Review Centre: Swing 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."

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"Listening to this band almost makes you think you’ve died and gone to heaven! Their effortless style makes them a joy to behold. Great for every mood and style of dancing from fun gypsy to smoochy romantic. Love them!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Friday night was awesome. The band were brilliant, and everybody really enjoyed the music and thought they were excellent. They started off the ball with a very classy bang! Thank you for recommending them, and for your help in liaising with the band and answering my many queries!"

Reply by Essential Swing
Thanks Shan, it was a great event. Adam & co / Essential Swing

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A huge thank you to you and the musicians for last night!! You are incredible and can’t wait to dance with you all again soon!! X"

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"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:

"Very many thanks for playing with your band at my party on Sunday afternoon. I have to say, you all managed the volume perfectly and we were all able to chat and enjoy our time together without being drowned by your lovely music – brilliant and well done! Please pass my thanks to your colleagues. Your choice of music and musicians was just right for the occasion and I shall recommend you without hesitation in the future. I hope you have some functions to play at that allow you to enjoy the fine weather predicted over the next week or so. Thank you again, Joe."

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"Absolutely wonderful!"

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"Jess came and sang at my 1940s 40th birthday party. She arrived and set up on time and was such a pleasure to have. She looked the part and had the most incredible voice. All my friends and family were so complimentary and she hugely helped the event feel like the 1940’s. It was so great to have such a friendly person to entertain us and I would highly recommend her. Thanks again Jess."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a great addition to my 60th party. I was apprehensive about having live music and searched for ages to find exactly what I wanted. Laura and Dave were amazing and exceeded my expectations, the songs they sang were perfect - jazz and soulful to start, going more upbeat as the time went on. We only had them from 6pm until 9pm and I wish I booked them for longer. Live music was just what was needed to get the party going - perfect in every way. Communication before the event was great and they arrived on time and set up in the garden and got everyone up dancing and singing during their set. I’d definitely book the again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"On a dreich day, you brightened up the whole Tarbert Seafood Festival! Your music and entertainment were fantastic and really lifted the whole event. Thank you for visiting our Fishermen’s Mission Stall!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We could not be happier with Phil and his AMAZING big band. Right from the very outset things started well as he was very friendly in our conversations and happy to accommodate requests based on our tastes, as well as make his own suggestions (which we of course trusted given his experience!) When it came to the day itself the band were efficient at setting up and getting ready. Finally, the performance... WOW! 80% of the people invited to our wedding were professional musicians and the amount of positive comments was overwhelming. The band played lots of our favourites to keep us happy (including an amazing performance of In the Mood at end the evening), as well as plenty of classics to keep everyone on the dance floor (which, incidentally, was absolutely packed for the whole evening, which is something I've never witnessed before at a wedding, so that in itself is a testament to just how good and entertaining this band is). They even played a few strict tempo numbers which made our ballroom dancing friends very happy indeed. All in all the band and the vocalists were absolutely fantastic and we couldn't recommend them higher. They made our wedding all the more special and unique and we cannot thank them enough. Need a big band? Look no further! Phil's your man!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Sarah-Jane, Saturday went really well. The boys looked and sounded the part and were appreciated by everyone. The Jazzeroos were the icing on the cake. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Professional, fun and excellent musicians. This band is superb in every way! They played a selection of high-energy, swinging tunes which got everyone up and dancing. The lead singer was adept at reading the crowd, sensing what got people moving and tailoring the music accordingly, making a fun night for all involved. I might have to plan another party, just so I can hire them again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much! You were brilliant and we will definitely be using you again in the future…"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Ed and Paul for the jazzy Christmas tunes. You probably heard the guests singing along - they definitely enjoyed the evening."

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