Review Centre: Musical Acts

"Roberto and his band were fantastic, they entertained us with their music and their friendliness, we had compliments from all our guests"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"With an extensive song list and a natural instinct for reading the room, Ken engages audiences of all ages. A consistently outstanding performer - and one we recommend without hesitation."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"As a music journalist, I am someone well used to hearing performances covering the whole spectrum of ability, from very talented, to no talent whatsoever; mainly on the working circuit, encountering much from the bottom end of the scale, the flaws of which seemingly pass by, or go over the heads of the audience, mediocre musical acts often gaining acceptance despite (or because of) their lack of any talent whatsoever. So, when on a random whim, I booked MAYHEM into The Old Crown, Hayes, I was pleasantly surprised to come across that jewel one constantly seeks: a light hidden in the bushel, an act of great quality. Don’t get me wrong, on the surface, MAYHEM are basically just another covers band, with certainly not much more to offer in terms of choice of material than others treading the same circuit. The difference though, is in the depth of thought in the vocal arrangements, and the attention to detail in the performance of the songs. Someone in the band has true musical knowledge. The way the vocals are arranged and used is no accident, and the music has a depth and surety that is pure class. Carol’s voice is unique, and at many points conveys rare emotion for those who can hear. The two voices are a happy accident of coincidence; Carol’s rather treble voice, Billy’s gruff baritone, both interesting voices taken in isolation, but together producing a sound that is perhaps greater than the sum of its parts. The quality of both singers shows itself also in the faultlessly correct intonation, the thrilling blend and invention of the harmonies, the search for expression in the vocals, the subtle use of the arrangements to produce expression. Most of these subtleties are of course lost on the general public, but the band still have enough battle-hardened experience and know-how to ride out any waves of indifference, and overcome the hardest heart with a friendly approach to their clientele, patiently trying out various styles and eras, constantly striving to reach their listeners, despite a kind of yearning in the music for serious recognition. Personally, I found it somewhat sad that a talented band like this has to resort to some popular (and bland) material, but one must bow to reality, and work is work. Still, the musicians didn’t just accept the status quo of this material; they always had a few surprises in store in the way they approached any song, however scraped from the bottom of the barrel. Carol’s voice sounded at its best on songs like “SUMMER OF ’69” and “I DON’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT”, but she shone through on harder songs too, like “LIVING ON A PRAYER” and “DON’T BRING ME DOWN”. Billy didn’t sing quite as many lead lines, but when he did, it was with a power and confidence that knew just how best to carry the melody, and the strength of harmony singing was in a different league from the average one would expect to hear in a situation like this. On “Living La Vida Loca” the dual vocals were outstanding, perhaps the most equal blend of the day, with other such highlights for me being “Don’t Stop me Now” and “I Wanna Know what Love is”. The locals however enjoyed some of the lighter material more, such as “Rockabilly Rebel”, square dancing their way through the afternoon with great whoops and hollers, playing their part in a very pleasant day in a very pleasant pub. There was a humorous moment when the lads at the bar joined in with “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” all pointing and dancing in the manner of Tom Cruise in “Top Gun”! A vivid sight to behold, for sure! The day ended with a raucous rendition of “Rockin’ All Over The World”, the two singers showing that they could rock it with the best of them when the chips are down. Can’t wait to see this band again. (10 / 10) Andrew Staines "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sheldon played for my Summer Party on the Terrace and was loved by the crowd straight away. He started softly while everyone was still eating and once the crowd was ready to dance he played the right Music to get the crowd on the floor. He also played request and hardly took a break. It was an evening loved by young and old and I am sure he got more business out of it."

Reply by Sheldon Live
What a lovely summer party it was! always enjoy meeting and performing live for amazing people like yourself and your lovely guests. I was truly honoured, looking forward to another summer party soon.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for a thrilling performance, Gabriel. There is no doubt that your mastery of piano and keyboard is imminent. While I can barely play piano, I do listen as I did when I was last in Sydney. That you have come so far, with such a large repertoire of both classical and South American masterworks, is not presented in what is a grouping of informal music. May I commend you on the interesting variations of intonation that you are able to express. Your technique is enviable. I am unfortunately not an expert in critique. What may help you as you press on to a rating of 102 out of 95, are some observations. That the Kwai is good is undoubted, and even with the Beale that you played upstairs in Allans, before Allans closed, the Pitt Street store, compared against the longer Yamaha Grand that you also played, in any of these, the higher octaves can sound a bit thin against the richness of the lower and middle registers. There were moments in My Way, when I sensed the thinness of the upper octaves. I thought also that as you had to reach so far, you had in fact more time than you think, to add more tone and meaning. I thought that you were a bit rushed at that point of the performance. You have all the skill necessary. Just take a little more time, particularly on your first right hand move into the upper octaves, to let the jazz notes fall like a sprinkling of rain. They are short notes and to fit them into strict time with such a large move up the keyboard, seems for a moment to squeeze the time you think you have to execute several high notes. Elsewhere in the several performance pieces, you extract a richness also in the higher octave notes. Well done. That the piece New York has syncopation and time changes is challenging. Your performed well. I do seem to think that you may benefit by understanding or viewing performances of tap dancers dancing to the piece. It is a difficult idiom, and not one I used to adore. So if we have experienced the dance moves, we may then relate better to the changes. Still very good playing. I so much enjoyed your performances. "

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Johnny was amazing at my FIL services. He helped my MIL with the hardest choices in her life trying to pick music and helping with an Irish funeral and burial. He was professional and empathetic to the situation, and he was very well priced. If you need a bagpiper for one of your events, please consider Johnny. He is exceptional, and loves being able to play for people!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"He's a great tutor! Learning piano with him is fun and engaging. If you're looking for someone to be slow and carefully explain to you concepts, this is the person to go to. He spends a lot of time with articulation and how you shouldn't press on the keyboard, but engage your fingers -- something very important for pianists. I never knew that prior to having lessons with him, he's very impressive and clear with his instruction! Great tutor, you won't regret signing up with him!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We arranged for Alkka and Chris to perform at a surprise 70th birthday event. The birthday boy could not have been more impressed! His daughter described the day as "absolutely magical". Need we say more? We can't recommend highly enough."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great DJs with amazing energy, always looking to provide more and put effort to create a great atmosphere for a wonderful party! 5 stars are not enough - would recommend for every type of venue. We had our wedding party in Sifnos and the music was exactly as we had planned and the lights and fireworks were amazing. Great energy and support. Thank you so much!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Very professional, great setlist and brill music! went down well performing for a conference drinks reception, quick to setup"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Nate was by far the best thing that happened to our event! He was professional, was so accommodating and was able to read the room and give us an atmosphere that was worth celebrating! You would be mad not to have him at your next venue. Will definitely be using him again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Lika DJ’d a surprise anniversary party I threw for my parents and he did such an awesome job and at such an affordable price. He consistently played music that kept people out on the dance floor which was a big part in making the night special. I definitely recommend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We invited Dupa trio to play on the reception of our wedding if was a Beautiful performance, all our our guests complemented them for their lovely music Much appreciated ! Joel "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Bravissimi e discreti Valentina ed Alfonso hanno accompagnato tutto il nostro ricevimento con la loro musica sempre discreti ed attenti. Sono bravissimi e molto disponibili a soddisfare le varie richieste di sposi ed invitati. Li consiglierei a chi cerca come noi un sottofondo elegante per il ricevimento. Bravissimi"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"lovely night having the Haylee duo down at the coopers this weekend!! Great night with amazing music! hope they're back again soon!! 🥳🤩"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: