Review Centre: Celtic Groups & Ceilidh Bands

"Ruby is charismatic, with a charming patter, along with a vivacious singing style. She is a versatile singer with a wide repertoire, which allows her to gauge the audience and perform material that gets a good response. Guests were spontaneously singing and clapping along during our event. She is also very professional, arriving promptly and with quick set up of PA system. She is well presented, dressing for the occasion both at our event and at heritage events where she has also impressed. Highly recommended for Masonic Ladies Festivals, heritage attractions or anywhere that wants to put a smile on the audience’s faces and leave humming familiar tunes on the way home."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The musician was really talented however did not play the music requested so killed the entire vibe of the party. It was a party and we requested upbeat music alongside DJ but she used her own speaker and mellowed tunes... everyone obviously left the dance floor at this point and had to remind her of the request. She struggled with our requirements despite us being very specific on booking and even noted specific times on contract booking, did not fulfil contract and waste of £550"

Reply by Bedfordshire Violinist
Dear Hayley Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your recent event. I take all reviews seriously, as they help me improve my services, and I appreciate the opportunity to address some inaccuracies in your comments. The full fee you paid was £459, I understand that you felt the music selection did not align with the upbeat atmosphere you envisioned. However, I want to clarify that I arrived well-prepared with a curated playlist that included the specific tracks you requested, such as "Rebel Music" and "Ibiza Classics." Additionally, during our initial conversation, I offered to incorporate lively pop songs like "Havana," "Rather Be," and "Cheerleader" to enhance the party vibe. I left out your request to play Andrew Lloyd Webber/Starlight Express as I felt it didn’t align with the style of your event. Regarding the DJ sound levels, these were extremely loud throughout. I strive to maintain an enjoyable volume throughout my performances. While you noted that the dance floor, it was empty upon my arrival and throughout the ibiza classics with DJ last 30 minute set. I appreciated the positive feedback from many guests which indicates we’re enjoying my performances. As the event progressed, I was attentive to your requests, including the unexpected addition of a dhol drummer for the second set. I performed the "Morni" provided the Bollywood track to the DJ and performed alongside the DJ and which successfully energised the dance floor. I also addressed the issue with my electric violin volume being turned down by DJ immediately after he received feedback from guest complaining he couldn’t hear it! The booking was to perform 3x 30 minute sets I stayed on the dance floor except two 15 minute breaks and performed throughout the 2 hour duration. I made repeated requests to the DJ to play "Ibiza Classics," in line with your preferences, and I took swift action to address all requests throughout the night. The DJ consistently played track’s that were impossible for a violinist to play over such as Milkshake by Kelis. My goal is always to create memorable experiences for my clients, and I have consistently received positive feedback for over 20 years !

Rating: 5 / 10 Share this review:

"Had a great time and the band was just incredible, well done guys!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for helping me with music for the funeral. The Duo were wonderful.They played lovely music & everyone really enjoyed them. So glad I had them. With grateful thanks"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just a quick note to say a massive thank you! You guys were brilliant on Saturday and my friends keep telling me how awesome you were. I loved how mad everyone went when you played the Irish tunes. Thanks for sorting the music for our first dance and for DJing later also. Will definitely book you again in the future! xxx Kirsty and Nige, wedding at Bruisyard Hall in Suffolk – 17th September 2016 "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Love the shamrock experience! Always get a tingle watching these guys play and the sound is so unique. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent! 10/10. Would recommend for any event or function!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Having Absolute Band topped off our perfect day. I don't think we really got any photos as everyone was dancing from the moment they came on. In fact, I think people were even dancing to their sound check! Communication was great throughout the booking process and we liked that you could choose to add certain musicians so we included a fiddler as we wanted some Irish classics too. The band played two brilliant sets and before we knew it, the night was over. Exactly how we wanted our wedding to end, with everyone wanting more! Really lovely guys... would highly recommend to anyone. Rachell & John, Wedding at Littlefield Manor in Guildford – 2nd July 2022 "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Shooglers were outstanding! Everyone was up dancing thanks to the energy and fun that the band created. They even played 3 encores for us at the end since nobody would leave the floor. Awesome! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You guys were freaking awesome!!! We, and many of our guests are STILL harping on about how great you were! All I can say is thank you, thank you and thank you again! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Funk With Us were just fantastic! We got married in August, and after the last year or so, it was just magical to be able to have a good dance with friends and family, and the band encouraged everyone to get up and dance - and that is what everyone did! Having a live band makes such a difference to the day, and we would truly recommend them. So many of our friends and family have been saying how very impressed they were with the band and that they absolutely loved the music and dancing. You were FANTASTIC!! ? Lilac and Remko were so helpful through the whole planning of the big day and answered all our questions. It was lovely to have a video chat to discuss the running of the day and 'meet' them before the Wedding day! They are both such friendly and fun people and reassured us we had definitely made the right choice with having a band! Thank you so much, you and your band will always hold a very special place in our hearts! ❤️"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You made our wedding reception utterly wonderful and so many of our guests have said how much they enjoyed the evening and the music. My 93 year old grandmother refused to leave until the end and her feet were tapping all evening....she even joined in the last dance and that has to be credit to you. One table of guests had never been to a ceilidh before and said how much fun it was. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolute band played at our civil partnership party and really brought a lively atmosphere! We all enjoyed the mix of traditional Irish tunes and classic hits, and they played songs to get people up and dancing. Particularly special was they learned specific songs for me to sing with them (as a surprise for my partner), and helped me with the singing which was much appreciated. They also played songs from their set list that we requested, which was great. The band members were really friendly and great to chat to. Thanks so much! Ro & Tom, Wedding in Bath – 9th July 2022 "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Luke and the rest of the band were absolutely amazing and far exceeded our expectations and truly made the day extra special. Right from the music for the ceremony through to the first dances and the whole set...they were fantastic. They really looked like they were enjoying it too and their enthusiasm didn't falter even on the last song! All of our guests have commented on how good they were and how they made the night. The fact that the dance floor was always full speaks volumes and we would highly recommend Absolute for any event. A heartfelt thank you to Luke and all of the band for a truly amazing performance and for making our day extra special! Anna and Mick Madden, wedding at Old Thorns Manor in Hampshire – 6th August 2017 "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"For 13 years I have coordinated highly successful ceilidh dances in Bishopbriggs High School and now the new Bishopbriggs Academy. These Christmas dances are the culmination of 3 weeks of social dance with all year groups and it it a priority of mine that we have live music to create an upbeat atmosphere. I consider it part of my job to ensure these traditional dances are taught in school in a way pupils will enjoy and will perpetuate. This year I secured the services of The Shooglers for our S5/6 dance. The evening was a fantastic success and enjoyed immensely by pupils and staff alike. The band worked a perfect blend of traditional Scottish dance tunes with contemporary music the pupils are familiar with, which heightened their participation in – and positive attitude to – “social dancing”. I have already asked the band to perform at next year’s S5/6 dance in the school. I know it will be a special occasion. I recommend The Shooglers unreservedly to anyone hosting school dances, weddings or any kind of function. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: