About us

The original co-founders of the group were Alison Bentley (vocals/piano) and Kevin Armstrong (guitar). Alison sadly passed in 2023. Happily, Kevin continues to lead the band with joy and enthusiasm. The line-up varies depending on the occasion, ranging from duo to six-piece, and regularly includes saxophone, piano, vocals, double-bass and drums, and sometimes accordion and trumpet.

Jazz band for hire: past clients include: Mercedes Benz, Macmillan, the Beaufort Polo Club, Gloucestershire. Recent wedding & civil partnership venues include: Claridges, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat' Saison, Hampton Court Palace, The Roof Gardens at Kensington, Balliol College, Oxford and the NEC, Birmingham.

Whether Jazz Menagerie are performing elegant ambience or riotous rhythm, the band's philosophy remains the same: to have fun playing the music they love.

...
...

What The Press Says

…Armstrong's melodic, cleanly articulated, single-note soloing is a delight…

All About Jazz

...interesting and enjoyable songs... beautifully sung...

BBC Radio 2**

...

Mr M, London

My feeling, shared by my wife and friends, was that the addition of the music turned what could have been a rather ordinary event into something much more special....I felt your trio's contribution was appropriate, sensitive and musically excellent.

...

Ms W, Oxforshire

I just wanted to thank you and all of the band for the fantastic job you did at our wedding on 13 Dec. The atmosphere created by your music was spot on, and so many people have commented on how amazing you all were. The fact that the dance floor was packed all night was testament to this!

Listen to us on Bandcamp with the links below

Get in touch!

Email

Please use the Contact Form

Phone

01865 718266

Location

Oxford and London, UK