"The orchestra played to a full house that loved every minute of the band's presentation, from the original arrangements that made the band so popular to a group of swinging musicians that blew the audience away with great solos and powerful ensemble work. This present band deserves to be heard by everyone that loves good music. It not only serves nostalgia but is a great orchestra with every musician in the group able to take outstanding solos."
--- Ed Coyne, Jazz in January, Centenary College, Hackettstown, NJ
Montreal International Jazz Festival 2010: Battle of the Bands at Theatre Maisonneuve of Place des Arts; July 4 Bernard Perusse, Jul 06, 2010 "The Battle of the Bands, pitting the reconstituted Harry James Orchestra against the Artie Shaw Orchestra at Théatre Maisonneuve in two concerts Sunday, was more a tribute to their legacy than a joust.
At the early gig, the Harry James outfit, led by the rich, gold-burnished tone of trumpeter Fred Radke, had a classic swing sound going for it as he led the band through the James chestnuts: You'll Never Know, You Made Me Love You, I've Got You Under My Skin, et al.
The Shaw Orchestra, led by the the fluid, lean-toned clarinet of Matt Koza, had a more modern sound, with a younger crew, and played in a more modern style, including an arrangement of Bill Evans' Waltz for Debby, the signature Begin the Beguine, and a brisk and bristling rendition of Traffic Jam in its songbook.... the jury went with the Shaw band, the deciding vote going to it for its spectacular tribute to drummer Buddy Rich, featuring percussionist Mark Holovnia.
The great music from both, really, was the winner, hands down."
--- Irwin Block, Montreal Gazette
"We booked the Artie Shaw Orchestra and were absolutely delighted by the band's quality of musicianship and faithful reproduction of Shaw's swing era arrangements and voicings."
--- Douglas Overman
"The Artie Shaw Orchestra concert January 5th was a sensational success! We filled the 700 seat Owens Auditorium at Sandhills Community College and the band received a standing ovation at the end of the first session, and again at the conclusion. Since the concert I have received several calls and met many people who continue to rave about the band. They said it was "like old times." Everyone agreed that each of the musicians was an outstanding soloist in their own right. To hear and SEE musicians of that caliber playing so precisely and enthusiastically thrilled everyone there. The group will be welcome back anytime. They were a delight to work with."
--- Emerson Cole
"I just wanted to let you know that the Artie Shaw Orchestra was a huge success when they played Scullers Jazz Club on January 30th.The band swung with extra intensity and with great solos. They stayed pure to the great Artie Shaw arrangements, but gave it a new excitement. If I closed my eyes, I would have thought it was a hot, new, young band just starting out."
--- Fred Taylor, Entertainment Director, Scullers Jazz Club
"I wanted to thank you and the Artie Shaw Orchestra for such a wonderful performance last night at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimac College. Through the entire relationship, from the initial conversation to the load out at the end of the night, this experience has been a most pleasant one.But more importantly, the orchestra put on one heck of a show. The audience was more than thrilled at the excellent musicianship and the arrangements are proving to be timeless. The spontaneous standing ovation demanded more, which the fine group of musicians, who by the way were fun and professional to work with, gave with gusto. It is wonderful to work as a presenter when everyone has a great time, and this was one of those magic nights that we will long remember. We certainly plan to invite The Artie Shaw Orchestra back to be part of our arts series soon."
--- Peter Waldron, Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimac College
"What a fantastic band! My foot was tapping from the first number. Too bad, the show lasted only 2 hours. This concert ranks in the top 3 or 4 since we’ve been coming the past 7 or 8 years."
--- B. Kraus, Newtown, PA
"Working with the Artie Shaw Orchestra couldn't be easier! The band is professional and polished. A promoter never needs to worry about holding their hand or babysitting the band. You tell them where to show up, what time to be there, and can rest assured that all will go smoothly."
--- Debra Sternberg, Vice President, Gottaswing LLC
