Review Centre: Swing Bands

"On a beautiful August night JSJBF member band The Gumbo Gum bas, a project that grew out of leader Joe Grillo and his late brother Alfie's love of all things New Orleans, played to an appreciative crowd at Bands on the Beach. This was the second of two shows held on the beach for this summer-long Sunday night concert series, sponsored by the City of Long Branch in association with the JSJBFT. his show gave the band a chance to play live much of the material that can be found on their new CD, "Zydeland," with our own Jill Baskind donning the rub board for a couple of tunes. For those of you who may not get the reference in the title, Zydeco is a southern Louisiana dance music featuring the accordion, rub board and in this case horns. The music on the CD was dedicated to Alfie, who passed during the pandemic, and their mixing engineer, Tim Gilles, who left us during the making of the CD. All of the band members who appeared on the beach are on the record, including Dave Anthony on drums, Vinnie Borselli on trumpet, Joe on tenor sax and vocals, Steve Munter on baritone sax and clarinet, Greg Novick on bass, Steve "Big Squeezy" Rice on accordion and piano and Lars Wendt on trombone. All tunes were written, arranged and produced by Joe except as noted below. The opening title track "Zydeland," begins with the measured beat of the drums and is joined quickly by the accordion, with the horns kicking in as the lyrics invite you to join the band on a journey to this magical, musical place. As with any good Gumbo, it's flavored with local ingredients, in this case a dose of the Jersey Shore sound spices up the mix. "Dance With Me" picks up the beat and is reminiscent in tempo and style to one of Joe's major influences, Louis Prima. If this tune doesn't get you out of your seat, nothing will. "Waiting for the Cane," is dedicated to the crazies who choose not to evacuate, but start the party in anticipation of a hurricane, and party they will to this number. "King Cake" includes lyrics by Joe and music by Steve, was explained to the uninitiated that night as the legendary dessert of Mardi Gras which is said to bring luck and prosperity to whoever gets the plastic baby in their piece. It's a high energy number that gives each member of the horn section a chance to stretch out and strut their stuff, and they made it a highlight of that night and the CD. The recorded version of this song literally jumps out of the speakers. "Can't Go Back To New Orleans" is a moving tribute to Joe's brother, envisioning an ode to the city they both love through the sound of Tom Waits, one of Alfie's favorite artists. I got the chills listening to what starts out as a somber tune but ends in an upbeat fashion, finishing with Frank Rein's tuba. Joe and Vinnie collaborated on the lyrics to the tall tale of "Gumbo Parmesan," a song that's lyrics are as much of a fun dream its title implies. "By the Water'' has that infectious "Congo Square" beat, which is highlighted by Dave's opening drum pattern with accompanying percussion and conjures up a scene of the locals doing a NOLA style tap dance. With lyrics by Ken Morrison and music by Steve Rice, "Drifting Off and Dreaming of You" is a mid twentieth century style ballad, complete with strings, and has Joe in the role of a crooner which he does quite eloquently. A welcome respite from the nonstop party to this point, he sounds like the last man at the bar, smoke curling up from that final cigarette, with drink in hand, thinking about the woman of his dreams. The penultimate song, "Drinks On the House," is another fanciful flight of fantasy which would be loads of fun as an MTV video. Bring on the aliens, it's party time! The final tune, "Why Can't Everyday Be Mardi Gras?," is a fitting end to this party with Steph's clarinet leading the second line followed by the rest of the band with a chorus children along the route singing out the refrain. For this band, every time they start to play it's Mardi Gras. If these songs don't leave you smiling and dancing I don't know what will. Mission accomplished in the fun department as far as I'm concerned."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for playing for us last night – we loved the music you played and felt it really set our night off perfectly! Everyone has been saying how brilliant the band was last night and the photos today show that people really had a great time!! Your outfits were also perfectly fitting with our Roaring 20s theme and we literally couldn’t have asked for more! Thank you so much once again and we would not hesitate to book you for events in the future!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"When asked what he thought about the singer... "Kevin Hill Jnr.... What a voice!""

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were indeed very fortunate to be introduced to Girl Friday ensemble whilst on a 2hour sunset cruise of Maloolaba canals. Girl Friday did not stop. From Classic jazz numbers to crooners and everything in betweent they had it all covered. A huge Thankyou for bringing something back of which we have been missing. Fabulous entertainment with songs and music we can relate to and all sung to perfection. Thankyou. I will be following you in your Socials now hoping to catch you on future gigs. Cheers M "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"WOW, we are totally lost for words, what an EPIC performance and evening with you. There is nothing we wanted more from our wedding than for our friends and family to be laughing, smiling, singing and dancing. Because of you this was how the whole evening went. Our photos are going to be picture perfect from the great time that was had by all. We can’t thank you enough and couldn’t think of anyone better to have celebrated our day with. Enjoy Christmas and a very happy new year ? Lots of Love, India and Ricky Wiltshire (Elmore Court 30.11.2021)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mr. Swing’s Dance Orchestra performed at our wedding at the Hospitium in York and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect band. The swing band was fantastic at reading the room and getting everyone up and dancing. All of our guests have raved about how amazing they were, and we totally agree. If you want to make your special day even more memorable, definitely hire Mr. Swing."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fabulous Jazz Trio! Wonderful playing, in the spirit of New Orleans. Young and old enjoyed them, it was easy to book through Gig Salad, Simon was very quik to respond and came up with great suggestions to make our event memorable. We would rused them again. Thanks Johan, Classical Movements."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Girl Friday are a top class act. A group of dedicated, talented, adaptable musos who know how to entertain. Whether it’s a small boat cruise or a large venue - they can dial it up or simmer it down to suit any location, event or group size. Highly recommend them for your next celebration. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Highly recommend! I have had the pleasure of lisenting to these guys at Thoresby Hall many times! Suzies voice is like chocolate and very enjoyable to listen to where Andy plays with great passion and musicality ! I cannot wait to book these for my wedding they are the perfect duo!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Beautiful atmospheric location and a very relaxed performance by the quartet! It was as if you could join them at their home for an evening full of fun anecdotes, fun amongst each other and fun making music. The Christmas songs were refreshing in the gipsy jazz style, nicely interspersed with their regular set! It was impossible to stay seated..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stellar, professional, & swingin!!! We booked this trio for one of our larger institutional events that we host twice a semester. They were phenomenal! I cannot sing their praises enough. They added just enough ambience, swing, and mood to the dinner setting for our guests. We will definitely be booking the Simon Burke Trio again and again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Entertainment, good music and lots of sympathy. I recommend it for a private party."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Andrew and his band are the BEST!! Our wedding planner recommended Andrew Thielen Big Band and his DJ and they were AWESOME! Our guests are still talking about how great they were. We had guests on the dance floor before dark, and we all danced the entire night! Andrew is very talented and we couldn't have gotten anything better!! Thank you so much!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I have worked with Tom for a while now, both as a crooner, recording covers (sometimes better than the original) and a solo original artist recording his own music. His voice blew us away the very first time we heard it. With a fantastic talent and a firm, 'head screwed on' type manner that he brings to all aspects of his work, he really is a treat to work with. He is professional, always smartly dressed, talented, but above all, a fantastic character to work with. A genuinely nice guy. I look forward to seeing what the future brings for the fantastic Tom Fitzpatrick."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Easy to get along with and created a great environment for our wedding reception. Guest were happy and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Swing at its absolute finest!! Thank you so much for helping make our wedding such a memorable occasion. Communication before, during and after was superb. Would highly recommend. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: