Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
The Big Easy Band specializes in creating the ultimate New Orleans event experience by mixing in a bit of local flavor with pop favorites. We offer a range of styles and band sizes to best achieve your vision and ensure an experience your guests will be talking about for years to come. With over 2 decades of performing in New Orleans and around the world at conventions, wedding receptions/ceremonies, parades, festivals, concert halls, cocktail parties, house parties, parades, birthdays, etc., you’re in good hands with the Big Easy Band!
Book the most accomplished and in demand New Orleans musicians to make your occasion as seamless and memorable as possible. We’ll work with you and your other vendors to ensure timings and formalities are perfected to optimize time on the dance floor. Our attention to detail, unparalleled communication, and our ability to listen and accommodate your vision are among the reasons why our award winning band is on the preferred vendor lists of the top venues, event coordinators, and DMCs globally.
No one event is exactly like the other and so we will work with your needs and budget. We also offer several services in house such as a professional sound system and lighting that will help lower your costs.
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James Martin is a Jazz Billboard Charting New Orleans native who began his career over 20 years ago as an original member of Trombone Shorty's Orleans Avenue. He has performed countless venues, festivals, weddings, and private events in 48 states and across 4 continents and has been featured on ESPN's Monday Night Football, HBO's Treme, Anthony Bourdain's Raw Craft, Popeyes Chicken commercials, and NCIS: New Orleans where he not only appears on screen but composes background music used in the show regularly.
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5.0
out of 5.0
30 reviews
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Review Summary
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The James Martin Big Easy Band received outstanding reviews from multiple couples for their wedding performances. The band is described as far beyond a typical wedding band, with exceptional musicianship and a keen ability to engage the crowd, ensuring a lively and unforgettable experience. James' professionalism and easy communication throughout the planning process were also highlighted, making the band a top recommendation for those seeking a unique and high-energy musical experience for their special day.
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Janelle F
5.0
6/09/2024
The Big Easy Band played at our wedding, and what can I say but wow. James and the band are amazing to listen to, kept up the energy, and knew what to play and when. Not to mention they were all very easy to work with, and helped out every step of the way. Thank you!
Jennifer U
5.0
1/19/2024
Highly recommend James Martin and his Big Easy Band. The band played well-known favorites and learned songs that my husband and I requested special for our wedding. Despite the unusually chilly temps in Lafayette, La they kept the party moving and grooving all night long.
Any questions?
Chris D
5.0
11/15/2023
James Martin and the Big Easy Band was easily the best 'wedding band' that I've ever experienced, and our wedding guests shared that sentiment with us throughout the entire night. I put wedding band in quotations because they are far more than just that. The band is full of incredibly talented musicians, each in their own right, and their ability to gauge the crowd ensured that people were on the dance floor all night. This is a band that I would gladly pay to see at any venue they're performing at. James was also incredibly responsive and helpful throughout the entire process leading up to the wedding, and the band truly elevated our wedding night to something I never imagined. Thank you, James + band. We look forward to seeing you all again next time we're in NOLA.
Andy W
5.0
8/12/2023
James Martin and his brass band were absolutely amazing for our wedding in Silverton, Colorado! The Second-Line, cocktail hour, and dinner with the band in the beautiful mountain setting are a memory that I will hold on to forever. It was absolutely phenomenal. Highly recommend for a wedding or other event in New Orleans, or if you want to bring the authenticity of a true New Orleans brass band to wherever you are celebrating.
James could not have been better to work with leading up to the wedding, as well. The logistics of bringing the band from New Orleans to a high-elevation mountain town in Colorado were certainly significant, but James and the band handled it in a way that took the stress off of our shoulders and gave us confidence they would perform. Everything from travel, to lodging, to song lists were handled well ahead of time and then when it came to the actual execution, everything went very smoothly.
Thank you!
response08/14/2023
Hi Andy,
Thanks again for having us bring a bit of New Orleans up to your beautiful weddi...
ng in Colorado. We're happy that you enjoyed our performance and hope to see you and Jen at one of our performances sometime soon!
All the best,
James
Valerie P
5.0
4/23/2023
James Martin and his band were absolutely incredible!! I have been to many weddings and have never encountered such a musically talented group performing for weddings. This is not your average wedding band— they have so much personality and are so unique. They really bring the New Orleans vibe and it was exactly what I envisioned. They got everyone on the dance floor and we had so much fun!! Before we booked them, we went and watched them play at the Carousel Bar one night. It was an audition, but they had no idea! We were sold. I also will say that some wedding vendors are not always the most prompt or friendly in their communication throughout wedding planning, but James was the opposite — he was SO easy to get in touch with and was always extremely kind and professional! Book them!!!!!
response04/24/2023
Hey Valerie!
So great to hear you all had a fun time this past weekend! And a bit funny ...
to hear about our audition. A couple's wedding is a moment they'll remember for the rest of their lives and we believe that ensuring a great experience begins with great communication. Thank you for all your kind words and next time you pop in on us at the Carousel Bar, come say hello!
James
Bob L
5.0
3/18/2023
We hired James Martin, his band, and Amanda Ducorbier for our wedding and couldn't have been happier. Working with James for song selection, setup, and scheduling was extremely easy and he was very responsive. He was more than willing to accomodate when we asked to add a female vocalist which not many artists are willing to do! The energy of the entire night was amazing and made everyone feel like they a part of a true NOLA music and dance experience. This isn't just your average wedding band book him now!!
Kara C
5.0
2/05/2023
We had the privilege of having the James Martin Big Easy Band play for our wedding. We love live music and knew that a live band was a priority for the reception. We all fell in love with James’s band after watching their videos on YouTube. Their sound is absolutely CLASSIC New Orleans. It’s hard to believe, but they are even better in person! They played their tails off and put on a show that will never be forgotten. Booking this band is not cheap, but like all things, you get what you pay for. I will not be surprised at all when James becomes the next Harry Connick Jr.!! James is also professional and managed the business details efficiently. We paid an additional fee and he played (and oh, my, can he EVER play) the sax for the ceremony. If you want to get a preview, he plays a few nights each week at clubs in the French Quarter.
response02/06/2023
Hey Kara,
Thanks so much for this great review! It was a pleasure entertaining you all a...
nd I hope to see ya'll at one of our public performances sometime in the not so distant future. Thanks again and all the best!
James
Amanda B
5.0
10/03/2022
Where do I even begin?! James Martin and his band were AMAZING! They exceeded all of our expectations and every single guest we talked to were raving about them! Five stars isn’t enough for this review because we were blown away. Highly recommend them if you are looking for the perfect band!
response10/03/2022
Thanks Amanda!
Ya'll were such a fun group to perform for. Thanks for having us and all ...
the best!
James
Paige H
5.0
5/18/2022
HOLY. MOLY. James Martin and the Big Easy Band brought such a fun and high energy performance to our reception. Our guests could not stop raving about how great the music was and the dance floor was filled for the entire 3.5 hours they played. We wanted to bring a New Orleans flair to our day and they did that and so much more. We cannot recommend James and his band enough. He was so professional, helpful, and quick to reply to every email sent his way. An extra special touch was the band learning a song we requested that was a dedication to my husband's late grandmother. It was such a sweet moment we will never forget. Book them - you and your guests will not be disappointed!
Michaela D
5.0
5/17/2022
James Martin and his band are INCREDIBLE!!!! They are so much fun, have such amazing energy, and are extremely talented musicians. I can’t speak highly enough of them! Many of our wedding guests said our wedding was the best they’ve ever been to, and much of that was due to James Martin’s Big Easy Band! HIRE THEM!
Blake D
5.0
5/06/2022
James and his band were perfect for our wedding. James was very thoughtful and proactive in communicating with us before the event to make sure everyone was on the same page and our requests were met. I would definitely recommend hiring James and his band for your wedding or any other kind of large private event. We even ventured out onto Frenchman Street after the wedding was over and watched James perform at a club. Every band member was a consummate professional, you will not be disappointed if you contract James and his group to perform at your wedding or event.
J & J Z
5.0
4/15/2022
James Martin Band was INCREDIBLE. James and his musicians are insanely talented and flexible. Just check out their Youtube channel- you will be so blown away by their talent. JMB provided multiple services for our wedding; a soloist at our ceremony, a brass band for our second line (James can also book the permits and map the parade route for you as well- such a breeze) and a jazz trio at our wedding reception. The band had music in between sets, a speaker and mic system. James MC’ed our introduction and speeches as well. Truly a joy to work with and such a vivacious experience on our special day. Reach out to James ASAP if you’re looking for live music or experiences for your wedding, he’s truly a Big Easy gem!
response04/18/2022
Thank you so much! It was a pleasure performing for you all. All the best,
James
Alexandra C
5.0
2/04/2022
We used James Martin's Big Easy Band for our 200 person wedding in Mandeville LA, and they were absolutely amazing. Great music selection, and amazing instrumental skills. They played all of our requested songs from their list and did a great cover of my selected First Dance song. Absolutely no complaints. Would hire again.
response02/09/2022
Thank you, Alexandra!
Ashley B
5.0
12/08/2021
The James Martin Big Easy Band was the best wedding I’ve ever seen. They arrived early, dressed neat, and got to work setting up as soon as they walk through the door.
James did a great job of keeping the energy high and even entertaining the requests from some of my annoying aunts. 10/10 would recommend!
Thanks again y’all :)
Brianna B
5.0
10/24/2021
James Martin’s band made our wedding! Everyone was so impressed! We had James play the sax at the ceremony, a four piece band for the reception, and small second line to end the night. It was amazing. It was a smallish wedding but they had everyone on the dance floor, which I loved! We got so many of our guest asking how we found them, and we felt so lucky that we did!
response11/01/2021
Hi Shawn,
Thanks for having us be a part of your wedding! We enjoyed performing for you ...
all and I'll never forget the feeling of the floor shaking when your crew filled up the dance floor. It was a great energy.
All the best,
James
Patty B
5.0
10/24/2021
The band was so great! They really embodied New Orleans spirit! They learned specific songs to make our special day that much better for us! The night was beautiful, and they were a huge part of that. They went from romantic slow jazz to lively jazz covers like nirvana that really got the crowed going. We also used their second line band who helped create an experience my out of town family will never forget. They are a unique wedding band at a great price point. This band would be great at any gathering where you want New Orleans spirit to shine through.
response11/01/2021
Hi Patty,
Thanks again for hiring us and thank you for the great review! We had a great ...
time performing for you all.
All the best,
James
Marjorie R
5.0
10/15/2021
This band was great! I received many compliments from my guests. They were professional, on time and very accommodating of my music choices. James was super easy to work with from the minute I emailed him to play at our wedding! I’m looking forward to visiting New Orleans again and hearing them play again.
response11/01/2021
Thank you, Marjorie!
Great performing for you all and being a part of your wedding. We ho...
pe to see you back at one of our public performances when you're back in town!
All the best,
James
Laura S
5.0
5/26/2021
We booked the James Martin band for our wedding ceremony, reception and second line music. Our guests were blown alway with their talent and fun vibe that was contagious. They were very professional, had matching uniforms and their song selections were exactly what we were looking for. Would 10/10 recommend!!!
Gern B
5.0
10/27/2020
James was very professional and helpful throughout the planning process. He even learned a few special requests for the ceremony that added to a remarkable evening. Highly recommend!
Elana R
5.0
10/19/2020
I would give them more than 5 stars if I could. We had The James Martin Band play at our wedding after-party. It was a small-ish house party with 25-30 people and they knocked our socks off. They each have tremendous talent and undeniable show energy. I can imagine having them as the main show for a much larger event would be incredible. They were professional, easy-going and fun to work with. Very attentive to what my new hubby and I really wanted and did not disappoint at any point in the process, especially with their performance. It was our favorite two hours of the whole wedding weekend and wished we'd had booked them for 3! :)
Amber K
5.0
2/25/2020
James Martin Band is the best; hands down. If you're looking for a band that captures that New Orleans vibe, or just a band full of incredibly talented-musicians then stop looking because here you go. I sound like an advertisement but I promise I'm not in the pocket of JMB.
My husband and I met and fell in love in New Orleans, and live music has been a constant thread in our love story and something that's very important to us. We knew we had to have a band. I'm fairly positive we looked over, under, and around at every band in N.O. and BR. I truly believe we could not have found a better band. Guests are still talking about how amazing the music was.
They even did such a rousing, cardio-requiring, sweat-inducing, amazing version of the Hava Nagila that I'm sure my husband's side of the family will be taking about it for many Passovers to come.
Thank you James and your band for making our wedding that much more amazing than we thought it could be.
Sophia L
5.0
12/20/2019
James and his band are electric. We had a fantastic experience working with James throughout the planning process and ended up working with him for our ceremony, reception, and parade. He and his band learned a handful of songs for us that made our day even more special. They played the most energy-filled Hava Nagila we’ve ever heard kept the party going with a second line parade. If we could give more than 5 stars, we would. Hands down the best. Our guests haven’t stopped raving about James and his band- they truly made the night.
response12/23/2019
Thank you Sophia! We had a blast entertaining your special day. Hope to see you and Brett ...
at one of our shows back in New Orleans sometime soon!
James
Chris T
5.0
11/21/2019
James Martin Band is amazing!!! We hired his band as a Second Line and to perform during our wedding reception at the Marigny Opera House.
To say he killed it is an understatement. Our wedding guests had such an amazing time that we ended up watching him perform again at the Spotted Cat that same night!
James was extremely professional and responsive during the entire planning process. He was very accommodating and sought to ensure our event ran smoothly from the rehearsal, ceremony, second line, cocktail hour and reception.
I would highly recommend James Martin Band for any event!!!
response11/21/2019
Thank you Chris! We really enjoyed being a part of your beautiful wedding and we loved the...
energy that your that your crowd brought. We all had a lot of fun and it was surely a memorable night. I hope to see you and Jovone back at one of our shows sometime in the future. All the best to you both!
James
Courtney P
5.0
5/30/2019
We used James Martin for our second line brass band for our wedding and they were OUTSTANDING! Our wedding was in March and we still have guests talking about how much fun the brass band was at our wedding. We saw James perform a few times around New Orleans and were blown away by his talent so we knew we wanted him at our wedding. My husband and I gave James a few song requests that we would like to hear that weren’t the typical second line songs and he played most of them which was so awesome. Those few songs ended up making some of the best memories of the night. He was easy to get in touch with, professional, and a fantastic saxophone player! If you are looking to have some New Orleans flare but still want the feel of a wedding band, hire James Martin for you 2nd line needs!
response05/31/2019
Thanks for sharing! We enjoyed parading your group and hope to see ya'll again at one of o...
ur public shows something soon! James
Laura C
5.0
4/30/2019
We loved James Martin Band! My husband and I were searching for a group who could capture the New Orleans feel and not just be your typical wedding band and they did not disappoint!! James is friendly, very responsive and easy to work with. He organized a second group for the courtyard area for us and was flexible when we asked him to extend by an hour just one week before the wedding. We had so much fun and pretty much went through the floor with all of our dancing. Would definitely recommend him!!
response04/30/2019
Great to hear! We enjoyed entertaining your lively crew and hope to see you again soon at ...
one of our public shows. Thanks!!
James
Robert C
5.0
2/13/2019
James and the band were awesome. James listened to what we wanted and delivered spot on. They captured the New Orleans vibe for the cocktail hour and led the hymn. I am still in awe remembering the”Come Thou Fount” 1st verse play through on his sax. They were totally professional too. The best!
Amanda D
5.0
11/12/2018
The James Martin Band is incredible!! The energy and talent they brought to our second line parade was spectacular!! Perfect price, professional! While planning out the details, James was an absolute pleasure to work with leading up to our event! JMB was the icing on our wedding day!!
response11/12/2018
Thanks Amanda! We had a great time performing for you all.
Natalie C
5.0
11/10/2017
Best Wedding (and any event) Band!!!
James put together a four piece band (sax, guitar, bass, drums) for our reception and a separate six piece brass band for our second line and they were both amazing! My now husband and I are big music fans and we worked with James to put together our ideal setlist for the reception a good mix of New Orleans Funk with some Classic Rock; i.e. The Meters, Allen Toussaint, Talking Heads, The Band, David Bowie, JJ Cale and Robert Palmer to name a few. He was happy to accommodate some special requests and they knocked those songs out of the park - THEY ROCKED IT. I was truly blown away by the talent we had. A lot of our guests were from out of town and spent their late nights seeing shows around the city and several said that our wedding band was the best show they saw all weekend (and they went to see some very popular New Orleans artists that weekend). I look forward to seeing James and his band members play the next time we are in town. I cant thank them enough for an amazing job and making our wedding so special.
Jennifer G
5.0
2/14/2017
DEFINITELY HIRE THIS BAND !!!
We highly recommend the James Martin Band! The band performed a lively mix of funk, jazz, and cover tunes at our wedding reception motivating our guests to dance non-stop .Both young and old really enjoyed the music and we all had a wonderful time.
The saxophone playing band leader and vocalist, James Martin's performance was exceptional and highly professional, even leading a second line (which everyone loved) through the crowd of guests.
Everyone wants their wedding day to be a perfect and memorable experience and hiring this band will mean you have one less thing to worry about. They were very reliable, and their music was fantastic. What a great sound! We love this band !
Jenny & Jason G.
Clay C
5.0
2/08/2017
I got married in May of 2014 and James did an excellent job playing at our wedding. He was even able to play a song upon request from the album Sting. James is very reasonably priced and brings outstanding jazz entertainment to your wedding. Towards the end of the reception we did a second line. I would recommend James to play at any wedding and if you didn't choose him to play at your wedding then you would be making a mistake.
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Big Easy Band
James Martin
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