Solo artists to 7 piece bands.
Bands by Design has a wide range of jazz bands in a variety of shapes and sizes. Our groups are comprised of the finest vocal and instrumental jazz musicians N.Z. has to offer.
Whether you need to create a sophisticated ambience for a crowd of delegates or a warm and inviting soundtrack to an intimate dinner party; we can provide the perfect jazz band for any event.
Browse our talent below, or contact us to discuss the right band for your function.
JAZZ BAND OPTIONS FOR ANY EVENT
Corporate Events, Private Parties, Weddings, Wine & Food Festivals
WIDE VARIETY OF STYLES
Swing, Standards, Bossa Nova, American Songbook, Contemporary, Fusion, Funk, Lounge, Bebop, Blues & More...!
Jazz Singers & Vocal Jazz
A BAND CALLED LAURA | AUCKLAND | 4-piece
Displaying a dazzling voice that can span all areas of the musical spectrum, Victor Hawkins is in high demand as a performer and creative artist.
Having spent the best part of the last 15 years wowing audiences across Aotearoa, Victor is firmly established as one of New Zealand’s finest and most unique vocalists.
He has performed in a wide range of settings and with some of New Zealand’s most well-known artists, including Stan Walker, Vince Harder, Erakah and Sola Rosa.
As a front person, he has fronted some of the country’s best bands, including the Levites, Hipstamatics, The Pickups, Jukebox and Big Ticket.
Further displaying the depth and range of his abilities, the Victor Hawkins Jazz Quartet will provide all the soul and vibe to elevate your next event!
LINEUP: Vocals, Piano, Bass, Drums (add horns / guitar)
Ra Charmian Jazz Quintet | AUCKLAND | 5-piece
Ra Charmian is an award-winning singer who has been featured on The Breeze, Radio New Zealand, Maori Television and Air NZ.
Performing the perfect songs and tailoring the setlist to ensure the success of your event is the band's top priority, and learning a special song or 2 for your wedding or event is never a problem.
Ra has been performing for over 15 years for a long list of top brands and has a wealth of experience to bring to your wedding or event
With Ra Charmian and her band at the helm, expect nothing short of extraordinary musical experiences.
LINEUP: Vocals, Piano, Bass, Drums (add horns / guitar)
Miss Hannah
A highly accomplished performer and tutor, Miss Hannah has established herself as one of New Zealands most in demand session vocalists.
After returning from New York in 2012, Hannah established herself in Auckland, performing regularly and, steadily, gaining a reputation for her powerful live perfomances and vocal versatility.
Performing for a variety of events and festivals, she has been a regular featured soloist and backing singer for ‘Coca Cola Christmas in the Park’ and a regular collaborator with many established bands and artists in New Zealand.
Her love of R&B, Neo-Soul and Jazz greatly influences her sound and ensures an emotive and soulful experience for her audiences.
Don’t miss the chance to see Miss Hannah and her top flight crew in action!
LINEUP: Vocals, Keys, Bass, Drums
The Chances | AUCKLAND | 5 Piece
The Chances are a top flight outfit of musicians, lead by charismatic vocalist, Chris Melville.
A classic jazz and soul singer, Chris cites Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald as his major influences.
Displaying a warm, velvet vocal delivery, Chris sings classic jazz songs from an era of style and sophistication - an ideal soundtrack for weddings and corporate events.
An experienced and versatile group, the Chances have collectively performed at the highest of levels and for a stellar client list around New Zealand and worldwide.
Whether it be laid back or focal point entertainment, elevate your event with the jazz stylings of the Chances!
LINEUP: Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Bass & Drums
Yuli Quay Jazz Quartet | AUCKLAND | 4-piece
Yuli leads her hard swinging band of heavy hitters through a diverse range of jazz classics and soul tunes.
A powerhouse vocalist, Yuli is in high demand for her exceptional lead and backing vocals, having supported artists like Bonnie Tyler, Leo Sayer, Annie Crummer, and Tami Neilson.
Yuli holds a degree in music and has showcased her talent at prestigious events like the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Her voice resonates on television, radio, and in countless Les Mills classes worldwide.
Whatever the ocassion, Yuli and the band will bring the vibe to suit your event!
LINEUP: Vocals, Piano, Bass, Drums (add horns / guitar)
CLASSY JAZZ DUO | AUCKLAND | 2-piece
Ensure your occasion has the shine it deserves with ‘KZ7’ – the jazz duo of accomplished vocalist Chris Melville with acclaimed guitarist Dixon Nacey.
‘KZ7’ perform jazz standards, Latin, pop and more in an intimate setting to create the perfect ambience at your cocktail party, dinner set, wedding or corporate event.
LINEUP: Male Vocals, Guitar or Keyboards or Backing Tracks
JAZZ AND NEO SOUL SONGSTRESS | AUCKLAND | 2-5 Piece
Add a touch of class to your event with the sophisticated, sultry voice and elegant presence of Clo Chaperon, one of Auckland's finest jazz and neo soul vocalists.
Clo Chaperon is an Auckland-based jazz vocalist with a distinct style; a unique fusion of jazz, soul and RnB. Since moving to Auckland from Australia, Clo has been actively performing at festivals and numerous venues around Auckland, captivating audiences with her rich tones and soulful sound. Equally at home performing standards from the Great American Song Book and contemporary jazz through to funk and neo-soul, she is guaranteed to take your breath away with an unforgettable performance.
LINEUP: Vocals, Guitar or Piano, & more
4-6 PIECE CLASSIC JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Jazz delivered in style and swinging sophistication, 'The Jazz Age' is a prohibition-period-band with punch and pizazz; guaranteed to bring a touch of class and elegant style to your next soiree. Remarkable chanteuse, exceptional raconteur and songstress extraordinaire, Georgia Duder-Wood, is joined by Auckland's most respected jazz musicians, with fun and infectious arrangements by musical director and saxophonist, David Edmundson.
STYLE: 1920s-1960s Era Jazz
SIZE: 4-6 Piece
LINEUP: Vocals, Sax, Guitar, Bass, Drums
CLASSY JAZZ, SOUL, BLUES & FUNK SINGER
One of New Zealand's finest male vocalists, Chris Melville inhabits every musical style with an ease and grace reminiscent of the great jazz artists of our time. From sizzling swing, to sultry crooner, Chris has the voice, stage presence and moxie to give your party a tantalizing edge.
STYLE: Jazz, Pop, Latin, Blues, Funk, Soul
SIZE: 1-4 piece
LINEUP: Vocals & Backing Tracks, add Guitar (Or fully live with Bass & Drums)
Auckland Instrumental Jazz & Classical
Need something to fade into the background? See these sophisticated jazz and classical ensembles.
Rachel Clarke Quintet | AUCKLAND | 5-piece
The Rachel Clarke quintet is an amalgamation of wonderful and talented young jazz musos.
Stylish and sophisticated, Rachel and her band of blend a multitude of genres into one beautiful and powerful soundscape within each performance.
As a group of up and coming Tāmaki based musicians, the Rachel Clarke quintet is a band to keep an eye on!
LINEUP: Vocals, Piano, Bass, Drums (add horns / guitar)
A BAND CALLED LAURA | AUCKLAND | 4-piece
Displaying a dazzling voice that can span all areas of the musical spectrum, Victor Hawkins is in high demand as a performer and creative artist.
Having spent the best part of the last 15 years wowing audiences across Aotearoa, Victor is firmly established as one of New Zealand’s finest and most unique vocalists.
He has performed in a wide range of settings and with some of New Zealand’s most well-known artists, including Stan Walker, Vince Harder, Erakah and Sola Rosa.
As a front person, he has fronted some of the country’s best bands, including the Levites, Hipstamatics, The Pickups, Jukebox and Big Ticket.
Further displaying the depth and range of his abilities, the Victor Hawkins Jazz Quartet will provide all the soul and vibe to elevate your next event!
LINEUP: Vocals, Piano, Bass, Drums (add horns / guitar)
Joe Kaptein Trio - 3 piece
One of the hottest young talents on the Auckland jazz scene, Joe Kaptein is fast establishing himself as one of New Zealands most in demand piano players and a creative artist in his own right.
Tim Hopkins South Pacific Jazz | AUCKLAND | 5 piece
A powerhouse sax player and creative force, Tim has operated at the highest levels of the the jazz and popular music scenes for the past 3 decades as both a performer and recording artist.
Growing up in Brisbane, Australia, Tim firmly established himself as one of Australia’s most in demand saxophone players, performing and recording all over Australia and abroad.
On moving back to New Zealand, Tim began performing and recording with NZ artists including rapper King Kapisi, Russell Harrison and Miguel Fuentes.
Hopkins helped to start the Heineken Green Room Sessions in New Zealand with DJ Clarke and The Gordon Bennett Project. GBP have also played at the Heineken Open, headlined in Malaysia and Singapore at several big events and released a double CD recorded at Millton Vineyards & Winery in Gisborne.
LINEUP: Saxophone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums (add percussion / vocals)
Ra Charmian Jazz Quintet | AUCKLAND | 5-piece
Ra Charmian is an award-winning singer who has been featured on The Breeze, Radio New Zealand, Maori Television and Air NZ.
Performing the perfect songs and tailoring the setlist to ensure the success of your event is the band's top priority, and learning a special song or 2 for your wedding or event is never a problem.
Ra has been performing for over 15 years for a long list of top brands and has a wealth of experience to bring to your wedding or event
With Ra Charmian and her band at the helm, expect nothing short of extraordinary musical experiences.
LINEUP: Vocals, Piano, Bass, Drums (add horns / guitar)
Kevin Field Jazz Trio - 3 piece
SOPHISTICATED & CLASSY
One of New Zealands finest jazz pianists, Kevin has established himself as a world class performer and creative artist within New Zealand and abroad.
Kevin has collaborated with some of the top international names in jazz including Grammy nominated guitarists Mike Moreno and Nir Felderas well as a diverse range of artists including Antonio Sanchez, James Morrison, Nate Wood, Charles Haynes (drummer/producer for Kanye West & Lady Gaga), and Nathan Haines.
Already a well-known name to jazz audiences, Kevin has performed concerts in Australia, China, the UK and USA including at prestigious venues Ronnie Scott’s and The Blue Note and has featured on over 40 albums including six that have achieved award winning status.
3 Piece - Piano, Bass & Drums
Roger Manins Quartet | AUCKLAND | 4 piece
Roger Manins is one of New Zealand's finest saxophone players.
Having established himself as a dynamic and creative artist on both sides of the Tasman, Roger continues to be at the forefront of the jazz scene as a performer and innovator.
Performing with his top flight band, Roger will bring the vibe and energy to suit any ocassion with jazz reportoire ranging from swing and latin to funk and Blues
LINEUP: Saxophone, Guitar, Bass, Drums (add horns / vocals for 4 piece)
Yuli Quay Jazz Quartet | AUCKLAND | 4-piece
Yuli leads her hard swinging band of heavy hitters through a diverse range of jazz classics and soul tunes.
A powerhouse vocalist, Yuli is in high demand for her exceptional lead and backing vocals, having supported artists like Bonnie Tyler, Leo Sayer, Annie Crummer, and Tami Neilson.
Yuli holds a degree in music and has showcased her talent at prestigious events like the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Her voice resonates on television, radio, and in countless Les Mills classes worldwide.
Whatever the ocassion, Yuli and the band will bring the vibe to suit your event!
LINEUP: Vocals, Piano, Bass, Drums (add horns / guitar)
CONTEMPORARY & CLASSICAL STRING QUARTET | AUCKLAND | 4 Piece +
Stunning arrangements of your favourite classical, jazz and popular repertoire performed by one of New Zealand's leading string groups. With a superb and diverse repertoire spanning centuries, The Black Quartet is New Zealand's leading string ensemble, providing a captivating sonic experience that will set your event apart.
The Black Quartet perform as a 4 piece string quartet, or alongside other ensembles and artists, and can arrange music for strings on request.
3-PIECE+ JAZZ TRIO
Formed in 2008, this intimate guitar, bass and drum trio features three of New Zealand’s premiere jazz artists. Playing original and standard material ranging from swing and Latin to contemporary jazz, this stylish trio has enthralled festival and corporate crowds alike at concerts throughout the country.
Rachel Clarke Quintet | AUCKLAND | 5-piece
The Rachel Clarke quintet is an amalgamation of wonderful and talented young jazz musos.
Stylish and sophisticated, Rachel and her band of blend a multitude of genres into one beautiful and powerful soundscape within each performance.
As a group of up and coming Tāmaki based musicians, the Rachel Clarke quintet is a band to keep an eye on!
LINEUP: Vocals, Piano, Bass, Drums (add horns / guitar)