Review Centre: Gypsy Swing Bands

"Hot Rock Brass Band were simply amazing and really lifted our wedding into party mode when they started playing. They were incredibly flexible and even did their first set outside whilst the tables were being cleared indoors, which led to a rather romantic dance under a setting sun. Once indoors the dance floor instantly filled with people swirling and stomping - it was a tremendous atmosphere."

Reply by Hot Rock Brass Band
It was a joy to play for such a happy bunch of people! Thank you, Graham

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was a brilliant night! I had an excellent experience with the Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio – they were very responsive and flexible on and before the night. The caller was easy to understand, enthusiastic and the band are very talented musicians. I highly recommend them. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We wanted to have a really different wedding, and Fann Street Hot Club was a perfect addition to our 1920s themed day! The music complemented our vintage style beautifully, and really tied everything together. We are also really grateful to the band for arranging our favourite song (Tainted Love) for us - you wouldn't believe how good it sounds in a gypsy swing style! Thank you for everything, we will definitely recommend you to everyone planning a wedding. X"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"An excellent bash – the band were fantastic! Everyone got up and danced. The caller did a great job. If we have another Birthday Bash, we will definitely be booking the band again. I have no hesitation recommending them."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These guys were just great and made a special birthday really special. Just loved Mike’s amazing fiddle playing. They accommodated all our requests for Irish and Scottish music and were flexible around times which was great as lunch was later than anticipated. Would highly recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked the BVB for our wedding in April at Stonehouse Court. We specified Celtic music and they were excellent – they even learned a song for me to sing with them in two weeks flat! True musicians who really know their stuff. They were punctual and did not skimp on time – not taking lengthy breaks between songs which I know some do. A really great experience – I thoroughly recommend them."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio – Amanda’s 60th Birthday Ceilidh – December 2025 Black Velvet Ceilidh Trio played at a ceilidh to celebrate my 60th birthday. It was actually the fourth time they have played at events for my family over the last ten years, and I’m hoping to have them again in future. It was a wonderful afternoon. The band’s music was cheery and infectious and soon got people dancing enthusiastically, including guests aged from five to 85 and those who had previously warned me that they wouldn’t be able to dance because of knee problems! Phil is a fantastic dance caller who makes ceilidh dancing easy and a pleasure even for those who have never done it before. We all really appreciated his clear instructions about each dance. This, together with Black Velvet’s expert musicianship made the ceilidh very enjoyable and huge fun. I can’t wait to do it again! Thanks so much."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to drop you a quick email to tell you how fantastic you were on Friday for our Christmas Party. I have had so many people come up to me and compliment the music and how great the jazz trio were. It really set the scene of the evening and sounded beautiful. I was so happy with it all as were all the party attendees. I can’t praise you enough. Thank you again so much for a wonderful performance. I would recommend you again and again!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so, so much for playing at our wedding. It was such a fantastic day and everybody (including my "rather difficult to please at times" in-laws) has said how brilliant you were and how much you added to the day! In fact, I have passed on your details to a friend who attended!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for your help in coordinating the Prophets of Swing to play for our wedding last Saturday. The music was really spectacular and we were bowled over by their incredible talent. The special arrangement they prepared of ‘In The Mood’ was gorgeous and made the day even more special for us. Many of the guests specifically commented on how incredible the music was and they were all thoroughly impressed! I would recommend them to absolutely everyone because they really are so talented and a pleasure to be around. James and I have enquired about attending one of their performances in the Croydon area, as we would love to sit down and properly listen to them, when we’re not busying about with guests! Thank you again to yourself and to the band for making the day so magical."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just have to thank Black Velvet Band for the great job they did at my 70th birthday ceilidh in Bristol on 24th June. I had such a great time, and that was partly down to the three of them working hard, and giving us great music to dance to. I danced every dance and enjoyed it so much. When the caller was explaining how to reel I thought, "Uh oh, this'll be fun!" and it certainly was ... I haven't laughed so much in ages. So, well done everyone involved, and if we ever have another I'll be sure to contact you again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Melisma Jazz at quite short notice for a garden party to celebrate our 5th Anniversary as a business. Sarah-Jane Morris was an absolute pleasure to work with. She was flexible in piecing together a quartet that suited our needs, and the atmosphere created by Sarah-Jane and her fellow musicians on the day was superb. Thank you so much Sarah-Jane for all that you did to make our event a special one for us, and we hope to have the pleasure of working with you again at some stage."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A pleasure to deal with from start to finish and most importantly a superb group of musicians that made for a wonderful atmosphere during the reception element of our wedding day. I had been recommended Tzigauners by a friend and I would not hesitate to recommend them once again. We had two guitars and a bass playing outside in the garden where we had drinks and canapés and it was simply perfect."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I had to write immediately to tell you how amazing you were! I had so many people come up to me and ask about you and congratulate me on my good taste. Not only was the music divine but your skill was mindboggling. And you're both such great guys as well! It really made my day as I was a bit of a nervous wreck up until that point and the music just made me relax at last"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for making our wedding the party of the year – everyone loved the music! Black Velvet Band Irish Trio played at our wedding reception and they were brilliant. I had worried whether people would want to dance to Irish music but I shouldn’t have. Everyone loved the music! We had a real proper Irish Hooley, with lots of dancing, singing-along and some humour in-between. As this was a marriage of cultures (English, Irish and Dutch) we were also touched that the band played a couple of traditional Dutch songs, allowing the Dutch to have a good sing-along as well. And when my dad asked if they could accompany him for a song to sing after his speech, it was no problem. The guys in the band are proper musicians who can play what the crowd needs to keep the party fuelled. The only complaint I have had is from my knees – which are still complaining, even after 4 days rest! Next time, I will wear trainers."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: