Review Centre: Gypsy Swing Bands

"A fantastically talented and professional duo who seem to enjoy an encyclopaedic knowledge of music from Central and Eastern Europe. Although they are only two musicians they produce the sound of a small orchestra. Igor possesses a very fine voice and his renditions of Moscow Nights, Ochi Chornie and Those Were the Days (among a huge list of songs) are second to none. Sarah is a brilliant violinist and domra player. They enhanced our evening and made it quite unforgettable. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio / Multicultural Ceilidh / May 2025 Many thanks to Black Velvet for the fab barn dance for my husband’s 60th. We set them the challenge of providing all-age, muslim-friendly dances for a multicultural community; Our guests included friends and neighbours from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Somalia, South Africa and Cameroon. Mike and his band rose to the occasion with single sex sets, non gendered calling, and a clever choice of dances (including one with no physical contact at all!). We were so impressed with the attention to detail that enabled everyone to take part. Here are quotes from two of our younger guests: “That was the best evening of my whole life,” Radman, aged 8 “Please can you invite me to your next birthday party when you are 61,” Rayan, aged 8"

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:

"We welcomed Black Velvet Band Irish Duo for our St Patrick's Day celebration and the club was packed. We were thoroughly entertained from start to finish! We loved the music and we danced to all the well-known old Irish songs. Thank you and we hope to host you again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We welcomed back Black Velvet Band Irish Trio for St Patrick's Day. They were amazing and really created a great atmosphere for the afternoon with all of our customers singing and joining in. If you want that authentic Irish sound I would definitely recommend this band and will definitely be having them back again! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We loved everything you brought to the wedding. You read the room brilliantly and brought such great vibes. It got everyone dancing from the little kids to the OAPs and everyone in between which is exactly what we wanted. Everyone said what a wild and wonderful wedding it was and we just had the best time. So thank you all so so much!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These guys are amazing!! They agreed to play with 3 days notice, and made my mums 70th Birthday an incredible occasion that she won't forget. Great musicians, lovely guys, and a really tight gypsy swing band with fab stage charisma. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio – Christian and Fiona’s 40th Wedding Anniversary Party – May 2026 Wonderful, great musicians, great caller, managed to get dancing going for a mixed age group which included from quite senior to a few young children. The band were very helpful and flexible and helped towards a memorable evening for everyone. Great music, plenty of dancing, great party!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Really friendly guys and a great choice for our wedding, the music was perfect and helped to create a great atmosphere on the night. Highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked the Black Velvet Band Gypsy Duo (accordion and fiddle) to play at our wedding celebration garden party in August. Mike and Jase played exactly the music we wanted, a lovely mix of traditional, modern, jazz, Irish and were happy to play requests. We live on a farm and when the duo started up, all our cows came running up the field and stayed close to enjoy the lovely sounds coming from the garden. I have to say, the two were perfect for our garden party and the sound of the fiddle and accordion ringing out into the evening was absolutely lovely and was thoroughly enjoyed by our guests whose ages ranged from six to ninety! Mike and Jase are lovely, affable chaps and we should have no hesitation in booking them again if we have another “do”! I highly recommend them. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thursday night was a blast. Couldn’t have gone any better! On Thursday the 25th of January, the Exeter Caledonian Society hosted a Burns Night Ball accompanied by the Black Velvet Band. The band was brilliant. Their musical prowess, stamina and all round musicianship was a joy to work with - and to listen to - making the night ever better. I am so thankful for what they did. The band is easy to work with, knowledgeable about timings and can cater to any requirements. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Very good yesterday – you provided exactly what was needed. The songs were a great success as a result, as you observed from the audience reaction."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio for a Birthday Party with a mixed age group of family and friends. They were great with a special mention to Jennie (the caller) who really worked hard getting us to do the different dances. Everyone really enjoyed the dances and had a lot of fun! I mustn’t forget Jon and Mike who provided the music. I can’t say enough good things about them – just to say that if you book them you will have a great time!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Prophets of Swing as a trio for the evening party at our wedding. They played a fantastic lively set. Our guests loved it. It was so special having live music and the rates were very reasonable for such talented musicians. I would 100% recommend to a friend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I recommend her highly, to everyone interested in an artist whose musical expression is equalled only by her warmth and integrity."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: