Review Centre: Vintage Bands

"The ultra-stylish Kit Packham’s One Jump Ahead band is now 30 years old. For this Sunday afternoon gig at the award-winning Hideaway, they performed a rollicking set of songs ranging from 1940s and 1950s jump/jive, R&B and classic rock ‘n’ roll, to jazz standards and originals, featuring the band’s core seven-piece line-up: Bandleader and composer, Kit Packham on saxophones and lead vocal, Steve Knight on guitar, Perry White on piano, Alex Keen on double bass, Kenrick Rowe on drums, Tracey Mendham on saxophones and vocals, and Simon Da Silva on trumpet and flugelhorn. Striking in a blue pinstripe suit and fedora, Packham resembled Frank Sinatra, and he introduced numbers in a clear and informative way. They opened with one of the band’s original tunes, ‘Swing It’, which immediately propelled people to the dance floor. The band’s perky theme tune, ‘One Jump Ahead’, contained one of Packham’s signature, impactful abrupt endings and deadpan Knight added even more colour to the act by performing a nose flute solo on The Blues Brothers classic, ‘Minnie the Moocher’. White nailed a stunning boogie-woogie piano solo punctuated by thrillingly deep bass notes from Mendham on baritone saxophone on ‘Choo Choo Ch’Boogie’, and they even managed to squeeze in a world premiere featuring Vera Lynn’s World War II song, ‘We’ll Meet Again’: Loosely named ‘The Last Song Of The Set’, it cleverly welded an old song onto a new one. Eventually the two tunes overlapped, bringing the gig to an impressive end. The time flew; a sure sign that Kit Packham’s One Jump Ahead with its thoroughly well-written arrangements and heartfelt blend of comedy and music, had done a fine job of bringing this classy joint to life."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Francesca has a voice that you can rely on, she’s mesmerising, always on key, and she sets a feeling of luxury to an event. I chose Francesca due to her roots in Jazz, her Italian heritage (I work for Dolce & Gabbana) and her glamorous look. She made the event work, she had the crowd singing along and dancing and fulfilled every part of the brief – a consummate professional. I would strongly recommend booking Francesca for your next event, whether corporate, wedding or at your business."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Southern sons quite literally made our evening, they learnt our first dance song, quite an obscure one as it was an American country song. They played it beautifully. Our dance floor was never empty and the boys were hilarious. They filled the room with an amazing atmosphere and people haven’t stopped raving about them. My new husband and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all once again for giving us the best night. We will be keeping them in mind for future events. Highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You were amazing and just what I wanted. Keep up the good work and best of luck with everything. Take care Stacey"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Swing Zippers were the perfect band for our wedding drinks reception. Their mix of gypsy jazz and pop classics set the right mood for our outdoor event - it entertained people and complemented socialising rather than distracting from it. They're also a friendly, professional duo that are easy to deal with. Ten out of ten :) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You guys are great, our customers responded exactly how we want them to. You are welcome whenever you want!"

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"The club has had so many positive responses to our New Years Eve party with The Pop Pickers which we thank you all for and we are pleased to announce that they will return later on in the year."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Murray Clarke was a great singer and entertainer, lovely guy and he interacted with the audience to make our Valentines event very special. Would definitely recommend him and would book him again for an event "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much! You were exactly what we were looking for, and my dad just thought you were great (we had told him we were getting a dj so you were a nice surprise for him!). I have to tell you, absolutely everyone I spoke to at the party commented on how good you were, that you were perfect for my dads party, and how they much preferred your sets to a dj – a few even said they were definitely booking you for their upcoming parties! Thanks again, you were really wonderful!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rachel Mercer sings beautifully, not just the nostalgic tunes of the 1940s, 50s and 60s, but more modern contemporary hits also. She livens up the evening entertainment and puts a smile on your face. Paul Davies Aviation Historian. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Their last appearance here went down a storm. Great audience reaction. We’re delighted to have them back here so quickly. Great stuff."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We really enjoyed catering a wedding alongside The Swing Stakes recently. If you're looking for fabulous entertainment for an upcoming party, we'd highly recommend them. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" You have such a lovely voice, thank you for your unbelievable performance!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"AMAZING! Played outside in a beer garden in Bristol, great evening. Book them for your event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Swing Ninjas were incredible! Such great musicians and great communication before hand. Everyone loved them -they played a lively couple of sets and learnt a new song for us. I only wish as hostess I could have sat and listened to them more as I was busy with the guests but I know I will book them again! We loved them so much, and they were just as popular with the 30year olds as us 60 year olds! Thanks guys."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: