Review Centre: Wedding Ceremony Musicians

"All of this is an admittedly roundabout way of confessing that I wasn't prepared to be as delighted as I am with Go Tell It on the Mountain (Silkheart), an album of traditional hymns and originals with heaven-gazing titles by Booker T. Williams Jr., a New York-based tenor saxophonist originally from Seattle who performs as Booker T. The obsessive soul-searching implicit in the programming suggests an affinity with John Coltrane. But unlike too many of the saxophonists who aim for Coltrane's spiritual elevation, Booker T has a devilish sense of humor best illustrated by his "Say amen, Gracie" drollery on "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," a homey little melody he elongates and fragments with the comic élan of a Sonny Rollins. In fact, the classic album that Go Tell It on the Mountain most recalls is Way Out West, Rollins's 1958 album of cowboy tunes--and not just because Booker T, like Rollins before him, finds inspiration in unlikely places. It's also because Booker T's interaction with the bassist Saheb Sarbib and the drummer Andrew Cyrille is as carefree and almost as electrifying as Rollins's with Ray Brown and Shelly Manne thirty years ago (or better yet, with Wilbur Ware and Elvin Jones on A Night at the Village Vanguard, from around the same time). Despite the sarcasm implicit in Booker T's low-register bleats, his performances of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "Jesus Loves Me" exude sincerity, much the way Rollins's interpretations of oddball pop tunes do. For Booker T, as for Rollins, satire is a sign of respect, not condescension. Booker T is ecumenical: one of the album's most infectious cuts is "Halle Kalle Mazeltov," a hora whose modality he cagily exploits. The Spartan trio format means that Sarbib and Cyrille have to function as soloists as well as rhythm stalwarts, and both men shoulder the added burden gracefully, maintaining melodic continuity in a manner that bassists and drummers seldom do when they solo. Despite the length of some of the tracks (the title tune, which is just over sixteen minutes, is a Booker T original, not the folk song of the same name), Booker T's solos never deteriorate into self-indulgent braying. His sense of thematic exposition is too well developed for that-another cue he takes from Rollins. (And as if to underscore his lineage, the CD-only bonus track is Rollins's calypso "St. Thomas.") He switches to alto on his own "When Mama Cries I Cry," and his phrasing is impressively speechlike on this lighter horn. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stephanie and Olly. Many thanks for playing so well at Vasi’s 60th. Great occasion. U delivered more than our expectations. You made the day for us and our guests and I will happily recommend you to friends and family. All the best."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stevie attended a weekend event supporting the Royal Marines Charity at Clennell Hall Hotel in Northumberland. Stevie made every effort to accommodate our needs and went above and beyond to do this as our timings moved considerably. His playing of the bagpipes on completion of our minutes silence was so moving and totally appropriate to the moment. He is a complete professional with the personal touch and is willing to help make the occasion very special. The immaculate traditional dress also adds to the overall package provided by Stevie. He’s already booked for next year. Ian Scott"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just to say a big thank you for the wonderful performances last night at the Rose Theatre. All of the audience members who spoke to me commented on how much they enjoyed it, and enjoyed guessing what would come next in the medleys!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The duo accommodate all tastes in music aswellas a wide range of ages. The crowd participation was fabulous to witness. A very appealing band whose diversity in music (both vocal and instrumental) makes them an unforgettable duo for sure. Fabulous talent at any event is guaranteed."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Madhu was excellent from start to finish. Easy to communicate with, reliable, fun and personable. I would highly recommend her & everyone at our party said how much they really enjoyed her music ? . I really liked that she mingles with the crowd & isn’t stagnant. She also worked well with our DJ & Disco Bunny?. Many thanks Madhu"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you sincerely for taking part in the fundraising event on the 28th of October 2023 here at St Mary's Church. The Mayor of Barnet, councillor Nagus Narenthira, enjoyed your performance very much and is looking forward to seeing your act in the near future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hired this excellent band for my wedding and they did not disappoint. They performed a great variety of songs that had people up on the dance floor all night. I would definitely hire these guys again if I were having a big enough party, or failing that see them perform in London would be great."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jack was really fantastic at our event. He was very easy to deal with before, giving me a call a few days before to finalise details. He turned up on time, was very little effort to look after, and played some excellent music throughout, just the right vibe for a relaxed afternoon party. I should have pressed him to take more of a break, because I think he just kept on playing, beyond the timings we booked him for. Overall, he was really excellent & made a huge difference to our event, with lots of the guests commenting on how much they liked him."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Abbiamo organizzato il matrimonio a distanza, contattando solo telefonicamente la sig. Antonella per il servizio. È stata da subito disponibile, sia per quanto riguarda il suo servizio che per eventuali altri suggerimenti, visto che non siamo della zona. Ci ha proposto vari brani fra cui scegliere, rimanendo comunque disponibile alle nostre scelte. È stata accomodante nonostante i vari cambi location che abbiamo dovuto fare, adattandosi alle nostre esigenze. Con la sua arpa ha creato un'atmosfera magica, suonando per tutto il tempo della cerimonia, prima e dopo l'arrivo di noi sposi. L'arpa è scenografica e fra le colline toscane dava un tocco in più. La sceglierei di nuovo Inviata il 04/06/2023 "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"As a flamenco aficionada who has taken several intensives in Seville, I wanted to share my passion in a meaningful way for our 25th anniversary celebration. With 100 guests gathered in Provence, I was looking for something truly special and authentic. Alberto Faraggi’s group exceeded all expectations. Traveling from Barcelona, they delivered a mesmerizing performance that was both professional and deeply moving. It was one of the highlights of the weekend. I would wholeheartedly recommend them—and would love to see them perform again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Τρομερός επαγγελματίας και άνθρωπος ,έδωσε στον γάμο μου μια ιδιαίτερη ομορφιά!!! Ευχαριστω πολύ!!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent Performer and Businessman We had Vince performer at our festival, and he is an excellent performer and businessman. The crowd loved his performance, and his setup was so quick and easy. Would recommend to anyone needing a performer for their event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Michael was a great addition to our wedding! He played one of my favourite tracks, Everlong by the Foo Fighters, on the saxophone while I walked down the aisle. It was such a great moment and made even more special by having live music at the ceremony. Everyone loved it and even the registrars commented how unusual it is. It was a fantastic start into the ceremony and got the energy up. Would be great as leaving the ceremony music too! I can't recommend enough hiring Michael for your wedding!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Duo Mezcla Gitana was incredible for our corporate team-building event! Their performance was lively, engaging, and brought the perfect energy to the evening. The whole team loved them, and we’ll definitely call on them again for future events. Highly recommended!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: