Review Centre: Bands & Ensembles

"What a beautiful sound! The Pizzicatos played at our wedding at Coombe Lodge on Saturday 4th August. We can not fault their music, they played the songs beautifully. Thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolute Mayhem The Horse & Chains, Bushey on Saturday 30 September 2023 It's a rare thing to go into a local pub and hear a keyboard player who has been described as a musical "genius" by none other than David Bowie. This is no tall story either. The musician Billy Ritchie was the first player in rock music to give keyboards a prominent role -- and that was before Keith Emerson (ELP) and Rick Wakeman came on the scene. Billy told me that he remained good friends with the Thin White Duke until his death in 2016. Lanark-born Mr Ritchie now provides the skilful and fancy keyboards and records backing tracks for his latest incarnation Mayhem with talented female singer Carol Leslie. Carol is a really strong vocalist with a gutsy style. This dynamic duo started their first set at the cosy Sebright Arms with Elvis's late sixties' classic Suspicious Minds. The second song was a surprise -- Kirsty MacColl's comedy number There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears His Elvis. It was a perfect choice after the first song. Carol and Billy select their material wisely and give their audience something very different from the predictable Mustang Sally, Brown Eyed Girl and I Saw Her Standing There, churned out by so many pub bands. So it was great to hear Georgio Moroder and Phil Oakey's electro smash Together In Electric Dreams, Matchbox's catchy rocker Rockabilly Rebel, Starship's uplifting We Built This City (on which Billy demonstrated his keyboard dexterity) and Solomon Burke's gospel-ish Cry To Me. And that was just the first half. Carol is happy to tackle songs usually associated with male vocalists and she started part two with a raucous version of Bryan Adams' rocker Summer Of 69. If you have never seen Mayhem, ask Billy to perform Light My Fire, the Doors rock classic from 1967. This was a sheer musical masterclass as he re-created both vocally and instrumentally this great song. Billy has a rich, tuneful voice and this was a stunning performance. Other highlights in the second half included Journey's rock anthem Don't Stop Believing, Carol's gritty interpretation if Shania Twain's Man I Feel Like A Woman and a fine performance of Bon Jovi's Living On A Prayer A total of 24 songs and I cannot wait to see this duo again. My only concern is their name. I think many club and pubgoers might think Mayhem are a heavy metal band rather than an all-round, top class duo. COLIN FENN, DJ, Freelance Journalist Colin Fenn, DJ - Freelance Journalist, Thursday 5 October 2023"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Rory. Thank you so much for Friday. The whole thing ran so smoothly and professionally. The music was so perfect and really added to our wedding reception, it was absolutely wonderful. So many guests commented on how fantastic you all were. We hope that everything went well for you. Best wishes, Gam and Mary."

Reply by Rory
Hi Gam, Thank you for your feedback on 26/07/2019 I'm delighted to hear you were happy with our services, and I've passed on your kind feedback to the musicians. Meanwhile, I would like to once again thank you for the opportunity, and I send you our warmest wishes. Thanks, Rory

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just had to say a big big thank you for playing at my 70th Birthday Party on Friday night. You are simply the best group! I have had so many comments about the music and how much everyone enjoyed the night. So now we are all planning for December when we can all come down and all enjoy another brilliant night with all our fancy dress for Christmas, which I'm looking forward to already, and I'm sure everyone else is to. Keep up the good work! Love to you all."

Reply by The Pop Pickers
Hi Julie, it really was a great 70th birthday party. Everyone had such fun. We can't wait for the Christmas event for more of the same. Regards The Pop Pickers.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I wanted a band that could get the party started but more importantly, keep the party going and they did that and more!!! Seriously guys you rocked our world and played a big part in creating memories that we will cherish for the rest of our days!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent! I have booked them three more times this year. Highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely awesome band, the set list was on point playing something for everyone, the band had a really great energy and really worked the crowd! Would definitely go out of my way to see another gig or book for a private function for sure!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A slightly belated thank you for playing at our wedding on 12th October at Glenskirlie House. The day went by so quickly and I am sorry I never got more of a chance to speak with you. However, we both loved your playing, as did our guests and I will not hesitate to recommend you to all my friends!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing band! Great verity of music to suit all at the ball!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"An excellent nights entertainment, even got me up dancing..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ma Bessie and the Pigfoot Band, so as you might imagine, we stayed rooted in the 20’s and 30’s, but with a more rounded, sophisticated feel. No one does Bessie Smith better that Ma Bessie, and we are lucky to have her as a local artist here in Reading. As her Pigfoot duo finished getting ready for the set, Ms Bessie launched into an unaccompanied ‘Life Is Too Short’ taken from her album of the same name. As soon as she takes to the stage she creates an immediate connection with her audience. They are all her friends, and she chats her way through the set. With timeless classics such as ‘Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight’ and ‘Do Your Duty’, Bessie Smith featured highly in the set. Songs like ‘Downhearted Blues’ and ‘Trouble Trouble’ kept the mood intact, whilst songs like ‘Sugar In My Bowl’ and ‘Whip It To A Jelly’ highlighted the risqué fun elements of the music of the era. Matt Foster provides the perfect solid guitar rhythm and bass line support for the smooth yet gutsy vocal, and with Chuck Lloyd adding his superb saxophone it was another fine performance. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Not many bands get people up dancing like these did. Excellent!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks to you both for playing last night. So many people came up to me during the evening to say just how much they were enjoying the music and how very good they thought you were. I thought you were fantastic. Everything about it was very good, the sound, the range of songs, the duration."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Simon was fantastic from start to finish. He made the planning extremely easy, had a huge range of songs to choose from (and even learnt one for us!) and arrived early. He made the atmosphere of the party so great, and I've had the best feedback from all of my friends who attended - he really got the party going! Thank you Simon, you were amazing!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Deep Down Brass are the ultimate crowd pleaser! They are an absolute hit with everyone and got our customers dancing every night over the festive period. Couldn’t recommend them enough - they are our 'go to’ for entertainment."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: