Review Centre: 1950s Era Musicians & Bands

"Thank you Tony for making our Wedding celebration complete-we were so glad that you could come and entertain us-the voice the moves amazing-thank you once again!! - Mr and Mrs Evans -Dudley. Mr & Mrs Evans"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What can I say? Paul and Ed were consummate professionals from initial contact through to the end of their set at our wedding. Their enthusiasm and playing style were exactly what we were looking for and their repertoire was fantastic. I cannot fault them and would book them again in a heartbeat. As an added bonus for one of our guests, I requested a rendition of Jump Up, Super Star from Super Mario Odyssey and not only did they find and purchase the song, they also converted it to a two piece version for us. Absolute class and would 100% recommend to anyone"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Lisanne and I had been searching for a good jazz band with a Latin flair for a long time. We were thrilled to stumble upon Jazz Centrale and were immediately captivated when we heard the beautiful Bossa Nova sounds they have in their repertoire. The performance more than lived up to our expectations. It's a shame we couldn't enjoy it even more because of all the conversations at our wedding. I would book them again in a heartbeat!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had booked Oliver and Tommy to play at our wedding, to help fill the time after the ceremony and to entertain our guests. Our day was planned to be a relaxed, chilled day and Corduroy Moustache certainly helped to create exactly that for us. Music was wonderful, exactly what we had asked for and we’ve had plenty of comments from guests saying just how fab they thought the music was. We couldn’t have asked for anything better to compliment our day. Would definitely highly recommend! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You gave the reception a huge atmosphere with your performance. I heard only positive reactions and several people wanted to know your e-mail address (including the observatory staff). Thank you for turning this drizzly day into a celebration with your performance. We enjoyed it."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Greg kicked off a corporate event for us and got the attendees clapping and ready for a week in Vegas. Thanks! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It’s quite possible to stroll right past the place while navigating West Kinzie Street, just a wee bit north of the Chicago River, and not even realize it. The only concrete clue that you’ve arrived at your destination is the sight of a black canvas entrance emblazoned with the curious moniker of the joint. It’s called Untitled, and that handle is purposely nondescript, only adding to the overall mystique of the nightspot. Head down a short flight of stairs, say hello to the doorman (there’s no cover), and you’ll find that Untitled offers a welcoming hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the Loop, which sits only a few blocks south on the other side of the river. During the Prohibition era, speakeasies dotted the Windy City landscape where those so inclined could quaff an alcoholic libation or two while securely hidden away from the long arm of the law. But those long-ago speaks were never this spacious or glamorously appointed. Make no mistake: this is a classy operation all the way, so you won’t spy any tennis shoes or sweatsuits sullying the polished dance floor. When the Rhythm Rockets take the stage at Untitled, as they’ve been doing on the second Wednesday evening of every month for a while now starting at 7:30 p.m. and going strong for three hours, the joint proceeds to jump to a barrage of eminently danceable rhythms. The music meshes perfectly with the delicious food and cool drinks that can be ordered by summoning your lovely waitress. You can dine on such delicacies as steak tartare, sea scallops, and mushroom tortellini, and top your feast off with a scrumptious slice of whoopee pie, a blend of dark chocolate-espresso cake, peanut butter mousse, and powdered sugar. There was a fair amount of dancing happening during the Rhythm Rockets’ most recent Untitled engagement, but most of the sizable crowd was content to soak in the swinging soiree at their tables or from their barstools. The sound quality was exceptionally crisp and full-bodied all night long; Dave Downer’s concise guitar licks sliced through the air with authority, and Nicole Kestler’s delightful vocals were mixed at precisely the right level for maximum enjoyment as she sailed through longtime Rhythm Rockets favorites that included Little Esther’s “Oo Papa Do,” the relaxed pre-war blues lament “Trouble In Mind,” and the band’s scorching arrangement of Ruth Brown’s “(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean” that they often use as a set closer. The sizzling sax section (tenors Michael Bielecki and Vince Salerno and baritone Justin Kierans) was tight and right throughout the evening, and the rock-solid combination of bassist Lou Marini and drummer Mark Fornek kept the grooves hitting on all cylinders. Mark usually sings a song or two on each set prior to Nicole’s entrance, and now he’s previewing a few Chicago blues numbers that he’s also singing with Dave’s new side band, the Five Alibis. Vince switched over to harmonica to give Little Walter’s ominous “I Don’t Play” an authentic Chicago blues sound, although the horns returned when Mark launched into Junior Wells’ playful shuffle “The Things I’d Do For You.” If you’re anywhere near River North on the second Wednesday of this or any month in the near future, take a walk down Kinzie and seek out Untitled, even if you have to look hard for it. It’s altogether worth the effort--and a great place to check out the Rhythm Rockets doing what they do best! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"While we were very reluctant to bring in a "jazz performer" as our patrons are definitely not a "jazz crowd", you convinced us to give you a try, and we're glad we did.  We couldn't have been more pleased as you did a great job connecting with the audience, and as promised, performed a wide range of music that was well received and got them dancing.  We're looking forward to having you back and have also given your contact info to a friend for a private party they are planning. "

Reply by Beacon Street Jazz - Jeff Moyer
Thanks so much for the kind words and the referral Chelsea. I'm definitely looking forward to my next time in and hoping to become a regular on your schedule - Jeff Moyer

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A VERY IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE ON THEIR DEBUT PERFORMANCE, Certainly left an impact, Plenty of happy dancing going on Everyone were well pleased with the choice of songs, not heavy rock, a band with a definite commitment to music, CONGRATULATIONS TO THEM, AND EVERYONE THAT MADE THE EVENING THE SUCCESS THAT IT WAS"

Reply by Move Over Dali
Thanks to all you folks at the Royal Oak. Look forward to seeing you all again in 2026.....Will stick our heads in at Christmas anyway!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was a pleasure to have the Nalis at our wedding and all the guests complimented us. Right from the start they proved to be professional and available to our every request, for example with the song of the first dance which they played of our choice outside of their repertoire. Very good and highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was our best friend's wedding date. We booked lovely through en core. 1 week before the booking lovely agreed to learn a new song which was very important for the couple! She came in on time, got changed, spent a couple of minutes to go through the order of reception. Soon as she started with first song (song she learned specially for the couple), bride and groom got emotional. Lovely is a fantastic singer and equally has a very good stage presence. Would highly recommend. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Brilliant rock band. Always full of energy and never fail to create an amazing party atmosphere. Have seen them on numerous occasions and everytime they give a great performance. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Ian and Debbie for making our night very special! "

Reply by Ian Andrews solo guitar / Combo
De Nada Gabriella - we enjoyed playing those bossas at your lovely party! Ian

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Review of Trilby - The liner notes inform us that this ensemble started as a swinging dance band in 2005. Since then, they've evolved into a solid, well-arranged outfit with first rate solos played by intriguing, skilled jazz cats. The feeling I derived from the CD was similar to a classic Blue Note session. You know, several well-written originals that are melodically strong, and a few standards to test the players' chops on familiar material. The co-leaders play flugelhorn and trombone, respectively. Most of the arrangements come from pianist Bill Dobbins, who allows plenty of room for free-swinging solo work. The familiar vehicles here include Benny Golson's "Stablemates" and Sonny Stitt's "Eternal Triangle." I also spotted a tune called "Rich's Call" by Kerry Strayer, a baritone player of the highest stripe, and a skilled composer and arranger as well. It is interesting to note three compositions from jazz harmonica whiz, Hendrik Meurkens. Perhaps he has some connection to the band. Finally, it should be said that this session is directed straight down the middle of the bop highway. Simply an outstanding blowing session on songs that, amazingly enough, sound like songs!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Saxygordon played at my wedding all the song we asked for what can I say great vibe , he made some suggestions that went down great , played sweat Caroline for my late dad he would have like that , one step beyond for my best man , and ibiza music from the younger guests , that went down well , great job Saxy well done and thank you"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: