Review Centre: R&B Bands

"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:

"Arron and his team were the perfect addition to our Friday night dinner crowd. Their load in and set up was timely & efficient. They read the room perfectly and found a vibe our clientele was really into. They brought range, diversity and fun into their set. They really know how to work a crowd and would highly recommend! Can't wait to have them back! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"PBSO shut Tin Roof DOWN! I caught PBSO at Tin Roof and I’m still talking about it! The vibe was electric from the moment they hit the stage. The vocals gave me chills, the horns were insane, and the whole band had the crowd locked in. It wasn’t just a performance, it was an experience. The way they blended genres so seamlessly was next level. I came for live music and left a fan for life."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I highly recommend the R Factor for any event. They did a fantastic job at my daughter’s wedding this year. Emil was easy to work with, and the whole band brought talent and energy that night. They really helped make the party a success."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Testimonials (Click) Wedding Reception in LITTLE ROCK, AR ON 10/29/2016 I highly recommend The Sensation Band & DJ Combo. All the guests raved about how a great dance band they are and wanted to know where I had found them and their name. They emceed the event perfectly too. They made my daughters wedding special and I thank them for doing so!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent solo saxophonist!! His talent ALWAYS transforms ZincHouse into a fun, easy listening, romantic & entertaining vibe!! HUGE THUMBS up for Courtney Watkins…CHEERS!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Most of my videos are on Instagram, to get to listen to more of me you could check out my Instagram page @neobass1"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A great young couple with an individual style. Entertained a variety of age groups and the knowledge and trivia presented in their sets was second to none. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Phoenyx is the best! So pro and kind, she's reliable and really cares about creating the best music possible. Her personality really gets the crowd going too, and lifts the energy of a room. I'd recommend her and her band to anyone."

Reply by Phoenyx & Co.
You’re an amazing musician Paul. This coming from you means so much.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The string trio we booked through Bakubung Brand Agency made our outdoor garden party an absolute dream. They played a wonderful mix of classical and contemporary pieces that had everyone raving. Very professional and easy to work with from start to finish."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I saw the Private Affair Band perform at The Malibu West Beach Club for a wedding. The band had great energy and the vocals were awesome. The horn players danced through the audience while playing their instruments which blew my mind because I never seen that before. All in all, the band was fantastic, and I highly recommend "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From start to finish, the entire process was seamless. The entire band were absolutely incredible and catered to our every request. Great audience engagement, superb instrument playing and banging vocals, I couldn't have asked for a better band to share our special (wedding) day with. I would highly recommend them! Thank you to each and every one of you! x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely brilliant duo, The variety of music played and musicianship was incredible. They sound like a big band. They had everyone up dancing and we all had a very jolly time. Highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked NR to perform throughout our entire wedding day, and from the very first note to the final song, they exceeded every expectation. They brought an incredible amount of energy, flawless professionalism, and the kind of feel-good atmosphere that instantly lifts a room. The entertainment was exceptional, and the vibe they created was exactly what we’d hoped for. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about them. They truly made both our wedding breakfast and evening celebrations, turning each moment into something special and keeping the energy perfectly balanced all day long. In the lead-up to the wedding, Jess was an absolute dream to work with. Communication was consistent, reassuring, and thoughtful, and they took so much stress off my shoulders by coordinating directly with our lighting and staging company. Their flexibility and willingness to accommodate our needs made the whole process seamless. A huge thank you to the entire band for making our wedding so incredibly special. If you’re considering booking them, don’t hesitate for a second. They are truly amazing and genuinely care about delivering the very best performance for your big day."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band was awesome! Everyone invited, danced all evening!! I had guests asking how I found the band as they wanted to book with them. Thanks for a spectacular job!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: