Frequently Asked Questions

We are more than just musicians: our role is also to guide and advise you in your choices. Whether you are planning a wedding, a birthday or a party, or you are a professional organising the entertainment for a corporate seminar evening, you probably have a few questions – and we have the answers!

 

What is a fair price for live music?

 

Price is usually the first question that comes to mind. We aim to fit your budget as closely as possible, which is why our line-ups are flexible: our ensembles range from three to seven musicians, always professionals. Naturally, the price is proportional to the number of musicians booked.

 

Playing time is a factor in the price, but so is the time we spend on site. Playing for two hours between 6pm and 8pm is not the same as playing from 6pm to 7pm and then from 11pm to midnight.

 

We can also take care of the sound system: all we need to know is the number of guests and the setting for the evening, indoors or outdoors. If a sound engineer is needed, we can quote you an all-inclusive price – musicians + sound engineer + a suitable PA – so you have nothing left to manage and we are completely self-sufficient.

 

Do you charge travel costs?

 

We are based in Paris and charge travel costs for venues an hour's drive or more away.

 

We regularly perform across France and abroad (Switzerland, Italy…). For long journeys or overnight stays, we try to find another booking in the same area so that fixed costs can be shared between clients, which lowers the bill for each of them.

 

How long is the performance?

 

Our standard performance is two sets of 50 minutes to 1 hour, with a 15-minute break in between – or longer if we have a meal during the break.

 

We can of course play shorter or longer performances, and adding a third set is entirely possible.

 

Won't you be too loud?

 

In a word: no, we don't play too loud. We know we are there to create a background atmosphere – your guests are there to see each other and talk – and our volume is always in keeping with that.

 

To reassure you further, we control our volume in real time. Just tell us, or signal from across the room, and we will turn it down immediately.

 

Do you play well-known songs?

 

Of course! We are committed to giving all your guests the best possible time, and that means playing the great classics of jazz, gypsy swing and Eastern European music.

 

How long do you need to set up and pack down?

 

Setting up takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of musicians, the size of the sound system chosen and the space available.

 

We always arrive with plenty of time to set up and, if needed, run through a quick briefing with you to go over the running order of the evening or take any last-minute changes into account.

 

When time is very tight – for example when several acts follow one another – we can set up in 15 minutes.

 

Packing down is always quick and discreet: it takes us 10–15 minutes.

 

How responsive are you?

 

We are used to events with complex, ever-changing schedules! If you need music at a moment that wasn't originally planned, we are always ready – even during our breaks!

 

The same goes the other way round: if we need to stop for a speech, we can bring a song to an elegant close within seconds!

 

We can play songs for the occasion, such as "Happy Birthday", at a moment's notice.

 

We take the initiative when the mood changes, and if people get up to dance, we naturally switch to the right repertoire. Of course, if you would like a particular atmosphere at a specific moment, just let us know.

 

Can you play acoustically, from table to table, or as strolling musicians?

 

Absolutely. However, we can't play while walking the way a marching band would. Instead, we go to each table and play one or two songs there before moving on to the next.

 

Will you be smartly dressed?

 

We have opted for an elegant, understated look, with suits and smart shoes. If you have a different dress code, we will be happy to follow it.

 

Our commitment to reliability and punctuality

 

In more than fifteen years in the business, we have never once started a performance late. Your peace of mind matters greatly to us: booking us means handing over full responsibility for the music to us. We are proud to guarantee a flawless performance – in its delivery as much as in its preparation and set-up.

 

That is why our clients book us again and again and are happy to recommend us.

 

 

Can we use your microphone for a speech?

 

Yes, of course. Our singer will be happy to lend you the microphone.

 

Can you add our favourite song to your repertoire?

 

If it is a song in the style we play and you give us enough notice, that won't be a problem.

 

My sister (or mother, or brother…) sings! Could you accompany them on a song?

 

Although we are not a backing band as such, we will do our best if we know the song!