Review Centre: Bands & Ensembles

"Kirsty was absolutely amazing on our wedding day and honestly went above and beyond. She was as attentive and communicative throughout the planning process and really got everyone going on the day. Listened to our (quite long) list of requested songs which made the day all the more fun and got everyone going in the evening on the dance floor with some classics including a final sing-along. Would 100% recommend for any event not just weddings and genuinely just so so so pleased:)"

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"Thanks ever so much. We loved the music, as did all the guests."

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"We were initially unsure if a Country band would work for our diverse group, but they were phenomenal! They managed to bring that infectious Country energy without alienating anyone. The music was fun and lively, offering something for everyone—no forced line dancing, just a fantastic, universally enjoyable performance. If you're on the fence, book them!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Dog & Fox in Wimbledon Village hosted Latina Festivale on the evening of 6th September as part of our Havana Club promotion. The band were reliable, arrived on time prepared and started as agreed. The guests enjoyed the new tropical vibe the band brought. Many thanks & best wishes, Marta, Sales & Marketing Manager."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow! The crowd were on the dance floor from the minute they started to the minute they finished. The lighting rig, disco and range of songs played were all outstanding. Each song played to an exceptional standard. They even learnt a new song for us with only days to go before the wedding. If you are looking for a band for the most important day of your life then The Hi-Fives are the one. They helped make our wedding the most memorable day we will ever have. A big thanks to everyone at The Hi-Fives!"

Reply by The Hi-Fives
You guys are the best! Thank you!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Bubbly and Professional!"

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"REVIEW OF OUR LATEST CD ALBUM IN JAZZ JOURNAL Kit Packham’s One Jump Ahead: Everybody Loves A Boogie The entertaining British jump-jive revival band ploughs the familiar furrow, offering cheeky covers and originals with occasional solos By Hugh Rainey -13 October 2023437 Formed in 1984, this UK group plays jump-jive in a bright and breezy, entertaining style, blended with R&B and vintage rock and roll, and seasoned with light-hearted humour. Leader Kit Packham sings confidently in appropriate style on every track bar one, and contributes alto and tenor to the backing throughout. Packham also composed and wrote the lyrics for eight of the tracks and alternative lyrics for some cheeky adaptations of standards – My Swingin’ Valentine (an upbeat treatment of My Funny Valentine, which surprisingly works quite well) and the very funny Basingstoke (to the melody of Baby Face) and Buy A CD (with appropriate uninhibited bathos to My Way). On the whole, the originals work well for the genre. Love Me, Love My Saxophone and I Dig Potatoes have amusing lyrics somewhat reminiscent of Louis Jordan and Slim Gaillard in style. Enjoyable versions of Don’t Get Around Much Any More, Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby and My Swingin’ Valentine, come closest to straightforward jazz treatment with some worthwhile brief solos and touches of arrangement. The tracks come from sessions in 2009, 2017 and 2023, mainly as six or seven piece lineups it seems, but with changing personnels. Though studio recorded, the CD comes across as cheery live entertainment – for dancers, rather than perhaps for close, serious listening. But it’s certainly good fun, with some inventive fresh material, and a sense of humour to give a welcome lift to your spirits in these troubled times. Discography Everybody Loves A Boogie; Don’t Clap On The First Beat Of The Bar; Old Rock “n” Roll Songs Never Die; Don’t Get Around Much Any More; Love Me, Love My Saxophone; Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby; Route 66; Alley Club Blues; As Time Goes By; Alright, OK, You Win; Lockdown Chase; My Swingin’ Valentine; I Dig Potatoes; Basingstoke; Buy A CD; We Had A Real Good Time/We’ll Meet Again (53.52) Collectively: Kit Packham (v, ts, as, bar, cl); Nick Tomalin, Perry White (p); John O’Reilly (g); Steve Knight (g, ts, bj); Alex Keen, Ollie Blanchflower (b); Derek Gayle, Kenrick Rowe (d); Simon Da Silva (t); Tracey Mendham (ts, cl). UK, 2009, 2017, 2023 (No further details.) Pelican records PEL CD 523 "

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:

"Thank you for your email! We had a fantastic time, you guys were great. We will definitely be heading to your website to leave a glowing review. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed it and we have had many messages to say how great you were. Thanks once again. Sarah and Chris."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a talented duo! Jayne has the most beautiful voice and so versatile. From Shania Twain to Dolly Parton and much, much more. I would fully recommend this act for any function or party. Just brilliant!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I booked Nev and Russ for a garden party held for friends and family after hearing them play locally. I was very happy with the show and so were my guests. Nev and Russ are always very entertaining and play a great mix of songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, with something for everyone. Highly recommended!”"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We loved having you play at our wedding. We have had so many compliments about the band and would recommend you highly."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"First time seeing Country Bound...just brilliant. Fantastic lead singer great musicians.Recently visited USA and went to Grand ole Opry to see country bands...honestly this was better...Look forward to seeing them again soon.If you get the chance you must go!....."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mitch and the band did an absolutely amazing job. EVERYONE was up dancing all night long. We can’t thank you enough! To work with you were a dream as well. You were like ninjas setting up, and lovely to all our guests. Even let me have a go on the mic when I really shouldn’t have! We just want to do it all over again. Thank you so much! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Nu was absolutely brilliant on Friday - not only was her singing even better in real life than shown on her demo videos, she was an absolute pleasure to deal with - professional, polite and friendly - everyone thought she was brilliant. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: