Review Centre: Party Bands

"Thank you all for your amazing playing at our festive parties; we’ve had some truly fabulous feedback from the partygoers and the team have all mentioned how fantastic the parties were, which is in no small part down to you guys!! Thank you again for being so great at our party nights! We will definitely be thinking of you again for any future events."

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"Thank-you so much for making our party! Honestly amazing 👏 we'll definitely be having you back. 😃 🥳"

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"Absolutely terrific band! We had a phenomenal time with them at our wedding. "

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"WOW . Dynamic , PROFESSIONAL , and TALENTED I’m finally coming down from my amazing experience with SexySax ( he is quite the charmer , by the way ) . I wanted to suprise my fiancé with a nice nightcap and he outdid himself . He was prepared , on time , skilled and extremely accommodating . I’ve never been so pleased with a purchase , LIKE EVER ! He even hid behind the curtains on the 32nd floor to make sure my idea came to light . I can’t thank you enough for being a monumental part of making my baby happy 😊 you’re the best ! BOOK HIM ‼️‼️‼️‼️"

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"Hi, we just wanted to say you did a marvellous job on Saturday, you made a sensational evening perfect. Next time we have a party, The Night Hours will be top of our list. Many thanks."

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"Hi Guys, Just wanted to say thank you for your performance at our celebration on Thursday. We really appreciate the amazing effort and enthusiasm you put into it. It was simply wonderful! Many thanks, Laura *****"

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"They were brilliant musicians, the voice of the female lead is amazing and they were both very professional and punctual. Thank you for being part of our day!"

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"I was happy to be present at a gig that nestles comfortably in my greatest ever gigs basket. The Paris Swinging Lovers did a straight through 2 hours gig and it was a model of a well thought out repertoire that took us on journey from St. James Infirmary to Raglan Road. Paddy has lived in Paris for the past thirty years, fronting a six man band of rabelasian Irish and French characters, so he knows his trade... Paddy plays trombone that acts as punctuation and percussion. The best entertainer I have seen for a long while."

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:

"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."

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"Nadia Koz played as a solo performer at our sisters birthday party at our house in the large backyard. She was on time to set up, was really kind and fun to talk to, and started exactly when she was supposed to. Her song choice somehow fit perfectly for the vibe we wanted, and she used some crazy guitar pedals, and was able to sound like a bunch of people playing instead of one. No complaints, it was the best hire we could've had."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rachel and Peter provided an excellent evening of live musical entertainment for a group of about 50 people. Everyone, who was able, was up dancing from start to end and singing along. People also enjoyed engaging during the tribute part of the evening. A great night was had by all and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend and book them again. Their professional approach was faultless and their social interaction with everyone was appreciated. Lovely, lovely people. Thank you both. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great band, great music and our guest raved about them. Wonderful band with very gifted musicians that provide a great experience for our wedding reception. Additionally played music during our wedding ceremony. All our guest raved about them. They play a wide range of music that kept both young and old dancing. They brought the energy and would strongly recommend them for your wedding or party."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing! Hired this band for a gig in a London City bar and it was fantastic! Customers really enjoyed it, staff did too! Looking forward to working with these guys again"

Reply by Jbmac
We had a great time! Can’t wait to come back 🙌🏼 thank you so much

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It has just been a month since our wedding (19th August), we have pleasant memories and will continue to mention. Everyone was delighted with the level of music performance – with class and taste. Guests said they felt like they were at a concert, and the atmosphere was cinematic. Everything sounded great, Valentina’s voice should be appreciated, it is clear, warm and beautiful. Of course, let’s not forget the great playing of the pianist, double bass player and drummer. Really! Despite the weather surprises during the reception, the band agreed to stay longer for which we are grateful. By the way, we had a full blue moon during the reception which came out by complete coincidence after we had already booked the band. Which made the atmosphere even more wonderful. What else is worth to be mentioned? The contact with Raphael was flawless. I wish everyone would exchange messages so efficiently and concretely. If we had to choose this band again, we would choose the same way. As a professional classical musician, I can heartily recommend this band. Warmest regards, Barbara & Kacper "

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