Band Information

Nottingham Jazz offers a variety of ensembles to suit a wide range of events, from large dinners with hundreds of guests to small gatherings of just a few dozen people.

We are frequently invited to provide dinner jazz or background entertainment, and we are also very happy to perform during champagne receptions. Clients typically hire us to add a special atmosphere to their events.

A live jazz band is a great way to set your event off on the right foot. More details about what we can offer are provided below.

Jazz Trio

The Nottingham Jazz Trio is our most popular line up, consisting of piano, double bass and drums. This combination is extremely versatile, working well for dinners and events ranging in size from small to large.

The trio is an ideal choice for customers who want music that carries further than the duo, but at less expense than the quartet.

From time to time we provide variations on the piano trio, including sax, guitar and double bass; or piano, double bass and singer.

Jazz Quartet

The Nottingham Jazz Quartet is the perfect choice for clients seeking an impressive ensemble with a lively and well rounded sound. The typical line up is saxophone, piano, double bass and drums. This combination is perfect for large gatherings or corporate events.

We are delighted to feature the highly accomplished sax playing of Ben Martin, one of Nottingham's top jazz musicians.

Jazz Duo

The Jazz Duo is ideal for events such as small dinners, drinks receptions and parties. Normally comprising piano and double bass, our duo is a great way to offer live jazz at a very reasonable price. It is also a good choice if space is limited.

History

Nottingham Jazz is run by its pianist Dr John Tullis, a former postgraduate student at the University of Nottingham. The band began life as 'The Jonny Slater Quartet' in 2005, an offshoot of the larger student jazz ensemble 'Blue Shift'. The founding members were Jonny Slater (sax), Chris Seigal (drums), Joel Swindin (bass) and John Tullis (piano).

JSQ, as it soon became known, performed for three years in an around Nottingham, forging strong contacts with event organisers at the University of Nottingham. The band initially took bookings for formal dinners and hall balls, and was soon invited to perform at prestigious events such as the Karni Snowflake Ball (three years running), the Athletic Union Ball (three years running), and the Students' Union flagship Graduation Ball at Colwick Hall (also three years running). The highlights of the JSQ calendar were the annual jazz nights run by the band for their friends, first at Coco Lounge, then at Sugar, and finally culminating with a memorable night of jazz and funk in the Students Union 'Venue'.

When Jonny and Chris graduated in 2008, John and Joel stayed behind to form Nottingham Jazz, which continued the work of the Jonny Slater Quartet, but with more flexible ensembles. John and Joel often found themselves performing as a piano and bass duo, bringing quality live jazz to clients who didn't have the space or the budget for the original quartet. They also performed regularly with fabulous student drummers Rupert Rathbone and Hugo Fagandini, and star trumpeter (and renowned musicologist) Justin Williams, PhD.

Following Joel's qualification as a doctor, Nottingham Jazz continues to expand under John's direction, fulfilling 60 engagements in 2010 and taking over 100 bookings in 2011. We are delighted to work with Nottingham's most talented professional musicians including bassist Martyn Spencer, drummers Jon Richmond and Steve Smith, and saxophonist Ben Martin.