Review Centre: Bands & Ensembles

"We were absolutely blown away with iain's talent - he made my friend's 40th birthday so much that she cries with happiness. Iain was personable and professional and a pleasure to have as a birthday surprise. We all had the best time! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for the performance on Saturday! You guys were absolutely amazing, I've had so many comments from people about how impressed they were. We will definitely be booking you again next year!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These guys were brilliant!!! They were completely brilliant performers and had the marquee rocking all night. Technically brilliant but more than that- in tune with our guests and reading the room! They were also patient, kind, polite and super friendly- thanks so much guys it was an absolute joy to have you at our wedding!!! Everybody loved it!! Xx"

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:

"We could not be happier with Phil and his AMAZING big band. Right from the very outset things started well as he was very friendly in our conversations and happy to accommodate requests based on our tastes, as well as make his own suggestions (which we of course trusted given his experience!) When it came to the day itself the band were efficient at setting up and getting ready. Finally, the performance... WOW! 80% of the people invited to our wedding were professional musicians and the amount of positive comments was overwhelming. The band played lots of our favourites to keep us happy (including an amazing performance of In the Mood at end the evening), as well as plenty of classics to keep everyone on the dance floor (which, incidentally, was absolutely packed for the whole evening, which is something I've never witnessed before at a wedding, so that in itself is a testament to just how good and entertaining this band is). They even played a few strict tempo numbers which made our ballroom dancing friends very happy indeed. All in all the band and the vocalists were absolutely fantastic and we couldn't recommend them higher. They made our wedding all the more special and unique and we cannot thank them enough. Need a big band? Look no further! Phil's your man!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We didn’t realize two cellos could be so versatile. The sound you made was rich and moving. We were thrilled to have found you at the last minute; you are just that little bit more interesting than an ordinary string quartet!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We have had really brilliant feedback from folks who attended the event with many words of praise for you and the Trio. All told it was a very special evening and one which we will repeat in future. Very best wishes and thanks to you and the 'boys."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ciro was the best entertainer I've seen in a long time. Everyone was up and dancing and it was the perfect addition to our party. He's a brilliant performer and all of the guests were talking about him after. Definitely recommended !! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A massive thank you for playing at our wedding reception at the Roman Baths in September. It was a magical evening, a stunning setting and was topped off with a brilliant performance from you and your band. Such an amazing voice and talent, both we and our guests were very impressed. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had to most incredible day and we’re so thankful for the part you played. You guys were amazing and everyone we’ve spoken to since have commented on how great you were! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"They delivered a great performance, great show, great evening, great musicians, great groove, we all loved them!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow….Is all I can say!!! These guys are amazing! From the very start, they were so easy to get along with, they were accommodating and they were willing to learn news songs just for us for our special day. This meant a lot as the songs meant something to us as a couple!! They sounded amazing and our guests commented on how lovely it was and what a gorgeous atmosphere they created. I would highly recommend these guys to anymore who is looking for an acoustic duo to perform for them :) Thank you so much! X"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A huge, huge thank you Ian to you and the Band for giving us such a great evening on Saturday.  Looks like the dance will be the talk of STARA for some time and it’s primarily down to the Band. So many people up dancing which left many of them with aching knees and muscles for days after.  The age range at the dance was from 60 to 85 with the majority in their seventies and eighties so it’s wonderful that they are still enjoying themselves and not frightened  to get up and ‘strut their  stuff’ even with all the hip and knee replacements(and I’m not joking).    I’ve received so many thanks from people all saying what a wonderful night they had and asking us when the next one is going to be. It’s the first time the Club has had what I would call a proper dance so hopefully this will be the first of many. Please pass our thanks onto the rest of the Band."

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Having booked these guys watching their videos online due to COVID they exceeded all my expectations and were truly outstanding - their videos don’t do them justice to how good they are live! We enjoyed them so much we paid them to stay on as we didn’t want them to leave! Having spent many years watching small bands in pubs I can honestly say they are up there with the best I’ve seen. If your looking for a small band to fill any room and interact brilliantly with the crowd these are the guys. Genuinely really nice guys with a huge passion and brilliant to work with. If I don’t see you before see you at the 70th in 10 years!!"

Reply by Goldsworth Gerry
Hi Rich, many thanks for your review and for the very kind words. It was great working with you too - you guys had clearly put a lot of time and effort into making the event happen - and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time playing for you and all the other guests. We hope to work with you again in the near future! All the best, Martin and Stuart

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"If you are thinking of hiring these guys, don't hesitate!!! They will MAKE your night. I can't recommend them enough. Lovely lads. Fantastic sets. Keep an eye on these lads, they are going far, had so much more to offer than other bands we looked at. So glad we booked them. They had EVERYONE up dancing the whole night - the days after our wedding everyone was talking about the band and nothing else! Can't wait to have them back. Thanks so much!" Kate & Thomas in Berkshire, 2012"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: