Review Centre: Jewish / Klezmer Bands

"After a decade or so in London, he has lost none of his native musical ability on accordion or as a bel canto tenor. The duo's irreverence, including introducing Harrison's virtuoso violin flourishes as if playing at the Queen Vic, and sundry comic turns, help give their musical sketches a real sense of pace. Yet for all their larking around, when the music demands gravitas and expression, it's there in spades."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You guys were awesome. You absolutely made our party! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We used last minute musicians to book acoustic two and I have to say it was all great - there's a bit of an odd silence after you've confirmed where you wonder if they're really coming but everything else is flawless and acoustic two are the best guys, really talented and lovely :) I'd book again in an instant, they made my wedding exactly what I wanted!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just thought I would get in touch. We attended Paul and Sophies’ wedding last week. You guys were brilliant! Every song sounded amazing and we had a great time on the dance floor."

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"A quick note to say thank you so much for everything yesterday. We had a perfect day and evening, and our guests all had an amazing time and you guys were a big part of that from beginning to end, obviously with the music but also helping set up everything for the chuppah. We were able to say thank you personally to a few band members but didn’t catch everyone before they left so please pass on our thanks to every single one. Brilliant voices, and brilliant musicians. Thanks again so much and very best wishes,"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"____ We can’t wait to sign you up for next year… ____"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a voice and what a band. Thank you so much, you made our wedding and everyone commented on how brilliant you were!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band were fantastic, extremely professional and a pleasure to deal with. The sound was amazing, absolute top quality - what accomplished musicians they all are. Had fabulous feedback about them and will definitely come back to you for next year's event. Sarah-Jane, this is all down to you. That first chat we had was so refreshing and reassuring. You took on board the key details about our event, your advice was absolutely spot on and, as a result, we ended up with the perfect band for our crowd. Really, really appreciate your honesty and attention to detail. Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fire & Rain are the most versatile performers I have had the privilege of working with. I have been working for Carnival Cruise Lines for many years and have yet to enjoy a duo as much as Fire & Rain. I love how they can take a song and make it their own. They would be amazing at weddings, corporate events and even the Superbowl. I hope to work with them again in the future and would love to see them make it big."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You are amazing! What a great band - so tight! I’d recommend you to anyone…"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired the band and they were amazing! Got everyone on the dance floor. They were very flexible fitting in with our venue and timings! So friendly! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band were absolutely sensational! Our event was for 650 teachers and absolutely each and every one of them has commented on what a wonderful time they had. The dance floor was packed and the band really knew how to work an audience. The age range at the event was 30-60 and the band played something for all tastes. Briliant!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"One of the hidden treasures of London is the range of talent that exists on the folk and acoustic scene that rarely get the acclaim they deserve. Three London based bands that excel at performing Eastern European/Balkan Music are Szapora, Mukka and Beskydy, each of whom are worth looking out for. Nine strong Beskydy perform songs and tunes from across Eastern Europe and beyond, in fact looking at the sources on their cd listing is almost like a tour around that part of Europe, from Macedonia to Hungary via Galicia and Bulgaria and taking a detour through Slovakia. The bands name itself comes from the range of mountains that run through the centre of former Czechoslovakia which according to the band has heavily influenced their musical choices whilst they turn their hand to music from a range of sources (excellantly). The first track is a Macedonian song, Jovano, Jovanke (click here to hear the song) and the range of Joanna Fosters vocal skills are further displayed in the three Slovakian songs that make up track 4, from the slow Janosik to the more up beat cheery Anicka Dusicka and A Ja Taka Dzivocka although Foster and the band manage to intertwine the tunes with sufficient skill so the songs merge as one. Again Track 9 is a duet with Accordian player, Peter Murphy, joining Foster on the Macedonian song Iz Dolu, along with some damned fine fiddling. The range of Beskydys musical skills are illustrated well by the instrumental tracks ranging from the delightful Slovakian Waltzes (Track 5) to the slightly more manic Tropanka from Bulgaria (track 10) and onto the ordered upbeat and furious synthesis between sax, fiddle and accordian that is Tantz, Tantz Yiddelekh (a wonderful Galician Jewish tune), yet again garunteed to result in limb movement, a delightful fusion of fiddles and saxaphone, furiously creating a wonderful atmosphere one that demands a physical response. One very minor complaint is the sleeve of the CD, it would be nice (or do I just lead a very shallow empty life) to have some information/lyrics or even translations of the songs, something about the origins of the tracks. That said its more than possible for bands with large bank accounts to produce nice extensive sleeves but not so easy for bands whose talents lie in their music rather than some slick marketing agencies. It would be impossible to identify one part of this cd that could be said to stand out more than the rest. The band have produced an album that is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish - the question that comes to the fore when listening to this is when is the follow up going to be available?"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You Rocked the Hyde Park part for the Royal Wedding!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Enchanted Harpist was amazing. the music was so fitting for our day and all our guests commented on how wonderful the harp and harpist was. Thank you Enchanted Harpist"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: