Review Centre: Bossa Nova Bands

"For a large dinner with a Great Gatsby theme, we were looking for the perfect musical accompaniment and found exactly that with Jazz Centrale. The singer and musicians had an endless repertoire, adapted effortlessly to every moment, and created the perfect atmosphere. From background music to a lively party, they did it all brilliantly."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art have used free outdoor jazz programs to draw the public to their facilities, but representatives of the museums say that this summer sparked a banner year in terms of attendance. “It was incredible,” said Dorrance Stalvey, director of music programs at LACMA. “We had upward of 2,000 people at some shows.” The museum--in its fourth year of offering jazz on a weekly basis-presented such artists as Horace Tapscott, Dr. Art Davis and Cecilia Coleman at its Friday evening shows, and big bands led by Bill Berry, Gerald Wilson and Bill Holman on Sunday afternoon programs. “This program was by far the most successful we’ve had,” said Dawn Setzer, spokesperson for MOCA. “We averaged about 1,500 people a show,” a figure up considerably from previous years’ events. Setzer said the primary reason for the increased turnout was the high-profile strictly-jazz lineup, presented on 11 consecutive Thursdays, that included Charles McPherson, Billy Higgins and Teddy Edwards. LACMA continues its Friday evening shows throughout the year, currently spotlighting a retrospective of bands that have played there, plus new acts. ‘Trane Time: The annual John Coltrane Festival takes place tonight at 8 at the World Stage, 4344 Degnan Blvd. in Leimert Park. On tap will be Ravi Coltrane, Dr. Art Davis’ estimable quintet with Doug Webb and Phil Vieux, and others. Information: (213) 293-2451. Davis will also appear at a benefit for Better Advantages for Students and Society (BASS), which awards a scholarship in his name. The event takes place on Sunday, 4 to 7 P.M., at Diva, 600 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A standout jazz performance lit up the R&R Forum, with the group dressed sharply and playing with remarkable skill. The atmosphere was warm and engaging, and the audience clearly enjoyed every moment. A fantastic appearance from musicians who know how to make any setting feel special."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sublime live music I’m struggling to find an adjective that does justice to the experience David Dominique and his band gave us with their live music. You were the perfect finishing touch that made our day absolutely perfect. Our guests couldn’t stop telling us how blown away they were by the musicians. You’re wonderful – thank you for being part of our story and providing the soundtrack to those very special moments. Long live music!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I wanted to say that Rory and his trio were absolutely first class. They arrived in plenty of time before the event and were super talented. They helped create what felt like a scene out of a movie with all our friends standing around drinking champagne and chatting against the backdrop of the setting sun and superb jazz. I had lots of people asking after the band so I will be passing on your details, if you dont mind and keeping you in mind for all future events."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rory was absolutely fantastic at our wedding. All my guests commented on how good he was from start to finish, the music was perfect. He made all my guests feel relaxed and made it really enjoyable. I got chance to have a quick chat to Rory and hes such a lovely person too. I really recommend Rory to anybody who is looking for a saxophonist at a reasonable price too. It was all perfect thank you so much Tracy & Micks wedding."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wonderful and lovely musicians. Made our event even more special. Thank you. Super user friendly and reliable as well."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Igor played at our wedding in October & was absolutely fantastic! He played right after our ceremony & during cocktail hour. It was an amazing hit with our guests! The saxophone added a special touch & made the evening that much more romantic! Igor was incredibly professional & worked well with us leading up to the big day to ensure the style of music we liked was followed! I highly recommend Igor if you are looking for a musician at your next special event!"

Reply by Ontario saxophonist Igor Babich
Thank you so much, Logan! Much appreciated.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent solo saxophonist!! His talent ALWAYS transforms ZincHouse into a fun, easy listening, romantic & entertaining vibe!! HUGE THUMBS up for Courtney Watkins…CHEERS!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We enjoyed it! We enjoyed the performance by the Jazz Centrale on our wedding day at Parkzicht, and heard from many people that they really liked that you performed during the reception. Hopefully you enjoyed it too. Thanks again! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing Duo Daniel has always been my go-to guy for entertaining music, but his new duo package is even better! Loved how they worked together to produce wonderful music for my event. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You were excellent and hugely added to the atmosphere."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent musicians with good communication and attitude. I wish we could have more time with them. "

Reply by Felipe Fontenelle
Thank you Orit, it was a pleasure to perform for your family gathering :) Felipe Fontenelle

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Francisca and her pianist performed at our wedding at the countryside near Valparaíso, Chile in 2024. They played beatiful love songs during the cocktail between the orange trees, perfectly complementing the natural beauty of the surroundings."

Reply by Francisca Santa María
It was our pleasure! Such a gorgeous place and amazing party! Thanks for letting us be part of it.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Igor was our saxophonist for my wife and my wedding service. He arrived on time (a little early) to set up. The music list he provided was extensive and included all of the hit songs we were hoping for. He set himself up quickly and was very polite and easy to work with. His musical talents were phenomenal. He had my mother-in-law in tears when he played a few of her favourite songs ("fly me to the moon" in particular). He played "1000 years" as the entry song for my partner and helped set the mood for what was a beautiful service. Our experience with Igor was extremely positive and both myself and my wife highly recommend that anyone who wants a live performer for a special occasion consider throwing in a little saxophone provided by Igor, you're likely to fall in love with it!"

Reply by Ontario saxophonist Igor Babich
Thank you so much Ryan! It was a pleasure working with you.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: