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The world's most popular jazz trio. Perfect for any party or event.
The allround trio
Pure class and extraordinary versatility. One of the most legendary jazz trios in jazz history. From subtle ballads to groovy funk and from summery bossa nova to swinging cool jazz.
100% COVID-19-SAFE
All of our performances, including this one, are COVID-19 safe. We can perform while maintaining a distance of at least 1.5 meters from one another!
Composition
Recommended composition
Piano + Double Bass + Drums



Absolute artery
Highly recommended. Professional and cheerful musicians who blend perfectly into the atmosphere of the event. Sound advice beforehand and a flawless performance on the day itself. We’d love to have them back.
Chris Vanhee
Birthday
I am incredibly grateful
I am incredibly grateful to Kars and his band for making our evening truly special—our dinner guests were amazed by the performance and the band’s professionalism. Our guest of honor was extremely pleased to hear his favorite songs performed live especially for him. The entire experience, from our first contact with Kars through to the evening of the performance, was wonderful. Thank you so much!
Rasa
Business event
Listen to our music!
For the best bass sound, listen with good speakers or headphones.
Turn your phone sideways to hear the music in stereo!
Video clip
Repertoire
Our repertoire is super varied and perfect for any occasion! Want to get a sneak peek of our songs?
View an overview of the repertoire hereHear for yourself!
This jazz trio in a nutshell
- Allround repertoire, from swing jazz, bossa nova, and Latin to funky tunes and everything in between;
- Comfortable volume, even with a drummer (thanks to their 'brushes');
- Great for both small gatherings and big events;
- Can be expanded with instruments like saxophone, the unique vibraphone, and vocals;
- Sounds like: Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck, Horace Silver, Gene Harris, Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock
The ultimate classic setup
This Jazz Centrale lineup is themost allroundand therefore suitable for a wide range of parties and events. You’re undoubtedly familiar with this type of jazz trio from the popular jazz trios of the 1950s and 1960s: the Oscar Peterson Trio, the Bill Evans Trio, the Ahmad Jamal Trio, and so on. They all consisted of piano, double bass, and drums. It’s no wonder, then, that this is such a popular lineup. Songs by Herbie Hancock, such as "Watermelon Man" or "Cantaloupe Island," are also featured.
Volume: from very subtle to danceable energy
With this jazz trio, we can adjust the volume from 'whisper quiet' to quite lively. That's why this setup is perfect for all sorts of events: dinners, house parties, corporate happy hours, and wedding celebrations.
Our drummer can play really, really quietly thanks to the 'brushes'. So you absolutely don't have to worry about the music being too loud just because there are drums!
We can easily adjust the volume of the music, and it's absolutely no problem if you ask us to play a bit louder or softer.
- Tip: Looking for a jazz trio that can move around? Then you should definitely check out our roaming jazz trio.
Style: from swing to samba
Having drums also means we can play a wide range of styles. We cover everything from classic jazz swing (great for dancing!) to South American rhythms like Bossa Nova and Samba – it's all in our repertoire.
If you're looking for a jazz band that getspeople dancing, this Piano Trio is also an excellent choice.
If there is no piano available
Is there no piano at your venue? That’s no problem. There are two options: we can bring our professional digital piano, or you can rent a real piano at a very competitive rate.
Why Jazz Centrale?
- More than 300 performances a year
- A team of enthusiastic professionals
- Kars personally selected all the musicians with great care
- Always keep the volume on for background music
- We perform throughout the Netherlands and Belgium
- Well-kept clothing
- Atmospheric lighting
- We provide equipment and instruments
- 100% peace of mind, thanks to comprehensive coverage in case of illness
How does Jazz Centrale work?
Our team consists of more than 200 professional jazz musicians who are among the very best in the field.
Jazz is a universal musical language. We speak it fluently, which means we can perform in any possible combination!
Get advice from Kars, jazz pianist and founder of Jazz Centrale!
FAQs
Can you perform outdoors?
Absolutely! Nothing beats having a great jazz band at your garden party or wedding reception. Business receptions are also often held outdoors in the summer. We’re more than happy to perform outdoors. However, it’s important that we’re sheltered from the sun and wind, and that the temperature is comfortable—preferably around 20 degrees.
Is a stage necessary?
A stage isn’t strictly necessary. For larger groups (more than 100 people), we recommend providing a small raised platform. This way, the musicians are more visible to the audience. After all, a jazz band contributes not only musically but also visually to the atmosphere of the event—so it’s nice if we’re clearly visible.
What is the typical playing time?
We are usually hired for a performance lasting 2 to 4 hours. The ideal performance length depends in part on the band’s lineup. As a rule of thumb, the number of musicians should roughly correspond to the number of hours of music required. For a performance of about three hours, for example, a trio is an excellent choice. Do you need music for just a short time, such as a one-hour performance? Then a smaller lineup, like a duo, is often sufficient. If you need music for a really long time—say, six hours—it’s also a great idea to combine a live band for a few hours followed by our vinyl DJ. Of course, Kars is happy to work with you to figure out what best suits your event!
What is your dress code?
To stay true to the spirit of jazz, we typically perform in a stylish black suit with a white shirt and a black tie or bow tie. It’s a nod to the elegant 1950s—the era when jazz developed its iconic look. Even if you and your guests opt for a more casual dress code, our classic style ensures a chic atmosphere. After all, the musicians play a special role during your event and should certainly stand out a bit. Of course, we’re happy to tailor our attire to your preferences—whether you prefer formal, festive, or casual.
Where are you from?
The professional musicians of Jazz Centrale live throughout the country, which allows us to perform flexibly throughout the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as beyond. That’s why we can also perform in North Rhine-Westphalia, Luxembourg, and northern France. Travel costs remain relatively low and have only a minor impact on the rate. After all, musicians are used to traveling. This way, you can enjoy top-quality live jazz music, wherever you are!
How many guests can this arrangement accommodate?
This lineup is ideal for groups of up to about 150 people. Larger groups are, of course, also possible; in that case, it’s often best to have the sound amplified externally by a sound engineering partner. We can also put on a great show for very small groups!
How long is this trio's typical performance?
We are usually booked for 2 to 3 hours with this trio. Of course, it can also be shorter or longer.
Aren't his drums too loud?
Not at all! We can play the drums very softly. Whether using brushes or even sticks, the drummers at Jazz Centrale can play at almost a whisper. We guarantee it.
Popular alternatives
You might also want to consider these popular alternatives.
Let Kars give you some advice!
As a professional jazz musician and the founder of Jazz Centrale, I'm perfectly placed to give you advice based on real-world experience. With over 10 years and hundreds of gigs at receptions, weddings, and corporate events under my belt, I've seen it all! So I'd love to share my extensive experience with you.
Call me directly at +31 6 24 75 29 71. Or send me a WhatsApp here"






