top of page

Testimonials

See what music critics, festival directors, and private clients say about their experience with Ian Petillo and  Legacy Jazz Band. From weekly New Orleans residencies to elegant private events and galas, we bring the authentic, swingin', and dynamic energy of classic American jazz to every single stage.

Couldn't have made a better choice! We hired the 3 piece Legacy Jazz Band to perform at the 19th biennial reunion of the USS Howard W. Gilmore Memorial Association, held at the Sheraton Metairie hotel in Metairie, Louisiana on April 13th, 2025. This is really going to be a simple review: Ian Petillo on drums/vocals, with Tiffany Pollack (a lovely and very talented, captivating singer), and Danny Marx on guitar/vocals were as wonderful a group of musicians you could ask for, and listen to. Well versed in the sounds of the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's, they performed together beautifully. Ours was a group of Navy vets and their wives, mostly all seniors, who were up and dancing to the wide variety of tunes, from slow to lively, and were pleasantly surprised when requested songs were skillfully played. This is a group that blends together extremely well, by their personalities and musical abilities, and that all carries over to their audiences. Well done! Hire them; your audience won't be disappointed!

-John B

 

If you’re looking for authentic New Orleans jazz, Legacy Jazz Band is an absolute must. Every musician is exceptionally talented, and together they capture the spirit of the city that gave birth to jazz. Their chemistry, musicianship, and passion are evident in every song. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or just discovering the genre, they make the music feel welcoming, exciting, and unforgettable. Seeing them at Marigny Brasserie made for a perfect New Orleans evening. I’ll definitely be back to hear them again.

-Eileen B

​

One of the best Jazz bands I have heard in a long time! The lead finger had a voice that was fantastic. She nailed every song and added a true 50s scat sound on every one. Harmony's with the drummer were terrific. They need to go on tour and blow more crowds away!

-Preston G

 

 

Some of the best jazz in New Orleans! Ian Patillo and The Legacy Jazz Band playing at the Marigny Brasserie on Frenchman’s Street! Monday night had a sax player sitting in and it was all magical! Classic, Latin, old standards, they can play it all. Don’t miss them!

- Susan L

 

 

Was walking by to head to Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro and heard this amazing sound coming out of Marigny Brasserie. Stopped by and heard a couple of fabulous sets of classic jazz! Highly recommend the Legacy Jazz Band! If I didnt live in Virginia, I'd visit frequently!

- Eric A

 

I would highly recommend checking out Legacy Jazz. In my opinion, they are the best band in New Orleans by far. I have seen the band multiple times, most recently on New Year’s Eve at Marigny Brasserie on Frenchmen Street. The band is very energetic and easily engages the audience. Legacy Jazz features authentic jazz, played by highly skilled, professional musicians. Additionally, the band can crossover to other genres of music, which they play extremely well. I strongly encourage seeing Legacy Jazz or hiring them for your next event.

- Carol Wirth

​

We happened upon The Legacy Jazz Band at the Marigny Brasserie bar on Frenchman’s street in NOLA. This is an incredible group of musicians playing tight jazz charts from all over the Jazz spectrum. They were superior tonight. And I have the feeling that is a regular occurrence. A Must See/Hear experience

.-Donald M

​

These guys are great! A cool mix of jazz standards, deep tracks and originals with a fun vibe and solid musicianship. Ian is one of those guys who has an encyclopedic knowledge of jazz without being pretentious about it, and the band takes the music seriously but knows how to have fun with it. My only complaint about their shows at Marigny Bistro is that they need a bigger crowd, so get out there and show these guys some love.-Christopher A

​

​Great band. Singing voices with soul. We enjoyed hearing their varied set at Marigny Brasserie in New Orleans- David Frost

​​​

​​

​

 

 

​

​The band is incredibly engaging from the moment they start playing. On a recent visit to New Orleans, catching Legacy Jazz Band live on Frenchmen Street at Marigny Brasserie was a highlight. There’s a real sense of authenticity in their sound—rooted in traditional jazz but not limited by it. The musicianship is tight, expressive, and clearly comes from experience. They move effortlessly across styles, which keeps the set dynamic without losing their core identity. It feels less like a performance and more like being part of something alive.

-Viriam Dylan

 

I've found the Legacy Jazz Band to be nothing short of impeccable professionalism. Legacy Jazz is among a few bands that capture the essence and integrity of the art form as they do. And they've done so consistently so we've booked them for all our corporate and private events. A sincere thanks for many great experiences!

-Basil v

 

Ian and the band are extremely professional and sound amazing. I hired them to play at a function and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performance. I would definitely use them again.

-Chris F

​

happened to stop by in a bar while visiting new orleans for the first time ever, and they gave me and my buddies such an amazing experience. kept up the vibes and they’re great to chit chat with i cannot recommend them enough

-Bryce Nethercutt

 

I’ve hired Ian Petillo and the Legacy Jazz Band for many high-end events and have confidently recommended them to some of my most discerning clients. Every experience has been exceptional. Ian runs a first-class operation—professional, reliable, and musically outstanding.
Beyond that, Ian is an exceptional musician. As an entertainer myself, I’ve had him on stage with me many times as a drummer and percussionist, and he is truly a dream to have in my ensemble: prepared, tasteful, and always serving the music at the highest level. If you’re looking for world-class jazz and absolute professionalism, the Legacy Jazz Band is an easy recommendation.

-Jerry C

 

Awesome sound! Impeccable vocals! Book these guys!!!

-Dorothy Youmans

 

Absolutely the most professional and talented band in New Orleans!! Always a vibe to catch them at the Marigny Brasserie!

-Winter H

​

Best band of New Orleans! Follow them, they are amazing and soooo lovely!

-Gaetano D

​

We’ve hired Ian and the Legacy Jazz Band several times for our client events. They are extremely professional, entertaining and a wonderful addition to the event. Would hire Legacy Jazz over and over.

-Correnne D

​

Made me want to get out of my seat and dance. My favorite band I’ve heard so far in NOLA.

-Andrea Tarrant

​

These guys were awesome! They played a good mix of jazz and requested songs by our group. Couldn't recommend them more.

-Andrew W

​​

Legacy Jazz Band was the perfect addition to our event. Will definitely book again. They were so easy to work with. Extremely professional.

-Kerri Diaz

​​

Simply fabulous, listening to them you can feel the sound and the love they have for music and pure jazz. I came to New Orleans to listen to jazz and they are pure jazz. Follow them and, above all, listen to them!

-Margherita Costanzo

​

Fantastic! The music was incredible, the instruments, the vocals, the musicians were super friendly. The band's vibes were amazing 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼. I loved it!!!

-Rocio Umpierrez

​
​

bottom of page