great night and lots of people said how much they enjoyed you guys.
Annabel & Dan’s Wedding, Middleton Tyas
September 2021

Thank you all so much. You were great and really added to our day. We wanted an authentic vintage jazz band for our wedding and Dr Jazz were perfect. You got everyone singing along to all the classics. The management at our venue said you were the best band they’d ever had. Really made our day go with a swing.
Martin & Caroline’s Wedding, York
July 2021

Just a very quick email to say a massive ‘Thank You’! Dr Jazz were incredible and you all helped to make the day very special for us.
James & Philip’s Wedding, York
May 2021

We booked Dr Jazz (solo act) to play at our gastropub’s first anniversary of trading. We were absolutely delighted with the level of professionalism and service that we received, not to mention his great musical talents! The evening was fantastic and everyone really enjoyed the great entertainment! It was also so lovely to see Dr Jazz taking the time to chat to our guests during the break. Thank you for making it a memorable occasion for us! Thanks again.
Justine & Chris – Coach & Horses, Rillington
November 2019

Thanks again for Saturday night, the band were fantastic!! Not what everyone expects for an 18th. You did great and Ellie enjoyed every second!
Danny Whitworth, Father – Ellie’s 18th, Lancashire
November 2019

A note to say thank you for your hard work and dedication on making our wedding day so special. Feedback was that the music was “absolutely terrific” across the board and we ourselves thought it outstanding and exactly how we wanted it.
Wishing you all the best for the summer ahead and many thanks again!
Rose & James Dashwood – Wedding, Suffolk
August 2019

Dr Jazz arrived at our wedding in good time and set up their stage area and equipment with no fuss. Looking keen and smart with their authentic outfits and array of instruments. Already I was impressed with the professionalism and appearance of the band, but little did I know just what I had booked for the evening.
Matthew Hardy’s outfit, Dr Jazz, simply surpassed all our expectations. Never had I guessed we would receive such a wonderful, exciting, dynamic but most of all musically awesome series of sets. The accuracy and quality of the performances were second to none. Studio quality sound and execution, professionally managed without a hint of fuss or issue.
The musicianship of the ensemble was outstanding. The set list was varied and of a consistently high standard. The arrangements were just perfect and the solos were fantastic.
Matthew himself leads the band with confidence and skill. His stage presence tasteful and engaging.
The clips available of the band are wonderful but even they cannot capture just how tight and well executed the ensemble’s live performance is.
I cannot recommend this band highly enough to anyone considering them. They set an atmosphere at our wedding that was everything we had hoped and more, carrying the mood and wonderful day’s atmosphere from dinner into the evening. They are worth every dime. 10/10 would definitely book again.
John & Katie Robinson – Wedding, Argyll
July 2019

Head’s fine. Grinning a lot. LOVED Dr Jazz. Thank you all SO much. It was PERFECT.
Clare & Matt Brash – Brash Bash, East Yorkshire
July 2019

On behalf of both of us and of all the guests, thank you so much for making the day the delightful, joyous and musical one that is was. Everyone has told us how much they enjoyed dancing to and hearing Dr Jazz and has praised the quality of the music and musicians in the highest terms.
We’re so glad that you were on board on Thursday and look forward to encountering you again in the future. Thanks once again!
Sarah & Nico’s Wedding – Red Lion Hotel, Burnsall
June 2019

An ultra-professional show of classic tunes that went down a storm with the audience that gathered to watch!
Sean Durney, Stage Manager – River Festival, Liverpool
June 2019

I feel compelled to write a quick note following your amazing work on Saturday. I’ve loved the full gamut of music you guys play since I was introduced to it in my early 20s. That music has become hugely important to me ever since. You played so beautifully, set the tone wonderfully and I know worked with the coordinator to play outside during the reception. It was more perfect than we could have imagined.
Thank you all so much.”
Jenny & Gabriel Heley – Wedding – Heatherden Hall, Pinewood Studios
March 2019

I am so delighted with the York event – it was fully booked and we had such amazing feedback from the team on the band and the entertainment that you guys provided – so thank you very much!”
Glenda Barber – Cosy Club Head Office – York Cosy Club
New Year’s Eve 2018

Dr Jazz were fantastic. We LOVED having you all to play for us on Saturday. It was so wonderful having you playing as we arrived in the car after the ceremony. You were brilliant and really made the reception go with a swing. Thank you so much.”
Katie Meadows & Lucy Liddell – Bride & Mother of bride – Hexham
August 2018

Matthew, thank you and your team for making our day very special. You guys were ace and special thanks for playing one of our favourite songs – you did a great job. We’ll be definitely looking out for you in the future!”
Obed Samuel – Wedding – York
April 2018

I just wanted to say a massive thank you. You were all amazing last night! You absolutely made my party and I’m so grateful!! I had so many people comment on how awesome you were! Many thanks again for making my 40th fabulous and unforgettable.”
Josie Long – 40th Birthday Party – Cheltenham
March 2018

Many thanks, I’ve had a lot of comments appreciating your band a lot, saying it couldn’t have been better, so that was very nice.”
Becky Ward – Mother of the groom – Brandsby Hall, North Yorkshire
September 2017

I just wanted to thank you and the band for playing at York Races last Wednesday for the opening day of the Ebor meeting. The band were brilliant and certainly kept the racegoers entertained, which is just what we wanted!”
Sophia Monkman – Operations Executive – York Racecourse
August 2017

Well, where can I start! From initially stumbling upon Dr Jazz and realising that there was something rather special about their approach and unique sound, to the very first email and phone calls to discuss our plans for the day, all the way through to our Wedding day itself – Dr Jazz and company were brilliant. Helpful, friendly, and wonderfully entertaining, we could not have asked for anything more. The set itself was fantastic – we were blown away with how much of an impact they made, not only in terms of everyone feeling the urge to get up to dance (which was a slight worry for us before the day!), but also with their spot on interaction with the guests, and overall management and ownership of the evening. We really knew we’d made the right decision as soon as the first note was played – talk about creating a spectacle!! In terms of a front man Matthew is absolutely superb, and his supporting crew of brilliantly talented musicians helped make our day one to remember for both us and our guests. Thank you all so very much for everything. We know what it’s like trying to find the ‘right band’, ourselves having trawled through many hundreds of sample tracks from other people and groups, and the worries that come with it regarding whether people will like it, whether it’ll be well received etc. The best advice I can honestly give is that if you are sitting there reading this review, and you have enjoyed the sample tracks you’ve listened to, then please don’t hesitate to book these guys. You will not regret it, and you and your guests will certainly never forget it. They were nothing short of marvellous. Once again we wanted to say thank you very much for everything – we really had a fantastic time, as did everyone else in attendance, and it is all thanks to you and your crew. You certainly made the evening, if not the day for us, and we are so pleased and lucky to have been able to book you to play for us. You were nothing short of brilliant, and we can’t stop talking or thinking about how amazing you were (and nor can anyone else!) It was so lovely to meet you all in person. All the best for the future, and please rest assured that we’ll be singing your praises for the years to come!”
James & Sylvia – Wedding – Northampton
August 2017

Thank you for playing for us last night – we loved the music you played and felt it really set our night off perfectly! Everyone has been saying how brilliant the band was last night and the photos today show that people really had a great time!! Your outfits were also perfectly fitting with our Roaring 20s theme and we literally couldn’t have asked for more! Thank you so much once again and we would not hesitate to book you for events in the future!”
Amber & Thomas – Engagement Party – Newcastle
August 2017

Thank you all so much for such a fantastic night and for all your hard work. The band sounded amazing and helped make the night so magical. You’ve had a lot of compliments from guests and non-wedding guests alike; the hotel staff certainly loved it. You made our day so special.”
Jack & Charlotte – Wedding – Middleton’s Hotel, York
July 2017

Thank you so much to you and the band, you were amazing! We had a fantastic time, as did our guests (in the end the 16ft dance floor didn’t quite seem big enough!!!) The music was brilliant and exceeded our expectations and we’ll definitely recommend Dr Jazz in future. Thanks again to you and the team for helping to make our reception such a brilliant and memorable occasion!!”
Rachel & Seth – Wedding – Wortley Hall, Sheffield
July 2017

A proper thumbs up! You guys were wonderful. Everybody keeps saying what brilliant music you played. Thank you so much.”
Sally & Tom – Wedding – Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate
April 2017

Just wanted to drop you a quick email to say thank you for Friday night. You were absolutely amazing, and better than we imagined. The staff have all said how brilliant you were. Thank you for being part of our Works party. We really enjoyed having you there and the music you played was just what we wanted and hoped for. We are all still talking about the night and I have party blues. Wish it hadn’t happened yet so I could do it all again. Your details will definitely come in use for future events I’m sure.”
Melissa Thawley – Off Limits Events – Radisson Blu, East Midlands Airport
January 2017

Many thanks for the band’s performances this month and last – you really were brilliant and we have had such positive feedback so thank you!”
Sophia Monkman – Operations Executive – York Racecourse
July & August 2016

Matthew, thank you ever so much! Dr Jazz were exactly what we wanted but exceeded our expectations spectacularly! You’ve had so many compliments from guests.”
Anna & Adam Paxman – Wedding – Ullet Road Unitarian Church, Liverpool
August 2016

Thank you so much. Dr Jazz was fantastic and so many people have contacted us to say how much they enjoyed the music. We all had a fantastic time!! Thank you for your good wishes. We are just at the airport waiting for our flight to Sorrento!!”
Clare & Paul Metcalf – Wedding – The Bridge Centre, Stoke-on-Trent
July 2016

Thank you so much. EVERYONE has said how amazing you were. Pass on our HUGE thanks to the lads.”
Jill & Pete Spence – Wedding – Stanley House Hotel, Blackburn
June 2016

Doesn’t time fly by! Two weeks today since we got married and you came along to keep us entertained. It was an amazing day and you and your band contributed immensely. From the moment I contacted you I knew we had made the right choice. Your communication and understanding was excellent. Our 1930s theme fit right in with the venue and your style of music. We received lots of comments from our guests about how lovely it was to sit on the lawn drinking Pimms listening to you play whilst we were off having photos taken. It was so relaxing and elegant. Like being on a film set, one guest said. I think what made it for me was when all the guests had gone inside to sit down for the meal and we were passing some hotel guests sitting on the terrace enjoying the sun. As I walked passed one gentleman starting clapping and commented how beautiful I looked and thanked me for providing such wonderful music that he had enjoyed listening to; a real unexpected pleasure. In fact the venue told me the following day that quite a few hotel guests had commented on the great music. The evening was astounding. In the DJ sets you provided between Dr Jazz’s live sessions you managed to fit in all our guests’ special songs. This made it a lot more personal. And thank you so much for rearranging one of your songs to fit in with the routine we had learned for our first dance. This just shows how versatile and amenable you are. We would like to thank you for coming and making our wedding day most enjoyable, not just for us but for our guests. I have already been recommending you and will continue to do so.”
Janet Foran – Bride – Ashdown Park, West Sussex
May 2016

We had a splendid night and many of our guests commented that your band was one of their favourite parts of the day. Thank you for contributing to our successful event.”
Ashley Lau – Grainger plc Christmas Party – Queen’s Hotel, Leeds
December 2015

The band was great on Saturday evening. The performance created a nice, lively atmosphere for the event and all the guests obviously enjoyed it!”
Matthew Clark – on behalf of Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
October 2015

I would very much like to thank you all for my amazing party on Saturday night. I was in a daze for most of it so apologies if I didn’t take the time to say thank you to everyone. The band were incredible. We really enjoyed the music. It is so good to hear real instruments and you got all of us up dancing, even me, and my feet still hurt.”
Julie Kennedy – 50th birthday party – Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
October 2015

I /we would be very happy to recommend you and your band – the evening was a great success – everybody thoroughly enjoyed your music – Thank You!”
Vicky Boyle – Walters Wealth Management – Sun Pavilion, Harrogate
October 2015

It was an absolute pleasure. We had fantastic feed back from all of our dancers who said they would love to see you all again. Thank you again.”
Jo & Leighton – Professional Dancers – 20s/30s Dance – Skipton
October 2015

Thank you for the most wonderful evening of music and entertainment on Saturday. Dr Jazz were EXACTLY what we were after and we have thoroughly enjoyed listening to your cd too! You were highly praised by our guests too and we shall certainly recommend you (and hopefully book you again ourselves!)”
Carolyn & Glenn Crocker – Silver Wedding Anniversary – Melbourne, Derbyshire
September 2015

All I can say is WOW! Everyone loved the band! The night couldn’t have gone better! So a massive thank you, to yourself and your team!”
Rose Mather – 30th Birthday Party – Loughborough Town Hall
September 2015

Many thanks for coming to Thirsk this year, you have been brilliant and we have received such positive feedback from our racegoers.” (Dr Jazz performed at Thirsk Races in May, June and August in 2015)
Sophia Monkman – Sales & Marketing Manager, Thirsk Racecourse
September 2015

Thank you for Saturday night, it was amazing! Everyone loved Dr Jazz and it was a great way to welcome guests. The music was brilliant, along with the service you have provided throughout. We would definitely recommend you and it helped make the night so special.”
Claire & Marc – Wedding – Holiday Inn, Barnsley
August 2015

Thank you so much for an amazing musical display; you and your Great Gatsby band were the icing on the cake! Everyone loved you and thought you were fantastic. Mark and I and the kids want to thank you all for the wonderful music and atmosphere you created on the night. The event would not have been the same without you. Just made the party start with a bang and we could not have been happier. I can’t thank you enough and would highly recommend you. You were all brilliant.”
Liz Rothera – Family Celebrations – Wadenhoe House, Oundle
June 2015

We had an incredible day! I am sure we will see you soon as a friend in the village has already asked for your details!! Many thanks.”
Bronya Heaver – Wedding – Coleby, Lincolnshire
May 2015

We all had a fantastic time on Saturday, it was a very special night for my sister. Everyone thought that the Roaring 20s band was splendid, thank you for a super evening of professional entertainment which was thoroughly enjoyed & appreciated by one & all, we are all still recovering!! Thanks very much again & all the best.”….and then this, sent to the agency…”Dr Jazz gave a truly tremendous performance; a fantastic band who captivated us all for what was a most splendid and memorable occasion. I would have no hesitation in recommending such a professional & inspiring band.”
Louise Cunden – 50th Birthday Party – Willerby Manor, Hull
March 2015

Thank you so much for entertaining us. Your guys were really great and were a perfect way to finish off the night. Thanks a million.”
Graham & Nichola McCollum – Wedding – Lancaster Golf Club
December 2014

Thank you very much for being part of our event – you really added a brilliant element to the night and I have had lots of comments on how great everyone thought you were! I really do appreciate your attendance and performance at our fundraiser – it was fantastic. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you before and during the event!”
Stephanie Woof – 1920s Charity Event – Wood Green Animal Shelter, Cambs
November 2014

Thank you so much for making our wedding day so special. Dr jazz were excellent and we will be recommending you to all. We wish you well in the future.”
Emma & Andrew – Wedding – The Avenue, Hartlepool
September 2014

Thanks for doing such a fantastic job on Saturday. You really helped to make our day a special one and we will definitely be recommending you to people in future.”
Laura & Richard – Wedding – The Hawkhills, Easingwold
August 2014

Great work for Saturday! Everyone loved it and hope we can do more in future…”
Darren Royston – Nonsuch Dance Company – Majestic Hotel, Harrogate
July 2014

Thank you all so much for your amazing performance on Saturday evening, which was everything I could have hoped for! Your music was brilliant, got everyone up dancing and I can’t tell you how many people told me afterwards ‘how brilliant the 1920s band were’. As soon as you played your first song I knew we’d struck gold! It couldn’t have been more perfect given the whole Gatsby theme and everyone so dressed up, so thank you all so much. You may be interested to know that we raised an astonishing £7,000 on the night! With just 96 people in the room…amazing! Thanks again Matthew and I’ll not hesitate to recommend you if anyone should ask me for a fabulous 20’s Jazz Band!”
Gayle Wharton – Great Gatsby Charity Ball, Irnham Hall, Lincolnshire
May 2014

It was a great evening and we thought you were all great and will be in touch for any future events! Thanks again.”
Lucy Duncan – The Spiced Pear, Hepworth
New Year’s Eve 2013

The band were polite, prompt, professional and great fun! 5/5″
Catherine Moore – Charity 1920s Dinner – Crewe
February 2014

Thank you so much for playing at our party at Low Farm; it just topped off the event so wonderfully – everyone said so. I’d like to hear your Yorkshire 1920s band again if it is nearby – I’ll bring the sunshine with me hopefully. Take care and best wishes to you all.”
Susie & Charles Cockburn – Anniversary Party – Pocklington, York
May 2013

Can I please say a huge Thanks to you and the guys in Dr Jazz: you were amazing! So much so that the regional area manager is looking into booking your services on a regular basis. You really made the night for us. Thank You.”
Gemma Cryan – Area Manager, Frankie & Benny’s, Middlesbrough
February 2013

I would like to thank you so much for the wonderful performance Dr Jazz did for my parents 60th diamond wedding anniversary. They were enjoyed by all at the venue and my parents’ event was made more special with them there. Thank you once again. From a grateful daughter.”
Joanne – Wedding Anniversary, Stoke-on-Trent
May 2012

Reviews

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DR JAZZ – MARRIAGE PROPOSAL
YORK RACES – SUNDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 2022
An old friend of mine got in touch over the summer to ask if Dr Jazz would provide the music for his stepson’s proposal to his girlfriend. Naturally, we were honoured! Danny had met Emma at York Races and wanted to pop the question when they returned there as a couple.
Their favourite song is God Only Knows by the Beach Boys so we threw together an arrangement and had a quick run through before the gates were opened to the public. We started playing when we got the nod and Danny got down on one knee. As soon as Emma said yes lots of family and friends, who Emma didn’t know were coming, appeared from various vantage points to join in the celebrations. I’m so glad Dr Jazz could be a part of it!

DR JAZZ (SOLO ACT) – VINTAGE RACE WEEKEND
OULTON PARK, CHESHIRE – SATURDAY 30TH JULY 2022
Another outing for the solo act saw me entertaining the crowds at Oulton Park race track for its vintage weekend. It can be quite offputting having vintage Formula 1 cars speeding past behind you at well over 100mph when you’re singing The Sun Has Got His Hat On but it was a fantastic experience nonetheless!

DR JAZZ – LORD BARKER’S FAMILY PARTY
BATTLE, SUSSEX – SATURDAY 18TH JUNE 2022
After having to postpone both his children’s 21st birthday parties due to Covid, Lord Barker eventually managed to get all his family and friends together for this amazing evening of entertainment.
Dr Jazz performed as guests arrived for a champagne reception and were joined on a couple of numbers by dancers Thelma and Flo from dance group The Gatsby Girls. Dr Jazz then relocated into the marquee to entertain during dinner before a latin dance act got people up dancing. I’m glad I got away when I did as the heavens opened and I have never known rain like it. I hope the younger guests camping in the grounds of Lord Barker’s house survived!

DR JAZZ – RETRO FESTIVAL
NEWARK SHOWGROUND – FRIDAY 10TH JUNE 2022
Dr Jazz loves permorming at festivals and this was a cracker! Retro and vintage vehicles galore from the 20s to the 70s as well as three live music stages – one for 60s and 70s tribute acts, one for rock’n’roll and the vintage stage for Dr Jazz!

DR JAZZ – HAVEN LYDSTEP BEACH
TENBY, SOUTH WALES – SATURDAY 5TH MARCH 2022
I’ve driven some distances for gigs over the years and this was another epic. Well worth it though, as the view across the bay was stunning!
It was the owners welcome back party to launch the new season and they’d plumped for a Roaring 20s theme. This poster, as guests arrived bedecked in Great Gatsby attire, offered advice, if not rules, for the night ahead!

DR JAZZ – COSY CLUB, YORK – NEW YEARS EVE 2021
With two wedding bookings falling to Covid between Christmas and New Year – the second due to all three staff at the marquee company becoming ill leaving the poor couple with no venue – Dr Jazz was very pleased to be back at York’s Cosy Club to bring in 2022.
As always people had pulled out all the stops with their glamorous 1920s costumes and were well up for a party. Let’s hope 2022 is a better year for everyone!

DR JAZZ – ALEXANDRA & JAMES’ WEDDING – WINDERMERE – SATURDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2021
This was a full day out for Dr Jazz. Pity the weather wasn’t kinder though!
The Gilpin Park Lakehouse, as it suggests, is on the banks of Windermere. A cosy little venue which lends itself superbly to an intimate wedding reception.
Our first performance of the day saw vocals/trumpet, clarinet and trombone set up on a minstrels gallery, only accessible via a bedroom and a very low door. Opposite us, on the landing, were the band’s rhythm section of piano, bass and drums.

Below us were the newlyweds and guests drinking champagne, having returned from the ceremony. As they hobnobbed, Dr Jazz serenaded them from up high.
With the first performance done, we retired to the boathouse for sustenance. If only it hadn’t been December and pouring down, this would have been idyllic downtime!

After the wedding breakfast we set up in the main room and filled the dance floor with revellers before the band’s DJ took over to keep the party going late into the night.

DR JAZZ – 1920s NIGHT – HARTLEPOOL – FRIDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2021
It was wonderful to finally do this gig as it had had to be postponed twice due to Covid restrictions. It was well worth waiting for though!
The committee in a Working Men’s Club had transformed their venue into a scene from Peaky Blinders’ Eden Club. The black and white feathered centre-pieces on each table were fantastic.
Dr Jazz entertained the flapper girls and dapper guys during dinner before inviting everybody up to dance later in the evening.

DR JAZZ (SOLO) – ANDREW’S 60TH – MOTTRAM HALL – THURSDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2021
Andrew had really gone to town for his 60th birthday, employing an events company to transform Mottram Hall’s main function room into a glamorous Speakeasy complete with casino tables.

During Dr Jazz’s sets a professional dance couple invited Andrew’s guests up to show them some moves and during the band’s interval taught everyone a Charleston dance which they all then demonstrated in our final set.
A great night with a great crowd!

DR JAZZ (SOLO) – ALICE’S 30TH – HARROGATE – SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2021
Alice had invited a couple of dozen friends to help her celebrate her 30th birthday in a stunning farmhouse just north west of Harrogate. When I arrived a good number of the guests were drinking champagne in an enormous hot-tub!
The inside of the farmhouse had been decorated in an art deco style and everyone arrived for dinner looking amazing in their 1920s attire. Dr Jazz’s two 45-minute sets went down a storm and I left Alice and her friends dancing into the night.

DR JAZZ – ANNABEL & DAN’S WEDDING – MIDDLETON TYAS – THURSDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER 2021
Annabel and Dan had booked Dr Jazz for their wedding just before the pandemic hit and were lucky enough with their date that it fell just after restrictions were lifted.
Middleton Lodge is such a lovely, cosy venue for a compact wedding and lent its atmosphere beautifully for the band’s rendition of Nat King Cole’s L.O.V.E. for the bride and groom’s first dance.

DR JAZZ – YORK RACES – SUMMER 2021
It was wonderful to perform again at York racecourse after the 2020 season was completely wiped out. Dr Jazz played at eight race meetings between July and October and are looking forward to returning in 2022.
We’re even happy posing for selfies with racegoers!

DR JAZZ – MARTIN & CAROLINE’S WEDDING – GREYS COURT, YORK – FRIDAY 30TH JULY 2021
Martin and Caroline had chosen the exquisite Grays Court behind York Minster for their wedding – a venue Dr Jazz had had the pleasure of performing at on many previous occasions.

The ceremony and drinks reception were due to take place outside in the beautiful garden overlooked by the bar walls but the threatening weather forecast saw everything moved indoors.
Not a problem for Dr Jazz. We can squeeze into the smallest of cubby holes. As the rain poured down outside, Dr Jazz entertained the bride, groom and guests inside!

DR JAZZ – HELEN’s 30th BIRTHDAY PARTY – THE PROHIBITIONS BAR, NEWCASTLE -SATURDAY 11TH JANUARY 2020
Helen and her wife, Charlotte, contacted us last May determined to book Dr Jazz for our first 20s gig of the 2020s. And so it turned out to be!

They had chosen Newcastle’s Prohibition Bar for the party and I can think of no better venue in which to kick off this fantastic new decade. As soon as you walk in you are transported back a hundred years to a time of wild abandonment. The upstairs function room even boasts a burlesque stage. Disappointingly for some, we sat our drummer there!

DR JAZZ – NEW YEAR’s EVE 1920s PARTY – COSY CLUB, YORK – TUESDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2019
Following the huge success of the previous year’s event, Dr Jazz was invited back to entertain two hundred diners at York’s Art Deco Cosy Club.

Twelve months ago, as we were packing up at the end of the night, two guests suggested we put ‘Minnie the Moocher’ into the set and, having given it a run out earlier in the month, it raised the roof with everyone singing along. The same two guests thanked us afterwards! It would appear they’re regulars….and it would appear Dr Jazz is as well!

DR JAZZ – IMAGINE IF TRUST CHARITY DINNER – FLORENCE INSTITUTE, LIVERPOOL – SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2019
What an amazing night this was! Dr Jazz was honoured to be invited to entertain guests raising money to feed homeless people on Christmas Day; just one of the ways the Imagine If Trust helps the vulnerable people of Liverpool year on year.
Following the meal, speeches and auction, the crowd was well up for a dance and Dr Jazz’s debut rendition of ‘Minnie the Moocher’ went down a storm!.

DR JAZZ – ELLIE’s 18th GATSBY PARTY – HEYWOOD, LANCASHIRE – SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2019
Ellie decided to buck the trend and opted for a Roaring 20s Gatsby party for her 18th. She looked amazing as she arrived with her parents in a vintage open-top car. As did her friends and family who’d all made a huge effort with their attire.

It was a truly lovely event and this Gatsby backdrop really set the scene!

DR JAZZ – BRASH BASH – GIVENDALE, EAST YORKSHIRE – SATURDAY 6TH JULY 2019
Parties don’t come better than this! TV vet, Matt Brash and his wife Clare, threw a Peaky Blinders party to remember on their farm in the spectacular Yorkshire countryside. There was a bar all decked out like the hit TV show and a casino for guests to try their luck.
Speaking of the guests, every last one of them had pulled out all the stops to dress in fabulous 20s clothing and this put everyone in such a party mood.

DR JAZZ – AMBER’s 21st – ESHTON NEAR SKIPTON – SATURDAY 15TH JUNE 2019
This was a simply amazing event! Eshton House is a private residence in a quiet village not far from Skipton and the family had decided to throw a party to celebrate their daughter’s 21st in some style.
With the title ‘A Nod To Gatsby’, Dr Jazz was invited to play as guests entered the marquee, during dinner and for dancing afterwards. Amber and her father shared the first dance before the floor was filled by many a reveler!

DR JAZZ – RIVER FESTIVAL – LIVERPOOL PIER HEAD – SATURDAY 2ND JUNE 2019
Following a well-received performance in 2018, Dr Jazz was invited back to entertain the people of Liverpool with an hour of Roaring 20s favourites.
With a kit kindly provided by the event organisers, the band’s drummer had elected to travel by train. Unfortunately, his train was terminated at Leeds and it became apparent he wasn’t going to make it. Thankfully, Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra’s drummer heroically stepped in to save the day and we all managed to get ourselves and our vehicles out of the city before all the roads were closed and three quarters of a million football fans descended for Liverpool FC’s triumphant Champions League open-top bus parade!

DR JAZZ – JENNY & GABRIEL’s WEDDING – HEATHERDEN HALL, PINEWOOD STUDIOS – SATURDAY 30TH MARCH 2019
Big fans of 1920s music, Jenny and Gabriel wanted something stylish for their wedding ceremony and drinks reception and Dr Jazz fitted the bill perfectly.
They had chosen the iconic Heatherden Hall at Pinewood studios for their special day, a location used in so many films over the years, and Dr Jazz provided music chosen by the bride and groom before, during and after the ceremony before relocating outside to entertain guests with Roaring 20s favourites as photographs were taken amid many a glass of champagne and canopés.

DR JAZZ – YORK COSY CLUB – NEW YEARS EVE 2018
York’s Cosy Club is housed in the old Electric Cinema on Fossgate – a beautiful old building which has been restored to its former Art Deco glory. What a magnificent setting for nigh on 200 revellers to bring in the new year dressed in amazing 1920s dresses and suits. And it wasn’t just the guests – as you can see, the Cosy Club staff looked great too!

Dr Jazz had the dancefloor full within seconds even though the guests had just finished a four-course meal! We brought 2019 in together with many a confetti cannon exploding overhead. Cosy Club Head Office have already booked Dr Jazz to bring in the ’20s next time and we can’t wait.

DR JAZZ – Hope4Kidz PEAKY BLINDERS GALA DINNER – ROKER HALL, SUNDERLAND – FRIDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2018
When organiser Viv got in touch just three weeks prior to the event having been let down by another band, Dr Jazz were only too happy to pick up the gauntlet and step into the breach.
And what a breach it was! A worthy cause, a beautifully decorated venue and a couple of hundred guests dressed in Peaky Blinders attire, from Brummie gangland hoodlums to high society toffs.
Dr Jazz entertained the lively crowd with Roaring 20s favourites as the Eden Club Band do in the hit TV show.

DR JAZZ – CHANTELLE’s 40TH BIRTHDAY PARTY – BLACKBURN RUGBY CLUB – FRIDAY 18TH MAY 2018
Chantelle had opted for a 1920s theme for her 40th and her guests didn’t let her down. Everyone had made a great effort with their outfits, including the birthday girl herself. Due to free-flowing bubbles, Chantelle brought her speech forwards by a good hour but as you can see, she had a splendid evening!
Dr Jazz kept Chantelle and her friends and family dancing all night to Roaring 20s and Great Gatsby favourites and were rewarded with a magnificent pie ‘n’ peas supper.

DR JAZZ – OBED & AMANDA’s WEDDING – VILLA FARM, YORK – SATURDAY 14TH APRIL 2018
What a lovely afternoon we spent with Obed, Amanda and their guests!
The newlyweds were welcomed to the reception marquee by drummers before Dr Jazz struck up to get feet tapping during the drinks reception.

DR JAZZ – JOSIE’s 40TH BIRTHDAY PARTY – ALBION HOUSE, CHELTENHAM – SATURDAY 24TH MARCH 2018
At last! This date had been in the Dr Jazz diary for quite some time as, believe it or not, Josie had booked the band when she was 37! It was a night well worth the wait though.
Josie and all her guests were dressed wonderfully in 1920’s garb which really set the tone for a splendid evening. I fully expect to hear from Josie again before too long, putting plans in place for her 50th!

DR JAZZ – JAMES & SYLVIA’s WEDDING – QUINTON HOUSE SCHOOL, NORTHAMPTON – SATURDAY 19TH AUGUST 2017
What a lovely, lovely couple! James and Sylvia’s wedding was simply perfect. Perfect setting, perfect guests and a perfect bride and groom to boot.
They chose ‘When You’re Smiling’ as their first dance which could not have been more apt as two more smiley people you will never ever meet. They even allowed us access to their photo booth….

DR JAZZ – RACHEL & SETHS’s WEDDING – WORTLEY HALL, SHEFFIELD – SATURDAY 8TH JULY 2017
Rachel and Seth work for an events company in London so know how to throw a party.
They had gone for a 1920s theme and the venue looked amazing with chandeliers and black and white feathered table centrepieces.
All their guests had entered into the spirit of the theme too, really going to town with authentic 20s clothing. Dr Jazz kept them all on their feet throughout the night culminating in a packed dance-floor for ‘The Charleston’.

DR JAZZ – OFF LIMITS EVENTS WORK’s PARTY – RADISSON BLU, EAST MIDLANDS AIRPORT – FRIDAY 27TH JANUARY 2017
What a way to start the year! Well over a hundred guests bedecked in 20s attire for a work’s party to trump all work’s parties.

Still, these guys should know what they’re doing. Off Limits Events plan, organise and execute parties like this all year round.
With vintage cars and dancing girls on hand alongside Dr Jazz, we gave them a Gatsby experience they’ll never forget.

DR JAZZ – ANNA & ADAM’s WEDDING – ULLET ROAD UNITARIAN CHURCH, LIVERPOOL – SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST 2016
Despite the early evening heat, Anna, Adam and their enthusiastic guests were raring to go after the speeches, charging onto the dancefloor as soon as they heard the opening bars of ‘Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend’. The floor then remained full for the duration, the crowd dancing non-stop to 20s and 30s classics.
Dr Jazz was tipped off that the bride used to play trombone in her youth and Anna dutifully joined us on stage to show off her skills. We rounded off the evening with a ‘not-to-be-missed’ visit to the photo booth for a customary nostalgia shot!

DR JAZZ – CLARE & PAUL’s WEDDING – THE BRIDGE CENTRE, STOKE – SATURDAY 16TH JULY 2016
Clare and Paul chose to have an afternoon tea dance for their wedding reception and invited Dr Jazz to get everyone on their feet. When we arrived to set up, the ceremony had only just got underway as the best man had forgotten the rings! As you can see from the photo, we had a bit of waiting around to do.
Once the reception was up and running though, Clare and Paul danced their first dance to ‘It Had To Be You’ and all the guests then joined them on the dance-floor.

DR JAZZ – ‘DECLINE & FALL’ PROHIBITION BALL – ARMY AVIATION CENTRE, HAMPSHIRE – SATURDAY 9TH JULY 2016
Last July Dr Jazz played at this wonderful event when it was held at RAF Dishforth in North Yorkshire and were very pleased to be invited down to Hampshire to perform once again to 300 guests dressed in authentic 1920s and 30s attire and well up for a good night.
The party-goers were entertained by circus acts as they enjoyed pre-dinner drinks in the glorious sunshine before being seated in the marquee. After the main course, a spoof police raid evacuated them into the adjoining officers’ mess where there were puddings, cheese, chocolate fountains, a cocktail bar, casino, cinema and lots more entertainment.
An amazing acrobat and burlesque act drew the huge crowd towards the stage before Dr Jazz kicked the dancing off. The party was still going at 3am!

DR JAZZ – JILL & PETE’s WEDDING – STANLEY HOUSE, BLACKBURN – TUESDAY 21ST JUNE 2016
The bride and groom had seen Dr Jazz playing at York Races last summer and booked the band for their wedding there and then. The first dance took on an interesting twist, with all the guests taking turns to dance with Jill, starting and ending of course with her husband Pete.
As far as Dr Jazz was concerned, the stars of the night were Pete’s brother Simon and his friend Damian who danced to every single tune!
With Dr Jazz’s own DJ on hand to round off the evening, a good time was had by all.

DR JAZZ – JANET & GREGG’s WEDDING – ASHDOWN PARK, WEST SUSSEX – SATURDAY 29TH MAY 2016
Janet and Greg had chosen a stunning venue for their 1930s themed wedding. Ashdown Park Hotel near East Grinstead is set in beautiful surroundings with glorious gardens running down from the house to a lake.
Dr Jazz played in front of the summer house to entertain guests at a drinks reception whilst photographs were being taken. With all the gentlemen in white tie and tails it looked like a scene from a film set!
Ashdown Park was originally a convent and the ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception took place in the magnificent chapel, a separate building alongside the hotel.
Dr Jazz set up surrounded by fabulous stained glass windows and kept the guests dancing all evening.

DR JAZZ – NATALIE & JOHN’s 90TH SPEAKEASY PARTY – LILLESHALL MEMORIAL HALL – SATURDAY 26TH MARCH 2016
Married couple Natalie and John were both celebrating their 45th birthdays. Two 45s make 90 and ninety years ago was 1926, hence their Speakeasy theme!
Everybody looked amazing in their Roaring 20s outfits, with feather boas and trilbies a-plenty. The hall itself had been decorated brilliantly with wonderful lighting and stage effects. There was a casino and even a bar serving cocktails in tea cups!
In the corner of the room was a mock-up of a Model T Ford….and, well, we just couldn’t resist:

DR JAZZ – AMY & MARK’s WEDDING – ELLINGHAM HALL NR ALNWICK – SATURDAY 23RD JANUARY 2016
Dr Jazz enjoyed a great start to 2016 at Ellingham Hall for Amy and Mark’s wedding.
A lovely venue tucked away just off the A1 saw the happy couple’s friends and family dance the night away to Dr Jazz before the band’s own DJ rounded off the evening.

DR JAZZ – GRAINGER PLC CHRISTMAS PARTY – QUEENS HOTEL, LEEDS – THURSDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2015
As corporate events go, this was up there with the best! Grainger plc threw a Great Gatsby party to rival all others.
The magnificent ballroom at the Queen’s Hotel was decorated superbly to transport the guests right back to the Roaring 20s.
Dr Jazz struck up as the doors were opened, welcoming guests into the ballroom from their pre-dinner drinks reception and continued after dinner with Gatsby classics, encouraging everyone onto their feet.

DR JAZZ – JULIE’s 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY – WOLLATON HALL, NOTTINGHAM – SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2015
This was our third 50th birthday party of the year and the second this month. The Roaring 20s is obviously a popular theme with persons of a certain age! Julie had chosen Wollaton Hall to hold her party and what an amazing venue it is.
Its impressive foreboding facade was used in the Batman film ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ for the scenes outside Wayne Manor. My small white van was dwarfed by the sheer size of the place as you can see…
Julie and her guests were dressed up to the nines, which always makes for a good night, and the dinner tables in Wollaton’s grand hall were decorated beautifully with magnificent black and white feather centrepieces. After a very tasty buffet Dr Jazz got everyone on their feet for some Great Gatsby favourites!

DR JAZZ – LEN’s 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY – SUN PAVILION, HARROGATE – FRIDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2015
Len’s family and friends had a cracking party in Harrogate’s sumptuous Sun Pavilion to celebrate his half century. Dr Jazz played a set of well-known tunes as guests arrived for a champagne reception and mingled amid the venue’s art deco splendour.
Following Len’s speech and a rather splendid buffet, Dr Jazz returned to the stage for more Roaring 20s and 30s favourites before a DJ and bucking bronco took over the entertainment.
As you can see, Dr Jazz never shies away from a photo booth!

DR JAZZ – CAROLYN & GLENN’s SILVER WEDDING ANNIVERSARY – MELBORNE, DERBYSHIRE – SATURDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2015
What an amazing house for a party! When you have a beautiful oxbow lake at the bottom of your garden with candles floating on it after dark and a wonderful group of family and friends, you can’t fail to have a good time.
Dr Jazz performed a laid-back set as guests arrived and went down a storm with old and young alike filling the dancefloor after supper.
Enjoying cocktails by the lake between sets wasn’t bad either!

DR JAZZ – ROSE’s 30th BIRTHDAY PARTY – LOUGHBOROUGH TOWN HALL – SATURDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2015
All family and friends had got into the vintage spirit, dressing up in 20s and 30s attire for a very sophisticated society party to celebrate Rose’s 30th.
The birthday girl looked stunning, dancing to a Dr Jazz set list she’d chosen herself, full of all her favourite songs.
The highlight of the evening had to be Rose dancing with her mum to ‘Puttin’ On The Ritz’; a taste of things to come as the two of them had a date for lunch at The Ritz the very next day!

DR JAZZ – DECLINE & FALL SUMMER BALL – RAF DISFORTH – SATURDAY 25TH JULY 2015
RAF Dishforth had really gone to town on their very last summer ball before the base is decommisioned. Newspaper-style posters had advertised the event which boasted two Roaring 20s bands, Laurel and Hardy magicians, a burlesque dancer, dodgem cars and a cinema!
Dr Jazz (billed under an agency name of Roaring Rhythms) was the main attraction and the band had the venue jumping after dinner. The burlesque dancer wasn’t bad either!

DR JAZZ – ALEX & NICK’s WEDDING – NEWTON, LINCS – SATURDAY 11TH JULY 2015
Alex and Nick had seen Dr Jazz perform at the Irnham Hall gig in May last year and were very keen for us to entertain family and friends on their big day.
Dr Jazz set feet tapping during the afternoon drinks reception before donning evening attire after the wedding breakfast and speeches for some serious ‘flapping’ to classics such as ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ and ‘Five Foot Two, Eyes Of Blue’.
The happy couple smooched to ‘As Time Goes By’ for the last dance before Dr Jazz’s own DJ kept the party going into the early hours.

DR JAZZ – ROTHERA FAMILY CELEBRATIONS – WADENHOE HOUSE, OUNDLE – SATURDAY 27TH JUNE 2015
What a lovely family and what a fantastic event!
With a 21st birthday, a 25th birthday, a 50th birthday and an important wedding anniversary all in the same year, the Rothera family had decided to throw a party to trump all parties in the beautiful surroundings of Wadenhoe House near Oundle.
The event was Gatsby themed with 1920s and 30s attire obligatory and about a hundred guests arrived dressed accordingly as Dr Jazz performed well-known songs of the era.
Family and friends drank Pimm’s and cocktails, some even partaking in a game of croquet, before Dr Jazz played the partygoers dancing into the marquee for dinner.

DR JAZZ – FRANKIE’s 50TH BIRTHDAY MURDER MYSTERY PARTY – WILLERBY MANOR HOTEL, HULL – SATURDAY 18TH MARCH 2015
What an amazing night we had celebrating Frankie’s 50th birthday!
Forty or so of Frankie’s family and friends had dressed in 1920s attire to enjoy a candlelit dinner around an enormous dining table while a murder mystery play was acted out before them by Scandalous Affairs.
After solving not one but two cases of murder (or not as the case may be!), Frankie and her guests danced the night away to Roaring 20s classics provided by Dr Jazz, who kept the dancefloor jumping to the end.

DR JAZZ – 1920s GALA DINNER – WOOD GREEN ANIMAL SHELTER, GODMANCHESTER – THURSDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2014
The Animal Shelter was founded in 1924 and so, for its 90th birthday, the powers-that-be at Wood Green threw a spectacular 1920s Gala Dinner to celebrate and raise much needed funds.
As guests arrived all dressed up they had their photos taken with the glamorous befeathered reception girls against the backdrop of a wonderful late 20s Austin before being treated to glass of bubbly.
Once the lavish dinner, speeches and auctions were over, Dr Jazz took to the stage and got everyone on their feet for a non-stop 90 minutes of Roaring 20s favourites!

DR JAZZ – CORPORATE 1920s NIGHT – BELSFIELD HOTEL, BOWNESS – FRIDAY 31ST OCTOBER 2014
What an event this was!
The company was re-branding the venue as a ‘Laura Ashley’ hotel and had invited corporate and business guests from far and wide to a Roaring 20s evening.
All the staff and guests were bedecked in top hat and tails, flapper dresses and feathers for a packed night of cocktails, food, photographs, magic, music, dancing and fireworks.
Four professional dancers ‘Jitterbugged’ and ‘Charlestoned’ continuously, encouraging guests to take to the floor and creating an amazing atmosphere.
They said Dr Jazz was the best band they’d ever danced to.
Praise indeed!
With some great photographers on hand recording the whole event for posterity, it was worth getting a shot of the band…

DR JAZZ – EMMA & ANDREW’s WEDDING – THE AVENUE, HARTLEPOOL – SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2014
Emma and Andrew had chosen a ‘Roaring 20s’ theme for their big day and looked resplendent in period wedding attire.
The venue was decorated perfectly with magnificent white feather centre-pieces on each table; really setting the scene for this special occasion.
Dr Jazz looked the part too in their white ties, silvery waistcoats, top hat and tails as you can see in this vintage photograph.

DR JAZZ – NONSUCH THEATRE & DANCE EVENING HOTEL MAJESTIC, HARROGATE – SATURDAY 12TH JULY 2014
What a great evening we had amongst some wonderful people. The event was staged by Nonsuch Theatre & Dance group who performed period dances dating as far back as Tudor times between courses of a very tasty three-course meal.
The guests were invited up to learn the dances which worked their way through history until, with the meal finished, they arrived at the 1920s….which is where Dr Jazz came in.
We’d rehearsed routines to ‘Ain’t She Sweet’ and ‘The Charleston’ with the dancers earlier in the day and these were performed during the band’s main performance.
(Many thanks to Garry Fry at Yorkshire Events Photography)

DR JAZZ – GREAT GATSBY CHARITY BALL – IRNHAM HALL, LINCOLNSHIRE – SATURDAY 17TH MAY 2014
This event was full of style and panache….and a massive £7000 was raised for charity! Everyone was dressed up to the nines in flapper dresses and dapper suits ready to enjoy a wonderful evening of dining, dancing and cabaret.
Guests danced non-stop to Dr Jazz after dinner, lapping up songs like ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Ain’t She Sweet’ and ‘The Charleston’.
There was a Rolls Royce and a Lagonda to provide stunning backdrops to photographs…
(Thanks to Phil Lockwood of lusamphotography.co.uk).

DR JAZZ – VALENTINES DANCE – DE GREY ROOMS, YORK – FRIDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2014
After several successful dances in the beautiful De Grey Rooms featuring Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra, it was now the turn of Dr Jazz to entertain with timeless classics from the 20s and 30s.
The majority of the audience had entered into the spirit by dressing in Gatsby-esque attire and filled the floor demonstrating the Charleston moves they’d learnt in the dance class held earlier in the evening.
A fun night was had by all!

DR JAZZ – THE SPIED PEAR, HEPWORTH – NEW YEARS EVE 2013
Dr Jazz was booked to entertain diners at the illustrious Spiced Pear restaurant run by multi award-winning chef Timothy Bilton.
Guests enjoyed a 9-course taster menu whilst Dr Jazz performed classic tunes from the 20s and 30s with couples getting up to dance between courses.
As midnight approached, the dance area filled with revellers eager to bring the new year in with a bang!

DR JAZZ – ROTARY CLUB CONFERENCE DINNER – GRAND HALL, SCARBOROUGH SPA – SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2013
This wonderful old venue has been renovated over recent years and is once again an awe-inspiring auditorium.
Dr Jazz had the great honour of entertaining the 250+ rotarians before and after dinner.
All the delegates were dressed up as flapper girls, gangsters and other 1920s attire; it really was a splendid sight.
Dr Jazz went down very well with its repertoire of ‘Roaring 20s’ classics and received many favourable comments throughout the evening.

DR JAZZ – OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW COLLECTIONS BUILDING, ELVINGTON AIR MUSEUM – WEDNESDAY 24TH JULY 2013
Dr Jazz was very proud to be invited to perform at this prestigious event by the Air Crew Association.
I knew the ACA’s top dog Jack Broughton OBE of old, with Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra having played up and down the country for him on many occasions.
The 6-piece jazz band entertained the important dignitaries as they arrived with 1920s and 30s favourites and had many a toe tapping by the start of the ceremony. Many favourable comments came the band’s way too, making it a really great gig.

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