Review Centre: Harmonica Players

"Great blend of well-known music with some originals. They really connected with the audience and had an easy way about them in communicating with the crowd. They were very comfortable in our setting and I would recommend them to anyone."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Denis Cook is the perfect pub and bar-room entertainer: genial, charming and chatty with a charismatic personality, so it's not surprising that the sumptuous Haven Wine Bar & Restaurant in Whetstone booked Denis for several gigs, since he's the ideal 'mine host' for this exclusive venue, encouraging the guests to join in and have a fun time. With many strings to his bow, in addition to singing Denis plays guitar, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica and kazoo, but his greatest claim to fame is that he taught his nephew Norman Cook, alias Fatboy Slim, to DJ! (Denis has been 'spinning discs' since 1969 and the young Norman was soon hooked on music too!) Though perhaps not the greatest instrumentalist to perform on stage, Denis more than makes up for this with his highly tuneful singing voice, careful selection of material and infectious personality. Skill and experience gained through years of DJing shines through in Denis's easy command of banter between numbers, putting many other pub acts to shame, and his sheer dedication to entertaining others certainly evidenced in this three-hour gig undertaken with hardly a break. Starting with the Eagles' country ditty "Peaceful Easy Feeling" and a stripped-down version of the Foundations' "Baby Now That I've Found You" guests knew they were in for something special, loving the laid-back, peaceful easy listening style and the fact that the music was at a very reasonable volume: no blasting speakers here! Then, after just three songs, self-accompanied by guitar, Denis popped out his mandolin for a very enjoyable rendition of the Kinks' "Tired Of Waiting For You" and Steve Earle's Irish classic "Galway Girl" before switching to the ukulele for a charming interpretation of McFly's wistful "Love Is Easy" but, in addition, you'll find plenty of variety in Denis's act, ranging from party numbers like the Mavericks' "Dance The Night Away" and Roxy Music's "Let's Stick Together" to country classics such as Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy" and John Denver's "Take Me Home Country Roads" to up-to-date material like George Ezra's catchy "Budapest" as well as some good old rock 'n roll. And - how many performers would be brave enough to attempt Rupert Holmes' excellent "Escape" (The Pina Colada Song); the late Ronnie Lane's rocking "Ooh La La" or Billy Ray Cyrus' witty comedy number "Where Am I Gonna Live?!" Mr Cook will be returning to the Haven soon and my advice is that you might want to reserve a table, since the place is likely to be well be packed in anticipation of this great entertainer. Colin Fenn Lemonrock reviewer,"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Drew was absolutely amazing to work with and wow what an excellent musician! He was very communicative all the way from booking, was timely and our party of 200 people loved him! Highly recommend anytime!" 5/5"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Abbiamo scelto LOVEAFFAIRE DUO per la musica del nostro matrimonio. Ci hanno fatto sentire sin da subito a nostro agio ed sono stati scrupolosi nell'accogliere le nostre richieste. Tutti gli invitati ci hanno fatto i complimenti per la musica! Li consiglio vivamente!!! We chose LOVEAFFAIRE DUO for our wedding music. They made us feel at ease right away and were scrupulous in accommodating our requests. All the guests complimented us on the music! I highly recommend them!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great night with fantastic audience. A lot of English guy dancing and singing. Will be there next year. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This was the second occasion it's been my pleasure to watch Harmonica Lewinsky at the Green Dragon and certainly won't be the last. The venue itself is a good old-fashioned local that, unlike many in the area, hasn't been gentrified but is cosy, friendly and intimate. The trio were absolutely brilliant, put smiles on the faces of everyone present and there was much foot-tapping and singing-along. I look forward to the next time."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This was Phil's third visit to the Hammer as Harmonica Lewinsky. He never fails to entertain the locals with his cockney act and great humour. As the landlord of the Hammer I can honestly say this guy is amazing and really great value...so much so we have booked Phil to return again for St. Georges day celebrations on Sunday 26th april."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I still cannot believe we met The Distance at Janine's party and that they were able to make Fran’s 60th Birthday celebrations last Saturday 10 May 2014 & made his dream of having live music at his party come true. Matt & Sophiee, you were so accommodating and fitted perfectly into our home. All our 80+ guests of family & friends of all ages loved your music and danced the night away. We cannot wait to see you again & Fran is already planning our next party! Fran & Fay xxxx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jeff was perfect for our event. We were looking for an acoustic guitarist to play in the background during our event, and Jeff filled that role exactly as expected. He is very talented, and we couldn't have asked for anything better—especially for his rates!! He could easily charge twice as much for what was provided. He was extremely professional, showed up early for the event, and was already set up when we got there. Thank you, Jeff!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Eleazar Strachan, is a man lost in time. The sight of this traveling songsmith, guitar in hand and harmonica around his neck, will make anyone look twice, thinking they have been transported back in time to a 1964 California Bob Dylan folk show. But he doesn't just look the part, he delivers on the promise, with great melodies, subtle wit and charm, and a sound that, though original is comfortably familiar and inviting. This combined with his wonderful ability to interact with an audience, results in an artist that is exceptionally entertaining and immediately accessable"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow what a night we had with Denis !! So talented and professional, and the history behind songs and the story’s made the night , all our customers had the best night ( felt like a New Year’s Eve party 🤣) Ian smith ( owner), Sunday 31 August 2025"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We began hiring Drew to play at our restaurant after seeing him play at a private party we attended years ago. With such a versatile style, his music and song selections never get old! He is always very professional and very personable with the guests! We've had other musicians play but he is undoubtedly everyone's absolute favorite entertainer. We always look forward to hearing him play! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Drew made our surprise mini music concert a memorable event. He arrived ahead of time and was very professional. He is a great singer and skillful guitarist. Drew is very talented and sang a wide range of hits that were appropriate for the occasion. We highly recommend him!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My wife and I popped along to see the popular Denis Cook's solo gig. Along with his regular set songs like: "Budapest" by George Ezra, an acoustic version of The Foundations "Baby Now That I’ve Found You", Neil Diamond's "Love On The Rocks" and "Sweet Caroline", even Chas & Dave's "Rabbit" Denis establishes a good rapport with his audience, some of whom are obviously regular fans, so there was plenty of joking, repartee and crowd participation during this gig which was played to a packed house and which saw Denis strumming guitar, ukulele, mandolin and blowing some decent harmonica too. Denis has learnt his craft well and along with his affable manner and fine vocal renditions which made for a very pleasant evening. (For those who may not already know, this talented man is also a well-respected DJ!) In any event, we had intended to stay only a short while but ended up staying put for a full, enjoyable 3 hours and although I didn't count, I'm told Denis played 52 songs in this extended set!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My guys were booked at this location and it went well. I got good feedback from the Mgr and they just rebooked them again. They are excited the business liked them and wanted them back."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: