Review Centre: Party Bands

"We are so happy! Our reception started with a buffet accompanied by Alex's sax. A selection of songs performed with a wonderful sax. Refined and elegant atmosphere. During dinner a violinist accompanied the courses with her delicacy. The party was amazing. DJ set with sax show. We danced and had so much fun. We are so happy we chose Alex & Paolo. Chris & Marc (UK)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing band. The vibe in room was great with their music. Very professional musicians and the voice of the singer is astonishing! Clear communication and they even took care about a playlist in between the live music. "

Reply by Hi Fly Jazz Quintet
Thank you Eric! It was pleasure to work with you and to play for your guests. See you next time, Hi-Fly Jazz Quintet

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired the Anthems Live Band for our wedding. They delivered the gig so brilliantly I’m keen to get them for my 25th birthday next year. Such great crowd interaction that everyone completely partied! I can’t imagine the night without them now!"

Reply by Anthems! Live Band
Awesome feedback.. thanks Stella! Just let me know if you need us for your 25th Birthday.. we'll partay! :-) Stu.

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 organized a small wedding in Dubrovnik, and we have suggested an engagement with "Duo Ankora" for music by local people. That was a real goal :) They entertained us and everyone was delighted. Many thanks :) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great music, fun show, very professional, ontime, flexible. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I got an all-clear result from my PCR Test yesterday, so last night I ventured out to the Jam House to see how much the Brummie music culture had advanced during my almost 2-year absence. Last nights gig was a new venture called Reggae Winehouse a Brummie band with three vocalists doing Reggae versions of Amy Winehouse's repertoire. I liked the idea, and so did a lot of other Brummies who turned out to make a fantastic night. I am old enough to remember when the Windrush Generation started to arrive in Brum bringing their love of music and enjoyment with them. A few of that generation were present last night along with their grandchildren. By the time that the second set started the Jam House was bouncing around St Pauls Square and you couldn't tell the difference between the multiple ethnicities on the dancefloor, we were all just Brummies filled with Joy. I semi walked semi danced on my way home in the early hours, thinking to myself how lucky I am to be a Brummie. The Jam House did our City proud last night, and after 10 years I finally saw the lead singer I always knew was in there. Take a bow Leonie Smith and the rest of your brilliant band !! #nuffsaidfred #ILuvMyCity"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent song choices, excellent communication, lovely guys! Highly recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A massive thank you to Jahangir for his outstanding performance at our party. He was incredibly talented and versatile, catering to all our musical preferences effortlessly. His willingness to communicate and accommodate our requests over WhatsApp was impressive. We're so grateful for making our event truly unforgettable! Best wishes, "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"MoSol performed at my wedding and it was the best night ever "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hace 5 meses Ha sido una sorpresa en el día de nuestra boda para mi amado esposo! Gracias a Pamela por hacer de nuestro momento algo tan especial, por estar tan dispuesta y por cantar nuestras canciones, nos permitió escoger libremente todo el repertorio y cantó todos los géneros musicales que le pedimos (Rock, pop, vallenato, boleros, salsa y música en inglés) todo genial!!! Tiene una voz hermosa y hace suya cada melodía poniéndole su toque personal, todos los invitados y especialmente mi esposo quedamos felices con la presentación. Gracias Totales!!! ❤️??‍♀️??‍♂️?"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wonderful to work with. Exceeded my expectations. Everyone enjoyed the music. Lots of energy and tons of fun! Thanks Groove Nation!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great band full of energy thanks Goldplay for a great night of dance and fun."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Have just spent the last 11 nights on the Royal Caribbean ‘Anthem Of The Seas’ with these guys as the resident Party Band. As a musician myself & also having two boys who play in a similar events band, I can tell you, these fellas are exceptionally good. All very talented individually & a superb tight band together. We watched them just about every set they played & they were one of the highlights of the cruise. Well done!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had an absolutely amazing night and everyone commented on how good the band was and how well they played. Thank you so much!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: