Review Centre: Vintage Bands

"I think it's safe to say that an evening with Ma Bessie & The Pig Foot Band proves that jazz is good for the soul. Reading Fringe Festival goers were treated to a journey through the music of Bessie Smith, empress of the blues at Shehnai in London Street. It was an evening of all things diva and jazz, and it was smooth and soulful, and had guests swaying in their seats and tapping their toes. Reading’s own Julia Titus (Ma Bessie) has such a rich quality to her voice - it's almost like velvet. When she hit some of those notes and showed off her vocal skills, I wanted to let out a 'whoop' or a 'yeah'! She really does revive the great divas of jazz, blues and soul. Everything just flowed and there was a really relaxed, almost informal vibe to the whole performance where it felt like there wasn't a divide between the audience and the band. We were all just hanging out listening to an evening of great music. Queen Bee was my favourite song - there was something quite sexy about it, I felt like I should have been wearing a red dress. Julia also sang a few songs off of her album called 'Life is Too Short', which were great. When you have a powerful singer like Julia, sometimes bands can get lost in the performance but that wasn't the case at all. The band are very much part of the Ma Bessie experience and are all very talented - they all need each other to complete the ultimate jazz show for the audience. I really enjoyed the solo with Matthew Foster on the guitar and Chuck Lloyd on the saxophone. "

Reply by Ma Bessie - Prohibition Blues and Jazz
Thank you so much Francesca for your review. So glad you enjoyed it.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Massive thanks for a wonderful evening of music at our wedding. We loved every minute of it and watching 4 generations of our family all dancing and enjoying themselves was magical. We could not have asked for more and can’t wait to see you guys perform again soon!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Super professional, talented musicians. A pleasure to work with! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Swing Gitan are excellent musicians!!!! They gauged the audience and atmosphere of our event to perfection playing a seamless selection of music that matched the mood and broad age range of the audience. They were a fabulous addition to our event and we would certainly book them again! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow, honestly, I’m obsessed with this band. Have seen them perform a few times and every single time we get one banger after the next. They honestly have such creative ways of keeping your attention and enhancing their stage presence. Will definitely be hiring them for my future wedding. I’ve been searching for such a band for the longest time - and I’ve found it at last! It has been a real struggle to find a band which would play 60s-70s hits - my favourite eras and I am so very happy to have discovered The Vintage Voltage Band!!! I had the grooviest night thanks to them!!! The hits they played were absolutely incredible."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Graham - many thanks to you and your colleagues for the superb performance at my party yesterday. It could not have been done better. Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was a brilliant evening, also brilliant feedback from all that was there. Look forward to welcoming you back."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Seen GGR a few times before and all I can say is that they get better and better every time. So hard working and give you more than you expect. Shannon’s voice is spectacular and what fun they have on stage. You will not be disappointed with these guys. "

Reply by Girl Gone Rogue
Awww shucks thanks. We had a blast at the event and look forward to doing it all again next year.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"As you know I wanted the very best and you brought the sounds to life better than I could ever have hoped. You made Vegas and my guests still talk about your ‘Mr. Bojangles’. Thank you again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You guys are seriously off the charts! Thank you so much for last night, it was amazing, you all looked stunning, your performance was incredible, the guests were in awe! My friends were amazed, you guys are incredible! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The act we originally booked for our wedding evening drinks canceled at the last minute due to the covid and luckily Ciro & Beatrice were willing to help! They were more than we expected, and not only saved the date but made this day UNFORGETTABLE for all of us! What a voice Ciro! Never seen such a brilliant duo! Thank you guys"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were absolutely delighted to have booked the MB's to play at our wedding reception. The standard was exceptional and the band had provided an extensive repertoire from which we were able to highlight our favoured songs. The band also had recordings of some numbers on sound cloud so that we could learn a first dance to the exact arrangement that they were to play on the night. It couldn’t have been easier – in the end we chose to charleston to “I want to be like you” which was fun and went down extremely well. I liaised with Chris mainly via email, but chatted on the phone nearer to the day so that arrangements could be finalised, nothing was too much trouble and the band was a real highlight. The keyboard player was booked earlier to play the piano during the meal and their set up was efficient. The band had travelled from Yorkshire to London to play and they might be making the journey down the A1 more frequently as several guests at the wedding have been asking for their contact details, and all thank you letters have commented on their stunning performance, the dance floor was filled all night."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Exactly what we wanted from a band for our festival style wedding party. We wanted a mix of different acts and the King Brasstards were so unique! The guys were so accommodating. So glad you could be part of our day! Anna and Dib "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for your superb performance at our wedding Luke. Our guests were raving about you’ll night. You made the reception the most wonderful night and we’ll be along to a concert soon."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I wanted to thank you all for your wonderful music on Sunday. It was so full of life and joy and I feel it literally made the party! Having you play in the garden was joyous and it gave everyone such a great feeling of celebration and gave the day a fantastic vibe! (We even got some of them dancing and I loved our birthday circle dance!!!). "

Reply by Hot Rock Brass Band
I'm so glad we went down so well. What a fun party. Thank you, Graham

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: