What would be some good jazz music for a cocktail hour at a wedding reception?

Question: I was thinking Oscar Peterson, Erroll Garner, Duke Ellington, but what are some others?

Answer: So far I like Robert's list best, but that's because it happens to suit my tastes. But for a coctail hour, you might want to stay away from vocals, because it is likely to interfere with conversation. Instrumenta is best for that part of the event. You want it tasteful, but not noticeable enough to interfere. People should enjoy it without paying attention (unless they want to.) I think any good mix of piano and guitar players would work well. Larry Carlton, Pat Metheny, Bill Evans, Don Novarro fit into the 'easy listening' area of jazz pretty well. Peterson, Garner and Ellington are well known enough by everyone that the familiarity is welcome. I'd probably add Joyce Cooling, Keiko Matsui, Esperanza Spaulding, Lyle Mays, Keith Jarrett .. but again.. that's my taste. If you add horn players you should be careful. Its too easy to overwhelm any conversations going on. Come to think of it, where's MY invitation??

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