Review Centre: Swing Bands

"New Orleans is a state-of-mind. Every year around this time of year, Mardi Gras is an explosion of joyousness. You don't have to travel down to Louisiana to feel it. Its spirit resides in Mercer County in a little town called Ewing, where Joe Grillo leads The Gumbo Gumbas on a Cajun holiday all year round. The jump-blues, zydeco, rocl'n'roll, jazz, folk strains and oh such soul are on full display wherever they play. Now you can even share that feeling, that zest for life, that passionate embodiment of the groove, in your own home. Zydeland has to be the feel-good album of the year so far. Written, arranged, produced, sung and honked on his tenor sax, Grillo imbues Zydeland with a Bourbon Street beat. He's an honorary French Quarter denizen of the night. Of course, there's always time to invoke a little Tom Waits on highlight "Can't Go Back to New Orleans" The colors mix and mingle with tuba, banjo, guitar, violin, viola, cello, trombone, accordion, piano, bass, clarinet, soprano sax, trumpet and that penetration percolation percussion. Excuse me, I got to get on up and do the boogaloo. You just can't set still for this thing."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I find it very important in todays jazz environment that a player of Rick Holland talent gets heard and recognized because he carries on a tradition of swing and melodic playing that I consider most important in jazz. Hendrik Meurkens, Jazz Harmonicist, NYC"

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"Our sincere thanks to you and all of your amazing musicians. Your performance was outstanding and the amazing singer alongside fantastic musicians was such a wonderful thing to listen to and watch. It truly made our evening special."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wedding October 14 2023 - University Club - Chicago, IL Hi Ron, I've been meaning to shoot you an email. Thank you guys so much, we had such a wonderful time and were so happy and impressed with the music. With everything going on, there were 2 things about the wedding that made it stand out: the food and the band. Our guests loved the music and it was everything that we could have ever wanted and more. I really meant what I said about how cool it is that you all play this music and hopefully more people my age appreciate the work that you all do. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. We visit Chicago pretty often so we'll keep tabs on when you play and will come say hello sometime soon. Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving! -Ryan & Angela"

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"An evening at the Plough Inn. We loved it. Great music and a lovely atmosphere. We will have you back! (10 / 10)"

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"Thanks so much for coming to Knowsley and taking part in our Serious Nonsense Festival. Your performance was one of the highlights of the programme and we have had so much positive feedback from audience members and visitors. Especially Lady Anne Dodd who loved the tribute! Thanks for taking the time to create this for her. Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra was as popular as ever!"

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"‘I just wanted to contact you to thank you for your performance on the evening, it really was first class. I have had nothing but positive feedback all week from many people who attended, and many of them from the younger set!’ "

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"'Thanks for a great evening, we really enjoyed your performance' "

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"You were great and I’ve had some lovely comments about the music, people were impressed. Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks Ray so very much, That sounds Perfect. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Whilst searching for a 1920s style band for a 30th birthday party we came across Trip for Biscuits. WOW, just WOW!! As soon as I watched the videos and listened to the tracks online I knew we had to book them. Laura's voice is outstanding and the musicianship is second to none! So glad we found you guys. Highly recommend, you and your guests will not be disappointed!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for the excellent entertainment – it was even better than we expected and everyone has given us very positive feedback about the swing band. In fact I am listening to your cd as I type this."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted to say thank you for yesterday we both had an amazing evening & thought you were brilliant, you were fantastic Ryan! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hello Darren What a smashing day!! Thank you so much for your contribution to it. I loved having you with us and so did everyone else. A great set, lovely voice and performance, elegant presentation and exceptionally professional approach to all parts of our preparation and our day. And you brought the promised sunshine! I know where to come should we do it again. Thanks Jen (10 / 10) Jennifer C"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Their energy, professionalism, and talent made our day truly special and our guests are still talking about them."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: