Review Centre: Guitarists

"Aaron is a amazing singer! He played at my engagement party and wouldn’t recommend anyone else � truly amazing singer and person �"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Even on a murky February morning (2005), the first performance in July of our new commission doesn’t seem too far away. Jane Roper tells us about the composer and the composition: Howard’s way If you ever get a chance to talk to Howard Haigh about composing, take it. He has a huge range of experience, good insights into the creative process, and he communicates his enthusiasm for his work so well, I guarantee you will be both enthralled and inspired. And now he's working for us! I thought you might like to read a bit of background to his career and to his current commission. Although Howard is happily settled up north in Lancaster he trained near us; a BA Performing Arts/Music at Middlesex Polytechnic was followed by a Masters in Music/Composition at the University of London. He studied composition with Brian Dennis and David Bedford; had tutorials with Michael Finissy, George Benjamin and John Cage, and studied flamenco guitar with Paco Pena, Juan Serrano, Manuel Granados and Titi Losada. We think of him principally as a Spanish guitarist, but he also studied mandolin, keyboards, percussion, harmonica and vocal techniques. He has written for most instrumental combinations, from solo guitar, small ensembles and string quartets to bands, girls’ choirs, large choruses, electronic scores and computer music. Howard combines composing with teaching throughout the north west. He has taught guitar at Lancaster University since 2000. He is a member of the English National Ballet's Education and Community Unit, and is engaged in outreach projects in schools throughout England. The nature of this work may range from musical accompanist to residencies in which he composes an original score for a short performance. He has done similar work for Ballet Rambert and the Royal Ballet. His work has been performed at the Barbican, the Royal Festival Hall, Sadler's Wells (for the Queen) and the Purcell Room; and at festivals in Edinburgh, Brighton, Cheltenham and WOMAD. One of his great strengths is his ability to collaborate with people from a wide range of performing disciplines. I've found out that as well as working closely with singers, dancers, and actors, he has also worked with jugglers, comedians, strippers, a skiffle group, film makers and performance artists. No problem working with us then. And then add a massive list of theatre companies, musicals, community projects and commissions and it's no wonder he's always out when I call. In the 1980's Howard composed some extraordinary pieces using unusual instruments. Body Music used claps, stamps, clicks and slaps. This was followed by Kitchen Music. I bet you didn't know that Alan Titchmarsh played the saucepan in this on Pebble Mill. There was also a pre-Prom show on Radio 3 featuring unusual percussion prior to Evelyn Glennie's performance. But by the late '80s his explorations were focusing on vocal writing. Crouch End Festival Chorus gave him an exciting opportunity when they commissioned him in 1990. I heard them perform Saeta again in the Barbican last January. It was sensational. I can't even remember what the second half standard-repertoire piece was; I was still high on Howard's piece and wanted them to sing it again. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing evening!! Thank you for the cozy music and for a memorable experience. We all especially loved the Abba classics! Hope to have you again at another party :)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Timothy was great and lovely to work with. We received very positive feedback from our attendees on his playing. Hired as: Guitarist"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"vivienne oates Paul and Mick arranged the music for our daughters wedding on Saturday 6th October. They set up earlier in the day, they were very professional and friendly. Everyone really enjoyed their singing, we put in an order for bride and groom songs, father of the bride music too.They took a video recording too, which we have a copy off, it is a lovely memory, the family really loved there rendition of Angels, everyone joined in singing with them. They made the evening reception wonderful. Vivienne and David Oates"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I recently had the pleasure of seeing Richard perform at a cocktail hour, and he was absolutely incredible. His guitar renditions of popular songs were the perfect vibe. They were familiar enough to sing along to, yet tasteful enough to keep conversations flowing easily. You could feel the energy in the room lift. people couldn’t stop smiling as each song rolled in! It was truly an enjoyable experience from start to finish. Top-tier musician and top-tier service. Highly recommended!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Daf played a set here at the Bank of Conwy a few weeks ago and everyone really enjoyed it. Daf has played here before and is clearly comfortable in the unique atmosphere the pub provides. Daf was professional, punctual and very easy-going. We will definitely be having Daf back again in the future. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Reggie Graves & Jazz Theory performance was outstanding in this event. Performing their Original material as well as songs from other popular Smooth Jazz Artist, their high energy appeal along with their ability to be Smooth when the moment is right makes them versatile and engaging to their audience! This Band is different and has something special about them! You want be disappointed if you book them they are definitely worth what they’re asking for and then some!!!"

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"During his short stay in Turkey, Jahangir was kind enough to agree to perform at our event on very short notice. We were very happy with our choice and would love to invite him again to the wedding next year as well!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Very professional and great musician to work with. He made the party really special. Highly recommended!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sigrid de Castella Sat, Mar 1, 11:52 AM to me I hear it was a great night! Well done :-) Regards, Life’s Too Short Bar 2024 Winner "Restaurant & Bar of the Year in Australia" Travel & Hospitality Awards "

Reply by Ian Andrews solo guitar / Combo
Thank you so much Sigrid for the gigs throughout 2025 at your 'Life's too short' bar. It's been a great ride! Ian

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rich was excellent in his professionalism from the beginning to end of the process. We had a short notice event in which we were looking for a musician. Rich was excellent in completing our company paperwork in a timely manner and was very responsive. The music and set up was smooth and excellent. Rich provided us with a great ambiance of live music at our event. We will certainly book him for future events and would recommend his musical talents."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Matt has been a regular in many of my bars in the French Alps over the last 10 years or so. His ability to work a crowd, create a party atmosphere and have people singing their lungs out is unmatched. Good enough in fact that I booked him for my 40th, and as always, he absolutely killed it. Top Lad."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing performance and great connection with the guests. The music made the evening unforgettable.Thank you!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"After seeing Yve on YouTube for the first time singing that song ' Hurt ' I have since been transfixed by that beautiful voice of hers. She can sing a song and put it across to the audience with such passion and emotion , that it can leave not a dry eye in the house . Well, when I her sing live for the first time, firstly on her own and then with the Morganway , Yve didn't fail to deliver ! I was again Mesmerised by her beautiful voice and haunting melodies. One of the songs that Yve covers is Bob Dylan's , ' Buckets of Rain ' and some of the lyrics goes '... you do what you must do and ya do it well ' Yve does that in abundance ! First Class! - Michael Avery"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: