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:

"Just wanted to say a massive thank you for your performance at our evening reception on Saturday. You guys were amazing!!! We received nothing but good compliments about you. Laura your voice is a powerhouse WOW. You were just what we needed for our theme & you did us & yourselves proud. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hettie and her band surpassed all our expectations they are so unique had everyone on the dance floor. wished we had booked them for the whole evening "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fantastic service and fantastic and friendly band. Everyone loved the music and were sad when the event finished. We will be booking though you again. Thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You were the perfect summers day soundtrack, the perfect way to kick off our motorhome launch weekend. Thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My husband booked Emily as a surprise for our wedding. Her performance totally made the wedding, she sang all of our favorite songs and was an absolute hit with our guests. Post wedding I asked Emily if she would record the songs she had sung during our wedding to give to my husband as a gift so we can continue listening to all of our favorite songs and so we could remember the great day we had and the fab performance by Emily. I would recommend Emily to anyone and really hope for another excuse to invite Emily back to perform again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band were absolutely amazing, we could not have hoped for them to be as good as they were! The first dance song was perfect and they even learned one of our favourite songs for our 'second dance'. Everyone was great, but the lead singer was especially brilliant, her voice was stunning. Highly recommended. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was a little daunting booking a band based on a few small clips on a website, but we knew straight away they were the right band for us. The Rampart Street Ramblers were amazing value for money, and really made our wedding special. They learnt our first dance for us, and we couldn't have been happier with how it turned out. Everyone commented on how wonderful and unique the band was, and the whole booking process was quick and easy. I would rebook on this site, and rebook this band without a doubt!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band gave a great performance at the RAF Christmas Party. The arrangements for the band all went very smoothly, and the show on the night was first rate - the band even agreed to perform an additional set at short notice. They were virtually held hostage by the crowd until the end of their third encore! I’d have absolutely no hesitation in booking them again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Now I’ve got back to the mainland and can reflect on the wedding, I just wanted to thank you for putting on such a great accompaniment to our celebration. I do hope it was worthwhile for you all to come over to Sark. All the best! A real pleasure."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Noteworthy performed at our corporate event, a royal visit celebrating our companies centenary. Their music hit just the right note lifting everyone's mood. Although there was one hitch in the plans when a band member couldn't make it at the last moment, they resolved in a very professional manner with a reserve member stepping in. Their good communication ensured all went smoothly on the day. 5 stars highly recommended!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Jess, Thanks for your fantastic show last week everyone really enjoyed it! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jess was fantastic from the word go! As soon as I booked, we had regular communication and Jess was great in understanding what we needed from the day (from choice of music to timings etc....). On the day, Jess turned up early and set up with no problem at all, leaving us to deal with some last minute things for my dads 85th birthday. She even managed to calm me and other family members down when things got a bit chaotic with her calm, friendly and reassuring manner! The sets that Jess played were perfect! Just as we had requested in terms of genre and style and what a beautiful voice! Before long, we were up and dancing and singing along. Jess made this day magical for us which is just what I had imagined for my dads birthday. Everyone, from the youngest at 7 to the oldest at 85, had an incredible day and were full of praise for Jess. I would highly recommend Jess and would certainly rebook. I was told by my mum that a number of the neighbours were out listening as well in their gardens and loved it too so when rules allow, we may look to get another booking in! Thank you so much Jess ❤️"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Louise's sublime voice and talented accompaniment provided the perfect acoustic backdrop for our event. We wouldn't hesitate in booking her again in the future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks again for playing at our wedding! Was such an amazing night. All of the guests were so happy with the music and said you guys were awesome! It was such great music to dance to! Also thanks for the way you handled the drunk man wanting to sing Frank Sinatra situation haha! You handled it very well and professionally. And thanks for letting my Dad join in and sing with you guys. We had a blast and wish we could do it all again! :) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: