The co-founders of the group are Alison Bentley (vocals/piano) and Kevin Armstrong (guitar). Most of the band, which also features saxophone, drums & bass, met while studying jazz at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
Jazz band for hire: recent clients include: Mercedes Benz, Macmillan, the Beaufort Polo Club, Gloucestershire. Recent wedding & civil partnership venues include: Claridges, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat' Saison, Hampton Court Palace, The Roof Gardens at Kensington, Balliol College, Oxford and the NEC, Birmingham.
Whether Jazz Menagerie are performing elegant ambience or riotous rhythm, the band's philosophy is simple: to have fun playing the music they love.
...Bentley is a virtuoso jazz singer in the Sarah Vaughan / Ella Fitzgerald tradition.
South China Morning Post
...interesting and enjoyable songs... beautifully sung...
BBC Radio 2**
...a very original talent, both as a singer and a lyricist, so watch out for Alison Bentley.
BBC Radio 3 (on Alison's first CD)
My feeling, shared by my wife and friends, was that the addition of the music turned what could have been a rather ordinary event into something much more special....I felt your trio's contribution was appropriate, sensitive and musically excellent.
I just wanted to thank you and all of the band for the fantastic job you did at our wedding on 13 Dec. The atmosphere created by your music was spot on, and so many people have commented on how amazing you all were. The fact that the dance floor was packed all night was testament to this!