Review Centre: Party Bands

"We booked W!RED for our private event and Christmas party night at Drayton Manor Resort. They really delivered a phenomenal night. Sue's vocals were phenomenal and the whole bad were amazing. We have received so many compliments about the band. I really would not hesitate to book them again. Thank you for a perfect and fun evening "

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:

"The Band was amazing - they took the time to prepare and personize the event. Very professional, and a GREAT performance. I am looking forward to an opportunity to use them again. They keep the guest on there feet and engaged at all times."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just want to thank you so much for making our wedding celebrations so perfect. Everyone who came has fed back to us how amazing you were. You were absolutely stunning and I loved every minute of your sets – terrific voice and music. It was lovely to see everyone dancing – from my 6 year old niece to my 83 year old aunt! Thank you so much."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great band! It is quite simple they rule the stage! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dave and the band were incredible for our wedding. They had the dancefloor packed and jamming the entire time they played. Every song they played sounded great; the overall talent of the band was evident. We would HIGHLY recommend GNO for someone else's wedding, they played a great list and the special dance songs were top notch! Literally dozens of our wedding guests told us that night and the following day how awesome a band they were and how great the party was, and we completely agree! Thanks again to Dave and GNO, you guys helped make our special day even more memorable!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Unknowns have a new EP out. “Uninvited” is a delightful five-song collection that shows off some cool soul and tango influences in addition to the band's usual jazz/pop/folk mix and superb three-part harmonies. Don’t let their ironic naming fool you; you’re going to want to invite this band in and get to know them. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"POSTING ON BEHALF OF THE MARLOW BOTTOM PLAYING FIELD COMMITTEE: Following a fabulous event last weekend, once again, JBMAC had the audience out of their seats and dancing to an Ibiza club groove! Young and old alike were seen bopping along, even with a late afternoon slot and the delicious smell of food wafting across the field, the energy from the stage and the crowd was unyielding! One attendee said ‘I loved them, banger after banger, a right little afternoon rave!’"

Reply by Jbmac
We love playing at Rock Bottom! A highlight of the year for us. Thank you so much for your kind words 😊

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely brilliant night at our MUNZ Mid Winter Xmas Do on the 27th July at the Loons in Lyttelton. Can't thank The Party Singers enough. I have heard nothing but great comments regarding that night. IN FACT the crowd wished you would've kept going onto the early Hours 😅 they didn't want you to leave even after your 4hrs of NON STOP entertainment!! In all honesty it was the first time in 3 years that I have seen so many up on the dance floor and the Oldies stick around and Boogie the night away. FANTASTIC!! Thank you so much we will definitely re book you again for the next one. Very very happy thanks again "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What can I say! You gents were amazing. From the minute you struck the first note, everyone was on the dance floor and pretty much stayed there all night. Cannot recommend this band enough. We will certainly be having you back."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jackie and The Gents, a South Jersey based trio, combine three accomplished and seasoned entertainers into one incredible band. They turn any happy hour, cocktail hour, private party, corporate event, restaurant or club into a night to remember. Jackie and the Gents will tailor their music to whatever your event entails. From jazz to Motown, oldies, classic rock, country and more - they have you covered!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From the reggae covers to the homemade patties, everything was top-tier. Huge success!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Lets Get it On Motown and Party band are a superb slick outfit, despite being outside by a lake and experiencing lower working temperatures than they are used to. Regardless of the conditions, they produced a superb evening of entertainment thoroughly enjoyed by all our guests. Highly recommended for any occasion."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" Event on 04/11/2023 Habitat CFC Annual Gala Band I was familiar with Le'Mixx from my personal experience of weekend dancing and suggested them for our Annual Gala. I am the Event Coordinator with Habitat CFC, and I had suggested a few bands; however, my team voted on Le'Mixx for our Gala. Everyone was thrilled by the choice. They also performed as a Duo during our Cocktail Hour, which was lovely as background music during drinks and conversations. As they were departing our guests said they were the best band by far that we had during a Gala and from my point of view, they were extremely professional all the way through the process. Thank you for bringing lots of dance music for entertainment following a fairly long program. Folks sure needed to stretch their legs and indeed they got the opportunity to do so. (Wedding Wire) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to say a MASSIVE thank you for the AMAZING set you guys performed on Saturday. You blew everyone away. Thank you for pitching it so well and for keeping the dance floor packed all night - there were lots of sore feet around Saffron Walden on Sunday morning. All the best and hopefully there will be an opportunity to book you again sooooon! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: