Review Centre: Party Bands

"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:

"Under the sea Chris was the perfect touch to my 40th birthday Mermaid bash. "

Reply by Chris Arpad Solo Steel Drum Entertainment
Thank you Monica! You were the perfect Mermaid! And what an extravaganza event, thanks for including me! Love the Reef Restaurant too!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This is best bands that Ive EVER seen.They will get the attention of everybody in the place. They play such a variety of songs that the audience will love. Their presence, sound, style and energy is Awesome"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted to send a huge thank you over for doing such an amazing job at our wedding! You really went above and beyond and everyone said how much they enjoyed the ceilidh!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These guys rock, they played hit after hit and they were incredible. We spent most of the evening on the dance floor, their set list is huge and they had us all up and singing along. We opted for a 6 piece band and it was well worth it, the added musicians really filled out the sound experience. Totally recommend these guys. Even their sound check was quick, they made no fuss, no issues, turned up, rocked out and then left. We loved it! Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks so much for coming to Knowsley and taking part in our Serious Nonsense Festival. Your performance was one of the highlights of the programme and we have had so much positive feedback from audience members and visitors. Especially Lady Anne Dodd who loved the tribute! Thanks for taking the time to create this for her. Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra was as popular as ever!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Every classic hit, every note, every harmony was on point! The Bob Marley tribute band brought so much joy and positive vibes."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You guys were absolutely amazing and would definitely recommend! Thank you so much for brilliant energy and most of all soul!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great band! Our guests loved them and are raving about the range of vocals. Would recommend them 100%!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"George Zebra were so much fun! Lovely lads and professional too. Their set list had everyone singing and dancing, and we loved having their photo booth as well. The soloist during the reception added a special touch. The entire package was beyond our expectations."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"'Euphoric' are truly one of the most sonically and visually appealing duos I have seen out there. The energy these guys bring to their performances is out of this world. I had the chance to see them at Belgo Holborn and I was instantly hooked on their vibe."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks so much for another great wedding!! It was awesome having a band that we had a personal connection with and knew seeing this was the third wedding you’ve done for our family!! So many positive comments from everyone, you guys are great."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow. What an experience. We were looking for something a bit different, especially during the dinner. Boy did we get it. From the initial surprise factor (which caught me off guard, even though I knew it was coming) to the singing itself. Everyone was out of their seat, entranced in the songs with full vocals. Our band even gave a solo to one of the singers, it was fantastic. Now from the administration side. Paula is an absolute delight. From the minute we reached out, to the present day. We could not have asked for a more helpful organiser. Not only is she knowable in her own field, but she gave us the reassurance and contacts to other parts of our wedding. I could not recommend Paula and her singers any higher. A very satisfied Mr & Mrs x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent band, they performed at my Wedding and were unbelievable! Had everyone on their feet and they were out in the crowd joining in! Well worth it for any occasion or pub looking to book a band!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I booked Jahangir for a house party recently and it was one of the best decisions I made! Jahangir is a talented singer and musician. He has a vast repertoire and covers a wide range of songs. His song selection was on point and eagerly took requests from the guests. The atmosphere he created made the event a memorable one. I highly recommend him everyone! Thank you Jahangir!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: