Review Centre: Musical Acts

"5 stars! We couldn’t have had a better band than House of Chords for our wedding. Their range and selection of music was perfect, including lots of our favourite songs, and got all ages on to the dance floor. They also arranged their sets to build up to a great finale! All of our guests had a fantastic time. They were a pleasure to work with and were flexible to fit around our plans and changes on the day. Among a wonderful wedding day, they were certainly a highlight. (10 / 10)"

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" All Music Review Thom Jurek The title of this set is an apt one. While much of the music presented by the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band, it hearkens back -- in terms of its sophistication, confidence and outright jazz literacy, not nostalgically -- to an era when progressive jazz, and big bands (this one numbering 10 pieces) flourished on the scene. This is one sophisticated outfit. Featuring the arrangement and compositional skills of Brent Wallarab, Jim Martin, Bill Dobbins and Kerry Strayer, this band struts out the tradition and make some joyous, complex, and elegant music that reflects its own unique identity. The résumés of all these players are impressive and reflected in the confidence of the date. It opens with "SUNY-Triangle," a Martin composition that works its artful sleight-of-hand over Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Triste." Martin uses the rhythmically complex samba and drapes some tough, knotty twists and turns over it. The intro is a beautiful and raucous wake-up call, while the head of the tune, with its staggered entrances and exits -- including some fine soloing by John Viavattine on tenor and John Nyerges on piano -- give this tune a unique identity. "Creature Comfort" is a beautiful mid-tempo ballad by Wallarab with edgeless yet multi-dimensional dissonances written into its harmonics. It swings beautifully and includes a fine, punchy solo by tenorman Glenn Cashman. Besides the originals, there are some fine readings here as well. There's Wallarab's arrangement of Duke Ellington's "Black and Tan Fantasy" that's a thoroughly modern exercise losing none of Ellington's humor or rhythmic complexity. Likewise, Gerry Mulligan's haunting, wee-hours, "Night Lights," is given expert treatment here by Strayer, and Dean Keller's baritone saxophone playing combines Mulligan's sense of lyric and Ben Webster's sense of time. In Time's Shadow reveals that innovation need not sacrifice accessibility or swing. It is convincing evidence that the big band form is alive, well and full of surprises."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was the best day of our lives. Kevin and his team played at our wedding, and it was incredible. Everyone loved the music and the atmosphere that Tibi Events created. From the incredibly professional planning to the loving nature of all the musicians, it was simply perfect. Kevin is the best violinist in all of Italy, and he proves it every time. Highly recommended, and we will definitely book Tibi again. Thank you for everything! ❤️ Nina & Pepe"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The wedding of mr and mrs Donnelly. June 2024. First dance: God only knows by Simon and Garfuncle Catherine wrote: Thanks so much for the amazing music at my wedding on Saturday. It was such an epic day and when you played the first dance i was nearly in tears. We really didnt know what to expect when we asked you to play it but you absolutely nailed it, so so beautiful, thank you!"

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"Chris was amazing his attention to detail Our first dance was magical just the right lighting to Give a stunning dream look . Chris migrated from one tune to another creating a busy dance floor all night . Many thanks Chris and hazel."

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"Our experience with Igor was perfect! My wife and I hired Igor to play saxophone during our wedding cocktail hour and dinner service. Igor is a true professional. He played beautifully and really set the tone for the celebration. Our wedding venue team was chaotic, and we were lucky that our vendors were so prepared and cool under pressure, Igor included. Igor brought his own set up and was so relaxed— we never worried. He was also wonderful to talk to and we wish we could have had a longer conversation at the reception."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band were absolutely brilliant and the dance floor was packed the whole night. Once again thanks for playing for us at such short notice and making our day even more special. All the guests were raving about you guys afterwards."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" We had the pleasure of having Nicholas Peter Pillay as the Master of Ceremonies for my father’s 70th birthday celebration, and he was absolutely outstanding. From start to finish, he brought an incredible energy, charm, and professionalism to the event. He kept the program flowing seamlessly, engaged with our guests warmly, and added just the right amount of humor and personality to make the evening truly memorable. He knew exactly how to read the crowd, keep everyone entertained, and make each moment special for my father and our family. Many of our guests commented on how much they enjoyed the way he hosted — it felt personal, joyful, and perfectly balanced between formalities and fun. Thanks to Nicholas Peter Pillay the event was not only well-organized but also filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and wonderful memories. We couldn’t have asked for a better MC. Highly recommended for any special occasion!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Benga at our wedding was just epic! They had everyone dancing, and the tunes were spot on. Plus, their singer’s voice? Wow, just wow!" Jess & Alex (Wedding) 10/10"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Blinding Lights, Just a quick letter to thank you all for playing at our Wedding. All our guests commented on how great you all were & particulally great vocals. Every time i looked at the dancefloor it was packed full of people dancing & smiling. Thank you for bearing with me & letting me play on the drums. I was impressed with how you all managed to hold it together. Chris was chuffed too as he's never seen me play before. We will definitely be recommending your band to our friends & families for other events. Thank again Laura & Chris"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Charlene played violin at our wedding ceremony. She put her heart into playing and had most of in tears with her sentimental playing for my aisle song. It was perfect! I would completely recommend her. She is top notch!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I enthusiastically and whole-heartedly will say: THIS BAND IS AMAZING! SOOOO GOOOOD! Those of you who know me know that I don’t typically offer such praise."

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"Max ha saputo interpretare esattamente lo stile che volevamo per il nostro matrimonio: romantico, elegante e autentico. Il violino dal vivo ha fatto davvero la differenza."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hosting an anniversary celebration in Monte Carlo demanded a level of sophistication that few musicians can deliver. The Monte Carlo Pianist exceeded all expectations, offering a performance that was both breathtaking and deeply moving. Guests were immediately captivated by the opening piece, Liszt’s Liebesträume No.3, performed with a richness of tone and subtlety that conveyed both grandeur and intimacy. Each note was deliberate, nuanced, and evocative, creating a seamless connection between the music and the emotions of the evening. Throughout the reception, the pianist demonstrated extraordinary versatility. From soft, impressionistic pieces during the cocktail hour to intricate, virtuosic passages later in the evening, every performance felt tailored to the moment. His musical intuition allowed him to respond to the mood of the room with perfect timing, enhancing the emotional impact of every segment. Guests were particularly impressed by his ability to combine classical masterpieces with contemporary arrangements. Pieces that might normally feel familiar were transformed into something fresh, elegant, and entirely captivating. The flow of music throughout the evening was seamless, providing an invisible yet essential thread that elevated the entire event. The pinnacle of the evening was the first dance, where a customized medley of romantic and modern pieces brought a magical, cinematic quality to the moment. The performance created memories that our guests will cherish forever. For anyone planning an ultra-luxury event in Monte Carlo, this pianist is an absolute must. His combination of technical mastery, expressive depth, and sophisticated presentation is unmatched, ensuring that every occasion is elevated to extraordinary heights."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wir haben Saxobeatz für unseren Kundenabend auf der bauma gebucht – ein absoluter Volltreffer! Die Kombination aus DJ und Live-Saxophon hat für eine großartige Atmosphäre gesorgt. Professionell, sympathisch und musikalisch auf höchstem Niveau. Unsere Gäste waren begeistert und wir würden Saxobeatz jederzeit wieder buchen. Vielen Dank für diesen unvergesslichen Abend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: