Review Centre: Bands & Ensembles

"I booked Kirsty for my wedding and she did a stellar job from start to finish. She has such a lovely personality and her communication leading up to the day was excellent. She put so much effort into ensuring that she had the best versions of songs, especially for the first dance, and that her playlist was spot on. Hiring her was a completely stress-free experience and she was a pleasure to have around on the day. She turned up with no ego and brought a fun, friendly vibe to the party, but at the same time she was super cool and professional. There were lots of music lovers and people who work in the live music industry at my wedding and they all agreed that she smashed it. The dance floor was full all night long. Just trying to think of another excuse to book her again in the future! Thank you so much Kirsty, I’m so happy that we chose you ?"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The students had such a brilliant time ... and the feedback was so positive - thank you"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Le Manouche Quintette provided superb entertainment during our recent Awards Night, they brought a real sense of occasion to the event. We will definitely be booking them again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Tom and the band were absolutely fantastic- nothing was too much trouble - they played an amazing set and the whole party agreed they were the best band they have seen! My husband and I have seen both Rogers Waters and David Gilmore and Tom and his band were just as good singing ‘wish you were here’- excellent! So glad we found them. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Massive thank you for performing at my daughter’s 21st party. Eccentric Pony are a fantastic band that can play anything, even if they are asked at short notice. I will definitely recommend you to anyone who needs a party band! Thank you, you're brilliant!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Professional, fun and excellent musicians. This band is superb in every way! They played a selection of high-energy, swinging tunes which got everyone up and dancing. The lead singer was adept at reading the crowd, sensing what got people moving and tailoring the music accordingly, making a fun night for all involved. I might have to plan another party, just so I can hire them again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band were astonishingly good. They put so much energy into the gig and the whole party was up dancing like crazy. They set up in advance which helped take down my stress levels and they were such beautiful people.So many people told me how much they enjoyed them and they made the party. Please send my heartfelt thanks to them, they were the stars of the evening (apart from me that is !!! Ha ha) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Really simple, very easy to book. Had direct contact with the band a good length of time in advance in order to discuss flany final points. The band were particularly helpful, offering samples and set lists. When they arrived they were friendly, set up in time and performed brilliantly. I would use this site again and recommend it to others."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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:

"Thank you so much for arranging the band and our first dance last night, everyone had a fantastic evening. Please pass on our thanks to Lotty and the other guys, they were amazing, our only regret was they couldn't play longer!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Shooglers were outstanding! Everyone was up dancing thanks to the energy and fun that the band created. They even played 3 encores for us at the end since nobody would leave the floor. Awesome! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We'd just like to say a huge thank you for your performance!! You were fantastic!! All of our guests thoroughly enjoyed your choice of songs. You made the night!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark was excellent and assisted in making the launch of our new business centre a very successful evening."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hey guys! Saw you yesterday at Nightjar Shoreditch. You are awesome. Keep up the good work. Cheers!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow. What a night for our wedding. My wife, myself and all our guests had the best time ever with you guys playing. Music makes a party and you guys absolutely nailed it. Everyone, and I mean everyone, said how amazing you lot were. The guy who ran the place working behind the bar said to us yesterday that it’s the only wedding he’s done that he wanted to be a guest and be amongst it on the dance floor. You guys were awesome. We even had some friends saying they were trying to think of an excuse to hire you! Do you do christenings?! Ha ha. Top set mate. Absolute belters. Again huge thanks from my wife and I"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: