Review Centre: Wedding Bands

"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:

"Just a line to thank you so much for your set at our party. You really were excellent. As people left and in the thank you notes so many people commented on what a great band you are and how much they enjoyed your music. Very professional and very talented. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"They were amazingly relaxed and flexible - exactly what you need on your wedding day when nothing seems to run quite to plan!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted to say a massive thank you from Heather and I, you and the guys were outstanding, everybody absolutely loved your performances and we couldn't be more pleased. If we get the opportunity to recommend you to anyone, we won't hesitate to do so. Even the PA music in the breaks went down a storm. I'm sorry to have missed my wife's rendition of uptown girl! (I had no idea it was going on) but no doubt it'll be on someone's phone!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band set up according to the plan that had been agreed and once the music got underway, the dance floor was packed for the whole night. Some of our guests had never been to this type of evening before and all we had back was extremely positive comments about the band and of the whole evening, which was to celebrate our daughter’s 30th Birthday. The band was an integral part of the night and made the night go with a swing. Well worth the 5*****"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great show as usual guys. You are rebooked for July 29th at Sandtoft show 2018."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My feet are sooooo sore this morning... danced from the first to the last. Great set, fantastic performance, great energy. Loved it!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I had the pleasure of working with JBMAC at the Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards! Josh and Christina's energy was infectious, and they had everyone on their feet dancing. Not only did they deliver fantastic music, but their willingness to go above and beyond showed their dedication to making the event unforgettable. If you want a band that knows how to keep the party going and puts customer satisfaction first, JBMAC is the perfect choice!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you all for your coming down and performing for us, I thought you played beautifully and for me it really made the day special. I just wished I could have stood and listened to you a bit more instead of having to chat and have my picture taken! A lot of people commented on how good you were, and there are a least a few people (including my mum and me) that will be looking out for events to book you for again. All the best and thanks again Toby Burns (groom, Burgh House, Hampstead - 2/5/15 - Bowfiddle Trio)"

Reply by Bowfiddle strings
Hi Toby, thank you for your lovely review. It was our pleasure to play for you. All the best from Laura and Co.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I've wanted to try live music in our little Country pub for the longest time and Lucy and Jack were so great I'll definitely be having them back again and again. Engaging, entertaining, and had people up dancing all night. Can't recommend enough!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Really pleased we booked Dinner Jazz Duo for our event. Excellent musicians - no fuss. Would highly recommend to anyone."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sunny was perfect for our occasion, very helpful, prompt and all round fantastic guy - his voice is fantastic and everyone who attended our celebration loved his music - I would highly recommend him for any occasion "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you guys both so much! Such an amazing band and a great performance to help us celebrate our wedding at Hoar Cross Hall on 24/05/2019! We’ve had so many comments from our family and friends saying how good the music was! We could not recommend you highly enough! Thank you both for being a part of our special day! Adam & Jess"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Yorkshire Oompa band entertained one of our Christmas bookings over the festival season and to say that their music made the evening would be an understatement. They really got the guests involved, throwing in lots of fun songs for the audience to join in with. The atmosphere was electric. Organising the booking with them was a pleasure, they were quick to respond during the planning process and were very easy to work with on the day of the event. I can't wait to book them again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hello Nat & the band I just wanted to send a big thank you from Me and Louise for your set at our wedding. It was absolutely brilliant!!! All the guests loved it too. Thanks so much. We will be getting down to one of your public gigs soon. All the best Paul & Louise"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: