Review Centre: Blues Bands

"Sultry, sexy and a pure delight. Her voice transcends and takes over. One of the most beautiful souls there is."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"There’s more to Johnny Ticktin than meets the eye. Well-versed in the blues, having once served as lead guitar player for the legendary Louisiana Red, the open-minded Ticktin is a sponge, soaking up the subtle six-string nuances and intricacies of a multitude of genres—from surf to classic R&B, swing and even Mambo—on his eighth album with The Headhunters, That’s All I Need. It would feel right at home in any rough-and-tumble roadhouse. The title is borrowed from a song, covered here in all its dark, swampy glory, off Magic Sam’s 1967 iconic electric blues marvel West Side Soul. Watery, backwoods ripples of Sam’s tremolo guitar style and seductive rhythms meander through Creedence Clearwater Revival’s mysterious kudzu on Johnny & The Headhunters’ version, as Ticktin and company paddle up a lazy river of Bayou groove. Just as fluent in nasty rockabilly, they thrive in the sweltering heat of the 1957 obscurity “Chicken House,” giving it a warm buzz and making it rumble and swagger, while the lascivious, infectious funk of “Body and Fender” – a Doc Pomus/Duke Robillard joint originally built for soul crooner Johnny Adams – shakes all over and ogles the female form. A rousing, boogie-woogie version of Lowell Fulsom’s Chess Records’ hit “Rock ‘Em Dead” is wonderfully shambolic, and Ticktin rides the lightning of the Link Wray instrumental “Ace of Spaces” like a champ, gleefully wheeling through edgy garage-rock riffs with appropriate vim and vigor. What feel he and his band have for this material. There is not the slightest bit of indifference to it anywhere on this record. Not that they need it, but help arrives in the form of keyboardist Tam Sullivan, who wraps smoky, sensual organ and wraiths of piano around a soulful remake of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “Lead Me On,” and singer Liz Springer, who joins her brazen vocals to Ticktin’s in the cheeky, but charming, duet “Watch and Chain.” And, with the solid machinery of a good backing band at work behind him, Ticktin can just let loose – witness the slide-guitar fury of their cover of Elmore James’ “Shake Your Money Maker.” For aficionados of tasteful guitar work and music that time shouldn’t have forgotten, this is what you need. —Peter Lindblad SPREAD THE NEWS! FacebookTwitter RELATED STORIES September 3rd, 2023 Rhythm & Roots Festival August 28th, 2023 Rhythm & Roots: Family Fave July 28th, 2023 When Rock & Roll is a Verb"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Choosing the band Hot Wings for our wedding was the best choice we made. At the beginning of our wedding planning we weren't sure if we needed a band, but now I know that we needed it at the maximum and it was Hot Wings :) Investing in a good band is really worth it. Hot Wings turned our day into an amazing experience. Even while getting dressed and getting ready before the ceremony, when I heard the sound check, I was excited to see how everyone on the dance floor would rock it out thanks to the music. I was looking forward to the concert, which was the highlight of the whole day. And it was unforgettable! Dear Hot Wings, you were amazing ❤ you are all very likeable and talented young people and we are very happy that you came to spend our day with us in the High Tatras. You created an indescribable atmosphere and gave us a party that we will remember for a very long time?."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Andre is an amazingly talented musician. He played guitar as our 40 guests arrived for vow renewal and party. I would highly recommend him, he replies to any queries quickly & professionally. Adapted to our needs, was punctual and very much an added bonus for our party. Thank you, Andre. I hope to see you play again soon Kim & Simon"

Reply by André Guitar Ramos Solo Guitar
Thank’s very much for the kind words!! Was a big pleasure play for you!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Beautiful music We would like to sincerely thank you again for the beautiful music during the Maserati Winter Fair. Everyone loved it, and we have already shared your contact details with several people. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely amazing performance! Thanks for the great night! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Chloe's Wedding in Pentland Hills, Nov 2024 Andrew was incredible. We hired him for both my dad's 60th and then my wedding a few weeks later and both times he blew us away. All of our guests were commenting on how good he was. We just let him do his thing and he gauged the audience and played the perfect music. We not only love his style and voice but him as a person, he was an absolute delight to have on our special days. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The performance on Thursday was great! Our guests thought so too. In short, we're very satisfied, including with the booking process."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stevie and Matthew performed for my 60th birthday party a series of old rock hits. It was so awesome, I didn’t know these instruments could go so well together. Would highly recommend !"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wow. They sound so authentic, and their uptempo groove is so refreshing for the style they play"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks for such a top flight, professional and enjoyable performance from The Crotchet Club last weekend. The atmosphere you created was just right for the occasion and your pre-event organisation must have been very well done as your arrival and departure was not even noticed........just the wonderful music in between."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"While I initially booked Jeff to entertain at our Cinco De Mayo party last year, due to the positive response from our residents, I've made him a regular on our schedule and he always delivers! "

Reply by Beacon Street Jazz - Jeff Moyer
Thanks so much for the kind words Alysa. I love entertaining at senior communities and it's always a pleasure working with your group ... Jeff Moyer (Beacon Street Jazz)

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Everything Can Change, from Adam Karch and it's an interesting mix of acoustic and electric fused folk/blues music with solid vocals. Opening with It's Your Song, a contemporary, radio style track with a solid melody and clean acoustic guitar work, Adam Karch shows his stuff on vocal and guitar, backed by Richard Deschenes on bass and Marc-Andre Drouin on drums. JJ Cale's classic, After Midnight gets a substantial rework and I like it. Starting with acoustic slide and fine finger picking, Karch's stylistic vocal phrasing really changes the track and it's as cool as the original. Very nice. Porch Groove (Sunday Morning) is a real relaxing meandering melody on acoustic guitar. Very nice. Another nice cover is Bob Dylan's Don't Think Twice, It's Alright. Karch has one of those voices that is warm and refreshing and his picking style is clean and concise. Very nice. Wrapping the release is another Porch Groove (Saturday Evening) with a more contemporary finger picked melody. Karch is a talented musician and vocalist who has put together a real nice release. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Professional, engaging entertainment during our event We engaged Jazz Centrale to provide entertainment for the celebration of our anniversary. From the very start, communication was pleasant, and our wishes were carefully listened to. Our event was business-oriented and also intended for networking. The musicians from Jazz Centrale looked impeccable and played beautiful background music. This interaction was, once again, very enjoyable. It provided a delightful experience for our guests, whether to discuss it or simply enjoy it. Definitely recommended! We chose a saxophonist, double bassist, and pianist. The event was attended by 150 people."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were very lucky to have Alice and Fernando travel up the country and perform at our wedding. We had them perform at both our drinks reception and the after-dinner entertainment. We had given a few suggestions like to play some ‘summery rock music but in their own style’ as well as performing their own style of music, and they absolutely delivered! They are both extremely talented and it was such a unique musical act to hear at a wedding which was exactly what we wanted! We were so happy with everything they did and highly recommend them. The only downside was that myself and the groom were not able to just sit and listen to them playing as we were so busy throughout the day 😂"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: