Review Centre: Folk Singers

"Tony Vani is almost as well known for generously encouraging and showcasing fellow musicians as he is for his versatility as a musician in his own right. His focus is on blues and classic rock with his band, “Stir” (Mark Bishop, bass; Shirley Dianne Baker, vocals; and, Christ Whiteman, drums). He also plays gospel blues with “Tony Vani and the Holy Blues Band” (Vitas Slapkauskas, bass; Matt Smith, guitar and, Chris Lingard, drums) and performing Delta blues in his duo with slide guitarist Kenny Pauze or by working solo. As every musician knows, you are not a true musician unless you have had that nightmare gig. Tony recalls one night at a club in Napanee when he had to do the walk of shame after being fired on the spot because his guitar string broke. Thus, he learned the great guitar player lesson: “though shalt not leave home without a spare guitar and have it tuned up, ready to go”. His most memorable gig was when he performed for his Mom on her 80th birthday – it was the first time she had ever heard him. Over the years, he has generously and tirelessly organized many open mics at The Belleville Club featuring a mix of amateur and professional musicians who perform solo or join in with others. He creates such a relaxing atmosphere that it feels like the concert is taking place in your living room. “I enjoy bringing out new people and watching their confidence grow. Music is therapy. People have the opportunity to try out new things, have a safe place to practice performing in public, and besides, it’s fun”, he laughs. Known predominantly for his harp playing, his favourite harmonica influences include Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, Charlie Mussellwhite and Corky Siegal. “I am so impressed with their tone, virtuosity, rawness and overall feel”, he says. Other musical influences include Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers, John Mayall, Muddy Waters and Robert Johnston. Self-described as self-taught, he says: “I always had awareness of what my personal style would be and I sought out teachers or I learned from playing along with records. I followed my passion.” He has just released a new CD of original material entitled “Her Blues” based on his own personal life experience of living with a loved one’s suffering. It’s a 7 year labour of love that is deeply reflected in the songs he has included on this album. Tony divides his time between his music, working with physically and mentally-challenged adults and living with his partner Debbie Hoskins, owner of the seven dogs who run their household. Find him at www.tonyvani.com or on Facebook @TonyVani and go out to support live music because #livemusicmatters."

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"Just wanted to thank you for Saturday night - we really enjoyed ourselves and had so many positive comments on how good you were! Thanks again for making our special occasion so memorable"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Carol & Ezéchiel were amazing. They did a brilliant job, were flexible, organised, reliable. They were a pleasure to work with. We could not have better musicians for our event. Thank you so much again !"

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"Solo basta decir que en luego de cantar, dos parejas amigas decidieron contratarlo, una para su boda el año entrante y otra para el aniversario de su padre! La verdad que les encantó a todos! Felicidades Juan! "

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"The guys were excellent! We had organised for them to play for pre-meal entertainment at our wedding and the room they were set up in was packed for the full 2 hours. We had such good feedback from all our guests! Couldn’t recommend them more. Get these boys booked!! BallyMaGarvey Village Navan, Co Meath, Wedding (October 2025)"

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"Peter Bull and Anna Keightley... added to the festive atmosphere with various delightful airs and ballads whilst dressed in authentic clothing. Not only did they captivate all that entered the hall, but momentarily transported everyone around them to another time in history, it was quite magical. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We listened to over 100 artists trying to find someone who fitted our vibe for our wedding. Someone who liked our indie rock type of music, and would be happy to learn a few songs especially for our day. Then we found Joe. From start to finish he was communicative, nothing was too much trouble, and he travelled all the way to Snowdonia to do our wedding. Joe agreed to play acoustic guitar instrumentals during our ceremony as we wanted a ‘live’ atmosphere, and then came to our reception and did a further 2 x sets in the evening, singing and playing live. Not only is Joe a fantastic singer, but a genuinely nice and down to earth guy. What an absolute pleasure to have you as part of our wedding day Joe. This guy could seriously charge an awful lot more than he does, but instead he remains affordable to appeal to all audiences. Highly recommend! (Needless to say, superb voice and guitarist! Such a talented and cool guy!)"

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"The absolute talented guitarist was a pleasure booking him for my venue, turned up on time and was all set up and ready, kept the crowd entertained and his skills on the guitar are unbelievable. A real pleasure meeting him and having him here. Absolutely recommend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"David Reed - Belleville Intelligencer Tony Vani has been making music in the Belleville area for decades. Folks in the music community know him as a versatile performer, cranking out blues and classic rock with the Stir, gospel blues with Tony Vani and the Holy Blues Band, solo performances and some work with slide guitarist Kenny Pauze. Tony is a respected singer and guitarist, but it is his harmonica playing that really grabs me by the throat. The title track on Tony's, Her Blues CD, is a mournful confession with harmonica lines that seem to emanate from the depths of a troubled soul. The best description for his playing is “authentic.” I hear flashes of Charlie Musselwhite and the immortal Little Walter on a few tracks. (I’m also a sucker for a little tremolo on the guitar.) Other highlights include Die Trying, Still Got Her Soul, Price of Love, Catch You When You Fall and the hopeful Sun Will Rise. Tony Vani has got something truly special with his harmonica sound and he has lovingly crafted this collection over seven long years. You should check out this record."

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"What can I say, but a truly outstanding band! I wholeheartedly recommend you attend a venue, which this band will be in attendance! Outstanding music performed by outstanding musicians!!!"

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"Paul plays every month at our venu. Our clientel range from 30s to 60s and every time Paul engages with the customers and plays requests if he knows the songs. He plays a wide range of music/songs to suit everyone. He also has a good following to his gigs. A great choice for events and birthdays . "

Rating: 8 / 10 Share this review:

"Great mix of contemporary, golden oldies and an Irish ditty or two - great rapport with the audience."

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"Jack was absolutely fantastic. His communication was excellent from the start. He kept in contact with me discussing my needs and learning new songs I asked for. When he came to the party he was so friendly and professional. His voice and guitar skills are superb we loved every song and he completely made our evening. He played for over an hour longer than agreed and I could see that was due to his love of music and performing he was in his element. We will definitely book Jack again for any future events and I would recommend him to anyone. Massive thank you Jack."

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"David played at my 30th birthday and put on a great performance! Everyone wanted to know his details after. He’s easy to work with and will get to know your music taste. I recommend him for any events you have. "

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"Thank you for this wonderful journey around the world to meet the Human."

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