Review Centre: Folk Singers

"Pete St John, April 2012 . It happened as it always does in the folk music world ….. Unexpectedly !! … Four fine balladeers from Ballyfermot came to me singing my songs . They had fallen in love with a song I had written about the ongoing and inevitable subject of Emigration in the Irish way of Life . I had tried , in this particular song , to bring a little lightness to the subject … by admitting that Irishmen are all mammy’s boys !! .. the girls are special and loved but the boys are mammy’s pets !!! . And when they are far away from home they always want to call the Mammy !! “ Rambling Rose or Rambling Paddy Don’t forget to call the Mammy !! “ What a bonus for me !! … I could not be happier !! Come along and hear these guys sing and play ..…. They are what Irish Folk Music is all about !! Pete St John . © ."

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"Thank you so much for playing at my party! Your music was incredible and made such an impact on everyone who came. It really made the party! Will definitely be recommending "

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"A beautiful lady with an amazing voice … I highly recommend her x"

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"We love having Chris at our place. He always knows how to read the room and play the right music for the right night "

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"Rosa played at our wedding; she has an incredible and very unique voice. She really set the scene. Rosa was super helpful in setting everything up and great to deal with!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Gary and Paul! They played at our Pre-Dinner drinks reception and no one wanted leave the bar …. Everyone loved these guys!!! Lisa Henshaw, Clontarf Castle ( August 2024 ) "

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"Todd is great for happy hour music or events. He is easy to work with and has a great selection of music for all genres. Our club members requested him to be here each week for happy hour."

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"Paul was an exceptional addition to our wedding day, I’m so glad we had a musician of his calibre as part of our celebrations. He was a pleasure to deal with in the preparations, incredibly professional and focused on delivering a meaningful performance. So many of our family and friends commented on how much Paul added to the day! "

Reply by Paul Byrom Tenor
It was a beautiful wedding and a real pleasure to be part of it

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"You did a great job in learning and playing two of the most unusual song requests you've probably ever been asked to play! They sounded terrific with the acoustics at Carnclaze caverns. Top performance"

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"Wonderful entertainer, a real crowd pleaser December, 3rd, 2023 Bob sang for my mum’s 90th birthday celebration and was a hit with young(er) and old alike. He has a great voice and is also an entertaining story teller. His performance was the highlight of the night for my mum. Highly recommended. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Tony Vani is almost as well known for generously encouraging and showcasing fellow musicians as he is for his versatility as a musician in his own right. His focus is on blues and classic rock with his band, “Stir” (Mark Bishop, bass; Shirley Dianne Baker, vocals; and, Christ Whiteman, drums). He also plays gospel blues with “Tony Vani and the Holy Blues Band” (Vitas Slapkauskas, bass; Matt Smith, guitar and, Chris Lingard, drums) and performing Delta blues in his duo with slide guitarist Kenny Pauze or by working solo. As every musician knows, you are not a true musician unless you have had that nightmare gig. Tony recalls one night at a club in Napanee when he had to do the walk of shame after being fired on the spot because his guitar string broke. Thus, he learned the great guitar player lesson: “though shalt not leave home without a spare guitar and have it tuned up, ready to go”. His most memorable gig was when he performed for his Mom on her 80th birthday – it was the first time she had ever heard him. Over the years, he has generously and tirelessly organized many open mics at The Belleville Club featuring a mix of amateur and professional musicians who perform solo or join in with others. He creates such a relaxing atmosphere that it feels like the concert is taking place in your living room. “I enjoy bringing out new people and watching their confidence grow. Music is therapy. People have the opportunity to try out new things, have a safe place to practice performing in public, and besides, it’s fun”, he laughs. Known predominantly for his harp playing, his favourite harmonica influences include Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, Charlie Mussellwhite and Corky Siegal. “I am so impressed with their tone, virtuosity, rawness and overall feel”, he says. Other musical influences include Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers, John Mayall, Muddy Waters and Robert Johnston. Self-described as self-taught, he says: “I always had awareness of what my personal style would be and I sought out teachers or I learned from playing along with records. I followed my passion.” He has just released a new CD of original material entitled “Her Blues” based on his own personal life experience of living with a loved one’s suffering. It’s a 7 year labour of love that is deeply reflected in the songs he has included on this album. Tony divides his time between his music, working with physically and mentally-challenged adults and living with his partner Debbie Hoskins, owner of the seven dogs who run their household. Find him at www.tonyvani.com or on Facebook @TonyVani and go out to support live music because #livemusicmatters."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I hired Juan for my 40th birthday party and he absolutely rocked the house. His energy and talent are unmatched. Thank you for an incredible night. thank you!"

Reply by Jpp Live Music
Hey Thomas! Thank you so much!

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"ust recently, the wife and I settled down to watch Harmonica Lewinsky at the Owlsworld tent at the Rickmansworth Canal Festival. Ha ha; bloody hell :-D Now, *there's* someone successfully mining the music hall/rockney/Americana/Tottenham-to-Hemel mash-up seam, with a guitar, a box of harmonicas and a flat cap his only tools; there’s not many of his kind left these days. Top marks also for his stage persona—that of a man so used to hostile audiences that's he's willing to create one for himself if necessary :-D—which made for an inordinately entertaining hour. The wife and I even danced a bit: we were meant to do a conga, but instead we did a messy foxtrot to “My Old Man’s a Dustman” because, when in Rome, you’ve got to have a right old proper cockney knees up. Or something. Very enjoyable indeed."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"First time to Ireland, Everything was better than expected until I went to Polly Hops and you guys were playing. This took my trip to Ireland over the top. Fantastic music, songs, and entertainment! After being in what I'll call commercial pubs, I was beginning to be disappointed in hearing any traditional Irish music and what my expectations were of being is an Irish pub. That is until I was directed to Polly Hops because you guys were playing. The experience, music and entertainment you provided were the highlight of my visit to Ireland. Can't wait to come back, hear and see you again and hopefully run across you in the states. Ever in Texas, please let me know. Thanks for a wonderful time. Ken Pendergraft"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The acoustic entertainment by Jack was wonderful. He was so kind & remembered my name after telling him once. A very talented musician. He played a wonderful variety of covers & his take on them was excellent. He played my requests and was very accommodating to anyone with whom he spoke. He was my absolute favorite of the entertainers on the ship. I could really feel the music he performed... Fantastic, genuine performer."

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