What is Tailor Made Ensembles?

Joshua Smith

Joshua Smith is a jazz saxophonist who’s has spent the past three decades playing jazz in a diverse and vibrant array of settings. A Manhattan School Of Music alumn, he’s performed nationally and internationally with his own jazz groups, and as a sideman for some very notable players as well.

Joshua Started Tailor Made Ensembles in 2015 after decades of providing music for countless weddings and private events with his jazz bands for almost 20 years. He founded Tailor Made Ensembles after working with many wedding clients who weren’t quite sure how to get the perfect small ensemble music for their wedding/reception, and didn’t know where to start in the process. He decided to create a service to provide highly skilled jazz, classical, and acoustic music for private events. In addition, Tailor made Ensembles offers details consulting to help guide brides and grooms who are designing their weddings music repertoire, and picking out the perfect instrumental ensemble to play for their big day.

“I’d talk to clients who wanted elegant, subtle background and wedding ceremony music, and they really didn’t know the first place to look. I love helping them find the music that will help them remember their day forever, and set the perfect tone for guests.”

Started in San Francisco, California, and before expanding to offer services in New Orleans, Joshua and Tailor Made Ensembles provided music for a wide swath of elegant events in the Bay Area and Napa Valley. After expanding services to New Orleans, they have provided music for private events in New Orleans and the surrounding area. They’ve provided music for New Orleans based private parties, non-profits, political events, fundraisers, mixers, and social events.

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Joshua cut his teeth in jazz both performing, and playing music for society events, i.e. weddings, receptions, cocktail hours, corporate events, and private parties, playing with some of the area best musicians. Trained by an older generation of jazzmen focused on detail and musician etiquette, he learned the ways to properly provide background jazz and aid in the mood of the party. “I noticed that even when playing background music for a private party, the musician I learned from would always bring their most tasteful playing. The music was subtle and elegant and at a really high level. The level of expertise and subtly required to navigate those events is very refined. I always felt there was a dignity in the role of supporting the atmosphere for people to celebrate and mingle to, and an honor to provide music for the bride and groom on their big day.”