Jazz bands that play weddings,
not wedding bands that play jazz

My bands feature some of the top jazz artists in New York City, musicians who have performed worldwide with the legends who have shaped—or are shaping—jazz history. While we meet the traditional musical needs of a wedding, we’ll also treat you and your guests to the finest real jazz that New York City has to offer.

Vocal Jazz Quartet “I Can't Give You Anything But Love”
Vocal Jazz Quartet 1 “At Last”
Vocal Jazz Quartet 1 “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”
“They were phenomenal!”
—Joseph Vatter, Wedding Planner, Wedding, Brooklyn Grange, October 27, 2021; Google Review; Vocal Jazz Quartet
“I’m so happy I chose them.”
—Natalya Groysman, Bride, Wedding, Lamb’s Hill, September 6, 2021; Vocal Jazz Quintet
“Our guests have not stopped talking about your jazz band!”
—Lori Lucchi-Caponigro, Mother, Wedding Celebration, The Tuxedo Club, August 19, 2024; Guitar Jazz Quartet
“We cannot recommend them enough!”
—Craig Gambardella, Groom, Wedding, 90 Acres, February 25, 2020; Vocal Jazz Quintet
“We are so glad we hired them.“
—Frank Feltz, Groom, Wedding, James Ward Mansion, June 1, 2024, Vocal Jazz Trio
“The jazz trio was the highlight of the wedding!“
Zoonzin Yoonjin Lee, Bride, Wedding, My Kitchen, December 11, 2022; Piano Trio
“Don’t think twice. Hire Chuck.“
James Denman, Groom, Google Review, Wedding, The Public Hotel, December 4, 2021, Guitar Jazz Quartet
“… on a scale of 1 to 10, you guys were an 11…”
—Nick Brozman, Groom, Rehearsal, St. Andrews's Golf Club, May 4, 2012; Piano Jazz Trio
“It was pure class.”
—Derek Marcus, Groom, Wedding, Loft and Garden, September 18, 2023; Guitar Quartet

Many incredible bands, one seasoned bandleader

My name is Chuck Braman. I’m a jazz drummer-bandleader who’s been active in New York City for over three decades. During that time I discovered the very best musicians that I love making music with and organized them into ensembles based on ideal combinations of instrumentation, personnel, style, and repertoire. When you hire us, instead of choosing among semi-professionals on a directory site or talking to a salesman at an agency, you will work one-on-one with me—a dedicated lifelong musician who prides himself on leading some of the very best jazz bands in New York City.

Piano Jazz Trio “Fly Me To The Moon”
Piano Jazz Trio “Sonora”
Piano Jazz Trio 2 “The Duke”
Piano Jazz Trio 2 “Bom Amigos”
Piano Jazz Trio “In April”
Piano Jazz Trio “Falando de Amor”
Piano Jazz Trio 2 “Einbahnstrasse”
Piano Jazz Trio “The Island”
Piano Jazz Trio “Este Seu Olhar”
“Please know that you guys were our favorite part of the wedding!”
—Lauren Thomson, Bride, Cocktail Hour, Timber Point Country Club,  August 1, 2014; Piano Jazz Trio
“They really upgraded our wedding. We were so lucky to have them.”
Aram Kim, Bride, Reception, India House, May 30, 2015, Vocal-Piano Jazz Trio
“They played a huge role in making our day fun and a success!”
—Frank Feltz, Groom, Wedding, James Ward Mansion, June 17, 2024; Vocal Jazz Trio
“Your music made the event so special. We truly appreciate your talent!”
—Lori Lucchi-Caponigro, Mother, Wedding Celebration, The Tuxedo Club, August 19, 2024; Guitar Jazz Quartet
“This band was the most professional, sincere, and polished group I could have ever asked for.“
—Jessica McCabe, Wedding, The Farm at Glenwood Mountain, Sept. 20, 2024, Vocal Quartet
“We could not have asked for more from your band—absolutely amazing.”
—Michael & Denise Adin, Wedding Reception, Majestic Gardens, August 25, 2012; Vocal Jazz Quartet
“I wish cocktail hour could have gone all night! You guys were awesome!”
—Julian Madden, Groom, Cocktail Hour, Island Farm on Elihu Island, June 22, 2013; Guitar Jazz Trio
“We really enjoyed your music and almost every guest praised the jazz band!“
—Boram Kim, Groom, Reception, India House, May 30, 2015; Vocal Jazz Trio
“I can't tell you how many people shared positive comments about your band.”
—Michael & Denise Adin, Wedding Reception, Majestic Gardens, August 25, 2012; Vocal Jazz Quartet
“Everyone who attended our rehearsal dinner had the highest praise for the trio.”
—Ann-Elizabeth Ostrager, Rehearsal, Bryant Park Grill, October 28, 2011; Guitar Jazz Trio
“I’d really like to thank you for helping to make the day just what I had imagined.”
—Natalya Groysman, Bride, Wedding, Lamb’s Hill, September 6, 2021; Vocal Jazz Quintet
“You were a true delight to work with. The trio was the best part of the entire thing!”
—Karen Ramirez, Bride, Reception, Landmarc at Time Warner Center, April 24th, 2016; Vocal Jazz Trio
“Not only was Chuck extremely responsive, the band rocked! Highly recommend!”
—Lauren Thomson, Bride, Cocktail Hour, Timber Point Country Club,  August 1, 2014; Piano Jazz Trio

The best value for a true jazz wedding

When searching for a jazz band to hire for your wedding, you can find the cheapest in the generic internet directories, the most expensive at the jack-of-all-trades music agencies, or the best, right here: the elite of the New York jazz community, assembled into ideal ensembles by a seasoned bandleader.

Vibraphone Jazz Quintet “The More I See You”
Vibraphone Jazz Quintet “Nua Idéia”
Vibraphone Jazz Quintet “Why Try to Change Me Now?”
Vibraphone Jazz Quintet “’Till Then”
Vibraphone Jazz Quintet “Say It Isn’t So”
Vibraphone Jazz Quintet “The Good Life”
“We could not be happier we chose you. There are not enough words to express our gratitude.”
—Karen Ramirez, Bride, Reception, Landmarc at Time Warner Center, April 24th, 2016; Vocal Jazz Trio
“There were a lot of jazz fans in attendance, and they all raved about how great they were.“
—Jessica McCabe, Wedding, The Farm at Glenwood Mountain, Sept. 20, 2024, Vocal Quartet
“One of my fondest memories of our wedding was dancing with my new husband to beautiful music.“
—Lauren Thomson, Bride, Reception, Timber Point Country Club, August 1, 2014, Piano Jazz Trio
“The talent of everyone involved was unmatched, and their performances elevated the entire event.“
—Joseph Vatter, Wedding Planner, Wedding, Brooklyn Grange, October 27, 2021; Vocal Jazz Quintet
“Chuck is one of a kind and his bands are killer. I wish I had a soundboard recording of the evening!”
—Laurence Hren, Reception, 583 Park Ave, June 16th, 2012, Vocal Jazz Quartet
“They provided such a cool and sophisticated vibe to the party, I never wanted the cocktail hour to end.“
—Julian Madden, Groom, Cocktail Hour, Island Farm on Elihu Island, 22-Jun-2013; Guitar Jazz Trio

Professionalism combined with personalized service.

My professional attitude emphasizes courteousness and reliability. Upon choosing one of my bands to play for your wedding, I will work with you to coordinate repertoire, schedule, ceremony music selections, setup, and everything else to make sure your wedding flows smoothly. On your wedding day, we will setup early, dress elegantly, and perform at volume levels suited to the needs of your guests.

Guitar Jazz Trio/Quartet “Nice ’n Easy”
Guitar Jazz Trio/Quartet “Moon & Sand”
“Thanks so much! We loved the music, and everyone had a great time. We’ll recommend you far and wide.“
—Elizabeth Nesoff, Reception, New York Palace Hotel,  September 29, 2013; Vocal Jazz Quartet
“As a Modern Jazz Quartet fan, I loved the music. But our guests have been raving about it for weeks as well.”
—Tony Hack, Groom, Rehearsal, The Quogue Club,  June 26, 2015; Vibraphone Jazz Quartet
“Chuck, I just wanted to say thanks so much for playing at our wedding, everyone thought the music was fantastic!”
—Andrew Chung, Groom; Thank-you Note; Hilton Pearl River, NY; August 13, 2017; Vocal Jazz Quartet
“We were fortunate enough to have Chuck and his group at our wedding, and they simply knocked it out of the park.”
—Craig Gambardella, Groom, Wedding, 90 Acres, February 25, 2020; Vocal Jazz Quintet
“We were so happy with the engagement party and a lot of it has to do with your amazing quartet… People should know!!”
—Laura Gersh, The Johnson Company, Thank-you Note, Wedding, RawSpace, October 6, 2018, Guitar Jazz Quartet
“They could not have been more perfect! Fabulous jazz trio, and my guests loved it. I received compliments all night.”
—Allyson Nick, Bride, Engagement Party, Private Home, March 14, 2015, Vocal Jazz Trio
“Chuck was very professional and a pleasure to work with. The jazz trio was the highlight of the wedding!”
—Zoonzin Yoonjin Lee, Bride, Wedding, Alberto Restaurant, December 11, 2022, Piano Jazz Trio
“My only regret is that my wife and I weren't able to sit next to the trio for a half hour sipping wine and enjoying the atmosphere.“
—George Macchio, Groom, Cocktail Hour, Vanderbilt Mansion, August 6, 2010; Piano Jazz Trio
“This is a group of band members that you can tell truly appreciate playing together and love what they do.”
—Natalya Groysman, Bride, Wedding, Lamb’s Hill, September 6, 2021; Vocal Jazz Quintet
“You guys were great, and you got many, many compliments from our guests. It was a pleasure working with you.”
—Owen H., Groom, Thank-you Note, Wedding, Alger House, November 2, 2019, Guitar Jazz Trio

An extensive repertoire of timeless classics

Our repertoire incorporates the best-crafted popular music of all time, from jazz standards to Great American Songbook classics and Brazilian bossa novas that will delight guests of every age.

Trumpet-Saxophone Jazz Quintet “Love Walked In”
Trumpet-Saxophone Jazz Quintet “Quiet Nights”
Trumpet-Saxophone Jazz Quintet “Come Fly With Me”
Trumpet-Saxophone Jazz Quintet “Skydive”
Trumpet-Saxophone Jazz Quintet “Hi-Heel Sneakers”
“The best jazz band and most impressive (and professional) jazz band leader in the New York City (NYC) metropolitan area.”
—Craig Gambardella, Groom, Wedding, 90 Acres, February 25, 2020; Vocal Jazz Quintet
“You were all so incredible to work with and if I ever need to host another event you will be the first I call!!!!! I cannot thank you enough. Please send the rest of the band my deepest gratitude!”
—Jessica McCabe, Wedding, The Farm at Glenwood Mountain, Sept. 20, 2024, Vocal Quartet
“We were most satisfied with all the wonderful comments we got (and continue to get 3 months later!) at how wonderful the music was.”
—Michael Beltran, Groom, Reception, Del Posto, October 30, 2011; Vocal Jazz Trio
“Chuck Braman Band is just amazing… everyone who came to our wedding had great comments and many asked us for their contacts.”
—Aram Kim, Groom, Reception, India House, May 30, 2015, Vocal Jazz Trio
“Our driving words for the wedding were simple and elegant, and I can assure you that Chuck and his colleagues were beyond exceptional.”
—Michael Beltran, Groom, Reception, Del Posto, October 30, 2011; Vocal Jazz Trio
“He was very professional and easy to work with and the music was absolutely top notch!”
—Hugh Colocott, Groom, Reception, The Village Club of Sands Point, Sept. 6, 2015; Piano Jazz Trio
“You have been so great to us from the very beginning—a true gentleman, and professional. We were beyond blessed to have you for our evening.”
—Jenna Watson, Bride, Thank-you Note, Wedding, The W Loft, October 21, 2018, Trumpet-Saxophone Jazz Quintet
“Literally we had an ‘amazing time’ with Chuck Braman Trio… and guests are still talking about the great moments we had whenever we meet them.“
—Boram Kim, Groom, Reception, India House, May 30, 2015; Vocal Jazz Trio
“Everyone thought the music was fantastic! So happy you guys played for us.“
—Andrew Chung, Groom; Thank-you Note; Hilton Pearl River, Pearl River, NY; August 13, 2017; Vocal Jazz Quartet
“Complete quality. They are an expert in their execution, able to deliver exactly what they promised. Feedback from guests was overwhelmingly positive.”
—Andrew Chan, Groom, Google Review, Wedding, The W Loft, October 21, 2018, Trumpet-Saxophone Jazz Quintet

Performances at New York City’s most prestigious venues

My musicians perform at all of the top New York jazz venues, from the Blue Note to Jazz at Lincoln Center. Together, we've performed at nearly every prestigious wedding venue in New York, including The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, The Central Park Boathouse, The Central Park Zoo, The Harold Pratt Mansion & Peterson Hall, The Hudson Theater, India House, Landmarc at Time Warner Center, The Lighthouse, The Lotus Club, New York Botanical Gardens, The River Café, Sofitel New York, The Vanderbilt Mansion, The Water's Edge Restaurant, and others too numerous to list.

Saxophone Jazz Quartet 1 “I Love You”
Saxophone Jazz Quartet 1 “When I Fall In Love”
“New York Jazz Bands was the hit of our wedding last month. I can’t count the number of accolades about how fabulous the music was.”
—Tracy Sivitz, Bride, Google Review, Wedding, January 7, 2024, Vocal Quartet/Quintet 2
“Chuck and his band gave a wonderful performance at our wedding. Their music was amazing and perfect during the ceremony, cocktail hour and after-party.”
—Haoran Zhang, Groom, The Knot Review, Wedding, The Green Building, October 20, 2019, Vocal Jazz Trio 2
“The quartet you assembled was fantastic and the music was perfect. I am so glad to have met you and will highly recommend using your talents in the future.”
—Laura Gersh, The Johnson Company, Thank-you Note, Wedding, RawSpace, October 6, 2018, Guitar Jazz Quartet
“Your music completed my vision and I couldn't ask for a better band or musical experience. All of my guests raved about you as well (a LOT of jazz fans were there :) ) We also decided we loved your version of our first dance song better than the original!”
—Jessica McCabe, Bride, Wedding, The Farm at Glenwood Mountain, Sept. 20, 2024, Vocal Quartet
“Cristina and I cannot thank you enough for last night. You 5 are true class acts and professionals in every sense of the word. We could not have asked for anything more!”
—Craig Gambardella, groom, Thank-you Note, Wedding, Ninety Acres, August 22, 2020, Vocal Jazz Quintet
“Chuck was sensational from the very start with his prompt responses. We would highly recommend Chuck and his musicians to anyone looking for that perfect jazz band.”
—Monique Gheri, Bride, Facebook Review, Wedding, Loft & Garden, June 16, 2018, Vocal Jazz Trio
“I would love to call them again for my wedding but unfortunately there will be no more wedding in my life… so I definitely recommend this band to anyone else who plan anything serious for their lifetime event.“
—Boram Kim, Groom, Reception, India House, May 30, 2015; Vocal Jazz Trio
“Chuck was a pleasure to work with; incredibly friendly and communicative. He and his bandmates were complete professionals, and they sounded amazing!”
—Tony Hack, Groom, Rehearsal, The Quogue Club, June 26, 2015; Vibraphone Jazz Quartet
“I'm still rather speechless at how amazing our wedding felt for me, and you and your band were a major part of it. Now that we are back from our honeymoon, we are hearing our friends sing your praises as well! It’s so much fun to relive.”
—Jenna Watson, Bride, Thank-you Note, Wedding, The W Loft, October 21, 2018, Trumpet-Saxophone Jazz Quintet

Our extraordinary music will help to make your wedding unforgettable

Your choice of music and musicians sets the tone for your entire wedding. Our world-class jazz, combined with my reliability, resourcefulness, and attention to detail, will help make your wedding an occasion you and your guests will never forget. Contact me directly at 212-989-5281 or fill out the “get a price quote” form (click the button above right), and I'll get back to you today with either a simple price quote or a helpful, unbiased consultation, your choice.

Vocal Jazz Trio 2 “Nice Work If You Can Get It”
Vocal Jazz Trio 2 “But Beautiful”
“Everyone commented to me how great the band was. Personally speaking, I was blown away by the level of musicianship. They really made it a wonderful night.”
—Jim Prunetti, Father, Google Review, Wedding, The Bowery Hotel, November 21, 2020, Guitar Jazz Quartet
“Chuck’s band provides a quality of musicianship that is hard to top in this city, and for our wedding helped create what was the ultimate New York atmosphere.”
—James Denman, Groom, Google Review, Wedding, The Public Hotel, December 4, 2022, Guitar Jazz Quartet
“We received enormous praise from all our guests about having this jazz band at our reception. Their talent and professionalism are one of a kind.”
—Yuezhe Li, Bride, Wedding, Celestine, June 19, 2022; Saxophone Jazz Quartet
“Fantastic jazz band quartet! All the musicians were excellent. We are beyond impressed with his planning and communication. We highly recommend this band for any event.”
—Yuezhe Li, Bride, Google Review, Wedding, Celestine Restaurant, June 19, 2022, Saxophone Jazz Quartet
“For me, you were the team that made the night “that much” better than it already was. We can’t wait until the city opens back up and we can come see you all perform all over town again!”
—Craig Gambardella, groom, Thank-you Note, Wedding, Ninety Acres, August 22, 2020, Vocal Jazz Quintet
Working with Chuck and his band was such a top notch experience. Chuck was always very responsive. The band members were polite, fun and EXTREMELY talented. You cannot go wrong with these guys!
—Devon Settembrini, Wedding Planner, Wedding, The Hitherland, November 5, 2022; Trumpet-Saxophone Jazz Quintet
“Chuck and his band were an absolute hit at our wedding! They made the process seamless and were in constant communication to help answer any questions we had.”
—Kaitlyn Wawryk, Bride, Wedding, Drowned Lands Brewery, November 20, 2022; Vocal Jazz Trio
Chuck and his band (4 players) did the most amazing job at my wedding. It was pure class. Even the wedding coordinator was impressed with their organization and performance. Legit.
—Derek Marcus, Groom, Google Review, Wedding, 620 Loft and Garden, September 16, 2023, Guitar Jazz Quartet

A few of our previous weddings

The Saxophone Jazz Quartet at Celestine

Jazz wedding band in New YorkJazz duo at wedding in NYCJazz drummer at NYC weddingjazz wedding pianist in NYC

Fun music with my band, a wonderful bride and groom, a friendly photographer (China Jorrin), and a beautiful Spring day. From the bride’s review: “We received enormous praise from all our guests about having this jazz band at our reception. Their talent and professionalism are one of the kind.”

The Vocal Jazz Quintet at Ninety Acres

Besides the bride and the groom both being wonderful people, the groom was a serious jazz fan whom we've all kept in touch with since. From his review: “The best jazz band and most impressive (and professional) jazz band leader in the New York City (NYC) metropolitan area. We were fortunate enough to have Chuck and his group at our wedding, and they simply knocked it out of the park. We cannot recommend them enough!”

The Vocal Trio, Guitar Quartet, Saxophone Quartet, Quintet, And Vocal Quintet at 583 Park Ave

I think this was my favorite client of all time, a true jazz fan who took the time to research each of my sidemen and had the very cool idea of hiring five of my bands (sharing the same rhythm section), each with their unique instrumentations and repertoires, to play his wedding! Photos courtesy of Nathan Smith for Ira Lippke Studios. From the client: "I can honestly say that the caliber of musicians that Chuck assembled is unmatched on the NY scene in general, and simply blows away any other 'wedding band'… Chuck is one of a kind and his bands are killer. I wish I had a soundboard recording of the evening!"

The Vocal Jazz Trio at India House

These photos are of the Vocal Trio preparing, posing with the bride and groom, and accompanying the groom singing "I'm Glad There Is You" to his bride, a great standard that he requested that was new to me. It was a wonderful moment that was inspiring to witness. They were both extremely nice people, and each took the time to write us reviews, one for Google, and the other for Yelp. From the bride: “Chuck Braman Band is just amazing… they really upgraded our wedding. We were so lucky to have them.” From the groom: “Everything was perfect—I would love to call them again for our wedding but unfortunately there will be no more wedding in my life… so I definitely recommend this band to anyone else who plans anything serious for their lifetime event.”

The Piano Jazz Trio at Snug Harbor Cultural Center

A very fun time playing the client’s jazz requests for their wedding cocktail hour. From the bride: “Thank you for the wonderful two hours of jazz! We heard great reviews from our guests and it was an absolute pleasure to meet you guys and hear you play.”

The Vocal Jazz Quintet at Maritime Park

This wedding at Maritime Park was almost like a concert, with the guests erupting into applause after every tune! A warm and friendly couple and a friendly and helpful manager at the venue made the event a pleasure all the way around. The excellent photography is courtesy of Bōm Photography.

The Guitar Jazz Trio at Elihu Island

Our longest commute from Manhattan ever ended at a beautiful venue in Connecticut. A lovely couple and lots of friendly help from wedding planner Adrienne of Ruffles & Tweed helped make this a fun gig. Great-looking guests, too! From the groom: ”The wedding was so amazing, and I wish cocktail hour could have gone all night!” From the wedding planner: ”They were amazing—not only in terms of their music, but also in the way they presented themselves—such a pleasure to work with during the planning process, friendly as could be in person, and flawless in their musical execution.”

The Vocal Jazz Trio at 620 Loft and Garden

Our client picked a beautiful day to have their wedding ceremony and cocktail hour at the 620 Loft and Garden. Our pianist performed the ceremony, joined by our bassist-vocalist for the cocktail hour. Later they joined me indoors as the trio performed for the dinner and toasts. Great venue with friendly management, Meaghan from Creative Edge Parties was also a pleasure to work with, and a very nice wedding couple and family.

The Piano Jazz Trio at New Leaf Restaurant and Bar

A really wonderful couple and a fun wedding for the piano trio, including an opportunity to perform with the bride’s father for a couple tunes! From the couple: “Thanks so much for yesterday. We had a wonderful wedding! The band sounded great. We loved your repertoire—it set the mood beautifully, and we really appreciated your calm professionalism as well as your generosity in letting my dad step in for a few tunes! Please pass on our warm thanks to your guys too.” Photos courtesy of Kyo Morishima Photography

Photo-shoot for David’s Bridal Catalogue

My band and I had a fun experience as part of a photo shoot for an issue of David’s Bridal Catalogue. We were simultaneously a part of the set, as well as providing entertainment for the models and staff.

The Piano Jazz Trio at the River Cafe

A fun wedding at The River Cafe. Photos courtesy of China Jorrin Photography.

Let me help you choose the perfect jazz band for your wedding

Your choice of music sets the tone for your entire wedding. My world-class jazz musicians, combined with my reliability, resourcefulness, and attention to detail, will make your wedding an occasion that you and your guests will never forget. Contact me directly at 212-989-5281, or better yet, help me answer your questions in advance by filling out the form below, and I'll quickly get back to you with a helpful, honest consultation along with pricing information.

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I’ll be getting back to you shortly to answer your questions and help in any way I can.
—Chuck Braman, bandleader/drummer

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please give Chuck, the bandleader, a call instead, at 212-989-5281.