Review Centre: Swing Bands

"Fantastic Show!!! There is absolutely no way to experience anything closer to a live show with Frank Sinatra's voice than with James Anthony. I will certainly hire him again and would recommend anybody else to do the same. I have never seen a more realistic impersonation of any artist. Hats off to you Mr. Anthony!!"

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"I hosted a Saga jazz holiday at the Merton Hotel, Jersey, at which The Brian White Quartet was engaged to play. This was a unique experience, being Saga's first jazz holiday on the island and also that we had not heard the band play before. What a wonderful evening we had, with the band playing a superb programme of smooth, sophisticated jazz to the audience's delight. The band was very professional in every way - with good time-keeping and performing to our specified requirements. I have no hesitation in recommending this band if you are looking for something special, modern, up to date and very entertaining. "

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"It starts with hum, then a toe-tap and before you know it you are singing along to the tunes that you know so well. But what’s better, a night with the La Dolce Vita Swing Collective introduces you to new arrangements of those popular songs with an Italian-esque twist – as well as showcasing a selection that won’t be so familiar. The five-piece swing/jazz band – featuring piano, bass, sax, drums and vocals with those specially designed new arrangements – pays homage to likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and other Rat Pack favourites. Vocalist Tony Delicata put together the band with a collection of musicians from Edinburgh and Blairgowrie whose previous talents range from West End musicals to The Jools Holland Band. Tony’s powerful vocals on the likes of ‘I’ve got you under my skin’ and ‘Nice and Easy’ starting to carry the audience. ‘Come Prima’ and ‘O Sole Mio’ gave us the first real feel of the Italian influence. But it was after the interval that the Collective – and the audience – found their stride. The timeless – and age-less – appeal of the Rat Park tunes soon had the crowd moving from humming along and a foot-tapping, to full on sing-a-long mode as the band ripped through classics such as ‘Come fly with me’, ‘King of the Road’, ‘That’s Amore’ and ‘Volare’. By the time of the closing numbers of the near two-hour long show, ‘La Dolce Vita’ and (of course) ’New York New York’, the crowd was sold. It really does show that it does mean a thing, when it does have that swing. "

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"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."

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"Oh YES...Swing at it's finest...!!! Love this group...!!!"

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"Trip for biscuits were amazing, very professional, turned up on time and sounded absolutely fantastic, I would recommend them to anybody!"

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"The three-piece jazz band that graced our Holiday Soiree on Friday night delivered a truly memorable performance. Their skilful interplay and smooth transitions between classic jazz standards and festive favourites set the perfect tone for the evening. A true highlight of the evening, the jazz trio added a sophisticated yet joyful touch, making the holiday soiree a resounding success. We would highly recommend them for any event seeking a blend of elegance and entertainment."

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"Client Review: "One of the most magical parts of our wedding was the music — and we owe that entirely to this incredible jazz ensemble. We were looking for something very specific: not another dance set (we had a DJ for that), but a warm, classy jazz atmosphere for the first part of our celebration — during the ceremony and the cocktail hour. What we received exceeded every expectation." "From the very first contact, communication was smooth and professional. We requested a jazz trio and asked if it would be possible to add a saxophonist for that extra depth. Not only was it possible — the result was beyond beautiful. The group performed a selection of jazz standards we had personally chosen together in advance. They played them with such elegance, heart, and authenticity, it felt like we were in a Parisian jazz bar or a New York club — not on a seaside terrace in Bodrum!" "Our guests were blown away. Many of them said they had never expected to hear such genuine, high-quality jazz in Turkey, and certainly not at a wedding. The saxophone added a soulful touch that made the whole set feel intimate and luxurious at once." "We can't thank this wonderful group enough. Their performance added soul and style to our special day in a way we will never forget. It wasn't just background music — it was an experience." – Olivia & James (Wedding near Bodrum, Summer 2024)"

Reply by Moda Jazz-piano, vocal, double bass, drums
Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Olivia and James. I hope we helped make your life unforgettable. Wishing you much happiness.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Abbiamo scelto lui e il suo team per accompagnare musicalmente il nostro matrimonio e non avremmo potuto fare scelta migliore. Fin dal primo contatto si è dimostrato estremamente professionale, disponibile, cortese e sempre pronto a consigliarci nella scelta della musica più adatta ai vari momenti della giornata. Ci ha seguiti con attenzione e competenza, aiutandoci a creare l’atmosfera che desideravamo. Per il rito abbiamo scelto la violinista e per l’aperitivo abbiamo scelto la formula con violinista, sassofonista e pianola: un accompagnamento elegante e coinvolgente che ha ricevuto tantissimi complimenti da parte degli invitati. Tutti i musicisti si sono dimostrati molto preparati e professionali. Durante la cena e il post-cena, il sassofonista ha inoltre ricoperto il ruolo di DJ, contribuendo a trasformare la serata in una vera festa. Ha saputo leggere perfettamente il pubblico, alternando i momenti giusti e coinvolgendo gli ospiti senza mai essere invadente. Ci siamo divertiti tantissimo e la pista è rimasta animata fino alla fine. Un grande grazie a lui e agli altri componenti del gruppo per aver contribuito a rendere il nostro matrimonio ancora più speciale. Li consigliamo senza alcuna esitazione a chiunque cerchi professionisti capaci di coniugare qualità musicale, disponibilità e divertimento."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just wanted you to know that your swing band were absolutely fantastic last night and made Karen’s celebrations so special. Everyone we have seen today has said how good you were and how professional. It was an absolute pleasure to listen to such a talented group and you should all be so proud of the ability you hold. Everyone would recommend you all over the North East and that to me says it all. Good luck for the future."

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"I hired all 4 guys for my backyard end of summer party. They were awesome and my guests had a much better time because of them. They were profession, prompt, and extremely easy to work with! We would definitely have them back again! August 22, 2022 Verified Certified Review"

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"Perfect balance of romance, sophistication, and fun. The trio made our celebration feel extra special."

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"You probably don't remember me but I'm the guy from last night's event with the beard with thought you were miming because you were that good. I just wanted to say, you were class mate. The best crooner I've heard and I went to Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday celebrations!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Andrea and his Brother were absolutely great! They put so much effort into the preparations and even created a dedicated Spotify playlist just for us. Communication was incredibly easy, and we always received an immediate response. Musically, they are breathtaking. They even went out of their way to learn new songs specifically for us. We can absolutely recommend Andrea! Everyone was thrilled with him!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Performing aboard paddle steamer Waverley is always a challenging experience and requires artists of great skill and initiative to grapple with the small performance space and access limitations. The Bel Canto Vintage Sisters proved perfect for our 1940's themed cruises, entertaining our passengers with a great range of wartime and big band standards, with frequent changes of costumes and great audience interaction. A delightful trio of ladies who were more than happy to change set lists and performance times throughout the day according to the needs of the ship. Their day with us ended in passengers dancing and joining in a full throated sing- a - long to much acclaim. One of the most entertaining and versatile groups I have used in 40 years of running cruises, we have received strong positive feedback from our passengers, and will be booking Angie and her trio again in 2025 for another 40s themed cruises. I recommend this group for any occasion, cruise or function. You will not be disappointed!. Tim Wardley. Waverley Excursions Thames Liaison Officer."

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