Review Centre: R&B Bands

"Blue Moon Italian Jazz Band Made our wedding in Florence so special! They are excellent musicians and were very professional and accommodating. Even with the rain and our wedding being delayed they continued playing music for our guests and through dinner making the evening so special! I highly recommend them!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The best to bring your spirit high … and to induce you to dance ????????"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Phoenix & co is a sick group from pop, jazz, folk and hard rock. The group has an upbeat vibe and Phoenix’s voice matches many settings from small intimate places to larger venues."

Reply by Phoenyx & Co.
Thank you so much for the love John!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I LOVE THIS BAND!! They play the best R&B old school ever. The singers are so on point and soulful. The music is on point also. I will definitely book them for my next event. Love them!!"

Reply by NuPhamlee Soul Band
Thank you so much! We will be performing at the Shrine on Feb 5th, 2026 in Harlem from 8pm to 10pm. Will send you a flyer in December!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark was absolutely fantastic, I couldn’t recommend him more highly, he got the party going and created a wonderful atmosphere. I’d definitely book him again. An outstanding artist with a magnificent voice. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These guys are AWESOME! Recently saw them at a friend’s wedding and couldn’t have been more impressed. They kept the party going and the dance floor full all night. I’d highly recommend!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Whether as MD, arranger or instrumentalist (or as is often the case, all three), Simon brings a level of rock-solid professionalism that makes everything a pleasure. His exceptional talents as an instrumentalist go without saying. But he is a dependable and hugely reassuring presence onstage and great fun off it. A real asset to any ensemble. Alexander Armstrong"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We couldn’t have been happier with this incredible band! They are exceptionally talented musicians with a vast repertoire, performing songs in both English and Italian. Their music truly elevated the atmosphere of our wedding, creating unforgettable moments with our family and friends. Not only were they fantastic performers, but they were also an absolute pleasure to work with—flexible, accommodating, and professional throughout the entire process. Their presence on the night made everything feel magical, and we can’t recommend them enough!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ronnie and the Dynomites were super-great and perfect for our occasion! They were all so appreciative and courteous and really wanted to make sure everything was as we wanted it. Ronnie was great at communication with me before the event and even asked if there were any specific or special songs we wanted played. They showed up early to set up and started on time with maybe one short break(?). The entire party enjoyed the band very much. We would totally hire Ronnie and the Dynomites again Gig Id 4157649 The Bash"

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:

"Amazing Band! We hired Cheap Thrills to perform at my dads 70th surprise party. Booking them was easy and they answered all my questions in a timely manner. They were professional and very talented. The put on an amazing show and had everyone up dancing all night. Received so many compliments about them after the show. Will definitely use then again for future events."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Blue Moon Jazz stood out as professional and relaxed vendors on our big day! Their music was enchanting and set a fantastic mood for our whole day. They were very flexible and gracious in the face of difficult weather, moving their location more than once. Many of our guests commented on how much they loved the music, and it was certainly a highlight for both my husband and I! Their manner leading up to the wedding was also excellent. I cannot recommend them highly enough – thanks again Raphael and team!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jason's group performed wonderfully at the end year corporate Gig. It was the first time we hosted with a band, we often get a DJ to play music. The music they played was amazing and very hip I recommend him for future gigs."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I’m absolutely delighted we chose Blue Moon Jazz Band for our wedding aperitivo and reception music. All of our guests commented how great they were! They made our wedding extra special and it was a pleasure and super easy working with Rafael, the main contact. 10/10 thank you so much!!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted to thank Direct Hit for their awesome performance at my Birthday Party. All the guests had a fun time dancing and rockin' and commented on what a good variety of music you play. We are looking forward to seeing you again and will definitely be hiring you and your band for our upcoming Anniversary party."

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review: