Review Centre: Blues Bands

"We are very happy to count on you, as you are by far the best band we have had for our staff parties so far."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You might expect an album with edgy, teal-lit cover art and the title of The Isolation Blues, by the Mike Goudreau Band, to be either dark and brooding or a real barroom stomper, showcasing the loudest guitar you’ve heard since Jimi Hendrix’s. Instead, from the first notes, you’ll find it’s a peppy ensemble extravaganza with horns galore. More’s the better, too – the Winter Solstice is coming up, and we need an eye-opening blast of sunshine in the middle of it. Smooth, jazzy-influenced, and boasting crystal-clear vocals, it’s a must-play on New Year’s Eve. Born in 1965 in Newport, Vermont, into a musical family with an English mother and a French-Canadian father, Mike Goudreau picked up his first guitar at age 14 and hasn’t stopped playing since. His early influences included the Beatles, Chuck Berry, Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and later, Albert King, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Powder Blues and Downchild – to name a few. Such diverse interests help to explain why Mike is comfortable in so many musical genres, especially jazz and blues. Since 2007, Mike’s songs have been heard on hundreds of network TV shows and films, such as the TV movie The Happiest Season (Hulu), Dynasty (CBS), the Universal Pictures film Dark Waters, the Hollywood film The Banker, starring Samuel Jackson (2020), The Neighborhood (CBS), NCIS Los Angeles (CBS), and Chicago PD (NBC), among several others. Joining Mr. Goudreau (vocals, guitars, bass and hand claps) are Jean-Francois Begin (think Menachem Begin, not “begin”) on drums and percussion, Dany Roy on tenor sax and trumpet, Ira Friedman on organ and piano, and Pascal Veilette on harmonica. You know all the shows and films mentioned earlier? Together, they spell diamond-level QUALITY. That’s what’s been poured into each of the fourteen original tracks on this CD. Every note, every musical phrase, glimmers like the light off one of that gem’s many facets. This is real-deal blues, whether in swing/jump form (as on the opener “Let’s Go Down to the River”), the angsty, harmonica-infused title track, the guitar and piano boogie known as “The Mooch,” or the laid-back instrumental “Sea Breeze Blues.” Any band can crank out an album in their garage or basement and deem it good enough, but not Goudreau and his posse. They care about their offerings like Michelangelo cared about David, or Da Vinci the Mona Lisa. That’s because they’re not just musicians. Not just craftsmen. They’re artists, and don’t you forget it. Got The Isolation Blues? Here’s the cure, or at least the vaccine! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Funky band, playing the blues with heart and soul. The top of Amsterdam music scene. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Wilgars are fantastic what a band !!! The best live band I have heard for a long time "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I had the pleasure of seeing Stevie at Chicago Blues Festival 2025 and what an electrifying show!!! he and his band seamlessly went through blues,soul,and rock and roll all in one 75 minute set! Kudos guys!"

Reply by Stevie J Blues
thanks John!!! versitilty is our strongest suite!glad you enjoyed the set! please visit us at www.steviejblues.com

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Very struck by his talent and his professionalism. He knows what he’s doing. Comes in and outs on a good show that is really very consistent. We know he enjoys what he does, He’s like the ultimate professional. Greta songwriter. We appreciate the original material. We have an audience that also appreciates his material. When he does a cover he does it his way and not trying to imitate the original artist so I really appreciate his talent."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Professional, engaging entertainment during our event We engaged Jazz Centrale to provide entertainment for the celebration of our anniversary. From the very start, communication was pleasant, and our wishes were carefully listened to. Our event was business-oriented and also intended for networking. The musicians from Jazz Centrale looked impeccable and played beautiful background music. This interaction was, once again, very enjoyable. It provided a delightful experience for our guests, whether to discuss it or simply enjoy it. Definitely recommended! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just went to see Lady A for the first time. WOW what a show. Soulful voice for all kind of great songs. She had the place dancing and interacting with the crowd. Just a great time. Will look for information to see where she is playing next. The band wirh her is also fantastic as they played some songs b4 she came out. Great voices there too."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Unbelievable Talent! A stunning voice. Magical music. They performed for a beautiful gatsby themed party. It couldn’t have gone better! I’ve hired many musicians in the past & Erika was 20 out of 10!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Delivered a fantastic performance for our wedding, absolutely made the event ! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I have been meaning to message you directly also to thank you. What you produced the night of our wedding was nothing short of magical - and I do not say this lightly. I am very happy to hear the band enjoyed the evening - I think their enjoyment and energy showed through their music. The feedback we have had from guests is overwhelming, particularly that the band and the singer (I don't remember his name) was the best they have ever heard at a wedding. You guys nailed the performance. I am so happy that we decided to do a live version, you could not have gotten the same energy and vibe with just a recording / original version. Your two sets were also perfect. There were a few times that we all stopped in the marquee to listen and appreciate the music, particularly My Way - I remember looking around and quite a few people were singing along! I think another sign of a success of a wedding is the number of people on the dance floor, and there was not an empty space during the second set. The amount of people of all ages dancing was a true highlight for me as we wanted this to be a wedding that everyone would enjoy - not just us." Alexa"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"...it was perfect from A to Z, and your evening entertainment contributed significantly to that. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your dedication..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I have seen them many times at Public and Private functions and highly recommend them for any function , Music to suit all settings and tastes and Michelle's voice is sensational."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Check out the good Reverend on the internet and you’ll see this outfit described as “somewhere between Johnny Cash and Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds” with “similar artists” given as Seasick Steve and Eddie Martin – to which I might add, on the evidence of this lowdown and dirty blues CD, The Rolling Stones (60s version) and maybe vintage Canned Heat. Reverend plays guitar and drums, and he is aided and abetted by Owen Bray on guitar and blues harp, with Neil Sadler also providing bass and drum support. Ferriday started out playing indie-rock in the 80s and was working in National Debt with Michael Messer (and Bray) around the start of the millennium. This is his second album under his own name and the leader’s vocals are thick and mean, the songs direct and energetic, the sound gritty, raw, and real, with elements of the hard-driving North Mississippi hill country approach in places, Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf and more than a tinge of alt-blues. A thoroughly modern blues album in other words, whilst drawing from the deep well of blues tradition, check it out. Norman Darwen "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for the gig last Saturday! Music was perfect! Good that you decided to go outside and play there. Audience particularly appreciated that. [...] All in all, a festive contribution to a wonderful evening. Warm regards to the other band members as well!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: