Watch some delightful videos on this site or come to one of our public gigs!
We are a genuine Oxford-based 1920s/30s
Jazz Band playing the beautiful music with
authentic swing, elegance and joy
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 have studied to excellent standards the pre-war jazz styles from New Orleans, Harlem and Dixie with the added delights of Blues and Boogie-Woogie. 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:
Sundays
12.30 - 3.30
Oxford Classic Jazz Duo
at
The Cock Inn,
Combe
Pianist Nick Gill with Caroline the Musical Saw Lady Percussionist performing open air when weather permits at this delightful country pub (covid19 secure).
Enjoy our
Latest video
Honky Tonk Train Blues Played by
Nick Gill and Caroline Watsham
To play real jazz you need real instruments -
an acoustic piano is provided free at every performance unless there is an issue with access when an electric instrument may be required
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!"
Holly Taylor singing Anything Goes Tiger Rag played by OCJ quartet
Younger people are often beguiled by the irresistible swinging rhythm, which they may never have encountered in the modern age of loud computerised music. This is made possible thanks to my Amazing Portable Real Acoustic Piano, which I take to all venues lacking an instrument.
It Don't Mean a Thing (OCJ quartet) at the Calne Jazz Club and a solo performance of The Entertainer
Latest Solo Piano Video -
a steady prowl through "Piccadilly" with an irresistible lurching swing...Enjoy!
Blue Skies played by
Oxford Classic Jazz (trio)
We ain't 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.
"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)
Two recent videos of the young chanteuse
Holly Taylor singing with the band at public fund-raising concerts.
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!"
All Together Now!
It's nice to hear people singing along like they did at this concert:
Nick Gill playing and singing
Glad Rag Doll with his amazing hi-tech Megaphonic Device