Last Minute Musicians Reviews

"Widely regarded as one of Wales’ foremost traditional bands, since their formation in 1996, Allan Yn Y Fan have taken Welsh traditional music all over the world. Wednesday 28th March, however, saw the band performing closer to home with a gig at one of their favourite venues, Blackwood Miner’s Institute. The evening took the format of two halves with an interval and this six piece band entertained us with a selection of traditional Welsh songs and tunes interspersed with original compositions, mainly from the pen of founder member Kate Strudwick but also with contributions from Chris Jones and Alan Cooper. All the music was taken from across the band’s 22 year career and took us on a journey from the Festival Interceltique at L’Orient to sparsely attended performances in Ireland before returning to Wales across a stormy Irish Sea, stopping to remember Kate’s former landlady and her cat along, the way. The songs were mainly entrusted to Catrin O’Neill who, since joining the band in 2015, has taken on the role of lead vocalist and her vocal style adds a haunting quality to such songs as Dafydd Y Garreg Wen and Lisa Lân, both of which take the passing of a loved one as their subject matter, Catrin’s versatility means she is equally at home singing about hopeful love, as in Ym Mhontypridd Mae’n Nghariad, or the celebratory staples of the Mari Lwyd in Pwnco and Canu Cwnsela or rousing songs of workers' rights, as in Gorthrwm Y Gweithiwr with its dire warning to the Victorian Ironmasters of Beaufort. This evening had all the ingredients needed to make a memorable performance, six talented performers who obviously enjoy performing together and transmitted that joy through their music to an appreciative audience, a quality venue with friendly staff and a crystal clear sound system ensuring that none of the music’s nuances were lost. It was a pleasure to attend this concert and I look forward to seeing Allan Yn Y Fan perform again in the not too distant future. "

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Mark performed for my father’s funeral late in 2017. Not only did he take care of the practical arrangements (bringing extra equipment, making sure all was in order for the day) but his playing - it transcends you to another world. As he played “O my Father” the room lifted and it touched the hearts of every person in that room. My father loved the Carpenters and at the end he played a piece and very subtly included “Sing a Song” it was beautiful and sad. It is difficult to imagine having a positive experience at a funeral, especially at your own father’s. But Mark truly made the day fit for a king. No less deserved. We were so in awe of the music that he was booked for another family funeral a couple of months later. Can not recommend enough. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"I have worked with Spud on many occasions over the years, most recently at the North Hop Festival in Aberdeen where Spud piped festival goers in to the venue and also opened and closed the festival. His piping is first-class, he looks impeccable and his easy-going humour and manner with people makes him an ideal addition to any type of event. You’ll have a hard time dragging him away from your guests - everyone wants a Spud Selfie! I can highly recommend him - Spud adds a touch of class and fun to proceedings every time. Ten out of ten."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Amazing musician. Played at our wedding and was so professional, she played a great play list and the guests loved her! 😍"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Samantha Lloyd performed an amazing set for us on Saturday 24th September. She played songs from all genres and really made them her own. The customers absolutely loved her, she was a pleasure to work with, very friendly bubbly person "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Luch played at my boyfriends 40th birthday party and was absolutely fantastic. Very nice man, polite, friendly and professional. Luch is extremely talented and everyone at the party thoroughly enjoyed his performance. He played covers and also a few of his own songs which were brilliant. Would highly recommend and use him again in the future. Thanks Luch!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"I am really pleased that you received some nice and very well deserved compliments on the night. Your delightful music absolutely set the right tone for the evening and all went according to plan. Our Chairman was very complimentary about the setting, the food and your music and summed it up as “very Nock Deighton” so we appear to have hit the right chord on all accounts."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Christine, thank you so much for last night, you were brilliant! Will definitely be recommending you to everyone! We had a ball! xx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Edina is a charming young lady, is very personable and mixes well with the throng, she has an excellent sense of humour too. Then there is her guitar playing! She was sensational and enjoyed and loved by all the guests, her programme was varied and always appealing, from quiet contemplative to the more boisterous and all produced with charm and consummate dexterity. She delivers of her music and of herself which is endearing and a joy to witness, we could not have chosen better and will engage her again, she gets a fulsome and unwavering recommendation. She is great!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Pass on our thanks to the band. They were absolutely fantastic, more than we could have ever hoped for. Just brilliant. I hope they had fun too! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Thanks for playing all of our obscure requests that we didn't think could be played on accordion! Will definitely book you again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Extremely professional and well polished act. Will definitely be booking the guys again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Don’t know loads about music but Tom sounded awesome, got everyone dancing, was professional and courteous and just a nice chap. Would recommend and hire again. Thanks Tom! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"These guys were great! They came such a long way just for a garden party and I’m so glad they did! Fab song choices, sounded really good and dealt very well with the many song requests and multiple encores."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Thanks so much for the absolutely amazing performance you put on at our wedding! You did a great job and made us so happy. Plus we’ve received so many compliments from our guests!! You added so much to our special day!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review