Review Centre: 1960s Era Musicians & Bands

"Fantastic concert tonight! The Rockmollys are very talented and entertaining! Hope they play in North Richland Hills again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sax Addict laid the perfect backdrop to my lakeside canapes. Lush."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just wanted to say a HUGE thank you! You guys were simply amazing on Saturday, thank you for being so chilled with the madness and so accommodating. Lots of people said that you were the best wedding band they’ve ever seen and we’d agree. Please let us know if we can write a recommendation / help to promote you guys. Was a pleasure having you all part of the day and hoped you enjoyed it. xxx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I have to admit even thou I do like the smooth sound of the Saxaphone I have never really known to much about it I have seen Candy Dulfer and the late Clarence Clemons in concert and I did see the movie Bird on the late Charlie Parker it just made me realize what a person can do with a Sax with just the right person playing it, I can now add Dr. Jose Hinojosa to that list hearing his playing right in front of me at the recent Martial Arts Hall of Fame Awards made me like it even more the way he played on stage and just walking around the people playing fun songs made the evening even more enjoyable, hopefully I will get the chance to see him playing again sometime. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great dinner music! Fun and engaging with little ones! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"As a jazz singer, Vanessa is right up there with the best of them."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sounded amazing! Helped create a great atmosphere! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The East Coast Rockers were excellent! They had the room buzzing right through their sets. We will definitely be booking them again. If you want to be sure of a great night, book this group of musicians. Jenny "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This group is so very talented and made our birthday celebration so memorable. I hope that I will have the chance to book them again for another celebration in the near future. Five Star All The Way."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ian P. Woodbury I’ve been serenaded AND stirred by THE ROCKITS twice in 2022, since being introduced to them only recently. I made a pledge to myself, in the mirror, to go and listen to them whenever I need to satisfy my audio addiction for exceptionally performed, hard driving Rock n Roll. As a guy who has been playing guitar, and singing for an audience since 1956, I continuously need to have my appetite satiated with Good Ol’ Rock n Roll. The Rockits satisfy my need quite satisfactorily! Thank You Very Much! The Rockits share the top shelf of the D.C. Area bands, with only a few other bands up there with them. There is no better party band than The Rockits. The band is well-rehearsed, instrumentally and vocally tight, and they really know how to keep the good vibes topped off at FULL, without losing the personal touch with their audience. Everyone in the band is a seasoned musician, sings very well, and harmonizes on key. But…the vocal standout is Robin Brown, the female vocalist. Robin should be known by everyone in the D. C. Metro Area, who enjoys hip Shakin’ Rock n Roll. ROBIN IS THAT GOOD! She commands the stage, like a Queen, but she is never domineering. She does not try to draw undue attention to herself, but knows her position on stage, as an integral part of a smoothly wild ensemble. She shares the M.C. duties with the band’s leader, Peter Grattan, who is a fine drummer, but in The Rockits, he is a triple threat on keyboards, guitar, and vocals. All the instrumentalists are in the top echelon of local talent, each attuned to his role in the overall mix, and they all shine in their spots. If you want a really satisfying Good Time of listening and dancing, there is no better band, who can lift you higher, than The Rockits. Going out to get your Rock n Roll fix with The Rockets is an evening well-spent. "

Reply by The Rockits
Thank you so very much Ian. We strive to give the best performance possible and it is people like you that make it all worth while. Having been 'Rockits' for over ten years, we appreciate every gig we get, every booking is unique, and having played a 3 year 6 nite a week residency at one of New Zealand's top hotels in my twenties, I know how important it is to 'entertain.' My experience as TVNZ's Head Of Entertainment Production for three years also has given me the experience needed to become an all round entertainer. Years of touring the world on cruise ships, recording four records for CBS and years in London have helped, so that our repertoire of 1000 songs spans sixty years and encompasses the best of the Rock 'n Roll era. Your heart felt review means so much! -Peter G Grattan (band leader)

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Awesome music, I loved listening to it and dancing to it. It was very jazzy like it showed. It was so fun watching it"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent sax player. Great selection of music. Playing at Foodamed vegetarian restaurant for Mother’s Day. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"He was everything we hoped for and more. knows ALL the songs, has great stories, can dance and sing, very social, he has fun and can do it all!! THE BEST! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This is an amazing and very talented individual. A very inspiring artist who delivers comfort through his music. Very passionate with his art and has a very strong presence. His music and passion for what he does is very felt, it was a pleasure being able to have this experience and I support him on any/all of his journeys. Continue being great!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: