Review Centre: Latin Jazz Bands

"I am delighted to recommend Vincent Cassotta of Enfield CT in pursuit of his grant application for the Louis Armstrong Tribute with a Jazz Quartet performing at the Eli Whitney Elementary School. My previous role as the PK-12 Music Coordinator for the Enfield Public School District has brought me in direct contact with the professional, innovative, creative, and artistic musician and retired teacher Mr. Vincent Cassotta. I have witnessed first-hand the impact and quality of his quality music instruction provided for his thirty-nine years of teaching tenure in our community. To have the opportunity to bring the genre of American Jazz Music as a tribute to the legend of Louis Armstrong with quality professional musicians under Mr. Cassotta’s organization is a blessing to the young minds and ears of our elementary students, especially at a time when music education in Enfield offers less opportunities. This past Spring I had the opportunity to guest speak at Mr. Cassotta’s retirement party celebrating his many years of service in music education. In that speech I spoke about multiple areas beyond the collegial and professional relationship Mr. Cassotta, and I achieved since 1999. These in my opinion provide strong evidence for the Enfield Cultural Council to support this mission of this application fiscally. One of the points shared was that Mr. Cassotta balanced his career of music education and professional trumpet performing with incredible success throughout his career. Aside from the technical, logistical and time management responsibilities from such an endeavor, he achieved this success with never letting go of the care demonstrated to his students, family members, school building staff, and his music professional colleagues. The fact that he desires to continue to expand the music opportunities to students in Enfield now in his retirement resting years is evidence of his dedication to this art form and willingness to always educate. Furthermore Mr. Cassotta’s wealth of experience professionally as a performing musician and student of the trumpet is stellar. In his education Mr. Cassotta studied trumpet with Rolf Smedvig of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Empire Brass Quintet, Jimm Maxwell a NYC Studio Musician, Roger Murtha of the Hartford Symphony and Hartt School of Music, and Dan Patrylak of the Eastman Brass Quintet and UCONN. To continue, Mr. Cassotta was a freelance performer with Frank Sinatra, Manhattan Transfer, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby Vinton, Bob Hope, The Four Tops, Phil Woods, The Temptations, Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Williams, Franki Valli and the Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Including numerous local and state pit orchestra’s and local well know jazz bands. He has also published works as a composer and arranger with KJOS music as well as multiple professional recordings. I strongly urge you to consider Mr. Cassotta’s application for this grant. Your support will help impact music education in Enfield and continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of its students. Thank you for considering this recommendation. Sincerely, Mark F. Reppucci Jazz, Orchestra, Music Technology and Piano Teacher Enfield High School Write your tex"

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"This is to certify that the Marlene Johnson Duo was performing at the Starboard in the Taj Mahal hotel, Mumbai for a period of three months. During their tenure here we found the band to be of exceptional quality and class. Not only did they entertain the guests but they have also contributed a lot to the overall business and the impression of the place. They were the most aptly suited band that I worked with yet at the bar Their music, entertaining skill and ability to sing in a varied number of languages was a quality that will never be forgotten. I wish Flavio and Marlene all the best in their future endeavors."

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"Great guys with nice personalitys. They play formidable music!!!! "

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"Pausa Caffè provided exactly the kind of elegant live music we were looking for. Their performance was sophisticated, tasteful and perfectly balanced for our event. Communication and organisation were excellent from start to finish, and the duo adapted beautifully to the atmosphere of the occasion. We would be very happy to work with them again."

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"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."

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"AMAZING !!!! I was lucky enough about 25 years ago seeing the Gypsy Kings live at the Albert Hall in London. I am a big fan. But I must say that if I had my eyes closed listening to your group I would not have know that it wasn't the real group. Just stunning, well done !!! "

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"I came to watch Hitchen Big Band at Pertuis Jazz Festival in 2017, while I was on holiday in France. Wow, what a great band! David has several groups, including small jazz bands also. Brilliant."

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"Thank you so much for making our evening really special, you went down a storm everybody loved you! (10 / 10) Sharon and Steve "

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"100% professionals. Velvet trio met and exceeded our expectations. Plus, our special requests in the repertoire were beautifully performed "

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"Absolutely Fantastic Ezekiel was amazing. He played at our wedding cocktail hour and it was perfect. He is a fantastic saxophone player and he really set the vibe. I am incredibly impressed with his talent."

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"Astounding voice, amazing sax, superb experience! "

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"An exceptional musical experience from beginning to end. The musicians blended seamlessly into our event while delivering an outstanding performance that impressed every single guest. Highly recommended for anyone looking to create a luxurious atmosphere."

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"Excellent performance in our art gallery, the collaboration with Christos has been great and the quality was at the level expected. We strongly recommend to collaborate with Christos, it is sure that he will be able to adapt and adjust according to the needs of the event. Thanks again for the great performance."

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" Mr. Damon was very communicative and professional. All of our song requests were met and he was able to add more songs with our choices. Great for ceremony and cocktail hour!"

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"Betty Boom made our wedding truly unforgettable! Their energy, talent, and wide-ranging music selection kept the dance floor packed all night. They took care of every detail and brought a magical atmosphere to our special day."

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