Review Centre: Swing Bands

"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! "

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"We have loved having you at The Square and hearing your unique style at Claire and Andy's wedding on the 28th December. Your duo was so fun and went down so well with all the guests and ourselves!"

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"Romantic trio, heavenly tunes for our reception! Loved them"

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"Muriele, I want to thank you once again for the wonderful singing you did on our wedding day. Your performance was wonderful and it really added to the atmosphere of our cocktail drink reception straight after our wedding. Walking into the room with you singing ''La vie en rose" was absolutely magical."

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"I also wanted to thank you for putting on such a great event. We had some of the best feedback in years. Everyone loved y’all and they were still buzzing about it this week. Truly just a fantastic evening. 🙂"

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"Sarah, your singing was amazing today and very moving. It was a joy t accompany you. Many glowing comments and complements afterwards. Would gladly recommend you and look forward to accompanying you again in the future. (10/10) P.Jebson"

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" Name: Phill from Camberley Organisation: Rating: 10/10 Review: These guys were playing at the Login Lounge in Camberely and I came in by chance. They have a great vibe and are extremely polished with a wide repertoire. I sacked off my shopping and stayed as I liked them so much ! 10/10. Thank you guys 👍 "

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"I just love Paddy’s songs and musicians and music and energy… so when he told me he can also do weddings….!!! I just dream about asking him for mine. Their concert was just as perfect as we expected: fun, loving, true, positive! People still talk about this! "

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"‘Chris was so nice. Very professional and the evening went so well. We had so much feedback and comments on how good he is and the music is great. It was a huge success' "

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"We hired Igor and his team for our wedding and could not be happier with my experience. They showed up on time, were professional, and most importantly played beautiful music that elevated the event. They provided a string quartet for the pre-ceremony/ceremony music and Jazz trio for the cocktail hour. The pre-ceremony music was romantic and set a beautiful ambiance for our guests as they arrived. They also learned a song that I specifically requested for the recessional which was so special to us. The jazz trio was also amazing for bringing up the energy for cocktail hour and many guests told me how much they enjoyed the music. I was originally on the fence regarding hiring live music but am SO HAPPY we did. If you are thinking about hiring live musicians you should book Elite Music Group"

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"To quote a thank-you from one of our guests, “Tim’s party went with a blast”. Green Street Jazz provided the music and song for a memorable evening. Excellent musicians, they provided a superb selection that matched the mood and wants of our guests. Compliments came from all quarters during the party, and we were delighted that our guests were so pleased with our choice. In preparing for the booking leader, Pete Duncan spoke with me to ensure that the band understood what was needed. They got it right. We could not have made a better choice. (10 / 10) Elliot Hirst"

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"Thank you for being part of our special day. You were outstanding and gave us the night we had dreamed of. We’re always looking for when we can see you again."

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"Banda sonora perfeita Queríamos uma banda de swing/jazz/blues e que também tocasse um pouco de bossa nova e os Stomping at Six foram sem dúvida uma excelente escolha. A música era uma parte muito importante do casamento para nós e foram absolutamente perfeitos. Recebemos muitos elogios da parte dos nossos convidados. Muito obrigada e esperamos cruzar-nos com estes maravilhosos músicos em breve."

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"First Class! 10/10 Sarah gave a first class performance at the concert."

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"What Ferdie can do that nobody else does (to the extent that he does it) is sing his heart out, and then play his heart out-- his vocal and instrumental expressions are equally strong. It's not like he's trying to get a gig at the local Holiday Inn lounge, no!--he belongs in the concert hall! Larry Coryell (from the liner notes to "Look for the silver lining" album by Ferdinando Argenti"

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