Review Centre: Jazz Bands

"Simon was very easy to work with – and flexible on what the band could play. At very short notice they had to add some traditional bar mitzvah music to their repertoire, which they played very well. Also with almost no notice, Simon had to take over the role of MC during the later part of the evening, as our MC was slightly indisposed. He did that very well. The music was mainly dance music that most people could enjoy, either dancing or just listening to. We all loved it including my 20-year-old nephew who is studying piano at Trinity. Guests were dancing the night away and the music really added to the joyous atmosphere. And the sound level was kept at a reasonable level, so those who did not want to dance could still talk. We received lots of compliments on our choice of band. I definitely recommend them."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow what a performance. Jonny played the accordion at our recent wedding and certainly entertained. All the guests commented on what a fabulous idea it was to have an accordion for a wedding and also what a talent he was. We would highly recommend Jonny for any event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We've had Love For Sale at our last two annual conferences, as entertainment for the drinks reception, I would't hesitate to hire them again. They were easy to work with, professional, and most importantly the audience LOVED them! A pleasure to work with - they just got on with it! Great job - great band!"

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:

"Brilliant; singing/voice, story telling, humour, music and stunning presence. Look forward to future performances"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We would like to say a huge thank to you for helping to make our wedding day extra special, the music you play is beautiful and you would compliment any occasion! You are both very professional and I would highly recommend you! Thank you again.. Mr & Mrs Lovell 18.8.18 Scarborough "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Exceeded our expectations. The band struck just the right balance between background music and something that my guests could listen to."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Noteworthy as a jazz trio for a surprise 60th party. they were fantastic - very professional and sounded great. Arrived on time - left when they were ready and they made the party. Thanks very much and good luck in the south west!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rose was wonderful with the “oldies” - although we had 6 songs for them to join in with a sing- a- long they joined in with everything!! She encouraged people to join in and to get up and dance, my 90 year old mum was up dancing with her friends. It was absolutely wonderful and they haven’t stopped talking about it - a wonderful time was had by all. One of the highlights was a lady,who doesn’t interact much and is wheelchair bound, as soon as Rose started singing she was tapping her hands and was swaying in time to the music - an emotional moment. My mother was unaware that we had booked Rose who managed to set up very discretely, she was very friendly and accommodating. The guests were thrilled with her choice of songs and commented on her lovely voice. She was the highlight of the 90th party celebrations - Would recommend her 100%."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks it was a very straight forward process and we would happily recommend your company and Mark who did an excellent job on the night. Thanks"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fantastic evening with great musicians very high standard."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for the brilliant service."

Reply by Rory
Hello Tracy, Thank you for your feedback regarding Rory on 26/08/2017 I'm delighted to hear that it went well, and I have passed on your kind comments to Rory. Meanwhile, on behalf of Rory, I would like to once again thank you for the opportunity, and I send you our congratulations and best wishes for the future. Best Regards, Claire Maillot

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rory put on after show performances for Manchester Camerata at the Bridgewater Hall and at the Royal Northern College of Music respectively. I am pleased to say that both performances went successfully; Rory brought a tasteful cosmopolitan selection of Brazilian tunes and acoustic Latin, blending well-known arrangements with original compositions, which created a buzzing vibe and went down very well with our audiences, keeping them at the bar all evening! Great fun and would definitely book for future events."

Reply by Rory
Hi Manus, Thanks for this, much appreciated. Do get in touch if you require our services again in the future :-) Thanks and best wishes, Rory

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Such a great band! Loved the interaction on the dance floor - a really memorable night."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just want to say a massive thank you for playing the harp at our Wedding at West Heath last month. Many of our guests have remarked on how fantastic you were. My mum said that your playing was one of the highlights of the ceremony and for me walking into the room to marry my husband and walking out as husband and wife to your beautiful music made my day! Thank you again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: