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Frequently asked questions:- |
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How many members are in Acoustic Jass? |
Four. |
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What instruments does Acoustic Jass use? |
Trumpet, Clarinet or Soprano Saxophone, Banjo & Sousaphone or Bass Saxophone |
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Does anyone in Acoustic Jass sing? |
The usual trumpet player does occasionally but only when they play with amplification. |
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How long has Acoustic Jass been together as a group, with their current personnel? |
Until March 2003 when the trumpet player retired the personnel was unchanged from August 1998 although the band has been in existence since December 1996 |
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Does Acoustic Jass always the same personnel, or do they use deputies on a regular basis? |
The members are always the same but to cover holidays etc. use deputies from a carefully selected pool. |
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Will it be Acoustic Jass that turns up or will it be a substitute band? |
They never take a booking and then provide a substitute band, what you book is what you get. |
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What events does Acoustic Jass have experience in? |
Concerts, Country fayres, corporate receptions, garden parties, jazz festivals, Christenings, dances, corporate family fun days, shop openings, New Orleans style funerals, wedding receptions, students union bars. |
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Does Acoustic Jass need electricity? |
No, as their name suggests they are an acoustic band and only use amplification for vocals or if the environment demands it. |
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Can Acoustic Jass Lead our Procession? |
Yes, they are mobile which is why they are in demand for New Orleans style funeral processions and leading wedding parties from the ceremony to the reception. However they do limit the distance. |
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What will Acoustic Jass wear? |
Their usual uniform is matching striped jackets and boaters, or matching waistcoats or matching sweatshirts depending on the weather and formality of the occasion. For colder outside events they have matching black anoraks with the classic "8 Point" American Police Cap. They also have a set of tailcoats for the formal evening events - 20's style. |
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What styles of music does Acoustic Jass play? |
Traditional, New Orleans jazz, foot tapping music for dancing or restrained background music. All tunes have a beginning middle and an end, the sort of tunes you can whistle or hum. |
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What sort of tunes does Acoustic Jass play? |
Well known jazz, blues, spirituals, ballads & popular tunes, of the early 20th century many of which were recorded at some time by Louis Armstrong, but then he recorded the best tunes of the era. |
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How many tunes do Acoustic Jass have on their repertoire? |
About two hundred. Click here for a list of tunes that they play and its growing / changing all the time and, unusually for a jazz band they have some waltz's in their repertoire. |
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Will Acoustic Jass learn any special songs for you if they're not already in their repertoire? |
Yes, if they fit within their type and style of music and you give them notice. If its not on their list you can always ask. |
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Don Richards started playing in the fifties in London, while at university he developed an interest in modern jazz. During the 1980’s Don played with various bands that broadcast on national radio. Don had continued to play with traditional bands and joined Acoustic Jass in March 2003. |
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Clarinet & Soprano Sax |
Colin Brenton started playing in the fifties with the Tijuana Jazz Band and played at the Beaulieu Jazz Festival. Throughout the sixties Colin played with the Phoenix Jazz Band and during the Seventies and Eighties with the Riverside Jazz Band, all Southampton based. |
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Doug Kennedy, a very experienced player has played with most of the well known London bands and frequently tours Europe has played with Acoustic Jass since October 2000 |
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Sousaphone, Bass Saxophone and leader of the band |
Martin Jones spent twenty five years playing in a brass band, in 1995 he was invited to join three other musicians to form a quartet, due to the others dropping out Martin found himself left with several engagements and no band! and so Acoustic Jass was formed. In 2001 he started playing bass sax to give added colour to the rhythm section. |
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How much space does Acoustic Jass Require? |
Approximately 5 square metres. We have played to an audience of 8 in someone's front room! |
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How long does Acoustic Jass require to set up? |
30 mins in a clear space & 20 mins to pack away. |
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How long are Acoustic Jass's breaks? |
15 to 20 min |
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Can Acoustic Jass provide music during the breaks? |
We can provide music during breaks, given prior notice as we do not always use PA equipment. |
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Can you request any special music during the breaks? |
Only if you provide the source (tape or CD) by prior arrangement (see above) |
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At weddings can Acoustic Jass play outside to entertain the guests while the photographs are being taken? |
Yes, we are mobile and can play outside the ceremony venue (or even inside it) and could lead a procession of guests to the reception. |
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Will Acoustic Jass be set up and ready to play when your guests arrive at the reception site, even if they are not supposed to start playing right away? |
Yes, within reason. |
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Does Acoustic Jass expect to be fed? |
It depends on the length of the gig and time of day, however we do appreciate liquid refreshment - not necessarily alcoholic! |
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Does Acoustic Jass accept more than one performance a day? |
Only if there is adequate time in between both, including travelling time and set up/pack away times |
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Will Acoustic Jass Travel to My Venue |
Click here to see a Map of the area that we play in. |
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Does Acoustic Jass have a contract? |
They have a basic contract/confirmation letter. |
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Does Acoustic Jass's contract specify the individual members of the band? |
Not usually as all the deputies they use are to the same high standard as the members. |
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Is Acoustic Jass willing to make additions to the contract to meet any special needs you may have? |
They usually do! |
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Does Acoustic Jass have Insurance |
Like all professionals the band carries public liability insurance (independent of any trade association affiliation) |
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Is the equipment Acoustic Jass uses safe. |
Their instruments are all acoustic and therefore only powered by them. Their PA system (when used) has current PAT (portable appliance test) certificates. |
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How much does Acoustic Jass charge for an "x" hour performance? |
They give a competitive individual fixed quote depending on times, day of the week, travelling distance/time etc. The more information on times, breaks and venue you give them the better the quote. |
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Does Acoustic Jass make any other charges above and beyond the quoted price? |
No, their quote is fixed unless the client wishes to change the arrangements. |
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How much does Acoustic Jass charge for additional sets? |
They will give a further fixed rate for additional sets, this is also based on time of the day (before or after midnight) etc. However, in fairness to both parties this should be negotiated at the initial quote stage. |
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What are Acoustic Jass's deposit and payment requirements? |
They usually take a deposit of 25% for gigs more than a month ahead, payment is on the day in cash. |
| Does Acoustic Jass expect payment in full before the day of the event? |
No, they prefer cash on the night.
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