Review Centre: Vintage 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:

"Ruby sang for us at our Annual Bubbles and Lunch Charity event for Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer in Dec at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham which was attended by over 200 Business women. Ruby was amazing and kept our audience thoroughly entertained with her choice of great songs. She was also dressed beautifully like a Mrs Christmas which was very appropriate for this Christmas event. Ruby was very professional throughout our whole event and we would not hesitate in booking her again for another occasion."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked the Platinum Jazz Band for a charity event with 400 guests, and the communication beforehand was great, was able to leave Rob to liaise with the AV team which made my job a lot easier! The band sounded great and got lots of feedback from guests wanting their details for other bookings! We’ll have them back next year!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It’s hard to put into words just how fantastic Jazz Eclipse were on our wedding day. Conor’s voice was full of soul and class, and Joe’s guitar work was effortlessly smooth. Together, they created an incredible sound that brought the perfect mix of emotion and energy to our celebration. If you’re looking for amazing musicians with kindness, talent and great communication — these are the guys for the job! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"" Swing Gitan are a band that as soon as they start playing you can't help smiling and dancing along. Not only are they accomplished and exceptional musicians but they bring a warmth and sincerity that is needed within an event. From a bookers point of view they were accommodating right up until the event and were always ready to change their set around or put in some songs they didn't know to make it really special for us. My event wouldn't have been as successful if Swing Gitan hadn't have been there and I couldn't recommend them highly enough" "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just wanted to drop you a quick line to thank the Stamford Stompers for a lovely afternoon on Saturday. The music was great and really made for a wonderful atmosphere in the gardens at Longstowe. We really loved having you during the reception and you made the day absolutely perfect. All our guests have said how great you were and we have had nothing but positive comments. Thank you again, Katie & Tom"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked these girls for my parents' Diamond Wedding. I had never seen them but thought I would take a chance. They were totally brilliant, not just great singers but really lovely warm people. My guests loved them, it really made the day. Totally recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Can I please say a huge Thanks to you and the guys in Dr Jazz: you were amazing! So much so that the regional area manager is looking into booking your services on a regular basis. You really made the night for us. Thank You."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely blown away by The Belles at our armed forces event. They brought such energy and charm to their performance. Their song selection was spot on, and their voices blended together beautifully. They were professional, friendly, and really added a special touch to our event"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You guys played a blinder... and played sets in just the right way in the circumstances, so a huge thanks. There were a lot of musical people at the event, and you and Rose who did the food shared the majority of the plaudits for what you did. Cheers again, and hope to see a bit more of your music being performed sometime. All the very best, Harry."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ike and band played for us last Saturday (birthday party with 20 guests). They arrived on time, set everything up and played amazingly well, including our guests' wish list. They played even longer than we had booked them for (3x45min). I highly recommend the trio and happily book them again for the next event. 10/10”"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Booked the Flute/ Guitar Duo for my Bike shoot start up venture. It was great so many guest were impressed with their skills, with fantastic flute, guitar and sax solos of classic covers, they really made the event. Off the back of that I am pleased they get two more gigs. See you at my next event. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dearest Sarah- Jane and the boys Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. It was perfect. Everyone has been talking about it. Honestly, it was so hot but was perfect because it turned the room into a ‘Speakeasy’. It was brilliant and people were chatting away and just having the best time. Apart from my little nieces who loved dancing with you all. It really was the best day and I hope you all got back safely and had a great time. Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Jess. I was so pleased with your performance and a lot of my guests commented on how nice it was to listen to you at the start of my Party. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for a lovely afternoon, everyone had a brilliant time, it all went so quickly, thanks again from all of us x "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: