Review Centre: Keyboard Players

"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:

"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:

"Love the piano every night . Very entertaining. Lovely music to relax to. Keep up the Good Work Gabriel."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was great to have Nene on Sax. The customers interacted with him a lot and they loved his playing and coolness!"

Reply by Nene Fernandez
Thanks for having me Lucy. I really enjoyed playing for you guys! X

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Meg has a wide repertoire and her music pulled the whole party together! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Helen had a beautiful voice and a wonderfully chosen range of songs "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was lovely to have Nene playing at my brother’s wedding reception. You did set a lovely atmosphere with your sax."

Reply by Nene Fernandez
Thank you Alex! What a beautiful wedding it was indeed. All the best to the new couple x Nene

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Liliana is a great musician! I've seen her performances multiple times and each time she was able to create an amazing atmosphere. She's highly skilled professional that can play in any music style and adjust to any circumstances. During the most recent event the host had invited another artist, who was singing and playing guitar. In the middle of his performance Liliana joined him and continued to play his program. They've met for the first time, but sounded like a duo that worked together for a long time. That shown her unlimited skills to improvise. It's always a great pleasure to listen to Liliana's play. "

Reply by Liliana Piano
Thank you very much for your review, Vadym. I am always ready to create a music vibe for events which your organization organize. Also, I am always happy when your guests enjoy my music.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jazz in Britain has set up a new music imprint: Jazz Now. The first release is Gravity by Eternal Triangle. Watts is a phenomenon. Just listen and enjoy the surge of music from this new group. What a celebration of the fullness of life and optimism. Watts has emerged from the UK avant-garde. He has a vast curriculum vitae: Spontaneous Music Ensemble, Amalgam in the 1960s and '70s and Moiré Music in the '80s and beyond. Watts has commented on the intolerance and backbiting of the scene. He has gone beyond that now. This is a man who seeks out melodies, relishes tunes, loves rhythms. His music and his mind are effervescent."

Rating: 7 / 10 Share this review:

"Bravissimo, repertorio che spazia dal classico al jazz. Musica moderna molto apprezzata dagli ospiti"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Where to begin! Petra was an absolute joy to work with. She performed at our new model home reveal and added a beautiful touch of elegance, grace, and delight that added tremendous value to our event. Petra was patient and went above and beyond when we discovered our piano was not in working condition. She found a resolution for us that made this all possible. I appreciated her thoughtfulness to ask how to dress for the occasion, her professionalism, and prep work she did beforehand. She brought wonderful energy and engaged with our guests, performed song requests, and had a smile the entire time. Thank you Petra for making our event extra special, you are talented beyond measure. We look forward to working with you again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Upbeat, Classy, Jazzy Cocktail Hour! We were delighted by working with Kevin planning the wedding reception cocktail hour and our guests were delighted with his play. We asked for upbeat and fun background music during the cocktail hour and dinner for the wedding reception. We had a DJ for announcements and the dance portion later, but wanted to add a touch of elegance to the event. Kevin was easy to work with, sounded great, worked really well with the DJ for handoffs, and help make the event perfect! Thanks Kevin!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks so much and especially for learning our first dance, tremendous!! Absolutely amazing and everyone had a great time!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Patrick's piano skills added sophistication to our corporate event. His music provided a classy backdrop for networking and conversations."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A hugely talented musician and band leader.. you have been a great asset to Warner's. We look forward to having you back. Matt Williams Head of Entertainment for Warner Leisure. (10 / 10) Matt Williams Head of Entertainment Warner Hotels"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: