Last Minute Musicians Reviews

"We stumbled across Darren Shaw while we were away for Christmas in Blackpool. This young man was one of a number of entertainers who were booked to entertain us and another 40 guests at the wonderful family run hotel that we return to every time we visit Blackpool. Now, everybody knows what to expect from hotel entertainers, a bit of Elvis, mostly 50's and 60's songs, voices that are just flat enough to irritate without actually forcing you to get up and walk out, generally very average. Well not Darren Shaw. Darren got the longest and loudest applause you have ever heard forty something people making, he took the roof off, and deservedly so. Quite what he is doing on the hotel circuit I really don't know. You have never in your life heard anyone professional or otherwise with a voice like this. His set started with what you would expect, a couple of Kenny Rogers songs, good voice, bang on the notes very deep and easy to listen to and then the intro started for a well known Dusty Springfield song. I expected a joke of some kind, but what I didn't expect was a rendition of "You Don't Have To Say you Love Me", so perfect that I truly believed that he was miming to the original track. I suppose shock was my first reaction, desperately trying to catch him miming and show that this voice was not coming from Darren. I think everyone else was as shocked as I was. The reception this song got was rapturous at which point he actually asked if anyone thought he was miming and being me I just had to say something. He then proceeded to sing falsetto without any backing and sang both parts of "You're The One That I Want" the John Travolta and Olivia Newton John song from Grease. I was absolutely astounded. Darren Shaw can sing female vocals better than any cabaret singer I have heard. His first set had to be cut short while we were still coming to terms with what we had heard but an hour later he returned to do another 30 minutes or so. During this set we went from Tom Jones " Delilah", very reasonable, to Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" which was truly astonishing. Ask yourself, have you ever heard anyone else trying to imitate Celine Dion ?, because I haven't. They won't do it simply because they can't, but Darren Shaw can. This was followed by the classic karaoke song "My Way" which thankfully I was able to record on video camera. I have heard plenty of people singing this, from Sinatra and Presley, to the Sex Pistols, and everyone in between. Everyone sings this, and it is always the most popular song in any karaoke competition. No one else sings it like this. The only version I have ever heard that was better than Darren Shaw's was by Sinatra himself. This was better than any version I have heard elsewhere, professional or not, and the applause was thunderous. Darren finished up with an Elvis song that was every bit as good as the original, and I can say that it was a real privilege to be there that night and see a truly awesome performance from a young man with a unique and remarkable talent. After the show Darren was happy to spend nearly an hour talking to the guests and I was lucky enough to be able to have a chat to him. Only 33 but on stage for 15 years he has no appreciation of his own talent. Very down to earth and easy to talk to he told me that he has a repertoire of over 4000 songs so far and due to professional jealousy he has found it necessary to change his set completely at the last moment on a number of occasions but has been able to do this without any difficulty. He has faced hostility in some quarters as the shock that his exquisite female vocals generate doesn't always manifest itself appreciatively. This horrifies me, as his voice is truly unique and deserves a great deal more exposure. Darren has his own website which is well worth a visit, and as you will see on there he has a stage show in Kelso coming up as well as plenty of other bookings. If you get the chance don't miss his show. Any TV producers looking for talent, anyone looking for a show that will have an audience crying out for more, don't look any further than Darren Shaw, he is sensational."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The party was a great success and Martin was, as you said he would be, greatly appreciated - and a lovely man."

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"We would now just like to take the time to thank you, for adding the perfect vibe to our day! Everyone commented on how incredible your voice is and how perfectly you arranged the sets to bring to life our special day! We couldn't recommend you more highly. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A big thank you to Blue Jewel for helping make my big birthday party so memorable. I have had loads of messages from my friends saying how much they loved the band's music and the dancing. Steve was an excellent lead at calling the dances, making sure I was happy and that the dances were fun and suited beginners as well as those more experienced."

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"Amazing wedding duo. Girls are so talented, professional and great fun."

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"Fabulous accompanying for our cabaret evenings. Fantastic pianist - very intuitive with soloists. Would definitely recommend. Thank you David "

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"Amazing singer absolutely made our night. Soooo good couldn’t recommend high enough you have to book Lucy so is so talented."

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"Had to leave a review ! Get em booked superb 4 piece great repertoire and front man’s on point . ?"

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"Morning Alice, just want to say a massive thank you for last night. Soo many people have said how brilliant you was and i totally agree with them. Fantastic. Loved every minute. 🎷🥰. Made Memories for sure. Hope to see you very soon x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Capriccio Quartet did an outstanding job. Everyone loved them and they helped to make our day extra special! Would highly recommend them and book them again in the future. Flawless and very talented! "

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"We first saw you when you were presenting the karaoke in the 270 bar, you have got such charisma and charm. Our children loved dancing and singing along to your songs, you created a lovely atmosphere. What a talented group you are, I'm sure you will all go far. Thank you"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazingly talented band!! Dancefloor was packed and totally made our anniversary party a night to remember. Played something for everyone but especially loved the 80's & 90's classics!! Also a really friendly group and great communication throughout. Thankyou!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I want to thank Robert for all he did for us for my 30th birthday. Last minute the saxophone player I booked cancelled. I was struggling to find a replacement as it was a few days before. After receiving some recommendations on social media, I contacted Robert. He squeezed our event in between bookings to help make our party extra special. He is an incredible player, professional but friendly and all our guests were impressed. Thank you very much for helping us and highly recommend Robert if considering a saxophonist for your event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stephen performed at our birthday party in Wakefield last night and what more can we say apart from you were absolutely amazing! We booked Stephen not really knowing what to expect and we couldn’t have been happier. Your play list suited all and everyone was blown away with your talent. If anyone needs a great singer/ guitarist for any occasion then book Stephen, we really can’t recommend him enough. He’s so easy to work with, in fact a truly genuine nice "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Anne, Thanks, once again all your hard work in putting together a wonderful orchestra for me and helping to make Saturday Evening such a success. We had great feedback from the audience. It was a pleasure to work with you once again after such a long shutdown. I think everyone was thrilled to be back in action. There was some really expressive playing - quite an achievement with so little time to rehearse - a testament to professionalism. Loved conducting you all. Please pass on my thanks and appreciation to the players. They are a really nice group of people to work with! All the best until next time. Martin "

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