Review Centre: Swing Bands

"Thanks to Gerard for making this moment so poetic thanks to his violin and his musicality. It was a magical moment! Thanks to Gerard for being able to adapt so well to my request."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You might expect an album with edgy, teal-lit cover art and the title of The Isolation Blues, by the Mike Goudreau Band, to be either dark and brooding or a real barroom stomper, showcasing the loudest guitar you’ve heard since Jimi Hendrix’s. Instead, from the first notes, you’ll find it’s a peppy ensemble extravaganza with horns galore. More’s the better, too – the Winter Solstice is coming up, and we need an eye-opening blast of sunshine in the middle of it. Smooth, jazzy-influenced, and boasting crystal-clear vocals, it’s a must-play on New Year’s Eve. Born in 1965 in Newport, Vermont, into a musical family with an English mother and a French-Canadian father, Mike Goudreau picked up his first guitar at age 14 and hasn’t stopped playing since. His early influences included the Beatles, Chuck Berry, Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and later, Albert King, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Powder Blues and Downchild – to name a few. Such diverse interests help to explain why Mike is comfortable in so many musical genres, especially jazz and blues. Since 2007, Mike’s songs have been heard on hundreds of network TV shows and films, such as the TV movie The Happiest Season (Hulu), Dynasty (CBS), the Universal Pictures film Dark Waters, the Hollywood film The Banker, starring Samuel Jackson (2020), The Neighborhood (CBS), NCIS Los Angeles (CBS), and Chicago PD (NBC), among several others. Joining Mr. Goudreau (vocals, guitars, bass and hand claps) are Jean-Francois Begin (think Menachem Begin, not “begin”) on drums and percussion, Dany Roy on tenor sax and trumpet, Ira Friedman on organ and piano, and Pascal Veilette on harmonica. You know all the shows and films mentioned earlier? Together, they spell diamond-level QUALITY. That’s what’s been poured into each of the fourteen original tracks on this CD. Every note, every musical phrase, glimmers like the light off one of that gem’s many facets. This is real-deal blues, whether in swing/jump form (as on the opener “Let’s Go Down to the River”), the angsty, harmonica-infused title track, the guitar and piano boogie known as “The Mooch,” or the laid-back instrumental “Sea Breeze Blues.” Any band can crank out an album in their garage or basement and deem it good enough, but not Goudreau and his posse. They care about their offerings like Michelangelo cared about David, or Da Vinci the Mona Lisa. That’s because they’re not just musicians. Not just craftsmen. They’re artists, and don’t you forget it. Got The Isolation Blues? Here’s the cure, or at least the vaccine! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Entertainment, good music and lots of sympathy. I recommend it for a private party."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sinatra was resurected this evening in The Palacio de Congresos Theatre, Granada! A team of 22 people including a 17 piece big band, 4 actors and the sensational Martin Joseph as Frank Sinatra took to the stage to deliver Frank Sinatra's life story told in words and music. The result was a standing ovation from a spellbound audience. GRANADA HOY, GRENADA, SPAIN"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Kevin, I just thought I would post a comment on your guestbook after your fabulous entertainment for our party. The music and singing was fantastic – as you know the dance floor was never empty! Keep on singing Kevin – you are great! Thank you. Veronica & Brian"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A beautiful musical evening event organized on my Home’s terrace . All thanks to KĀMA Jazz&Bossa and the vocalist Francesca. Her clear voice delighted us with "good vibrations", accompanying us throughout the evening, with a repertoire of bossa nova and jazz standards, international music and her original songs. We had already the opportunity to listen Francesca and the musicians in some clubs in the city centre, and we really liked their sound, therefore we immediately thought of them to organize our event. KĀMA Jazz&Bossa band also proved to be very professional. We will certainly call KĀMA Jazz&Bossa band back for future events. "

Reply by KĀMA Jazz&Bossa
Dear Sergio, Thank you so much for your review! It was a pleasure to play music on the beautiful terrace of your Home!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just what we were looking for!! We had so many compliments from our guests - Jess is a great singer and looked amazing!! Contact was really easy and everything went smoothly. I would highly recommend the The Red Hot Rags! Thanks again to Jess and the band. Becca Ward"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just want to say what a fabulous night Saturday was. You made our wedding so memorable, particularly when you let our friend up there with you! We will be recommending your wedding swing band to all our friends. You have already received a great deal of compliments from those who were there!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I arrived the reception hall late with 100 little worries on my mind, but as I walked up with to the melodious sounds of horn & bass playing "Take 5," I knew then that everything was going to be more than fine. These musicians are talented, flexible, professional with a good dose of personality. It was the easiest and best decision I made to hire a live band instead of a DJ for my wedding. I am holding onto their card for our next soiree. I would highly recommend these guys for any occasion."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We saw the biggest ensemble that Hitchen Jazz provides - The Hitchen Big Band, at Montpellier Jazz Club in 2015. They played an excellent concert. David presented the concert all evening in French, with a charming English Accent. We have followed the group ever since, and we also love the Hitchen Jazz Trio. Bravissimo! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We came across the band Hot Wings quite by accident and we are incredibly happy about it. We couldn't have chosen a better musical accompaniment to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Schrack Technik. At an event for hundreds of people there was dancing, guests were having fun and the dance floor was empty at most during the breaks. The chosen repertoire was excellent, with both younger and older ages coming into their own, and the band was one of the first things guests praised after the celebration. The communication before the event was also great, quick, everything was fine-tuned at the joint meeting in the space, and there was not a single problem on the day of the celebration. Thank you for the amazing music at our party, it was a great experience for everyone!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Debbie , last evening was a stunning performance. It was a great evening. Would you be so kind to let me know about your next performance so that I can attend. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Marcia Bamberg and her Swing Quartet opened the Django Gypsy Festival in The Hague. Excellent vocals as expected from a vocal coach, gives swing jazz another layered dimension. Marcia has a seasoned professional band and most are familiar with the bass player Daniël Gueli, who also works / plays with many other artists like Paulus Schafer, Stochelo Rosenberg, Mozes Rosenberg, and many others here in the EU. Daniël is also a very nice guy along with his talent. Watch for Marcia Bamberg Swing Quartet upcoming shows. She and fellow musicians are worth reviewing and following."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"An evening at the Plough Inn. We loved it. Great music and a lovely atmosphere. We will have you back! (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Well done ... you nailed it! And you have two teenage converts to swing added to your fan base!"

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