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

"The Kings of hot swing were really brilliant - lots of lovely compliments from our guests, thank you very much!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"So glad we booked The Red Hot Rags for our wedding reception. We honestly couldn’t have asked for more. So many guests came up to us to say how brilliant they were! They were also really easy to deal with, super responsive and flexible, which made the whole process a lot less stressful."

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:

"We contacted Chris & although quite close to the date he organised a quartet (including singer). We asked them to play during the meal & then again later. As the price they charge is definitely at the lower end we honestly did’t know what to expect. However they were nothing but professional & the music was great and singing beautiful. We were so happy we chose them & would recommend them for any function. They even dressed in black suits & bow ties! We had so many compliments from our 200 guests! Well done Chris & thank you for making the booking process stress free. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Songbirds entertained at my 50th birthday party last Saturday (8th November), in my local village hall, a smallish venue. They brought all their own equipment and set up quickly and efficiently and all they needed was a 3 pin plug. The ladies were immaculately turned out, and were incredibly friendly. They were fantastic! They sang songs that were really appropriate for the audience, and my guests and I thoroughly enjoyed them. Throughout the evening, so many people asked me "where did you find them?". I strongly suspect they will be invited back to my village by others. I would recommend them without hesitation. Thanks again both for making my 50th a very memorable and entertaining evening. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks guys, you really brightened up our wedding reception last week. Everyone asked where we found you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Black Birdcage Entertainment booked The Jazz Revival for one of our Christmas events in 2018, they carried out a fabulous job and our guests really enjoyed their performance. We will definitely book them again for future events."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This is sophisticated stuff... Everyone plays superbly and the whole set is wholly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you SO much for adding some serious pizazz to last night’s do! You guys were so wonderful - everyone absolutely loved it!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Really talented band — we were so impressed with their repertoire. It felt like they could play absolutely anything!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to thank you very much for arranging The Songbirds to sing at my 60th party. It was everything I had hoped it would be, they were fabulous and such lovely ladies too. I would book them again without any hesitation."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a fantastic band! We booked Count to Swing for a Charity Gala Ball, and what a wonderful addition to the event they were. All our guests made for the dance floor and were thoroughly entertained and I can't recommend them highly enough. Delightful people and they certainly add value to your event!" "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Martini Three played my wedding and they were amazing. James was fantastic with contact, always happy to chat about requirements and make suggestions. We wanted something a little non-traditional, a bit of light jazz, and the guys were really flexible and catered to our needs. On the big day everyone commented on how amazing they were and that they seemed to be genuinely having a good time while playing! They were just amazing. Would 100% recommend to anyone needing some smoooooth jazz!! Thanks guys!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Laura and her pianist for my birthday celebrations. They were excellent. They arrived in good time to get set up and ready to perform on time. They were cheerful and all our guests enjoyed their performance. They allowed a family member to join them with some of their numbers, he is an experienced trumpet play, and he enjoyed working with them. We would recommend them without reservation. They helped to make my event truly memorable."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Good afternoon, I was just wanted to drop you an email to tell what a pleasure it was to have you and the band here on Friday, I’ve had nothing but positive feedback from the team and the guests, from much a step in right direction in regards to music and theme nights at the Dukes. You guys were wonderful :) Thank you again and we look forward to having you back again in December. All the best Johnny xx "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: