Review Centre: Jazz Bands

"Phenomenal! We love alternative versions of songs and something different to have for our cocktail reception and these glamorous ladies where just AMAZING! The set they did was fresh and entertaining but also familiar for all age groups. We loved their vibe and they were really easy to work with throughout!"

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"I booked the jazz band to play at my wedding in August after listening to their music online. We were not disappointed! The music was simply perfect and Ed was so helpful leading up to the day. I'd definitely recommend them to anyone. "

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"We're just back from our honeymoon and wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and the band for playing at our wedding. It was an absolute joy to hear you play and thoroughly enjoyed your set. It was a pleasure to have you all there and we're delighted that we chose Scotch Snap Ceilidh Band to to help us celebrate our special day."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I want to say a huge thank you to the whole band. The evening was made so special by the fun mix of music and professional way in which they setup and executed the set. Everybody had a cracking time and the band were a pleasure to host. Thank you very much Duncan for making the evening the success that it was. I hope we'll be in touch again in the future but best of luck with all you upcoming gigs. I'll be spreading the word! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fleur's music and the performance of her duo were perfect for our party (80 guests in a marquee). Ideal selection of music and very pleasant pair of musicians. Thank you Fleur."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Where to even start?! WOW! We’re honestly all still buzzing! What a night we all had on Saturday! Honestly, it was so, so special for us and you guys were the biggest part of that. I knew you were going to be amazing but you were amazing AND THEN SOME! It’s so lovely to hear that you were all loving life too – that means a lot! I just can’t thank you enough personally for all of your help and advice in the lead up to the party – you’ve been so helpful, accommodating and reassuring the whole time and just been so nice to be in touch with! It’s been such a pleasure! And again on the day you were a complete star and took so much work away from us as we literally didn’t have to worry about you guys – you had it all in hand, even the clearing up – naughty! Haha! Please pass on our sincere thanks to Dale and the whole band who are all so super talented, and so super fun! They absolutely made our night! I had high expectations and they smashed them! I have to give a shout out to our singers, I mean how incredible were they?! So much charisma and sass- I think I’m actually obsessed with them haha! Not forgetting the Swing Singer and Quartet you also provided. Amazing! Thanks for making it such a special night for us and our guests – you knocked all of our socks off! We will absolutely be recommending you to anyone and everyone and wouldn’t hesitate to book you guys again for any future event that we’re having. You should all be so proud of the overall package you provide as a band – it’s unique and it’s special. THANK YOU for everything. I’m so sad this is all over so let’s just say, until the next time…! ? All the very best, xx "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The ladies at our Manchester event were brilliant again – really good feedback! Thank you - Anwar"

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"When initially making an enquiry, I heard back from the team straight away and they sorted things very quickly and efficiently. The string trio looked good and sounded great. We were extremely pleased with them! Thank you all."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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:

"We recently had the pleasure of hosting Jo and the Bluenotes at our work event in Elephant and Castle, and they were absolutely fantastic! Their set was spot-on, filled with perfect tunes that everyone knew and loved, creating a great atmosphere that kept the energy high throughout the night. They even took requests, which made the experience feel even more personalised and special for our team. Not only were they organised and professional, but they were also genuinely lovely people to work with. Jo and the Bluenotes brought such warmth and charm to our event – we couldn't have asked for a better performance! Highly recommended for any occasion!"

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"Full of energy and irresistibly danceable. They're unexpected and original but also a total crowd pleaser. "

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"Moon River were amazing for my baby’s birthday yesterday and it was something so different. They played jazz, theatre and pop music of my choosing from their repertoire and then lots of nursery rhymes. All ages were catered for; their communication was great and they turned up early to set up. Highly recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dinner jazz duo played for me at my birthday party, they were amazing, their choice of music, very professional, came to the venue on time, I would recommend them and have no hesitation in using them again, thank you to both of you "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks again for making out evening so special. It was really great to have you guys perform. Absolutely everyone enjoyed the music and the event."

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"Noteworthy provided a wonderful mix of music for our summer garden party and perfectly set the mood for a special evening. Highly recommended."

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