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Boston's Best Jazz Bands

There's no shortage of great music here in Boston. From rock and pop, to country, blues and hip-hop, we have it all, particularly the city's vibrant jazz scene. There are a bevy of bands plying their jazz trade across the city's bars, restaurants and clubs, from jazz/funk combos and progressive jazz rock groups to the more traditional, beat jazz bands. Here are just a few of Boston's best jazz bands.
la vie en rose
(Image: La Vie En Rose)

La Vie en Rose
Boston, MA
(617) 470-1640
www.lavieenroseband.com

La Vie en Rose is a classy and classic-sounding jazz combo from Boston, specializing in time travel of sorts, taking listeners back to the days of classic French Quarter swing and big band bopping beats. Scat vocals and lovely melodies from lead vocalist Violette set the stage and mood for a night of classic American jazz standards, as well as the tune of France during the 1920s, 30s and 40s. La Vie en Rose is also available for weddings and parties, turning its musical attention over to funk and soul tunes to get the party started.

Related: Boston's Best Bars to Get Local Beer

Jazz in the Air
Boston, MA
(978) 898-4975
www.jazzintheair.com

Jazz in the Air has the classic jazz sound flowing through its veins, and its creative take on the style is readily apparent from the very first listen. This Boston group has paid its dues throughout the city's vibrant club scene, while also setting aside time to perform at parties, ceremonies and weddings. The group's music is upbeat, easy and fun, littered with influences from rock, pop and even Latin salsa music to boot. Jazz standards and special audience requests are no problem at all for these multi-instrumentalists, making Jazz in the Air a party friendly jazz group with energy to spare.

The Jazzlanders
Somerville, MA
(617) 838-3718
www.thejazzandgroove.com

The Jazzlanders have performed with some big name, popular talent over the course of its recording career, having shared recording studios with such luminary artists as Tony Bennett, Quincy Jones and Nancy Wilson. This makes The Jazzlanders – who call Somerville their home base, while gigging all across Boston and the greater New England area – one of the most prolific jazz combos to emerge from our humble home. Don't let the band's impressive pedigree fool you, however, for The Jazzlanders are still available to play local weddings and events for its hometown crowd.

Related: Best Up-And-Coming Boston Bands

Speechless
Boston, MA
www.speechlessmusic.com

This Boston-based jazz group has a forward-thinking approach to creating its own take on jazz music. Speechless specializes in taking classic jazz standards and crowd favorites and spinning them via an instrumental-only approach without vocals. Jazz, blues and funk tunes are all part of the repertoire of Speechless, and the band makes itself available for weddings, parties and corporate functions, ensuring that perfect music accompaniment for nearly any occasion.

river boat stompers
(Image: The Riverboat Stompers)

Riverboat Stompers
Boston, MA
(508) 238-9882
www.riverboatstompers.com

Looking for that classic, swingin', feel good New Orleans jazz sound? Then look no further than Boston's own Riverboat Stompers, a classic Southern jazz group that combines elements of swing, Big Band and traditional, swampy New Orleans jazz for a bevy of occasions and events throughout the city of Boston. The Riverboat Stompers evoke strong and positive Dixieland memories with its bold 'n brassy jazz attack, and the group has played gigs at such venues as Quincy Market, the Crane Estate and Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. Be sure not to miss the next time the Riverboat Stompers plays a show near you.

George Pacheco has been writing professionally about arts and entertainment for over a decade. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, George currently resides in a humble New England home with his wife, cat and massive music and film collection. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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