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:

"Dear Sara, Phil and I just wanted to get in touch personally to thank you for performing at our wedding. It was such a wonderful surprise to me, I had absolutely no idea Phil had arranged a trio. The band really brought a great vibe to the drinks reception, we loved it and so did so all of our guests! As musicians ourselves, and with so many of our friends being musical too, it meant the world to have live music performed throughout the day!! We just wanted to express our sincere thanks and to say what a joy it was to walk into the garden and hear you guys that day. I know the staff at Pangdean also thought you were brilliant! All best wishes! Rachael and Phil "

Reply by The Swing Outs
Hi Rachael (& Phil), Thank you for your wonderful feedback. Your wedding was just so beautiful & full of love & joy from beginning to end. It was an honour & total pleasure to be part of your special day. Thank you & much love, Sara Oschlag

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely perfect. Thank you so much for making my husband's birthday the best birthday he's ever had. 10/10"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ruby was asked to.perform at my.mumd funeral wake as my mum.had requested a party. She was not only amazing before the event keeping in touch collecting information about mum so she understood her which I felt was just so thoughtful On the day she was incredible her performance was Just sensational and the temp just right You must book this lady I promise you.wont regret it Forever grateful to ruby xxx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Lazy River band we’re very professional and organised. They were prompt and very punctual, well dressed and friendly. The music suited our event perfectly and got people dancing and smiling. Highly recommended! "

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:

"Super professional, talented musicians. A pleasure to work with! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had the privilege of hearing him rehearse earlier and he's absolutely marvellous"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amy was an incredible addition to our wedding. She sang our first dance and it made my day. I would highly recommend her, we had so many compliments as a result of Amy’s performance so everybody book her for your wedding you will not be disappointed !!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Spinettes were booked by the residents at Harleston House for a musical event that they had planned for Dementia Awareness Week. The girls were very warm and friendly with their performance but remained professional performers throughout. The music and the selection of songs for our client group was spot on, its not easy to keep people with Dementia engaged but they managed very well. It was lovely that when they finished their show the girls took the time in going round chatting to the residents and their relatives this was a lovely thing to do. The residents are still talking about it and they all said what a lovely time they had together. I have been requested to book them again and I have no problem with recommending this group and their manager for any event that requires this style of entertainment."

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:

"The BV's played for us at our wedding. Their set was the perfect mix of classics and more recent hits; guaranteed to get everyone on the dance floor. Carol and the band expertly arranged our first dance request, Michael Buble's rendition of 'You gotta friend in me'. They made the night truly memorable!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hello Jessica, I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful performance last night! We really loved your set and people were raving about it all night!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

".....a truly memorable performance at our wedding. We absolutely loved the ceremony music.....The Queen of Sheba was most fitting for the entrance and my mother noticed and loved all her requests. Thank you so much Cherry Trio for being able to translate exactly the atmosphere I was trying to create into reality, and for being such professionals. You hit the nail on the head with all of it - the music was a highlight."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent jazz last night for our event in Great Ouseburn Village hall"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: