Review Centre: Swing Bands

"Thank you so much for Saturday. As we expected you really set the evening off. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed it. It was seeing the broad smile on my wife Lynn’s face as she joined in with a chorus of New York New York that I realized that she knew all the hard work over the past year had paid off."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sensational! Awesome! Jess has the most amazing mellow voice. The musicians were fantastic, the sound was incredible. Highly, highly recommend. Thank you all for making a special evening that little bit more special."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rowan and the roundabout swing band were truly fantastic. Their sound was amazing and really gave my wedding an amazing lively atmosphere. They were an incredible quartet and played both outside at the drinks reception and inside during dinner. Guests all said how well the band played and I could not be more grateful to them! Please look no further If you are considering hiring any form of swing band!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"(For Hot Swing option) A belated and seasonal message of good cheer to say thank you so much for making our wedding so special. Everyone had a great evening and we have received lots of praise for you and the guys. From the bottom of our hearts a huge thank you for playing. It was super. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New year ! James and Kate x "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"One of the pleasures of writing for Jazz Views is having the opportunity to follow the progress of an artist with each new release. It has been my very great pleasure to follow Lush Jazz Band's progress over the last few years. Having reviewed Lauren’s debut album, in 2016 and the follow-up, five years later, it was with great interest that I listened to her third album. If you’re looking for continued growth and artistic development in a musician, then Lauren has certainly delivered. Earlier today, prior to writing this review, I listened again to all three albums back-to-back and was amazed at what I was hearing. Listening in such a concentrated way, I was struck by how consistent each of the albums is and how the vocalist’s progress is not taking place with gargantuan leaps but steadily, as we can see here, in a paced and sustainable development. One huge advantage for Lauren is retaining the services of pianist Liam Dunachie, who arranges much of the music, and the two have built a solid rapport that has resulted in a formidable partnership. With “Tide Rises,” Lauren Bush has found a perfect balance between the old and the new, with a couple of strong original compositions, a handful of standards, and some contemporary works that she has done a wonderful job of adapting to her voice. The album gets off to a stunning start with a brisk and swinging “Joy Spring.” The tricky lyrics are handled with great aplomb by Bush, and after a lovely solo from Dunachie, she gets in a nice scat chorus of her own. This is followed by the title track, one of two original compositions, in which Lauren has drawn inspiration for the lyrics from the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Played over an ethereal opening from Rhodes and guitar (and the only song to feature electric bass), the music evolves over a gentle tempo with an empowering delivery from Lauren. The other original, “Easy Does It,” has a relaxed, almost lazy tempo, and Lauren has written lyrics that add to the gospel flavor of the music. Versatility and variety being the name of the game, we are treated to a beautiful bossa nova written by Earl Okin titled “Madrugada,” and Joni Mitchell’s “Circle Game” is given a delightful treatment, with some exquisite playing from all. The music flows in a beguiling manner, and Mitchell’s lyrics are given a sensitive reading by the vocalist. Standards have been a constant inspiration for Lauren, and with the depth of maturity that she has gained in the last few years, I have witnessed her raise her game significantly. It is difficult to pick one over another. Her treatment of “Oh What A Beautiful Morning” is flawless and joyous, with a lovely scat solo too, and “Nobody Else But Me” has a charm all of its own. If proof is needed of Bush’s stature as a jazz vocalist, then take a listen to the ballad performance on “This Is Always.” A duet for voice and piano, this is a pure delight and even, dare I say it, surpasses the duo’s reading of “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most,” which was such a highlight of her last album, “Dream Away.” Closing with another contemporary tune, this time from the pop duo Yazoo, Lauren and Liam Dunachie cleverly recast Vince Clarke’s song, with Lauren giving the excellent Alison Moyet a run for her money. Another step forward for Lauren in a hugely enjoyable set that sees her setting the bar increasingly higher."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for your performance at the Deddington Festival Everyone thoroughly enjoyed your show and thought you were amazing. A great range of songs that kept everyone entertained through the afternoon. Many thanks again and hope to see you soon. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Tom came to entertain a large group, and we received numerous compliments during the night and the days following about how exceptional he was as an entertainer. People were also impressed with his vocal range! He was flexible and adapted his song choices seamlessly when the dance floor filled up before the meal was served! The French songs and playlist at the end were also a hit, particularly with our large French delegation. We hope to see you again soon!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Matthew, thank you ever so much! Dr Jazz were exactly what we wanted but exceeded our expectations spectacularly! You've had so many compliments from guests."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Brilliant and great performance, personalities and choice of music. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for your wonderful performance at our Philosophy Welcome Soirée. Your music truly set the tone and created an inviting and vibrant atmosphere that everyone enjoyed! Thank you for making the evening memorable for our students and staff alike. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you again in the future!"

Reply by Hot Stomp Strollers
What a fun event. Looking forward to next year! Thanks, Graham

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These ladies proved perfect for our 1940's themed cruises, entertaining our passengers with a great range of wartime and big band standards, with frequent changes of costumes and great audience interaction. A delightful trio of ladies who were more than happy to change set lists and performance times throughout the day according to the needs of the ship. Their day with us ended in passengers dancing and joining in a full throated sing- a - long to much acclaim. One of the most entertaining and versatile groups I have used in 40 years of running cruises, we have received strong positive feedback from our passengers, and will be booking Angie and her trio again in 2025 for another 40s themed cruises. I recommend this group for any occasion, cruise or function. You will not be disappointed!. Tim Wardley. Waverley Excursions Thames Liaison Officer."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to message you and thank you again for coming to our party on Saturday. We had a wonderful time and you and the band did a fabulous job with the music and providing a 40s atmosphere. Thank you again for making our party a night to remember. We hope to see you play again. Love Hannah and Matt "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Kate's Duo were brilliant at our party. Several guests thought it was a CD playing when they arrived and were amazed and delighted with the quality of the music. Kate's singing is a delight and her partner played guitar to the awe of the musicians in our lunch party! Kate gauged the pace really well and we would highly recommend her to anyone. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Super professional, talented musicians. A pleasure to work with! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Both Catherine and Danny were amazing! The music went down a storm with our guests and they sounded even better than they did on their sound reel. Playing our first dance live was particularly special and was one of my favourite moments from the day. Thank you so much!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: