Review Centre: Swing Bands

"Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and the rest of the band for helping to make my 60th party such a special occasion. You were fantastic and everyone was asking where I had found you and how good you were. Maybe we’ll do it all again when I’m 70."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Biaggio and the band were on point. From the professionalism perspective: they were communicative in the run up, with good discussion about songs. They were open to learning any requests prior to the event. they showed up on time and ticked all the boxes. Musically: We went with the quartet version. They all had really good chops. they can play the tunes, but they were also adept enough to jam through the middle of the tune. They seemed comfortable with the bop, post-bop, swing, and pop/r&b vibes we asked for."

Reply by SAX - JAZZ Standards & Beyond
Hi David, thanks so much for taking time to review our performance. I’m happy that you enjoy that, and sure that your wife and guest have too. It was a really pleasant event and honor to be part of it. In my experience, it’s not often you get such a musically competent audience like you and your wife at a wedding party. Thank you for choosing me and my jazz quartet Let us know what we have to do next time for your 10th anniversary 😉. BIAGIO

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"A fantastic band with a great singer invited to my birthday party. Casual and good atmosphere makers. Professional and a singer with a wonderful voice. Sung my favorite song 'Smile' on request. My guests and I enjoyed ourselves. To be repeated!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for performing at our wedding ceremony and reception, all the guests loved it. It really added to the atmosphere and made the day so special."

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:

"We would like to thank you and the swing band for making our silver wedding anniversary so special and such a memorable occasion for us. We had such a perfect evening and we are sure all our family and friends enjoyed themselves as much as we did. We would like to think if in the future we have another occasion to celebrate that Mr Swing would be there!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Easy to get along with and created a great environment for our wedding reception. Guest were happy and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Swing at its absolute finest!! Thank you so much for helping make our wedding such a memorable occasion. Communication before, during and after was superb. Would highly recommend. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great little swing band! Perfect mix of jazz classics and modern takes - something for everyone. Professional, high-quality, entertaining performers. Can’t recommend them enough! "

Reply by Girl Friday
Oh thanks for your great review, Kate! We certainly enjoy entertaining with our brand of jazz, blues and swing classics… not to mention some cheeky latin and our reimagined pop/rock tunes!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We chose "Matrimonio di Note" after seeing their bravura in another wedding, we varied the proposal which is still very wide and did not disappoint expectations. Marica was always available to advise us in the choices and the music was perfect, she gave a special touch to every important moment of our day. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thomas was very attentive, ensuring he delivered exactly what we wanted for our joint party (21st birtday & 30th Wedding Anniversary) Thomas discussed beforehand the volume which we would like and would be most suitable. The performance was very professional and enjoyed by all Thank again Thomas Note this review was provided though a different system which rates out of 5, and received a 5 star rating (i.e. 5 out of 5)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Love you guys, you really made our weekend. Awesome"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Please will you pass on our thanks to all members of Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra. We have such good memories of our friends having a great time when the swing band was playing and loads of people have been in touch to say how much they enjoyed the music. We really hope to see you perform again in the North West but until then we shall continue enjoying listening to the CD – it has enlivened every car journey since we returned from honeymoon. Many thanks once again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We invited De Jazz Centrale to play at our wedding. It was a real hit! Not only great music, but also humor, interaction, and excellent communication! Thanks, Kars! Greetings, Maartje & Tom"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Jess, Just wanted to say thank you so much for a great set at the wedding! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Pink Champagne were a wonderful addition to our party . Professional, outstanding quality , friendly and a wonderful array of songs delivered with style . We had a jazz genre and it was truly fantastic. Can’t thank you enough- I highly recommended this fabulous group ! Thanks so much ! Hope to see you again . "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: