Review Centre: Vintage Bands

"Thanks again for playing at our wedding. The music was perfect for giving the drinks reception that 'vintage' feel and definitely added a touch of class! We have had so many lovely comments from guests. We really appreciated your professionalism on the day and beforehand in fitting round our ever changing plans and song preferences for the day. We will definitely be recommending Debon Swing Dance Band to our friends for future events. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Band played at the reception for our daughter's wedding in the unusual setting of Boggle Hole Youth Hostel - well done for making it down the hill! They were perfect for the occasion, with a great choice of lively and well-known tunes, and never dominated the proceedings by being too loud. They are all extremely talented musicians. The vast majority of the wedding party are singers and performers, so are hard to impress, but everyone enjoyed the music and commented on the lovely atmosphere the band created. Very highly recommended to help your event go with a swing! Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You're always the highlight of my event. You'll be hearing a lot more festival opportunities from me!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Tony, Hope you had a good journey home this morning. Irene and I want you to know that we had a fantastic evening and loved your music. A huge thank you for all you and the guys did for us. Irene Phil Chris and Dave"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You all sang, you all played and you're all beautiful girls! Wonderful!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"To Jessica. Thank you for singing at our wedding, it was absolutely perfect! With love Charlotte & Simon xxx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"REVIEW OF OUR LATEST CD ALBUM IN JAZZ JOURNAL Kit Packham’s One Jump Ahead: Everybody Loves A Boogie The entertaining British jump-jive revival band ploughs the familiar furrow, offering cheeky covers and originals with occasional solos By Hugh Rainey -13 October 2023437 Formed in 1984, this UK group plays jump-jive in a bright and breezy, entertaining style, blended with R&B and vintage rock and roll, and seasoned with light-hearted humour. Leader Kit Packham sings confidently in appropriate style on every track bar one, and contributes alto and tenor to the backing throughout. Packham also composed and wrote the lyrics for eight of the tracks and alternative lyrics for some cheeky adaptations of standards – My Swingin’ Valentine (an upbeat treatment of My Funny Valentine, which surprisingly works quite well) and the very funny Basingstoke (to the melody of Baby Face) and Buy A CD (with appropriate uninhibited bathos to My Way). On the whole, the originals work well for the genre. Love Me, Love My Saxophone and I Dig Potatoes have amusing lyrics somewhat reminiscent of Louis Jordan and Slim Gaillard in style. Enjoyable versions of Don’t Get Around Much Any More, Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby and My Swingin’ Valentine, come closest to straightforward jazz treatment with some worthwhile brief solos and touches of arrangement. The tracks come from sessions in 2009, 2017 and 2023, mainly as six or seven piece lineups it seems, but with changing personnels. Though studio recorded, the CD comes across as cheery live entertainment – for dancers, rather than perhaps for close, serious listening. But it’s certainly good fun, with some inventive fresh material, and a sense of humour to give a welcome lift to your spirits in these troubled times. Discography Everybody Loves A Boogie; Don’t Clap On The First Beat Of The Bar; Old Rock “n” Roll Songs Never Die; Don’t Get Around Much Any More; Love Me, Love My Saxophone; Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby; Route 66; Alley Club Blues; As Time Goes By; Alright, OK, You Win; Lockdown Chase; My Swingin’ Valentine; I Dig Potatoes; Basingstoke; Buy A CD; We Had A Real Good Time/We’ll Meet Again (53.52) Collectively: Kit Packham (v, ts, as, bar, cl); Nick Tomalin, Perry White (p); John O’Reilly (g); Steve Knight (g, ts, bj); Alex Keen, Ollie Blanchflower (b); Derek Gayle, Kenrick Rowe (d); Simon Da Silva (t); Tracey Mendham (ts, cl). UK, 2009, 2017, 2023 (No further details.) Pelican records PEL CD 523 "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much to you and the band - the evening was spectacular! Everyone cannot stop talking about how incredible the music was, and they loved the interaction! Just brilliant. If we ever have another celebration that calls for a band - person or work - expect a call! Thanks again"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Sarah-Jane We had a great night at the 1940s doo. The band was excellent and whole of the village realy enjoyed them selves. Glad to here the band enjoyed it as well. "

Reply by Essential Swing
Cheers Mick! Adam & co / Essential Swing

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Swing Gents really made our wedding a day we will never forget, they were the main act performing in the evening and instantly had the whole room swing dancing from start to finish, perfect for all age."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You were fab- really made the evening special! Thank you! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Really pleasant band and very professional performers. We had a great time listening to Jazz Eclipse and singing along. They created a brilliant atmosphere in the early summer sun! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just wanted to say thank you Tom for appearing at our corporate function on Saturday night. From the moment you started singing all our guests were up on the dance floor and didn’t want the night to the end. A wonderful voice and great fun! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What can I say? The band were incredible! Really easy to deal with before the day, and really made our evening celebrations special on the day itself. They read the crowd perfectly, and so many people were commenting on how much fun they were having. I'd book them again in a heartbeat!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The grand central trio are a brilliant band to work with. Never late (always early), highly professional, polite and all round a top bunch of guys, as a business owner I couldn’t recommend them more highly. The jazz they play if absolutely brilliant and our guests always love their sets, and we are always fully booked when they come to town. If you want a band that exceeds all expectations these are the guys to book. Feel free to contact @maddogsandenglishmen if you need a recommendation for them. Thanks guys for all you do for us!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: