Review Centre: Jazz Bands

"Dear Jess, we just wanted to say a huge thank you for your performance last night - you created an amazing atmosphere and the set list was perfect, we loved every minute! We will definitely recommend you! Best, Alison"

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"A great guy. He got the party going, and with classic swing songs there was something for everyone...even my granny, who tore up the dancefloor!"

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"Mozzle Brocha made a huge contribution to the Balfour Project event to mark the centenary of the Balfour Declaration at the Methodist Central Hall [Westminster, London, UK]. Their unique and charming blend of jazz, Jewish and Arabic music ‘framed' the evening."

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"The Strut went OFF! It was so good and you guys were on fire! I loved every minute of your set."

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"Great group, highly recommend"

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"REVIEW OF OUR LATEST CD ALBUM IN JAZZ JOURNAL Kit Packham’s One Jump Ahead: Everybody Loves A Boogie The entertaining British jump-jive revival band ploughs the familiar furrow, offering cheeky covers and originals with occasional solos By Hugh Rainey -13 October 2023437 Formed in 1984, this UK group plays jump-jive in a bright and breezy, entertaining style, blended with R&B and vintage rock and roll, and seasoned with light-hearted humour. Leader Kit Packham sings confidently in appropriate style on every track bar one, and contributes alto and tenor to the backing throughout. Packham also composed and wrote the lyrics for eight of the tracks and alternative lyrics for some cheeky adaptations of standards – My Swingin’ Valentine (an upbeat treatment of My Funny Valentine, which surprisingly works quite well) and the very funny Basingstoke (to the melody of Baby Face) and Buy A CD (with appropriate uninhibited bathos to My Way). On the whole, the originals work well for the genre. Love Me, Love My Saxophone and I Dig Potatoes have amusing lyrics somewhat reminiscent of Louis Jordan and Slim Gaillard in style. Enjoyable versions of Don’t Get Around Much Any More, Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby and My Swingin’ Valentine, come closest to straightforward jazz treatment with some worthwhile brief solos and touches of arrangement. The tracks come from sessions in 2009, 2017 and 2023, mainly as six or seven piece lineups it seems, but with changing personnels. Though studio recorded, the CD comes across as cheery live entertainment – for dancers, rather than perhaps for close, serious listening. But it’s certainly good fun, with some inventive fresh material, and a sense of humour to give a welcome lift to your spirits in these troubled times. Discography Everybody Loves A Boogie; Don’t Clap On The First Beat Of The Bar; Old Rock “n” Roll Songs Never Die; Don’t Get Around Much Any More; Love Me, Love My Saxophone; Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby; Route 66; Alley Club Blues; As Time Goes By; Alright, OK, You Win; Lockdown Chase; My Swingin’ Valentine; I Dig Potatoes; Basingstoke; Buy A CD; We Had A Real Good Time/We’ll Meet Again (53.52) Collectively: Kit Packham (v, ts, as, bar, cl); Nick Tomalin, Perry White (p); John O’Reilly (g); Steve Knight (g, ts, bj); Alex Keen, Ollie Blanchflower (b); Derek Gayle, Kenrick Rowe (d); Simon Da Silva (t); Tracey Mendham (ts, cl). UK, 2009, 2017, 2023 (No further details.) Pelican records PEL CD 523 "

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"Woodwind and Ivory played beautifully whilst we were having dinner and drinks for my husband’s 50th. The musicians were professional and courteous and we would book them again."

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"So pleased with this fab duo! They were absolutely perfect for our summer party event, not only can they sing and play but they are friendly and accommodating and their sets are so perfect for the environment. Really would recommend to any function that needs an extra bit of magic. Thank you so much for making our afternoon so memorable. "

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

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"It was perfect! It ran smoothly and everyone loved the music, they were very complimentary. The sun came out and we were able to give my uncle a great send off. Thank you once again "

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"He was incredible and the clip on Youtube doesn't do him justice. Fabulous singer. We had so many positive comments about him and how good he was. Would highly recommend."

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"A huge Thank you for making our Christmas Party a great success. The feedback from those that attended has been amazing, singing the praises of The Tribe. Also, as I said on the night I have been very impressed with how our booking was dealt with and the promotional package that you sent out."

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"Gemma was absolutely incredible at our wedding! She could not have been more accommodating, especially with us having to postpone three times. All of the songs and hymes were beautiful, I could not have felt more special walking down the aisle accompanied by her stunning music. Thank you for making us feel so special."

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"Just to let you know that we have had lots of nice comments on the lunch and you and Elliott featured high on the list!"

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"We had our wedding ceremony on Sat and Jessica sang for us with her guitar playing assistant. She was absolutely amazing and we had a truly unforgettable experience. Jessica and Giulio were very professional on every stage of the preparation process incl contract, payments, and music related choices. It was a pleasure for me to be arranging everything with Jessica as she listened to our needs and she met them completely. Thank you for making it possible for us to meet her through your website. MR & MRS R."

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