Oxford Classic Jazz
Probably the most exhilarating, highly skilled, acoustic music in Oxfordshire
Watch some delightful videos on this site or come to one of our public gigs!
We are an Oxford-based 1920s/30s
Jazz Band playing the beautiful music with
authentic swing, elegance and joy
Recent video - "Happy Feet" sung by Caroline Watsham with Nick Gill, Martin Nickless, Andy Crisp and Danny Blyth
Oxford Classic Jazz provides musicians highly skilled in the joyful style of pre-war jazz, offering anything from solo acoustic jazz and ragtime piano to duos, trios, quartets and larger bands as required. Booking any Oxford Classic Jazz outfit guarantees an upbeat ice-breaking atmosphere for any social event at benign volume levels. We can also be an effective Swing Band for lindy hop and jazz jive dances.
We're happy to travel reasonable distances outside Oxfordshire.
To hire the jazz band or solo piano player, click here for booking enquiries:
The young chaps of The Oxford Classic Jazz Band giving a storming rendition of "It Don't Mean a Thing if it ain't got that Swing" by Duke Ellington
A medley of jazz favourites played by Nick Gill and Caroline Watsham (including some musical saw!)
A word from Nick Gill, solo jazz piano player and organiser -
"I am sometimes quite surprised at how popular the “old jazz” is when played at social occasions. Everybody seems to lighten up and the response is always hugely enthusiastic. Older people at wedding receptions perhaps appreciate that the music is authentic, skilful and never too loud…How often have I been thanked by a relieved customer at an anniversary party who has suffered with heavily amplified music at other events!"
"Nick Gill is the best ragtime piano player I've heard for a long time." - Bob Wilber
Holly Taylor singing Anything Goes Tiger Rag played by OCJ quartet
Younger people will be beguiled by the irresistible swinging rhythm, which they may never have encountered in the modern age of loud computerised music...
Blue Skies played by
Oxford Classic Jazz (trio)
Dear Nick,
I want to say a huge thank you for your amazing performance on Friday night. Your ragtime piano really made the evening go off in style - Egyptomania has turned out to be one of the most successful LiveFridays we have ever had at the Ashmolean, and the talented performances were central to that. It was wonderful to have you as a part of the programme, thank you!
All the best, Lucie
We're not just doing this for the money - we just love to play - to play for all kinds of people and events - so please don't be shy, get in touch.
Two videos of the young chanteuse
Holly Taylor singing with the band at public fund-raising concerts.
"Nick, I can't tell you HOW fabulous you were on Sunday, and how crucial your presence was at the breakfast! You elevated the party from a sort of chilly, damp, rainy, dreary picnic to a festive, entertaining, and sort of surreal party! Everyone was v. impressed, and the best part was that with your cheerful music around me I was able to relax enough to really enjoy it and speak with everyone..."
(email from a newlywed)
Nick Gill playing and singing
Glad Rag Doll with his amazing hi-tech Megaphonic Device
All Together Now!
It's nice to hear people singing along like they did at this concert:
"Over twenty years of professional playing I have found classic jazz and ragtime to be ideal for all sorts of events. Some elegant Scott Joplin goes very well with dining. The genteel songs of Irving Berlin, Gershwin et al can make a perfect accompaniment to a relaxed after-dinner dance. Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong are the ultimate inspiration for a serious bit of partying!"