Review Centre: Singers With Backing Tracks

"Rating 5/6 : Very Enjoyable Absolute Mayhem The Horse & Chains, Bushey on Saturday 30 September 2023 It's a rare thing to go into a local pub and hear a keyboard player who has been described as a musical "genius" by none other than David Bowie. This is no tall story either. The musician Billy Ritchie was the first player in rock music to give keyboards a prominent role -- and that was before Keith Emerson (ELP) and Rick Wakeman came on the scene. Billy told me that he remained good friends with the Thin White Duke until his death in 2016. Lanark-born Mr Ritchie now provides the skilful and fancy keyboards and records backing tracks for his latest incarnation Mayhem with talented female singer Carol Leslie. Carol is a really strong vocalist with a gutsy style. This dynamic duo started their first set at the cosy Sebright Arms with Elvis's late sixties' classic Suspicious Minds. The second song was a surprise -- Kirsty MacColl's comedy number There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears His Elvis. It was a perfect choice after the first song. Carol and Billy select their material wisely and give their audience something very different from the predictable Mustang Sally, Brown Eyed Girl and I Saw Her Standing There, churned out by so many pub bands. So it was great to hear Georgio Moroder and Phil Oakey's electro smash Together In Electric Dreams, Matchbox's catchy rocker Rockabilly Rebel, Starship's uplifting We Built This City (on which Billy demonstrated his keyboard dexterity) and Solomon Burke's gospel-ish Cry To Me. And that was just the first half. Carol is happy to tackle songs usually associated with male vocalists and she started part two with a raucous version of Bryan Adams' rocker Summer Of 69. If you have never seen Mayhem, ask Billy to perform Light My Fire, the Doors rock classic from 1967. This was a sheer musical masterclass as he re-created both vocally and instrumentally this great song. Billy has a rich, tuneful voice and this was a stunning performance. Other highlights in the second half included Journey's rock anthem Don't Stop Believing, Carol's gritty interpretation if Shania Twain's Man I Feel Like A Woman and a fine performance of Bon Jovi's Living On A Prayer A total of 24 songs and I cannot wait to see this duo again. My only concern is their name. I think many club and pubgoers might think Mayhem are a heavy metal band rather than an all-round, top class duo. COLIN FENN, DJ, Freelance Journalist Colin Fenn, DJ - Freelance Journalist, Thursday 5 October 2023"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Ruby for making my daughter's birthday party unforgettable - you were amazing from start to finish - warm, approachable and fun with an amazing voice - can't wait for the next party x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" Amazing night with Paul Hudson singing great Sintara songs! Brilliant host for the evening and got everyone joining in! We couldn't have wished for a better singer for our event. Sue Barrett, RCPCA Winchester Charity Ball"

Reply by "The Sounds of Sinatra" with Paul Hudson
Many thanks and much appreciated!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Bobbie entertained us all at our party on Saturday. She was absolutely fantastic, great voice, great humour and very engaging. No hesitation in recommending her."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What I loved most about the show was the sing along aspect. Mr. One Showman encouraged the audience to join in and sing along with him, creating a sense of community and togetherness. It was heartwarming to see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together through music."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Melissa your set was fantastic, just right in terms of the songs and you have a lovely voice. In the future if we have other events I would be most happy to invite you back again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Little Paul, was exactly what we were looking for. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gemma Louise Edwards Soprano ...What can we say...absolutely amazing performance ! sent shivers down our spine....Thank you so much for making our day special. Best Wishes,Marina & Steve."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"NyAnn is fantastic. She is a great singer and very entertaining. The guest loved her and her performance. She was on time and very professional. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mariella performed violin and singing as I walked down the aisle and at our appertif. She even learned our wedding song especially for when I walked down the aisle. This will be so special to us forever. We really couldn’t be happier. Our guests were commenting on how amazing she was. "

Reply by Mariella Papanaga
Thank you Elaura, It was a pleasure for me. ☺️Have a long life together ☺️

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Paul to sing for two sets after our corporate dinner and our guests loved it! Amazing to see that our crowd knew most of the songs and sang along. I'll definately reccommend Paul Hudson and we'll book him again! "

Reply by "The Sounds of Sinatra" with Paul Hudson
Many thanks and much appreciated!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Darren for a great evening we hope to see you again soon Had great feedback from customers brilliant voice. Thank you (10 / 10) Diane ( Anchor In Tideswell ) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We would like to thank Robert for making our anniversary so special. Everybody thought he was fantastic, and made it such a great evening. Robert absolutely know what to sing without any intervention from us We can't thank him enough for his performance which was professional, but personnel at the same time. (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for being with Graham and I on Saturday night. You were AMAZING! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"To whom it may concern. Ray and Chrissie have just completed a summer season with us onboard TUI River Cruises. Having worked with them both before I was delighted to have them as part of the team again. Always professional and punctual and their popularity both on and off stage is unmatched. I hope to work them again in the future and wish them all the best in the meantime. Peter Chittenden Executive Booker Live Business Group Ltd"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: