Review Centre: Organists

"Gareth Giles is a SUPERB organist who led our service recently with aplomb and at very short notice ! Gareth your choice of tempi, colorful registrations and amazing harmonies for the last verses (! Bairstow, eat your heart out !) coupled with a superb empathy for the poetic flow of the hymnody truly inspired our congregation to sing confidently and rhythmically. Many members commented on your wonderful extemporisation facility before and during the service and your Rheinberger postlude at the conclusion of the worship was incredible. We have never before heard the organ played with such power, dynamism and virtuosity. You are a truly gifted Church Musician and we look forward to seeing you again at some point. Thank you again from the whole community, here. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you very much again for entertaining us on Friday evening. Everyone commented on how amazing your playing is and how perfectly the music fitted in with our party."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I invited Gareth to play the organ for us at our 9.15 service having not heard him play before, and I was certainly not disappointed! The congregation and choir were delighted by his playing, with lovely improvisation before the service and a splendid Wesley Choral Song at the end. I had particularly asked Gareth to accompany a special item in the service, a festive Te Deum setting (by a relative of one of our congregation) which hadn't been performed for 60 years. His playing was extremely accurate, sensitive and thoroughly musicianly, with tasteful backing for the 'unaccompanied' choir moments when it was needed! Gareth is a complete pleasure to work with and took time and trouble to consult with me about the anthem weeks in advance. His calm, generous manner and quirky sense of humour made what could have been a stressful service into a breeze. I would not hesitate to ask Gareth to play for us again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Des is an inspiring musician. I've had the pleasure of hearing him play on many occassions. He is a condifident leader and captivates his audience. His encouraging and up beat manner make him a refreshing and easy listening sound. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Matt delighted our wedding guests with his truly adaptable style; classic hymns during the service itself, iconic film soundtrack for the procession out of church - and a very helpful addition to any groom's speech; ten 1980s TV soundtracks seamlessly woven into improvisation whilst we awaited the arrival of the (very lovely) bride! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark came to play for my husband's 40th Birthday and he was absolutely incredible! A true gentleman and a one of the best pianists I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He was so professional from the moment he arrived, he took into account all of our requests and even allowed my husband to get up and have a sing along. I now cannot wait to have more parties and will be sure to book Mark every time as he really made the party go with a bang. Mark, thank you so much, everyone loved you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth could not have been more helpful and professional from our first 'planning' meeting to the very end of his entertaining playing at our reception. He certainly went the extra mile to make sure we had the music we wanted. He played the organ in the Church for the wedding ceremony and then rushed off to the reception and lunch venue to play the piano for our gathering guests. My husband is something of a jazz fan and so got on famously with Gareth and they both seemed to enjoy talking through the music we would have throughout the day - Gershwin, Stan Getz and lots in between. Having music at the reception was perfect - it wasn't at all 'wallpaper' but nor was it intrusive which is a very clever trick to pull off! It lifted the whole event to a new level. Thank you Gareth for helping to make our special day such a success - we were perhaps an unusual couple having a combined age over 150 but that didn't mean we were not keen to have lots of fun and smiles and the music was an important part of making this come true! Catherine Sacré Eassie 10/10"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Des is just brilliant. His style of smooth Jazz playing is wonderful and can either be at the forefront of an event or as simple live background music. He is extremely flexible and I have seen hi fit comfortably into such varied situations as Christmas day at church, background music at a networking event and as part of a band at a local festival. Highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sam played at my daughter’s wedding last week. His communication was excellent and he sent me hymn suggestions and always replied to texts and emails. He played wonderfully and was extremely accommodating to all requests. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Sam who is a very talented and experienced organist. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth is very responsible and always punctual. He is always willing to help, very committed and is able to give great advice on how to improve musically. We had a great time working with him. We really miss working with him and if anyone needs an accompanist, I highly recommend Gareth. Leo "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"While planning a vintage tea party for Mum’s 90th birthday party, I needed an accompanist and piano player for my wartime and 40’s style sing along, which I planned to lead. My search found me the super talented and very accurate perfectionist Mark Burton at lastminutemusicians.com. When I made telephone contact and explained what I was planning, he totally understood and was very helpful making suggestions for songs to be played, arrangements and keys. We then had lots of communication over email, he was prompt to answer any questions and bent over backwards to help. On the day of the performance he greeted me with a smile and did his best to quell my nerves, during his solo spot, he played with distinction lots of old favourite tunes as background music. He played the piano in the venue for around 45 minutes solo then took a break and came back on his own keyboard with myself on vocals for a further hour set as accompaniment to my singing and the family sing along to tunes such as “putting on the Ritz” and a wartime medley from “pack up your troubles” through lots of other wonderful tunes ending on “land of hope and glory”. The result was that my Mother and indeed all of the family were thrilled to bits. They have been raving about it so much. It has given us outstanding and lasting memory of the perfect birthday with perfect entertainment supplied by Mark. Thank you so very much Mark you are an outstanding musician and I will recommend you to anyone in need."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sebastian played at our wedding October 2024 in West Sussex and provided a repertoire of chosen hymns and music for us. His experience, qualifications and background of the organ instrument was the reason why we chose him and we were not disappointed. I would highly recommend him for any type of service requiring a professional organist as his ability to bring happiness and joy to our wedding was appreciated by my husband and I along with our many guests."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth is brilliant! I did a saxophone Diploma a few weeks ago, and my arranged accompanist pulled out just a month in advance, but Gareth stepped in (in spite of an extremely busy Christmas season) and made time to rehearse with me thoroughly and accompany me in the exam. By the time the test came round I felt totally confident and prepared. His accompaniment was excellent, he communicated with me and followed my quirky timings, he responded to emails really quickly, and he's also a lovely guy."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Des played piano at a corporate event hosted by one of my former companies. He provided excellent background music for nearly 3 hours. As a musician myself, I found Des to be a talented, versatile and very professional performer. I would heartly recommend him to anyone."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"If you want a pianist that is not only an amazing musician but is very flexible and professional, Des is your man. His music was divine and blended beautifully into our wedding. He works with you to choose your music and is extremely accommodating. Highly recommended!!!"

Reply by Des George - smooth piano plus
Thank you very much Matt. It really was a pleasure to play for you and Cara and to be able to include music that was special to you! I wish you every happiness as husband and wife.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: