Downtown Jazz are a long-serving and well-established Melbourne jazz ensemble, brought together by a shared love of timeless music and authentic performance. Drawing from jazz, blues, funky soul and bossa nova, the group specialises in songs from the Great American Songbook delivered with warmth, finesse and true musicianship. Their performances focus on capturing the joyful spirit of the music and creating memorable, feel-good moments at every event.
Music & Style
Downtown Jazz move effortlessly between classic jazz standards, smooth blues, soulful grooves and relaxed bossa nova rhythms. Their sound is refined yet accessible, perfect for both background ambience and attentive listening. With a repertoire that can also include pop, soul, funk and R&B influences, the band adapts seamlessly to the mood and flow of each occasion.
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Line-Up Options
Downtown Jazz regularly perform as a duo, trio or quartet, depending on the event requirements. Their standard trio features saxophone, guitar and double bass, offering a classic jazz sound perfect for weddings, cocktail events and corporate functions. The band can also expand to include vocals, working with established and popular Melbourne singers to create a richer, more feature-focused performance.
Core Members
The core members are highly respected Melbourne musicians with decades of combined professional experience:
- Chris Pappas – Tenor Saxophone
- Nashua Lee – Guitar
- Charlie Rank – Double Bass
Together, they create a refined, dynamic sound built on musical intuition, strong interplay and deep stylistic knowledge.
Watch Downtown Jazz in action
Experience & Musical Pedigree
The musicians of Downtown Jazz bring a wealth of experience performing across Australia in a wide range of musical settings. Collectively, they have shared the stage with renowned artists including Marcia Hines, Leo Sayer, Wilbur Wilde, Paul Kelly and Phil Ceberano, among many others. This depth of experience ensures a polished, professional performance every time.
Event Types Suitable for Downtown Jazz
- Weddings and receptions
- Corporate events and company celebrations
- Cocktail parties and private functions
- Jazz clubs and live music venues
- Festivals, launches and gala events
Why Choose Downtown Jazz
Downtown Jazz offer more than just background music — they deliver an atmosphere. With exceptional musicianship, a deep understanding of live entertainment, and the ability to read a room, they consistently provide performances that elevate events and leave guests feeling relaxed, engaged and entertained.
How to Book Downtown Jazz
Based in: Melbourne, VIC
Travel Options: Available for local and interstate bookings
Downtown Jazz are available for bookings across Melbourne and surrounding regions. Whether you’re after a classic jazz trio or a larger vocal ensemble, they can tailor the line-up and repertoire to suit your event perfectly. Call us at 1300 296 133 or Contact us today to check availability, request a quote, or discuss your event requirements.
