Review Centre: Wedding Bands

"March 26, 2017 Last night (March 25, 2017) the legendary Presley & Cash Highway Road Show pulled into Windsor for a night of fun, frolics and fundraising through the experience and dedication of two skilled local tribute artists. Paying Cash – The Johnny Cash Show and a Elvis brought the music of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley to the Olde Walkerville Theatre for a fundraising event for the Miracle League of Amherstburg. The show began with Harrow, Ontario tribute artist who brought the post-war Elvis to life in a vibrant and highly entertaining set. The music selection was unique, as was his leg-shaking performance. This was a true tribute and not really an over-the-top impersonation as we so often see. There were no jumpsuits, no giant belts and no overweight wig-wearing phonies – this was the cool suit-jacket wearing Elvis that the world loved in 1956 and 1957. He had enough looks and moves to pull it off and present a believable reproduction of the way Elvis moved, sang and even interacted at the peak of his musical return. The song selection resembled the King’s 1957 performance at the PNE in Vancouver with such non-traditional tracks like Blueberry Hill, That’s When Your Heartaches Begin and Peace in the Valley. In many ways the lead singer reminded me of an early Michael Buble, with just enough Elvis in the mix to make it plausible and entertaining, but also enough of himself to keep it fresh and lively. He nailed Elvis’ voice from the early years, as well as the swagger and personality we would expect in an early Elvis tribute. The Silvertones mastered the musical presentation and were the perfect band to backup the energetic Elvis show. After a lengthy set, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of incredible music could bring to the table if he decided to record some original music. It took a leap of faith to bring Buble his first recording contract, let’s hope someone does the same for him. Headliners Paying Cash captured the essence of 1968 Johnny Cash in both attitude and skill, pairing perfectly with 57-58 Elvis – these were the “attitude” years for both superstars, and although a decade apart, they seemed musically aligned at these specific intervals. The lead singers 12-year old daughter joined him on stage for three June Carter duets, and later when he acoustically took on Cash’s death-bed hit Hurt with guitar and piano accompaniment. The singer looked exactly like Cash at various times when he was at the mic, but he was always perfect when it came to the movements and nuances that Cash had on stage. You could actually see the fire in his eyes during such attitude anthems as Cocaine Blues, Folsom Prison Blues and Cry, Cry, Cry. That fire and his voice were right on par with Joaquin Phoenix’s movie adaptation of Cash, The band itself was so close to the original backup band that they should change their name to The Windsor Three. The guitarist handled the lead guitar as if he invented those licks himself, bassist injected some humour when he wasn’t playing his stand-up bass and drummer provided a solid drum beat throughout. The only thing missing was that they weren’t dressed in full black suits like The Tennesee Three probably would have been.The superstar of the show was his daughter, who charmed the audience with her stunning voice and light-hearted personality – a combination that played out in a fun and charming take on June Carter Cash for three songs, including the infamous relationship-song Jackson. Her personality and voice matched well with her fathers and the duets were a standout moment, much as they were in the movie Walk The Line. Paying Cash is a well put together band that captures the young and rebellious Johnny Cash like none other. This was the era of Johnny Cash that fans love the most and rarely get to see on its own in a tribute show. Should The lead singer and Paying Cash ever decide to hit the studio, I wouldn’t be surprised if the results sounded much like early Blue Rodeo, mixed with some good old Johnny Cash.If these two bands do play together again, the Presley-Cash combination is a sure fire knock-out not to be missed."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Entertained the crowd - through trying/ extreme weather conditions. Arguably should have been the night time act when the weather had calmed down - they would have gone down a treat with the punters Most definitely recommend the group - professional, talented and personable."

Reply by Groove Dealers
Thank you Sid. We had loads of fun despite the weather.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We are glad you enjoyed yourselves, I can tell you we certainly did ! I hope it was worthwhile travelling all the down here. Every time we mention it to bands etc. we feel that we are officially at the end of the world!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a great party! The Cheers band were just amazing and there was never a time when the dance floor was not buzzing. Special tribute to your lead vocalist as they were just amazing, but also to the whole band for a just exceptional performance. We hope they enjoyed playing for us as much as we loved having them perform for us. And thank you for very professional and efficient organisation of the evening which ran like clockwork."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Italian Duo were amazing. Their style was exactly what we needed for our small, private dinner with family and guests (we were 12 people). They understood what we needed with minimal explanations from us, were able to create the correct atmosphere and kept everybody entertained the whole evening. There were absolutely no unexpected issues from them, everything was completely professional: full transparency about the terms and conditions right from the start, and on the day of the event they arrived on time, set up, waited for all the guests to gather and started playing. It was fun, casual, heartfelt and we couldn’t have asked for better entertainment. I can definitely recommend them for any event you might want to hold. Thank you guys!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band provided the music and entertainment for our wedding reception. From the moment they started until the last song of the night, they had everyone on their feet. Get them booked now!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was truly like having Cher, in person, at our party. The look, the costumes, the voice, the moves - right on the money! In addition to her professionalism, she personalized her jokes and had a marvelous rapport with her audience. Everyone who was there will be talking about a fabulous night with (almost) CHER for a long time to come. We would absolutely recommend Helene for a fun and memorable event. The best I've ever seen. Gerald Hendricks Magnolia, DE "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would like to say we have had lots and lots of comments stating how good you both were, an enjoyable evening was had by all. Looking forward to seeing you next year."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The solo steel pan performance at our garden party was simply beautiful. The melodies provided a soothing and relaxing atmosphere that our guests loved."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wonderful band for a drinks reception in Miami, small PA system included. It was perfect!"

Reply by KUAR Latin Flamenco Jazz Group
Thanks a lot for everything.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I had the great opportunity of having the gleams project band at our wedding, Michele was amazing and supported us both during the organization process and also in all the phases of the event. The band was simply shocking, their way of playing music on stage was captivating and all guests continued dancing till the end and beyond. I would sincerely recommend Gleams to anyone who is looking for music entertainment during events or weddings. My sincere thanks to all the Gleams Project Band Crew."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"East Coast Rockers were awesome at our psrents anniversary party. The communications and organisation from them was brilliant from booking to the clearing away at the end. Their performance was professional, with lots of energy and got everyone up dancing. Our guests really enjoyed them and said what a great night they made it. I would highly recommemd them. "

Reply by East Coast Rockers-50's & 60's
Hi Marie, Thank you for your review we really enjoyed playing for your parents and we certainly will keep your dads favorite song in our repertoire, what a response a we received. Thankyou to all your family and friends they were a fantastic audience. Best wishes Tony Dave Carl Pete East coast Rockers

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These are a brilliant band well worth going to see them and modern music from the last 20 years get and see see them thanks again"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A show that is unforgettable and leaves you coming back for more. 5/5 Stars! (10/10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Geoff Udy knows how to get a crowd up and dancing. He knows the crowd and plays to their likes. Amazing voice. You will not be disappointed when booking Geoff. Continued to rebook him to play at the Geraldton Yacht Club."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: