Review Centre: Swing Bands

"I’ve seen Pauline and the Imaginary Friends perform several times now and their show is always full of energy and fun. Pauline has great vocals with a quirky style that is engaging and entertaining, and her adaptations of the songs are unique and interesting."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Review of Trilby - The liner notes inform us that this ensemble started as a swinging dance band in 2005. Since then, they've evolved into a solid, well-arranged outfit with first rate solos played by intriguing, skilled jazz cats. The feeling I derived from the CD was similar to a classic Blue Note session. You know, several well-written originals that are melodically strong, and a few standards to test the players' chops on familiar material. The co-leaders play flugelhorn and trombone, respectively. Most of the arrangements come from pianist Bill Dobbins, who allows plenty of room for free-swinging solo work. The familiar vehicles here include Benny Golson's "Stablemates" and Sonny Stitt's "Eternal Triangle." I also spotted a tune called "Rich's Call" by Kerry Strayer, a baritone player of the highest stripe, and a skilled composer and arranger as well. It is interesting to note three compositions from jazz harmonica whiz, Hendrik Meurkens. Perhaps he has some connection to the band. Finally, it should be said that this session is directed straight down the middle of the bop highway. Simply an outstanding blowing session on songs that, amazingly enough, sound like songs!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Huge Thank you to Darren Newbould for a fabulous evening of amazing music! You are just awesome! (10 / 10) Caroline"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Arthur played at my son’s wedding on Saturday in Cascais. He played outside before we sat down for the service and during the drinks before the meal. He was amazing. It sounded wonderful. Highly recommended. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Paul Skerritt can work a room with the skill of a Las Vegas entertainer and he had those present in the palm of his hand. He sings, he swings, he ring-a-ding dings. Old Blue Eyes ain't dead - he just lives in the North East of England!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We can highly recommend Belle Histoire as a musical act for your next event. Our attendees really enjoyed listening to the music. The whole set-up with the venue, food&drinks and Belle Histoire has been just perfect for our event. I'm sure that attendees will remember this evening for a long time. In addition to that communication before and during the event was quick and very nice. We wish you a lot of fun with Belle Histoire at your event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for coming to my Birthday Party! We had fun ☺️"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You guys went down a storm and everyone loved you! Thank you again for an amazing evening of entertainment. Your guys were brilliant!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jazz Trio The guys arrived early and were set up well in advance of the start of our event. They are terrific musicians. They were good about checking exactly what our needs were and were able to fit in with the event vibe perfectly. I would recommend and hire them for future events. Harbour Front Castle Corporate August 15, 2022 Verified Certified Review "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I immediately understood from the first contact that I was dealing with professionals, who know exactly how to handle an important and highly symbolic event like one's wedding, capable of always keeping the spotlight on the bride and groom without ever being intrusive or out of place, but rather accompanying us discreetly (but not without "personality") through all the stages of the evening. Being a musician myself, I had very high expectations about the matter, but the feedback received from the band was absolutely respectful of the tastes and the general idea that my partner and I had, and indeed there were, thanks to their experience, details that turned out to be more than spot-on, because they were always done at the right moment and in the most congenial manner to the situation. Well done guys, a big hug from Francesco Cardillo and Laura – Francesco Cardillo and Laura, 14 September 2023, Wedding in Bari, Italy"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can't speak highly enough of this band, they are professional, talented & sound amazing. Before the wedding Jess worked very hard with the venue to ensure we could have the best possible line up for our reception and set up a surprise happy birthday for the mother of the bride with no problems. Thank you for helping to make our special day fun & memorable! Luke & Noriko "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Non c’è stato un invitato che non abbia fatto i complimenti alla band, sia per il repertorio che per l’esecuzione. Sicuramente la scelta perfetta per il nostro giorno, hanno fatto ballare, divertire e godere appieno del mood del matrimonio. Li sceglierei altre 1000 volte anche per la loro flessibilità sull’accontentare le nostre richieste, anche quelle più complicate. Grazie ancora, senza di voi non sarebbe stato tutto così fantastico"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"DO book them!! Highly recommended! The band name totally matches their identity! Smooth as velvet!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Verified Review Hellen • March 17, 2023 Amazing wedding band Johnny was incredibly thorough, easy to work with and very accommodating. Music was phenomenal and added so much to our wedding. Everyone loved the band and had a great time! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Stella, we just wanted to say thank you again for yesterday - you really made it memorable for us singing our favourite songs like we had never heard before! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: