Review Centre: Bands & Ensembles

"It’s March and still raining. I’ve trawled through some serious procrastination to decide where I’m going tonight; at least three decent live music offerings in Chester that I know of. And I’m sure the others were brilliant. The Original 90’s Britpop Experience are, in their own words, a “tribute to the British Britpop music scene” and a “powerful combination of passion and quality.” A tribute band, to me, equals lunatic professionalism. To tribute a whole scene is a big ask. Good covers bands are rare enough, taking that enormous and unlikely step beyond random amateur recreation. But these guys really do tick the box of perfectionists, professional curators though. Friday night was time travel night with a set list that captured the point where British alt-rock got (largely) happy and popular (in a good way). A guitar-dominated, looping and lurching opener with Ocean Colour Scene and The Riverboat Song; polished and convincing. The second song in and I’m braving the dance floor with the pointy-shooed brigade. A few songs further and they offer me proof of their professionalism. A very-very-very long time ago I was lucky enough to make it into Brixton Academy and unfortunate enough to catch James on a sincerely off night. And I’ve heard James and Sit Down many times since: at home, on the radio, in DJ sets and covered more than it should be. It's one of those beautiful songs that gets tired through overuse. And on this particular Friday night I heard it come alive; all vitality restored. There were the things I expected; a good dose of Blur and Oasis both, Stereophonics, Bluetones and more, then some referencing back to foundation stones with The Who and The Jam. The Original 90’s Britpop Experience switched between styles and musical voices with conviction; into acoustic things and seamlessly back out again. The magic of seeing grown men dance without a pint in hand happened repeatedly through the two sets. On any given set you pray for that one song you don’t see coming; the track you might flick through on the album that becomes something else entirely live. So it was with Blur’s Charmless Man. That perfect Blur poetry, is simple, direct and delivered with energy. The Original 90’s Britpop Experience are a good distance from being charmless. They are careful collectors and curators of songs; fine musicians and performers!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I was at a wedding you played at yesterday.. You were absolutely incredible! Well done! And thank you for the music! :) xx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Massive thank you to the band, they were the finishing touches to our perfect evening, i would highly recommend to anyone, thank you again :)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Bants performed at my brothers wedding. What a band. They are amazing, they get everybody up on the dance floor and get them moving. Would recommend them to anyone."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Paul and Mark were amazing. They started our Arts Week off with a musical assembly, full of info and great tunes. The class workshops were accessible to all our pupils and it stretched those that had a good grounding of musical knowledge too. Paul and Mark were friendly, flexible and fitted in with the week perfectly. I would recommend them highly. The boys and staff loved them. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Coco 'n' The Fellas were exceptional, great to work with, a delight to listen to, and professional in their approach. We booked Coco 'n' The Fellas to be our live music at a special lunch time meal. They tailored their delivery to match our event perfectly, providing a delightful musical accompaniment to our meal that was very well received. Musically they were excellent, with an uplifting approach that set the tone for the event. We will definitely be using them again, but hopefully as our main feature. Highly recommended."

Reply by Coco ’n’ The Fellas
Thank you Anthony, What a lovely memory for us!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Antony supported by his lovely wife gave our assembly of over 50 guest a great evening. He has a really great act and with some of the best crooner type music of our times sung to perfection. He made my event extra special."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Many thanks for your excellent entertainment of Friday. I think you hit the perfect right note(!) for your audience. Everyone I spoke to was fulsome in their praises. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Kate was wonderful. Very helpful in guidance on selecting pieces of music. She had a wide range in her repertoire and supplemented this with 3 new tracks that we particularly wanted. The music from the harp filled the Great Hall and was a perfect fit for the setting. Many guests complimented Kate personally on the music. Absolutely fabulous. We would definitely recommend Kate to others."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I asked all the guests and they said what a lovely evening it was. They said Jeremy had a beautiful voice."

Reply by Jeremy (Pop/Rock Singer + backings)
Thank you, Carol. I really enjoyed the evening too, and the guests' feedback is the icing on the cake.

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:

"Oliver did a gig at a daytime party at our home. He was professional and organised, is a great guitarist and has a beautiful voice. I'd definitely book him again. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I have worked with Groove Generals on a number of occasions and have always been impressed with the whole experience. Very professional, they make the audience feel like part of the show and these guys enjoy what they do. Five stars! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Euphony voices sang at our wedding ceremony - they did an absolutely fabulous job. We have had so many comments on how beautiful the music was. As well as sounding wonderful, the booking process was easy, Kathleen responded to questions and helped choose appropriate songs, communication about practicalities such as the PA was prompt and friendly. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From the moment we met Francis of Band One Steel Band we knew we had to have the band a part of a wedding! I can say that the band were amazing! They played during our cocktail hour and really brought the energy to the day! They made the occasion memorable! Our family and friends loved them and we loved them! They have great range of songs and they also can perform new pieces of music that you may request. Please do not hesitate to book this wonderful band to be a party of your special occasion! Thank you Steel Band One for everything! I would highly recommend them!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: