Review Centre: Singing Guitarists

"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:

"Great Musician with a huge repertoire of songs and very friendly to people with more than 10 years of experience. Repertoire In English, Italian and a bit of French. Recommeneded"

Reply by Jalo & Sounds
Thanks a lot! performing in your great Venue is always inspiring. it could not be otherwise with all the good listeners your Venue attracts (& the hard work of running operations!)

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stavros knows how to pump up a crowd with his amazing voice and guitar skills while combining it with a well-organised band. Simply The GOAT."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fantastic performer - excellent songs and a great voice."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I had chance to listen at Fabao and his guitar several times in Bangkok. He is really fun and his music so amazing. He plays different instruments but with the guitar and his bossanova he was entertaining all night long Great misician and singer Warm voice! My mom was in love for him as he dedicated a song to her ;) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" The guests we had varied , from tradesmen to top professionals +_ 200 people in total. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the entertainment was fantastic...we highly recommend Maverick "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The professionalism of this young man was outstanding. We booked in good faith and he did not disappoint, nothing was too much trouble and learnt many a trick for us. If anyone want to book a great musician for a special occasion then Joe will not disappoint you. Thank you Joe J&S x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This has been the most amazing wedding singer ever! I found Attih here on GigHeaven, loved the vibe in his videos (love a cool soul, guitar and live singing at a wedding!!), but connecting and communicating with him was also so easy and nice. I could not afford the whole group or a pair so I booked him alone as a single singer (a pair, trio or so would have been stunning of course, but well...) Attih blew my mind by himself!! He sent me a list of songs and I selected my favs to create a 1.5h list and he smashed them all! Such cool singing! He added the most adorable atmosphere to my special day during the drinks reception and I loved every moment. He was complemented by my guests so much who constantly were just adding "wow the singer", "wow what a cool singer - where did you find him!?" - such a joy to hear him play and sing. Muchisimas gracias Attih - you were an absolute star! Loved it!!!! Definitely to recommend - I will!"

Reply by Attih Soul
Thanks a lot Bianca. It was an absolute honour to play at your wedding.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"David is a natural talent and a thoroughly lovely guy! Fab voice and brilliant guitarist. Everyone was so impressed and he made the birthday girl’s night! Would 100% invite him back to perform for us again in the future. Thank you! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dylan Holmes is a great performer with a super unique tone. I am expecting him to make it big time ! Get him as your entertainer before he is priced out of the smaller gigs."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had Matt to play at our wedding. He was absolutely phenomenal. Played two songs during the ceremony, learned “Book of Love” at our request, and then played the reception. Absolutely magnificent voice. Every song was flawless and the father of the bride complained he couldn't tell people to leave him alone so he could listen. Thank you Matt. Even when the formal garden emptied a little you could be heard loud and clear through most of the gardens. And while I wish we'd been in the garden to enjoy more of it, even off getting photos we could enjoy your unquestionable talent. Many of our guests commented on your performance and we would recommend you to anyone looking for a musician or if we have the pleasure to host another event, whatever the reason."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Professional musician who plays with heart and soul. Knows how to entertain the audience in the right way. It was a great evening. Thank you Dominique "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I've heard Vic play many times. He is one of the best guitarists in North County San Diego. I've heard him in his band, as a soloist and preform karaoke. Great all around musician"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Pablo Briceno is exceptionally talented. He is also very professional. We were able to organise everything without any hassle and the concert was exemplary. He has a vast knowledge of styles, approaches and techniques and was able to communicate to us the history and influence of the works he played. Great gig and great person - could not think of how to top it."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Lari and Max were amazing. I arranged for Lari and Max to surprise my fianceé in a surprise proposal and it couldn't have gone better. They were amazing and played several beautiful songs for us including a special request song they learned just for the event. They also added their own personal twist to each song which we thought made the songs sound even better and more romantic. My fianceé and I both loved having them be apart of the event. They really added that extra something special for us. Highly recommend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: