Review Centre: Jazz Bands

"I have hired John Anthony Ferrer to entertain my sorority reunion guests at the Bean Runner Cafe. Is amazing guitar playing as well as classic songs and popular pop tunes. John's hand the guitar really comes alive as well as the songs he plays. John is a real Rock Star, playing tunes from the Jazz era and then switching to the Pop songs of the last few decades. Then playing Blues before going into some romantic Bossa Nova. I also hired him to host and play guitar for 2022 New York Miss Teen pageant contestants. It wasn't long before he had the beautiful young ladies dancing and singing to the songs he played. A highlight to their busy schedule. To sum it up, John Anthony Ferrer's guitar wizardry will amaze you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Darren Just want to thank you for making my mums 80th special everyone enjoyed themselves and complimented you. Thank you again. Regards Carol & Gary (10 / 10) Carol & Gary"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It’s quite possible to stroll right past the place while navigating West Kinzie Street, just a wee bit north of the Chicago River, and not even realize it. The only concrete clue that you’ve arrived at your destination is the sight of a black canvas entrance emblazoned with the curious moniker of the joint. It’s called Untitled, and that handle is purposely nondescript, only adding to the overall mystique of the nightspot. Head down a short flight of stairs, say hello to the doorman (there’s no cover), and you’ll find that Untitled offers a welcoming hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the Loop, which sits only a few blocks south on the other side of the river. During the Prohibition era, speakeasies dotted the Windy City landscape where those so inclined could quaff an alcoholic libation or two while securely hidden away from the long arm of the law. But those long-ago speaks were never this spacious or glamorously appointed. Make no mistake: this is a classy operation all the way, so you won’t spy any tennis shoes or sweatsuits sullying the polished dance floor. When the Rhythm Rockets take the stage at Untitled, as they’ve been doing on the second Wednesday evening of every month for a while now starting at 7:30 p.m. and going strong for three hours, the joint proceeds to jump to a barrage of eminently danceable rhythms. The music meshes perfectly with the delicious food and cool drinks that can be ordered by summoning your lovely waitress. You can dine on such delicacies as steak tartare, sea scallops, and mushroom tortellini, and top your feast off with a scrumptious slice of whoopee pie, a blend of dark chocolate-espresso cake, peanut butter mousse, and powdered sugar. There was a fair amount of dancing happening during the Rhythm Rockets’ most recent Untitled engagement, but most of the sizable crowd was content to soak in the swinging soiree at their tables or from their barstools. The sound quality was exceptionally crisp and full-bodied all night long; Dave Downer’s concise guitar licks sliced through the air with authority, and Nicole Kestler’s delightful vocals were mixed at precisely the right level for maximum enjoyment as she sailed through longtime Rhythm Rockets favorites that included Little Esther’s “Oo Papa Do,” the relaxed pre-war blues lament “Trouble In Mind,” and the band’s scorching arrangement of Ruth Brown’s “(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean” that they often use as a set closer. The sizzling sax section (tenors Michael Bielecki and Vince Salerno and baritone Justin Kierans) was tight and right throughout the evening, and the rock-solid combination of bassist Lou Marini and drummer Mark Fornek kept the grooves hitting on all cylinders. Mark usually sings a song or two on each set prior to Nicole’s entrance, and now he’s previewing a few Chicago blues numbers that he’s also singing with Dave’s new side band, the Five Alibis. Vince switched over to harmonica to give Little Walter’s ominous “I Don’t Play” an authentic Chicago blues sound, although the horns returned when Mark launched into Junior Wells’ playful shuffle “The Things I’d Do For You.” If you’re anywhere near River North on the second Wednesday of this or any month in the near future, take a walk down Kinzie and seek out Untitled, even if you have to look hard for it. It’s altogether worth the effort--and a great place to check out the Rhythm Rockets doing what they do best! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rosie was great to work with from booking stage, on the night and post event. Our guests really enjoyed themselves as they were transported back to the 1920’s era and set the mood for the rest of the evening. Would highly recommend Decatur Street Jazz for future events!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"They absolutely made our wedding! Thank you thank you thank you. Very responsive, flexible and friendly as well as being super musicians."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I want to also pass on my thanks to the band for Friday, we received some fantastic feedback from members and will definitely be in touch for future events. All the best, Hydie"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This brilliant pianist and singer played on our wedding reception and wedding breakfast. I highly recommend them for any event. A wide range of songs. Something for everyone. Liaised with me regarding our choices of music. In between sets Punctual even though they had to travel."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My experience with Petra was superb. She showed up on time, was very professional and has such a pleasant spirit. Thank you Petra for adding that special touch of making this evening beautiful! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had the band play at our wedding in Sorrento for the Aperitif hour, and I can honestly say they were amazing! We had Nana singing and she was outstanding! All our guest complemented them on how great they were and it really set the tone of our wedding perfectly! Raphael was so professional he was always available when I needed to ask any questions, I highly recommend this band for any event they are top class and so professional 10/10! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hired them for our company event after seeing their name pop up everywhere. Best decision ever! They brought such a unique and energetic vibe. Everyone's still talking about it! Daniel L. Salesforce Event Coordinator"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"LCQ couldn't have been better for our wedding ceremony. They played a wide variety of music, and all of it utterly beautifully. I can't recommend them highly enough for any event; they're absolutely terrific, and you won't regret working with them."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I asked Oscar and his brother Barney to record a cover of my mums favourite song for her birthday and she absolutely loved it! It was a beautiful and very personal gift at a time when I couldn't be with her in person. Thank you both!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Little Paul, was exactly what we were looking for. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From The Luna Lounge: We would love to see you perform again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My wife and I want to thank you! Tomy was wonderful to work with. The band was so much fun. We hired them for 3 hours and they entertained us the entire time. Their music selection was great. Everyone at the wedding was so impressed about how good they are! I would give the a 10 out of 10 ! Thank you for such a good time."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: