Review Centre: 1940s Era Musicians & Bands

"We had Jen sign at our afternoon tea babyshower - she was fabulous, will definitely use again at our next event"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Astoundingly good jazz and great personal service. Highly highly recommended! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ed supplied two high quality Jazz musicians for our wedding reception at the Midland Hotel. They were punctual, professional and very highly talented. Everyone really enjoyed the music during the meal! Ed was also great at the communication, everything was crystal clear! Thanks again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band created a cozy atmosphere at my husband's fiftieth birthday party. Young and old enjoyed the music. The level of all band members is very high. Marcia sings flawlessly and makes contact with the audience in a natural way. Highly recommended!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Keziah sang at our wedding and we couldn't have asked for anyone better! She really made the event even more special. Great voice, and very prompt and professional at rehearsals and on the day. Would recommend to anyone getting married!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We look back on a very successful event with the Gradalicious band. A true team of top musicians who knew how to set the mood from the very first minute. The collaboration was also very pleasant. We truly felt like we were organizing something together — and we’re already looking forward to a next time."

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:

"Kit was a wonderful addition to the boat cruise I organised for my friends hen do, his sophisticated attire and flexible style (upper deck/lower deck/upper deck again!) made him a pleasure to work with and the classics he sang and played made the whole afternoon a real delight, thank you Kit!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We would like to thank you and the swing band for making our silver wedding anniversary so special and such a memorable occasion for us. We had such a perfect evening and we are sure all our family and friends enjoyed themselves as much as we did. We would like to think if in the future we have another occasion to celebrate that Mr Swing would be there!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dinner Jazz Duo performed for our Celebration of Success evening at Cutler's Hall and were top class. A real treat to hear them play. Thanks for being so easy to work with and doing such a great job!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The bride, groom and their 200 guests found Annelise’s performance both very entertaining and professional. The timbre of her voice is ideally suited to the jazz idiom."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Choosing the band Hot Wings for our wedding was the best choice we made. At the beginning of our wedding planning we weren't sure if we needed a band, but now I know that we needed it at the maximum and it was Hot Wings :) Investing in a good band is really worth it. Hot Wings turned our day into an amazing experience. Even while getting dressed and getting ready before the ceremony, when I heard the sound check, I was excited to see how everyone on the dance floor would rock it out thanks to the music. I was looking forward to the concert, which was the highlight of the whole day. And it was unforgettable! Dear Hot Wings, you were amazing ❤ you are all very likeable and talented young people and we are very happy that you came to spend our day with us in the High Tatras. You created an indescribable atmosphere and gave us a party that we will remember for a very long time?."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mixed Bag is aptly named! Their musical style is varied (from classic jazz standards to modern favorites with a smooth beat). The members jive uniquely with one another and engage with the crowd without forcing their presence. We were in an upscale wine bar and the tempo and volume matched the atmosphere perfectly. Mixed Bag would add life to any gathering, large or small!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A great success The Jazz DJ was a great success. He sensed the atmosphere very well and played a broad variety of jazz music. Not only was the music well arranged, the organization around it was also top-notch. Quick and easy communication. Compliments to Jazz Centrale and the DJ!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"For a grand dinner with a "Great Gatsby" theme we were looking for a suitable musical accompaniment. We found it at the Jazz Centrale. After clear consultation and advice we decided to book singer Mylene and 5 musicians. A great choice! Mylene and band have an inexhaustible repertoire, felt the atmosphere and moments well, and can really do everything. From background music to making a party, in this case a "Great Gatsby party", they can do it. Mylene and the accompanying musicians are all thoroughbred musicians and quickly adapt to the moments. Wonderful for host and hostess because they arrange everything themselves. An excellent, cozy and extraordinary musical accompaniment for all guests. Incidentally, the Jazz Centrale can offer much more, everything is possible, on to the next party!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: