Live funeral music:
A jazz band for your loved one’s funeral, cremation, or memorial service
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Daytime and evening | Netherlands — Belgium — Luxembourg — North Rhine-Westphalia
The funeral service, burial, or cremation of your loved one will be unforgettable when accompanied by live jazz music.
A small jazz band from Jazz Centrale—which you can put together yourself—will create a serene atmosphere and a dignified farewell, providing space for memories and emotions.
"Top-notch musicians with a keen sense of the atmosphere and the desired musical style. My father would have loved it."
- Annemarie Quispel — funeral ceremony in Zeewolde
"De Jazz Centrale has proven to be the perfect choice for us, whether for a joyful event or a quiet farewell. Flexible, compassionate, and professional!"
- Jack, Jef & Steffi Berben — Memorial reception at Brasschaet Castle
At Jazz Centrale, you can be sure of:
- Highly experienced, professional jazz musicians
- A particularly respectful presence at a ceremony or funeral service
- 100% guarantee of a full replacement in the event of a musician's absence
- 100% guarantee that we'll arrive on time
- A 100% guarantee that the event will go off without a hitch
- A neat and well-groomed appearance and appropriate attire
- A custom jazz band, tailored entirely to your preferences
- Includes all necessary tools and equipment
We are happy to assist you and can represent you throughout the Netherlands and Belgium.
Our most popular jazz bands
We offer jazz bands for hire in a variety of configurations, so we can fully accommodate your needs.
All the musicians are of the highest professional caliber and have extensive experience performing live.
Saxophone Jazz Quartet
The most versatile jazz band, known for performing the works of jazz legends such as Dave Brubeck and Miles Davis. From understated to exuberant—anything is possible upon request.
Jazz trio with saxophone
The warm and captivating sound of the world’s most famous jazz instrument, accompanied by the warm tones of the piano and the rich, deep tones of the double bass.
Mobile jazz trio featuring a saxophone
The warm sound of the saxophone accompanied by a guitarist and a double bass. This ensemble is quite flexible and can perform, for example, during the ceremony and afterward at the gravesite.
A Dixieland band with 3, 4, or 5 musicians
Experience Dixieland music at your loved one’s funeral. This is the same style used at funerals in New Orleans. Available for hire with 3, 4, or 5 musicians
"I first came across De Jazz Centrale on Instagram, during the night of Saturday, December 10, into Sunday, December 11, while I was keeping vigil with my father. On Saturday, December 17, the trio played three songs at the Catholic Mass held for my father’s funeral. Communication beforehand went smoothly; the three gentlemen arrived well ahead of time, so there was no stress. And most importantly: during the Mass, the music was subdued and beautiful and fostered a sense of connection. And later, at the cemetery, in the afternoon sun, the sounds warmly embraced us, despite the cold that froze our fingers and the strings. Marco, Arnold, and Laurens, under the direction of Kars: Thank you! Nothing but positive, not a single discordant note."
- Cecile Andringa
We regularly provide live jazz music to accompany Catholic or Protestant funeral services.
Why choose live music with a jazz band?
Our live jazz music creates a serene atmosphere where memories and emotions can find their place. A live jazz band at the funeral service underscores the dignified and respectful atmosphere.
"The beautiful, understated, melancholic jazz during the funeral service made my father’s ceremony an intensely beautiful memory."
- Birre Yazar - Walvis
"I miss the old man, but with a farewell like that... I’ll never forget it. And many of those in attendance (many elderly people—Dad was almost 94) have already said...I want it that way too... how special."
- Hilda van Spronsen
Our extensive repertoire
It’s sure to include your loved one’s favorite songs
From New Orleans street parade classics of the 1920s to cool jazz from the 1950s and beyond. Our repertoire is incredibly extensive, so we’re sure to play your late loved one’s favorite classics.
A selection of popular songs
The classics listed below are frequently requested at the funerals where we perform.
... You can also check out our general repertoire page, where you’ll find an even wider selection of popular jazz classics.
"We were deeply moved by the beautiful sounds of New Orleans jazz during my father's funeral. The drum solo dedicated to my father touched my soul. Thank you so much!"
- Simone Schreiber
"Another unforgettable moment was the saxophonist who walked ahead of the funeral procession to the grave and welcomed us there with atmospheric, serene jazz melodies. The atmospheric music deeply moved us—and all the guests in attendance."
- Michel Blom