Review Centre: Jazz Bands

"Igor not only met, but exceeded our expectations for live music and played a large role in the success of our wedding reception. He was understanding of our requests and a joy to work with throughout. I will be recommending him to my family and friends for any live music needs."

Reply by Ontario saxophonist Igor Babich
Hi Meena, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a true pleasure to be part of your wedding celebration. I’m so glad the music helped make your reception special, and I truly appreciate your kind words and recommendations! 🎷✨ All the best! Igor

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Love this band, love these people....and that's all I gotta say!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Exceptional quality and seamless coordination throughout!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Was blown away by Lady Holly's performance. Loved that I was also able to request songs and she and band has quite the repertoire. Loved the entire performance completely and definitely requesting again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Marie et son guitariste ont animé le cocktail de notre mariage avec brio. Nos invités et nous-mêmes sommes tombés sous le charme de la voix de Marie parfaitement accompagné. Son répertoire est riche et varié. Elle a su apporter à ce moment de l’élégance, de l’émotion, de la douceur. En résumé un duo exceptionnel."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What can I say? Paul and Ed were consummate professionals from initial contact through to the end of their set at our wedding. Their enthusiasm and playing style were exactly what we were looking for and their repertoire was fantastic. I cannot fault them and would book them again in a heartbeat. As an added bonus for one of our guests, I requested a rendition of Jump Up, Super Star from Super Mario Odyssey and not only did they find and purchase the song, they also converted it to a two piece version for us. Absolute class and would 100% recommend to anyone"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"An incredible evening You were a great success last Wednesday!! And thank you for your flexibility. Everyone was very enthusiastic and thanks to you it became an incredible evening. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ricardo and his ensemble played at our wedding reception. So easy to communicate, plan and work with. We were so happy with their performance and made our wedding extra special! All of our guests commented on the music and that it set the perfect atmosphere for cocktail hour and during dinner. We will definitely be celebrating their part of our wedding for years to come! 10/10 recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"An endless supply of blues, soul and sultry vocals."

Rating: 7 / 10 Share this review:

"Very good professional, excellent vocalist, friendly, helpful, in short, we made an excellent choice. I highly recommend it."

Reply by Tessuto Musicale
Thanks Marco! It was a beautiful wedding filled with music fans. It was a dream! Many congratulations again to you!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Victor was wonderful! Quick to reply, timely, professional, and really understood the vibe I was hoping for. He played acoustic guitar and sang while our guests were welcomed during a cocktail hour. Highly recommend! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for the lovely music !!! Didn't have the chance to listen to everything as I was mostly outside, but as soon as we arrived at the hall, it created an incredible atmosphere!! All the guests loved it."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We couldn’t have been happier with this incredible band! They are exceptionally talented musicians with a vast repertoire, performing songs in both English and Italian. Their music truly elevated the atmosphere of our wedding, creating unforgettable moments with our family and friends. Not only were they fantastic performers, but they were also an absolute pleasure to work with—flexible, accommodating, and professional throughout the entire process. Their presence on the night made everything feel magical, and we can’t recommend them enough!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"On a beautiful August night JSJBF member band The Gumbo Gum bas, a project that grew out of leader Joe Grillo and his late brother Alfie's love of all things New Orleans, played to an appreciative crowd at Bands on the Beach. This was the second of two shows held on the beach for this summer-long Sunday night concert series, sponsored by the City of Long Branch in association with the JSJBFT. his show gave the band a chance to play live much of the material that can be found on their new CD, "Zydeland," with our own Jill Baskind donning the rub board for a couple of tunes. For those of you who may not get the reference in the title, Zydeco is a southern Louisiana dance music featuring the accordion, rub board and in this case horns. The music on the CD was dedicated to Alfie, who passed during the pandemic, and their mixing engineer, Tim Gilles, who left us during the making of the CD. All of the band members who appeared on the beach are on the record, including Dave Anthony on drums, Vinnie Borselli on trumpet, Joe on tenor sax and vocals, Steve Munter on baritone sax and clarinet, Greg Novick on bass, Steve "Big Squeezy" Rice on accordion and piano and Lars Wendt on trombone. All tunes were written, arranged and produced by Joe except as noted below. The opening title track "Zydeland," begins with the measured beat of the drums and is joined quickly by the accordion, with the horns kicking in as the lyrics invite you to join the band on a journey to this magical, musical place. As with any good Gumbo, it's flavored with local ingredients, in this case a dose of the Jersey Shore sound spices up the mix. "Dance With Me" picks up the beat and is reminiscent in tempo and style to one of Joe's major influences, Louis Prima. If this tune doesn't get you out of your seat, nothing will. "Waiting for the Cane," is dedicated to the crazies who choose not to evacuate, but start the party in anticipation of a hurricane, and party they will to this number. "King Cake" includes lyrics by Joe and music by Steve, was explained to the uninitiated that night as the legendary dessert of Mardi Gras which is said to bring luck and prosperity to whoever gets the plastic baby in their piece. It's a high energy number that gives each member of the horn section a chance to stretch out and strut their stuff, and they made it a highlight of that night and the CD. The recorded version of this song literally jumps out of the speakers. "Can't Go Back To New Orleans" is a moving tribute to Joe's brother, envisioning an ode to the city they both love through the sound of Tom Waits, one of Alfie's favorite artists. I got the chills listening to what starts out as a somber tune but ends in an upbeat fashion, finishing with Frank Rein's tuba. Joe and Vinnie collaborated on the lyrics to the tall tale of "Gumbo Parmesan," a song that's lyrics are as much of a fun dream its title implies. "By the Water'' has that infectious "Congo Square" beat, which is highlighted by Dave's opening drum pattern with accompanying percussion and conjures up a scene of the locals doing a NOLA style tap dance. With lyrics by Ken Morrison and music by Steve Rice, "Drifting Off and Dreaming of You" is a mid twentieth century style ballad, complete with strings, and has Joe in the role of a crooner which he does quite eloquently. A welcome respite from the nonstop party to this point, he sounds like the last man at the bar, smoke curling up from that final cigarette, with drink in hand, thinking about the woman of his dreams. The penultimate song, "Drinks On the House," is another fanciful flight of fantasy which would be loads of fun as an MTV video. Bring on the aliens, it's party time! The final tune, "Why Can't Everyday Be Mardi Gras?," is a fitting end to this party with Steph's clarinet leading the second line followed by the rest of the band with a chorus children along the route singing out the refrain. For this band, every time they start to play it's Mardi Gras. If these songs don't leave you smiling and dancing I don't know what will. Mission accomplished in the fun department as far as I'm concerned."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fantastic singer who was loved by all ages at my daughters 21st. He provided great music for pre-drinks through to the evening band. Thank you so much!! I would recommend him for any function and we would definitely rehire Darren. Jane (10 / 10) Jane Tippett"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: