Review Centre: 1920s, 30s & 40s Style Bands

"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:

"The band was excellent. The music was great which had the audience tapping their feet and dancing in the aisles. They are talented musicians, who are also punctual, friendly and highly professional. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"…..great music which got everyone up on the dance floor (we have the embarrassing photos to prove it!)….."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Sababa for our Wedding in May 2018 and what an amazing time we had! All our guests loved it! Very professional, excellent choice of songs and Janine as the lead singer was absolutely brilliant! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Everyone really appreciated your music and I've had loads of complimentary feedback. Matt was especially impressed at how you looked like you were really enjoying yourselves and I loved the harmonica! It was perfect."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks so much for the Jazz trio that played at Adam's party at Hallsannery on Saturday - you were great. Many of the guests have commented that you set just the right tone and created a great ambience. Thanks for helping to make the party a success. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Tzigauners were fantastic! Our wedding reception had just the right atmosphere thanks to these brilliant talented musicians. Richard was professional and willing to chat through various arrangements! Thank you all so much! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Not only do you girls look the part, you sound amazing. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"For Hot Swing Option - Guitar, Fiddle, Double Bass and Vocal We loved it – thank you. It was lovely meeting you. You helped make our day very special."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What can I say, a great afternoon and no mistake. The music was, as I'd hoped, excellent and with a good crowd to enjoy and appreciate it. ...well done you guys, keep it up..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a wonderful evening! Huge thanks to Harry Simon and Eleazar for your amazing music -gypsy jazz with a contemporary feel. Many of our friends have since commented on how much they enjoyed the music If you need your party to go with a swing grab yourself some Hot House!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I thought they were playing a CD (of Sinatra) until I came around the corner and saw it was you singing!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks to Soul to Swing for helping our VE Day celebration event a great success. Great voice and professional."

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Just a quick note to thank you for such an excellent performance on Saturday evening. Thank you for helping to make Anna’s birthday so memorable. We would not hesitate to recommend you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I know I thanked you on the night but just wanted to do so again in the cold light of day. You and your band were fantastic, not just brilliant at the music but also lovely, helpful and a total pleasure to work with. Thank you so much and please pass my thanks on to your team. My Mother literally had the party of her life and you were a big part of that.... you were exceptional. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: