Review Centre: 1940s Era Musicians & Bands

"“Fantastic! From the first contact to the end of the evening, the communication was complete and excellent, expectations were clear, and every promise was kept. And, not unimportantly: amazing musicians. I can recommend them to everyone!”"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Before seeing this show I had heard many rumours about Harmonica Lewinsky, whose background was shrouded in mystery, although I believe he learned his harmonica skills in the Deep South in the deltas of Harrow on the Hill under the tutelage of Blind Les Battersby. But, it was a very different character to the one I expected who performed at the posh Victoria pub in Highgate! Mr Lewinsky, looking like a cross between a rabbi and one-half of Chas 'n Dave (I'm not sure which half) appeared in cloth cap and braces and presented a highly original selection of songs, some of which rarely see the light of day. There were no predictable “Brown Eyed Girls” or “Mustang Sally’s” here: instead - a veritable feast of the unexpected - as we witnessed one man, his guitar and his trusty harps. When was the last time you heard a pub act kick off his set with Chas 'n Dave's “The Sideboard Song” and follow it with the Theme to “Top Cat” and then offerings of cheery, chirpy Cockney ditties including “Waiting At The Church,” “Maybe It's Because I'm A Londoner”, “Show Me The Way To Go Home” and Tommy Steele's “What A Mouth”? I’m guessing the answer to that question is ‘rarely’ (if ever) but the fun didn't stop there. Mr Harmonica Man is a really great entertainer and demonstrated, with great finesse, his harmonica technique on - wait for it - the Shadows' “Apache”! It was quite a feat playing the melody on the harp while strumming his guitar. ‘Harmy’, as he is known to his close friends (or 'Self-Harmy‘ to others) also tackled in the first half the theme to "The Flintstones"; Elvis Costello's catchy “Watching The Detectives” and the Cockney knees-up “I've Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts”. Harmy was back in terrific Pearly King form for the second half starting with “Any Old Iron” followed by a touch of the Formbys with “Leaning On A Lamppost” after which he did a ‘Donegan’ with a riotous version of “My Old Man's A Dustman” complete with enthusiastic audience participation. Mr Lewinsky has a great sense of humour, which he constantly shares with the Victoria regulars. "Here's another Cockney classic sung by a Welsh man", quipped Harmy before diving into “Delilah.” Other gems included the theme tune to ‘Match Of The Day’ (played on two harmonicas); a very funny and risque interpretation of Mike Jerome's “Sling Yer Hook”; a great version of the Small Faces' mod anthem “Lazy Sunday”; and a yahoo rendition of the old country favourite “Riders In The Sky”. After many encores Mr Lewinsky packed away his cap and braces and headed off to the Deep South (of London) for some pie and mash. The Victoria would do well to snap up Harmy for some more gigs before he hop-foots it down the Strand for a residency at the Old Bull and Bush!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I cannot recommend the lovely Almaz enough. They played a family party for us and were the perfect chilled out vibe we wanted and needed. Jo has the most beautiful voice and Barney’s guitar playing is just the best. They are a perfect compliment to each other. I am a big fan. Thank you so very much for the music. Long may it play xxx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent performance from Hugh and Jack, perfect background music for celebrating my wife's birthday. Many of the guests complimented how good they were, thanks so much guys!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Here the quartet were exceptional, everyone liked the choice of music and being swing allowed us to dance during the performance. The musicians were super professional and friendly and the singer's voice was amazing! good choice! Now we have entrusted the musical performance to our capo and it is an original and appreciated idea!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ed supplied two high quality Jazz musicians for our wedding reception at the Midland Hotel. They were punctual, professional and very highly talented. Everyone really enjoyed the music during the meal! Ed was also great at the communication, everything was crystal clear! Thanks again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Saturday December 14 we went to the Christmas concert of the Marcia Bamberg Swing Quartet in the old pumping station in Heerhugowaard. Great, atmospheric evening with top musicians and the beautiful, lived-in voice of Marcia Bamberg. Gipsy Jazz, the way you like to hear it. Amazing how Christmas hits and French chansons were arranged in the swinging style of Django Reinhardt. We can expect a lot from this Quartet! Recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Our 25th wedding anniversary dinner was a great success, thanks in part to Jazz Centrale and Eline. Their enthusiasm was infectious, the music was perfectly tailored to the audience, and the volume was exactly right. A truly memorable evening and highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Keziah sang at our wedding and we couldn't have asked for anyone better! She really made the event even more special. Great voice, and very prompt and professional at rehearsals and on the day. Would recommend to anyone getting married!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"“Wonderful music that everyone can hear without being disturbed. We got in touch with Jazz Centrale and, after consultation and clear explanations, chose a jazz trio. The performance was punctual and exactly as agreed. Given the composition of our guests, this trio was the perfect choice, and we received many compliments. A breath of fresh air after attending many receptions where the music was a disruptive factor (hard to converse, unsuitable repertoire, etc.).”"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It has been brilliant to work with Harry on our last few events. Harry is professional and nails every single piece that we work on together! If you are looking for a trumpeter that will smash every performance give Harry a call! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks in part to you, our evening was absolutely perfect! Everyone enjoyed it very much, and complimented us many more times on the great sales meeting and outings. I say, it was definitely worth repeating! So who knows, we might see you again in the future. Good luck with the band, you guys are a joy to listen to! That's one thing for sure."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘Chris was so nice. Very professional and the evening went so well. We had so much feedback and comments on how good he is and the music is great. It was a huge success' "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Euro Café Duo! Your romantic and charming jazzy Parisian and Italian inspired music really set the stage for our Soirée Salus event, held recently at the French Embassy in Ottawa. Andrea’s vocals were beautiful and together your collaboration filled the room with such a warm and inviting ambiance. We really can’t say enough how much your music was such a hit with Salus organizers and all our guests in attendance. Thank you again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Better than our idols You only turn 65 once, so that called for a party with 65 guests, excellent catering, and live jazz music with a singer (Willem). Our preference was for the crooner style of Michael Bublé and Dennis van Aartsen, but this band was even better than our idols and exceeded our expectations: wonderful music, super professional, with friendly band members. It turned into a fantastic party with compliments about the music from all guests, young and old. We look back on it with great pleasure! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: