Review Centre: Solo Musicians

"Hello Jessica It is a bit late but I would like to say: "Thank you very much for your contribution to a fantastic party'' It was on Saturday May 19th in Oxford. I really loved your singing and did appreciate it very much that you took the trouble to sing several songs in French. You really have a lovely voice and it all sounded so good and professional, I have loved it. Thanks again and good luck with your career. I wish you all the best. Kind regards, Thera"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Martin came and played for the 'drinks reception' for 100 guests at my birthday party. His repertoire, saxophone playing and backing music all provided the perfect start to my party and got everyone in the mood before dinner! This was the second time I had heard him play, (having heard him earlier in the Summer at a friend's Party) when I had really enjoyed his music. He arrived before the designated time, set up in minutes and was really flexible about playing inside or out depending on the weather. In the event he played outside as a perfect pink sunset filled the sky. Thank you Martin for providing a relaxed musical backdrop. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can’t say enough good things about Andy Marr, he fitted in well to the environment and from his opening number to his last put his whole self into it. Great set list not a bad song. He is a very talented musician and singer, polite and professionals I would highly recommend him ."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can’t even find the words to express how Jim just made my 60th birthday so wonderful. I was very worried when my daughters said they had a surprise person coming for my birthday but when Jim turned up he was so kind , calm and made me feel so at ease . He plays the steel pans beautifully and even gave me and my family a lesson . To describe Jim in one word it would have to be exceptional. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely amazing performance at my dads surprise 50th party. Myself and all the guests really enjoyed the special guest Sam playing the bongos and made the party unique. Thank you so much! A massive recommendation to all looking for a bongo player for an event ."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rob was a fantastic guitarist and really worked well for our event. He was flexible given a tricky venue and our guests commented on the lovely music. Would thoroughly recommend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"One of the pleasures of writing for Jazz Views is having the opportunity to follow the progress of an artist with each new release. It has been my very great pleasure to follow Lush Jazz Band's progress over the last few years. Having reviewed Lauren’s debut album, in 2016 and the follow-up, five years later, it was with great interest that I listened to her third album. If you’re looking for continued growth and artistic development in a musician, then Lauren has certainly delivered. Earlier today, prior to writing this review, I listened again to all three albums back-to-back and was amazed at what I was hearing. Listening in such a concentrated way, I was struck by how consistent each of the albums is and how the vocalist’s progress is not taking place with gargantuan leaps but steadily, as we can see here, in a paced and sustainable development. One huge advantage for Lauren is retaining the services of pianist Liam Dunachie, who arranges much of the music, and the two have built a solid rapport that has resulted in a formidable partnership. With “Tide Rises,” Lauren Bush has found a perfect balance between the old and the new, with a couple of strong original compositions, a handful of standards, and some contemporary works that she has done a wonderful job of adapting to her voice. The album gets off to a stunning start with a brisk and swinging “Joy Spring.” The tricky lyrics are handled with great aplomb by Bush, and after a lovely solo from Dunachie, she gets in a nice scat chorus of her own. This is followed by the title track, one of two original compositions, in which Lauren has drawn inspiration for the lyrics from the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Played over an ethereal opening from Rhodes and guitar (and the only song to feature electric bass), the music evolves over a gentle tempo with an empowering delivery from Lauren. The other original, “Easy Does It,” has a relaxed, almost lazy tempo, and Lauren has written lyrics that add to the gospel flavor of the music. Versatility and variety being the name of the game, we are treated to a beautiful bossa nova written by Earl Okin titled “Madrugada,” and Joni Mitchell’s “Circle Game” is given a delightful treatment, with some exquisite playing from all. The music flows in a beguiling manner, and Mitchell’s lyrics are given a sensitive reading by the vocalist. Standards have been a constant inspiration for Lauren, and with the depth of maturity that she has gained in the last few years, I have witnessed her raise her game significantly. It is difficult to pick one over another. Her treatment of “Oh What A Beautiful Morning” is flawless and joyous, with a lovely scat solo too, and “Nobody Else But Me” has a charm all of its own. If proof is needed of Bush’s stature as a jazz vocalist, then take a listen to the ballad performance on “This Is Always.” A duet for voice and piano, this is a pure delight and even, dare I say it, surpasses the duo’s reading of “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most,” which was such a highlight of her last album, “Dream Away.” Closing with another contemporary tune, this time from the pop duo Yazoo, Lauren and Liam Dunachie cleverly recast Vince Clarke’s song, with Lauren giving the excellent Alison Moyet a run for her money. Another step forward for Lauren in a hugely enjoyable set that sees her setting the bar increasingly higher."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"John gave us a good range of songs and the afternoon was enjoyed by all."

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"I was lucky enough to have Rhianwen play at my wedding & her music was stunning! Would definately recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Oleg was amazing!! Gives a wow factor and gets the party started! Absolutely incredible and worth every penny. I wish I had booked him for longer. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted to say thank you so very much for yesterday. You completely made the party. It was such a pleasure to have you there as part of the day. Everyone adored the music including me. Thank you again. Davina, Orpington, Kent, July 2013"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Roman entertained a group at our hotel in December. The feedback we received from our guests was very positive and they were singing and clapping along throughout the night. Very impressed."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Faultless from start to finish. Chris perfectly judged the occasion and played through our selection of music with quiet professionalism. Chris was punctual, smart, tidy, discreet and, most importantly, superbly musical. Although providing essentially background music, Chris’s playing was sensitive and note perfect. It’s my sincere hope that we can book Chris again soon for another event. I certainly would not hesitate to do so."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Tony, Thanks for a wonderful show. The response has been overwhelming. Here are a few examples:- Absolutely brilliant. Please book him again! He was brilliant and interacted with the audience It was a fab night. Well done for booking him. Everyone thinks you are a diamond, and we will be welcoming you back VERY SOON! "

Reply by Party! Party! Party! - with Tony O'Dee!
Thanks for such a great review Michael. It's very much appreciated! Tony.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I have seen Angie sing in Bognor Regis a few times. Wonderful singer!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: