Testimonials

“We try not to miss them each time they play at the Brisbane Jazz Club and think they are certainly the best Trad Jazz Band in Queensland, probably Australia…… all local Brisbane people and wonderful musicians, been together many years.” Jan B.

Sure Wowed us (at BJC) – felt like giving a ‘standing ovation’ many times – fantastic!! On the road on Friday afternoon, I asked for ‘some surprises’ in your programme –  sure as ?? … that really happened. R&T.

“Thanks to you and the band for an absolutely fantastic gig on Friday night. The music was fun, clever and well researched, not to mention played to perfection.” KW

“On Sunday the Kawana Hall at Buddina was bouncing …(as) Caxton Street Jazz Band supplied their captivating music…. what more can you about this group of talented musicians…..after more than 30 years the Caxton Band are still the tops.” Sunshine Coast Jazz Club newsletter

“Caxton Street Jazz Band is an impressive group of talented musicians; your timing and rapport with each other is spectacular and our audience was enthralled. The choice of repertoire was very much appreciated – true vintage and authentic, and the whole program was well structured with variety and entertainment foremost. Thank you so much for a delightful evening of top professional performances from everyone. We’d love to see you next time you are ‘up North’, but in the meantime wish you all the very best of good health and enthusiasm to continue bringing such joyful jazz and happiness to your admiring and appreciative audiences.” Valerie Brown, Bundaberg Friends of Jazz.

“Hi to all members of this fantastic band! Wow! That was an amazing night/concert – when?? and I seriously ask – will there be a DVD made that will capture for posterity, amazing performances such as this?? Many numbers reverberate – however the pinnacle for me was Summertime – transported/ecstatic!! Yes, Lee together with each band member gave us a night of sheer Joy. A Standing Ovation to all!” T&R (after CSJB performance with vocalist Lee Gunness).

“I can well believe that you received standing ovations …you deserve all the accolades you receive.” BJC President Click here for the BJC’s report on CSJB’s 36th anniversary performance

“Many thanks for the most wonderful music for the best birthday a girl could wish for!! When R told me he’d booked you for the occasion, I was so thrilled. Little wonder I asked him to marry me! Your music was perfect, as ever, and made everyone want to dance. The whole tone of the evening was set by the lively, colourful, terrific music you played. All our friends were full of praise for the band, especially those who’d not heard you before. I am sure you will have more supporters up this way when you come next time.” Jane B.

“Just to say we heard the band for the first time at the GC Arts Centre last night and thought you were all really great. Your tribute to some of the legends of Trad Jazz that we remember was so enjoyable and uplifting. The music has such a feel good factor and we hope we will hear you again. It’s good for the soul.” R&M.

“We had an awesome day out! You guys as a group and your music are absolutely fantastic!” Trent S.

“Your wonderful music, professionalism, and sense of fun made the day one to remember.” Jane S.

“We saw that you were playing at the Brisbane Jazz festival in the city on Sunday, so we dropped in and the door people kindly let us in for 5 minutes to listen to you. You were fantastic! We loved it.” Michael R.

“..we think the CD is fantastic. My husband says it’s a ‘world class’ CD.” Denise C.

“Heard you live on the Washboard yesterday at Kawana lake. Loved the Band and the music. Your band was the highlight of our day there.” A.M.

“I have to say that this is one of my favourite bands…for sheer delight this band is one of the good ones….The CSJB is constantly bringing in new material, playing a mix of traditional, mainstream and Chicago styles…..This is a very popular band which will always be welcomed back and I’m sure those who were there would agree.” CJ in the Gold Coast City Jazz Club newsletter November 2007.

“My partner and I saw you perform on Saturday afternoon at the Valley Jazz Festival… We love your uplifting and energising sound… You really made our day!!!!!! ….We found your music so positive, fun and so easy to listen to. I felt so motivated as we walked home!” R.E.

“If you love traditional jazz played with verve and colour and lots of that Caxton Street humour and entertainment, you can’t miss them! This is the seventh year that they have played for us and it keeps getting better. Their concerts always seem to end with standing ovations these days.” Robert Channon, vigneron

“Thanks to Caxton Street for a really great jazz festival. I voted Caxton Street the best on the bill.”….Ray C, broadcaster

“Thank you very much for making our combined 35th birthday party/house-warming extremely lively, fun, enjoyable, and … wonderful. Many, many people said what a terrific evening it was and how they particularly enjoyed the band. The band really made it”. Natasha C.

“It was great to hear your music again. Thank you for the pleasure you give.” Sally G.

“Thank you so much for doing your thing on Friday night at the Christmas party……Thank you to all of the band members for the brilliant entertainment for the evening”. K….

“Thanks again for bringing your wonderful band to my (21st birthday) party. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance, so did my guests!” JS.

“One thing that struck me when we saw you at DC’s was how much you all seemed to enjoy yourselves”. Sue H.

“I just wanted to say a more official “thank you” …You have certainly contributed greatly to our party…your music really made the night. I have had lots of comments how much everybody enjoyed it. Also from people who didn’t want to dance, but just loved listening to it. (and still being able to have a conversation going without having to shout…). I will certainly recommend you where ever I can, and will keep an eye out for your gigs, so I can become a groupie!” MH.

“A special thank you to the band members. Many people complimented us on the band. I told them that it was easy (for me). You all did the work, made the music and did the runaround. A big thank you for your professionalism and consistent communication. I understand the effort that this takes.” Peter B.

“Thanks for organising a great band for our anniversary party in Brisbane. The music was well chosen for the mood, and really enjoyed by all. I must admit that I had some reservations about trying to organise this from Melbourne, especially over the Internet. These reservations were dispelled on the night. I have no hesitation in recommending your services to others.” Greg H.

“I had the pleasure to hear your music and see the band at DCs – Bravo! It was very enjoyable. The jazz fans at our table thought you guys were great.” Louise F.

“Just wanted to say thanks again …. Everyone was raving about you guys afterwards and we had a fantastic night…. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening and music and a lot of people were asking about your details.” Steve (after 30th birthday celebration).

“The 6 piece Caxton Street Jazz Band appeals not only to jazz aficionados but has a wide following from the general public who enjoy good music”…Sunshine Coast Jazz Club Newsletter

And finally, hear what one of our fans, Ian M, himself a musician, had to say in an unsolicited email after catching one of our performances.. “I haven’t been able to get to your gigs lately but last Saturday night at BJC made it worth the wait. I know I have harped on before about how well you are able to present good musicians as a group, but that skill has been being further fine tuned from when I last heard you. Saturday’s presentation… combined delightfully improvised interpretations from Bernice, Tom, John & Paul who always must bear the brunt of the solo responsibility, but the changing and thoughtful backing throughout, provided a musical variety that broke any chance of the often experienced solo monotony. The front line have always worked so well as a whole, but some of the presentations last Saturday night stood out. “The Mooche” was superb. The front line worked as one, not only in all the technical skills required in keeping in perfect 3 part harmony, a tune in a demanding minor key, but conveying it to the audience as one soulful thought. I looked away for a moment and couldn’t distinguish one instrument from the other. How you achieve it without reading scores intrigues me. CSJB has a soul that makes it unique….(and) is a group you could take proudly anywhere in the world. You are not only a delightful jazz band expounding some of the best in jazz interpretation, you are a top show band as well who can gravitate people whose inbuilt sense for rhythm and harmony can be convinced that good jazz is the foundation of good music and entertainment.”