Live Jazz Swing Trio in the Ham Yard Hotel
Recently we were approached by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP to provide live event music for their summer networking event in the beautifully designed Ham Yard Hotel, a venue that we are already recommended in. It's a very stylish hotel, like all the Kit Kemp designed ones. If you've not seen any of the Firmdale hotels, we'd strongly recommend you visit one when next in London. With eclectic and original interiors, they have their own personality and character. There are a few dotted around so depending on where you are, you should be able to find one. Ham Yard Hotel is in Soho - the heart of theatre land and surrounded by cool bars and places to visit and explore. So far the events we've done here have mostly been on the Roof Terrace. Situated on the 4th floor of the hotel, there is a large garden area and lots of cosy seating as well as a fabulous bar up here, it's perfect for a summer event. There is a covered area in case the unpredictable British weather isn't quite up to par for your event.
For this networking event, we were asked for some great background music that would entertain and create an atmosphere without interfering with conversation. We suggested the jazz clarinet trio since they fit this classic bill and work well in almost any venue, but definitely a cool roof terrace in central London. The combination of clarinet, guitar and jazz double bass is toe tapping and fun. It's easy listening but never boring. They can do a lovely mix of mostly jazz standards but throw in the odd pop song or more funky tune. Tunes like 'All of Me' and 'The Sunny Side of the Street' intersperse well with ones like 'Putting on the Ritz' and the 'Bare Necessities'. A jazz trio for a corporate event like this is fully self-sufficient. They can play acoustic or with a small PA. We'd always recommend the use of the small PA for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the sound will be better quality - both the bass and the jazz guitar will benefit from a small amount of amplification, especially in the part of the evening when conversation levels may raise up. They won't drown out anything but will not become too faint either. The clarinet tends to project well anyway. Secondly, they can play some appropriate background music through an iPad whilst they are taking any breaks, so the sound of music doesn't just suddenly stop for 15 minutes.
Needless to say, the event was a complete success, despite the fact that the weather wasn't perfect. With superb champagne and canapes and a great atmosphere that the venue has, the live music created the cherry on top of the event. Live jazz music can really make an impact on your event - recorded music is simply not the same. We understand that budgets can be tight, but the fact is the small extra to the overall budget can make the difference between an ordinary and extraordinary event.
'It was lovely to meet you too and the music went down an absolute treat!' Katie, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP.
Contact us today to make a live jazz band booking for your corporate event.
