UpLeft Jazz
Custom Jazz Ensembles
Serving the San Diego Area
What’s the Vibe?
Left-handed bassist Doug Walker draws from decades of experience to tailor UpLeft Jazz to best fit the vibe of each event. He works directly with the client to consider the band’s size, volume, instrumentation, repertoire, and overall presentation, ensuring it will match your expectations and your budget.
Define Jazz…
From its early development to present day innovations, jazz has seen many distinct styles like Swing, Bebop, Cool Jazz, Bossa Nova, and Soul Jazz. UpLeft Jazz faithfully represents these styles and more with both vintage & original arrangements, as well as some jazzified popular songs from other genres. This growing collection brings excitement to choosing what will be most suitable for each event.
Style Suggestions
Some often celebrated styles include Great Gatsby theme (Roaring 20s), Gypsy Jazz (Django Reinhardt), Early String Bands (feat. banjo & mandolin), Swing Era, Great American Songbook/Show Tunes, Bossa Nova, BeBop, 50s Cool Jazz, Soul Jazz, Boogaloo, Latin Jazz, and even Bluegrass & more.
Past tributes have included Duke Ellington, Miles & Coltrane, Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline, Vince Guaraldi, Paul Simon, A.C. Jobim, Horace Silver, Bill Evans, Cannonball Adderley, Thelonious Monk, and more.
Taking Shape
UpLeft Jazz combos can be as small as a Duo, with Doug Walker on upright bass, plus one partner—usually a melodic/rhythm instrument, such as piano, guitar, or vibraphone. A Trio might add a lead instrument, such as saxophone, or—in the right space—a drummer / percussionist. A smaller group might fit a more intimate vibe, while a larger group can create a more energetic atmosphere. UpLeft Jazz combos are extremely flexible from 2-6 members and guided by the client’s input.
Combo Suggestions
Bass + Chordal Instrument
Interplay between bass and piano, guitar or vibraphone can create a surprisingly full sound that is entertaining to watch, yet can fit into the most intimate of settings. It can double as a focal point for avid jazz fans and a background ambiance for the average party guest. Perfect for living rooms or small courtyards.
Bass + Melodic Instrument
Interplay between bass and horn leaves room for much improvisation and spontaneous creativity. The barebones framework provides familiar outlines, allowing imagination to fill in the rest.
Vibes/Guitar/Bass
Famous examples include Red Norvo Trio with Tal Farlow (guitar) & Charles Mingus (bass), and Milt Jackson Trio with Joe Pass (guitar) & Ray Brown (bass).
Trumpet/Guitar/Bass
Famous examples include Chet Baker Trio with Doug Raney (guitar) & Niels-Henning Ørsted Pederson (bass), and Nicholas Payton Trio with Mark Whitfield (guitar) & Christian McBride (bass).
The Most Bang for Your Buck! The most energetic atmosphere from the smallest combo.
Piano Trio with Bass & Drums
Famous examples include Bill Evans Trio, Keith Jarrett Trio
Guitar Trio with Bass & Drums
Famous Examples include Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, John Scofield
Horn / Bass / Drums
A minimalist combo with lots of energy and improvisation. All three instruments are featured equally. Famous examples have been lead by Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Joe Lovano, Kenny Garrett, Joshua Redman.
1 Horn + Rhythm Section
Perhaps the most versatile of small combos. A timeless instrumentation that can represent any style with freshness and familiarity.
Vocalist + Rhythm Section
A beautiful voice and lyrics add that extra dimension.
2-3 Horns + Rhythm Section
With horns playing in harmony and counterpoint, such ensembles can cover enough parts to approximate a Big Band on a much smaller budget. Famous examples include Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Miles & Coltrane, Horace Silver, Joe Henderson, Benny Golson.
Pricing Tiers
Weddings /
Corporate
Starting at $800
Private
Party
Starting at $600
Non-Profit
Fundraiser
Starting at $400
Free to
the Public
Starting at $300
Weddings and Corporate Parties are at the top of our price tier because they typically demand the most attention to strict detail. They also typically have the most unforeseen challenges that demand flexibility and problem solving. The buffered starting price ensures that the band is prepared to deal with those situations gracefully.
Starting at $800
(Jazz Duo with up to 3 Hour Performance Window)
Whether it’s a backyard bash or a small business celebration, we’ll be there to entertain your guests and best create the desired atmosphere.
Starting at $600
(Jazz Duo with up to 3 Hour Performance Window)
We offer a generous discount to non-profit organizations attempting to raise funds for a worthy cause.
Starting at $400
(Jazz Duo with up to 2 Hour Performance Window)
We offer much of the same attention to detail for our lowest price tier, as we strive to create the desired atmosphere for the venue or event. We use whatever influence we have to invite and attract more patrons.
Starting at $300
(Jazz Duo with Negotiable Performance Length)
Get Started!
Curious about booking UpLeft Jazz?
Fill out our Booking Inquiry form and receive a rough estimate via email. Please give as many details as you can so we can offer an accurate quote.