Review Centre: Keyboard Players

"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:

"My friend, Jose Herrera, made this amazing video. I had to stop and rewind a few times just to catch up on images I hadn't fully taken in! Of course, the music is great, too."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"After the first 3 lessons, I am very happy to have Gabriel as a piano teacher. He is an excellent tutor for anyone who wants to learn the piano the right way. From correct posture, finger independence, reading music and keeping tempo, he constantly share his experience and knowledge to motivate and correct. I strongly advise."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great Dj, perfect for house parties will book again if needed."

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"Gabriel is a nice teacher with good patient. Thank you !!"

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"Gabriel is a wonderful tutor, I like his approach and understanding. I am an old person, and trying to review by myself was difficult. But when I started my lessons with him everything was different. He is patient , knowledgeable and focused. I am enjoying my lessons with him and looking forward for more ."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great performance! Kevin was a pleasure to work with. He was very responsive, arrived with more than enough time for set up and tuning, and put on a great performance for our reception. The music choices were perfect background music for this event and he did not need any guidance once speech's started. The CEO of my organization was extremely pleased and I will be contacting Kevin again soon!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Lovely musician with a great set of instruments. Best 40th birthday party ever!"

Reply by Nene Fernandez
Aww thanks Jane! I also enjoyed your party very much 🙂

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for last Saturday evening. I have had quite a lot of feedback and it has all been really good. Most people really enjoyed the music and felt it was just the right balance during the meal and when we were dancing as they were still able to chat if they wanted to. All in all a success! Thank you. Regards, Karol Grabowski "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jazz Trio The guys arrived early and were set up well in advance of the start of our event. They are terrific musicians. They were good about checking exactly what our needs were and were able to fit in with the event vibe perfectly. I would recommend and hire them for future events. Harbour Front Castle Corporate August 15, 2022 Verified Certified Review "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks so much for providing music on our wedding day. So many of our friends said they loved the atmosphere you provided."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gabriel Latis is a fantastic piano teacher. He is patient, knowledgeable, and knows how to make learning piano enjoyable. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to improve your skills, Gabriel adapts his lessons to fit your needs. He explains things clearly, making even difficult pieces feel manageable. His passion for music shines through, which makes every lesson inspiring and fun. If you’re looking for a teacher who will help you grow as a pianist while keeping you motivated, I highly recommend Gabriel Latis!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Saw them performing at the Safety Harbor spa and resort. Very talented duo, incredible voices and range. Great sound equipment, very compact and portable. Great for parties, events or weddings. Enjoyed listening to them for awhile!"

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"Gabriel is a wonderful and talented instructor. He is very courteous, patient and caring to our daughter. I would recommend him on any given day."

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"I booked Sue to play at my daughter's wedding. Not only did she play everything we wanted, but she also provided a beautiful white grand piano shell, which looked AMAZING! She played with great feeling, and I completely recommend her."

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