Last Minute Musicians Reviews

"Rating 5/6 : Very Enjoyable Absolute Mayhem The Horse & Chains, Bushey on Saturday 30 September 2023 It's a rare thing to go into a local pub and hear a keyboard player who has been described as a musical "genius" by none other than David Bowie. This is no tall story either. The musician Billy Ritchie was the first player in rock music to give keyboards a prominent role -- and that was before Keith Emerson (ELP) and Rick Wakeman came on the scene. Billy told me that he remained good friends with the Thin White Duke until his death in 2016. Lanark-born Mr Ritchie now provides the skilful and fancy keyboards and records backing tracks for his latest incarnation Mayhem with talented female singer Carol Leslie. Carol is a really strong vocalist with a gutsy style. This dynamic duo started their first set at the cosy Sebright Arms with Elvis's late sixties' classic Suspicious Minds. The second song was a surprise -- Kirsty MacColl's comedy number There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears His Elvis. It was a perfect choice after the first song. Carol and Billy select their material wisely and give their audience something very different from the predictable Mustang Sally, Brown Eyed Girl and I Saw Her Standing There, churned out by so many pub bands. So it was great to hear Georgio Moroder and Phil Oakey's electro smash Together In Electric Dreams, Matchbox's catchy rocker Rockabilly Rebel, Starship's uplifting We Built This City (on which Billy demonstrated his keyboard dexterity) and Solomon Burke's gospel-ish Cry To Me. And that was just the first half. Carol is happy to tackle songs usually associated with male vocalists and she started part two with a raucous version of Bryan Adams' rocker Summer Of 69. If you have never seen Mayhem, ask Billy to perform Light My Fire, the Doors rock classic from 1967. This was a sheer musical masterclass as he re-created both vocally and instrumentally this great song. Billy has a rich, tuneful voice and this was a stunning performance. Other highlights in the second half included Journey's rock anthem Don't Stop Believing, Carol's gritty interpretation if Shania Twain's Man I Feel Like A Woman and a fine performance of Bon Jovi's Living On A Prayer A total of 24 songs and I cannot wait to see this duo again. My only concern is their name. I think many club and pubgoers might think Mayhem are a heavy metal band rather than an all-round, top class duo. COLIN FENN, DJ, Freelance Journalist Colin Fenn, DJ - Freelance Journalist, Thursday 5 October 2023"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked The Johnouse Duo to play at our wedding on 2nd June and they were amazing. Thank you so much. From booking right up to the day they have kept in touch with us and made the whole process really easy. They played a great set and got everyone up on the dance floor. Everyone had a great night and many of us plan to see you again :)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had Back2Skool duo play for us as part of jubilee celebrations. The duo part of the band were very fitting to the crowd and was a great finale to our long weekend of celebrations we had had. Both Tracy the vocalist and the guitar player were very friendly and accommodating and the organising of the band was very straightforward. We WILL BE BOOKING THEM AGAIN! Maybe we'll book the whole band next time. Thank you Back2Skool. XX"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for your hard work on the day, I didn't realise you would walk around and interact throughout the meal and that was such a lovely touch! We had lots of compliments about you and everyone loved the music you played. I'm so glad we had you there it really helped make it that bit more special!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Watching Kelly as Dolly was such a treat. I'm a massive Dolly Parton fan and she had her down to a tee, including the accent all the way through, even when speaking to the audience. She had the crowd singing along. Very professional and she even posed for photos afterwards. I hope to see her again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"WOW I wish I can rate Jamie more than 10, he was amazing! We all loved him! He was incredible and is a brilliant addition to any party or event! Thank you Jamie, will be booking again 100%. Such a talent 🔥"

Reply by jamiesaxophone - weddings, events & more
Thank you Josh! It was so much fun playing alongside your DJ for the night! See you soon :)

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Laura you were brilliant we will definitely have you back.We will also be recommending you to others."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Had the wonderful The Vintage Singer sing at Joy’s birthday and our anniversary. What an amazing singer. I personally love old school classics and she blew me and all our guests away. Amazing highly recommended. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thankyou Wendy so much for your beautiful musical contribution to our special day ??? ….. I just wish I’d heard more of it!! We were whisked away by the photographer for much of the time you were playing ….. I almost wished I could’ve been a guest at the wedding so I could have just sat & listened to you properly!! Such a beautiful sound, I love it ? I heard you briefly when we were walking out then that was it! ? I would love to know if ur performing anywhere locally so we could come & listen to you properly …… & hopefully I can persuade my boss at the Care Home to have you back so the residents can enjoy it again (can just see you sitting in the garden at Stoneleigh!) …. Will work on that!! We were so happy with how our day came together & you were an important part of it so Thankyou from the bottom of our hearts ? xxx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can't explain how amazing Mark is! So professional and down to earth. We even made some last second changes that Mark was more than happy to accommodate! Everyone was up on the dance floor the whole time! Absolutely amazing worth every penny and would 100% recommend to anyone thinking about having a sax at there wedding! :) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Jon, I'm just getting round to emails and I wanted to say what an amazing job you did on Saturday. You looked and sounded great and set the perfect tone for our pre and post dinner drinks- the guest loved it and got them in the mood for dancing the night away! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Alton, thank you so much for playing at our wedding! I'm only sorry I didn't get to catch up with you on the day - it all went by so fast! All our guests were thrilled with your performance and you set the tone perfectly. Beautiful voice!! Super professional !! Super Band - we would LOVE to come and listen to you sing again. If anyone is thinking of hiring Alton & his Band... do it!! They are fabulous! Lots of love from the new Maj and Mrs Tracey. x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Honestly the best decision we made for the whole party. Joe was amazing from the first enquiry; everyone had the best evening and we cannot thank him enough! "

Reply by Joe Glynn Sax
Glad you all enjoyed it, thanks Hollie!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Goodness where to start… We booked Davey for our original wedding in May 2020 but unfortunately due to the pandemic we lost the date and venue. Davey was amazing with us, 4 dates and a venue change later we finally had the day of our dreams. We found Davey searching Facebook and knew straight away we wanted to book him. We actually did before the wedding for our joint hen/stag night. All our friends said how much they enjoyed Davey and a few even asked for his details. Davey sang and also DJ’ed for us on our wedding day and he was top notch! Extremely professional and read the room perfectly. Everyone was on the dance floor when he sang and DJ’ed. We couldn’t recommend Davey enough! The next time we have any kind of celebration we will definitely be get getting back in touch. Thank you Davey for making our evening reception perfect ❤️"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A wonderful night with the help of Sharlette & her guitarist - would certainly recommend to all future bookings. Able to gage the crowd & get a feel for what works in an individual site & the clientele."

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review: