Here's my list of upbeat music for cocktail hours. I've switched to this instead of the kinda boring (IMHO) jazz instrumentals.
When I hear this it always cracks me up....
Contemporary jazz artists have a LOT of mid-tempo songs that work well for cocktails/dinner that aren't boring. The dynamic range, tempo changes, and instrument depth make them anything but boring.
The problem with many DJ's is they're still plaing the same Kenny G CD they did in the 80's. Most never even upgraded to Silhouette from Duotones.
(and no, that's not aimed at you - it's aimed at a number of DJ's I know who keep doing the same thing - and your moving on to other kinds of music mean you don't fall into that category).
In all actuality....
Try some of the more modern artists... especially anyone that's toured or hit the studio with The Rippingtons.
Here's a list of some nice contemporary jazz artists I've had good luck with including some older artists that have a very contemporary 'feel'. Some have INCREDIBLE introductions that can help to build suspense. Think Against The Grain by Acoustic Alchemy.
Many of them will theme an album which can help to impart a 'feel' into cocktails/dinner to match the theme. Sahara, Tourist in Paradise, and a couple others from the Rippingtons are like this.
The Rippingtons
Russ Freeman
Boney James (try 'Nothin but Love' and tell me it's boring
).
Eric Marienthal
Kevin Eubanks
Fourplay
Acoustic Alchemy
Al Jarreau (One of the best male jazz vocalists IMO)
Ali Ryerson
Bob James
David Sanborn
Rick Braun
Brecker Brothers
Brian Culbertson
Carl Anderson (he died long before he peaked - and his song Hot Coffee is a personal favorite, but I don't play it at weddings).
Joe Sample
An older artist I really like is Dave Brubeck. I particularly LOVE his Take Five -especially when played with Al Jarreau doing vocals - but it's a bit 'upbeat' for weddings and pretty well known. The time signature is a 5/4 which messes with a lot of DJ's who are used to 4 on the floor.
Which means I like it even more. ).
Some GREAT jazz albums are on the Playboy Jazz nomiker - but they're older and a bit slower. That's why I really didn't go there. These are likely the types of songs you're trying to stay away from.
I do want to put in a warning. Grabbing the CD and dropping it in without listening is a BAD idea. A lot of songs can spiral pretty quickly and get more on the acid jazz or traditional side of things which can have some funky key changes that can make people uncomfortable.
On a side note, I've seen a trend toward using downtempo and chill for cocktails and dinner. There are some GREAT songs for this in those genre's.... Unfortunately for me, my wedding this weekend is a 'country' wedding (literally - I'm playing from the back of a hay wagon!). But when I do a bridal expo in April I hope to include a lot of this genre because it works VERY well.
If you're wondering about this - try listening to Thievery Corporation. GREAT starting point.
For a 'taste' I'd start with La Femme Parallel or Lebanese Blonde.
