Review Centre: Swing Bands

"Band incredibile e ottima per ambienti da matrimonio e festaioli. Sound altrettanto incredibile ad un livello altissimo, tutti i componenti ottimi musicisti. Presenza scenica oltre le righe. Personalità dei componenti della band molto molto amichevole. Siamo stati benissimo e non vediamo l'ora di poter rivederli suonare dal vivo. Grazie Uke, W lo Swing! D & L"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just love this band, Michele sure knows how to pick great musos, and as she is an exceptional dancer, knows exactly what rhythms us dancers desire in a song, follow her all over the Sunshine Coast."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Not knowing what to expect I was ready for anything on a warm September night in Edinburgh. This was a Sunday night too and the setting was complete in the nightclub atmosphere that is the Dirty Martini lounge. This band can swing, bass and drums groove sweetly while sax and piano trade solos making this a full sound like there are more on stage. Tony Delicata on vocals blends his Italian roots with Volare, On An Evening In Roma and O Solo Mio as we were escorted to warm Italy with cool sounds and cocktails to suit. The second half opened with I Wish I Knew, an instrumental from the days when Cinema was a TV series before Tony returned with more signature arrangements. By now the audience were itching to dance and with peaks like Mack The Knife and (Theme From) New York New York they were at one with the band. The closing title song was a creative masterstroke and a deserved ovation followed. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"In one word: great! Celebrated our wedding yesterday. Concept is great, musicians are so good and feel everything perfectly. All guests thought it was so beautiful too! We have received many compliments, so we would like to pass them on in this way. Thank you again very much for your presence!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Brilliant - would absolutely recommend for a special occasion"

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"Barry sang at our wedding reception and gave the whole evening the exact vibe we wanted to remember forever. All of our family and friends loved it. He adds a whole classy dynamic to the ambience. Barry was perfect for our evening. Rachelle Summers"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"On a beautiful August night JSJBF member band The Gumbo Gum bas, a project that grew out of leader Joe Grillo and his late brother Alfie's love of all things New Orleans, played to an appreciative crowd at Bands on the Beach. This was the second of two shows held on the beach for this summer-long Sunday night concert series, sponsored by the City of Long Branch in association with the JSJBFT. his show gave the band a chance to play live much of the material that can be found on their new CD, "Zydeland," with our own Jill Baskind donning the rub board for a couple of tunes. For those of you who may not get the reference in the title, Zydeco is a southern Louisiana dance music featuring the accordion, rub board and in this case horns. The music on the CD was dedicated to Alfie, who passed during the pandemic, and their mixing engineer, Tim Gilles, who left us during the making of the CD. All of the band members who appeared on the beach are on the record, including Dave Anthony on drums, Vinnie Borselli on trumpet, Joe on tenor sax and vocals, Steve Munter on baritone sax and clarinet, Greg Novick on bass, Steve "Big Squeezy" Rice on accordion and piano and Lars Wendt on trombone. All tunes were written, arranged and produced by Joe except as noted below. The opening title track "Zydeland," begins with the measured beat of the drums and is joined quickly by the accordion, with the horns kicking in as the lyrics invite you to join the band on a journey to this magical, musical place. As with any good Gumbo, it's flavored with local ingredients, in this case a dose of the Jersey Shore sound spices up the mix. "Dance With Me" picks up the beat and is reminiscent in tempo and style to one of Joe's major influences, Louis Prima. If this tune doesn't get you out of your seat, nothing will. "Waiting for the Cane," is dedicated to the crazies who choose not to evacuate, but start the party in anticipation of a hurricane, and party they will to this number. "King Cake" includes lyrics by Joe and music by Steve, was explained to the uninitiated that night as the legendary dessert of Mardi Gras which is said to bring luck and prosperity to whoever gets the plastic baby in their piece. It's a high energy number that gives each member of the horn section a chance to stretch out and strut their stuff, and they made it a highlight of that night and the CD. The recorded version of this song literally jumps out of the speakers. "Can't Go Back To New Orleans" is a moving tribute to Joe's brother, envisioning an ode to the city they both love through the sound of Tom Waits, one of Alfie's favorite artists. I got the chills listening to what starts out as a somber tune but ends in an upbeat fashion, finishing with Frank Rein's tuba. Joe and Vinnie collaborated on the lyrics to the tall tale of "Gumbo Parmesan," a song that's lyrics are as much of a fun dream its title implies. "By the Water'' has that infectious "Congo Square" beat, which is highlighted by Dave's opening drum pattern with accompanying percussion and conjures up a scene of the locals doing a NOLA style tap dance. With lyrics by Ken Morrison and music by Steve Rice, "Drifting Off and Dreaming of You" is a mid twentieth century style ballad, complete with strings, and has Joe in the role of a crooner which he does quite eloquently. A welcome respite from the nonstop party to this point, he sounds like the last man at the bar, smoke curling up from that final cigarette, with drink in hand, thinking about the woman of his dreams. The penultimate song, "Drinks On the House," is another fanciful flight of fantasy which would be loads of fun as an MTV video. Bring on the aliens, it's party time! The final tune, "Why Can't Everyday Be Mardi Gras?," is a fitting end to this party with Steph's clarinet leading the second line followed by the rest of the band with a chorus children along the route singing out the refrain. For this band, every time they start to play it's Mardi Gras. If these songs don't leave you smiling and dancing I don't know what will. Mission accomplished in the fun department as far as I'm concerned."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Insoulents were an incredible band for our Tuscan wedding. We listened to the band’s live music and their recorded songs whilst we were deciding on our wedding musicans, whilst we were in the UK. David and the email correspondence we exchanged was very extensive and so helpful. On the day, they arrived in a professional manner and went above and beyond to help make the day as special as it could be. Each band member is very talented with their instruments and great vocals. They begin playing pre ceremony, after the ceremony, at the aperitif, let us use their speaker for the dinner, evening set and then a DJ. We asked for a Sax also and this was arranged. Their communication made everything easy and great song range made the day! Thank you for everything. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We asked Noa to sing at our wedding and she filled the church with a superb a cappella version of 'Amazing Grace' which left the congregation and us spellbound! Thank you Noa for helping to make our day so special!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘Everyone had a fantastic time and again so many compliments re: your fantastic band and music. It was perfect! Really looking forward to working with you again next year' "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for making our Christmas party so glamorous and unique! Project Cabarazz complimented our company's annual Christmas party with their fantastic music and unique outfits."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Always energetic and engaging trio. Able to adapt to all situations. Quite rare to find musicians who engage with their audience in a jazz setting. And of course top notch music!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This beautiful lady has a superb voice she is ideal for weddings and any special occasion. Book her you will not regret it."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks Ray so very much, That sounds Perfect. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wonderful band, swing and tradicional italian music! I saw CMC many Times a great show full of hilarious gags and well played music."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: