Review Centre: Musical Acts

"Anchor is an acoustic duo that delivers an unforgettable performance. An Cornillie’s captivating voice effortlessly moves between soulful ballads and upbeat tunes, creating a deep connection with the audience. Bart Barbier’s exceptional fingerpicking and energetic guitar work add a rich layer to their sound. Together, they seamlessly blend genres, offering both beautiful covers and original songs that showcase their creativity and talent. Whether performing at intimate gatherings or larger events, Anchor leaves a lasting impression with their powerful, emotive, and dynamic performances. If you get the chance to see them, don’t miss it!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Adrian & Jörn sind zwei grandiose Profi-Musiker, die die Tanzfläche auf jedem Event zum Beben bringen! Erst vor wenigen Tagen filmten wir eine gemeinsame Hochzeit auf Gut Rehbach und kamen aus dem Staunen nicht heraus, als die zwei ihr Programm starteten. Mit den beiden bucht ihr nicht nur eine absolute Stimmungsgarantie und einen unvergesslichen Abend, sondern dazu noch super sympathische Typen, die einfach Spaß daran haben, eure Hochzeit zu einer Party zu machen, von der noch in vielen Jahren erzählt wird."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Incredibly talented! We hired Kevin for our wedding ceremony & aperitivo and he was fantastic. He was also great communicating with us throughout the entire wedding planning process and even met us for coffee beforehand! Highly recommend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rafa was super friendly, professional and did a great job djing the party and had good communication in the lead up to the event. Would definitely recommend!"

Reply by DJ Rafa
Dear Oliver, you throw a massive house party and that was unforgettable! Thanks for the review.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"There have been many jazz musicians – saxophonists John Coltrane and George Brooks to name a couple – who have been intrigued by the melodic and rhythmic complexities of Hindustani classical music. Saxophonist Rainer Pusch, how!ever, belongs to the rare breed of Western musicians who have been influenced by Carnatic music. The Carnatic connection came later, but jazz caught Pusch’s interest at an early age. As a 12-year-old learning the tenor sax, a “very bad teacher” scared him into quitting lessons and starting to jam with friends. “At the age of 14 I got into jazz,” he told us. “I heard the first album by [American free jazz saxophonist] Pharaoh Sanders and this album [Pharaoh’s First] kicked me in.” Pusch got completely hooked after his brother smuggled him into The Cave, a jazz club in Heidelberg. “They had jam sessions every Tuesday,” he said. “It was 1968, the time of free jazz, underground music and the hippie era. Heidelberg was the headquarters of the US army in Europe, and there were a lot of army clubs, where I found my first steady work.” Playing for Americans every Friday and Saturday was an ideal start. It was a stroke of luck that Pusch met his “first jazz guru”, saxophonist Pony Poindexter. “Pony Poindexter’s wife worked for the army and they were living in Mannheim at the time,” Pusch said. “Pony had already subbed for Charlie Parker in Billy Eckstine’s big band, recorded with [guitarist] Wes Montgomery, the vocal trio Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, and many others.” Pusch started taking lessons from Poindexter and, after a while, they started performing together. Poindexter was instrumental, in helping Pusch further his jazz education by introducing him to other American musicians. “He knew everybody,” Pusch recalled. “Through him, I met Dexter Gordon. Art Blakey sat in with us when we played an outdoor gig.” Later, in 1977, Pusch stayed with Poindexter in New York, where he met the cream of the city’s jazz scene. “He invited Philly Joe Jones to stay for two weeks in our Lower East Side loft; I met Eddie Jefferson, Bob Berg, Junior Cook,” Pusch said. He also took lessons from George Coleman, who had briefly been part of Miles Davis’s band in the early ’60s. On his return to Germany, Pusch released his first album as leader of his own outfit. However, his connection to America persisted; he would return to earn a degree in jazz composition and arrangement from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, in 1983. Pusch’s first album Journey Agent, released in 1981, was an assimilation of the styles typical of hard bop and post-bop American musicians he had met during the past decade. On the album, his quartet, which included piano, double bass and drums, performed originals and a cover of “Mixing Pot” by Brazilian musician Hermeto Pascoal. Mostly mid-tempo numbers, the tunes ranged from the ballad-like “Scientific” and earthy “B-flat Blues” to funky, Latin-inflected “Mixing”. “I’m influenced by all the players I like to listen to,” Pusch said. “That’s the secret about jazz. It isn’t only music; it’s a philosophy of personal self-development built on tolerance and the art of living in the moment.” He has performed in a variety of formats: duo, trio, quartet and big bands. Pusch is also a composer and arranger who has scored symphonic pieces for films. Pusch’s first major Indian encounter was in the late-’90s, when he performed at the Avignon Theatre Festival in France. “It had a focus on India, and members of the Kalakshetra College of Dance and Music were performing,” he said. “I got in touch with them and decided to go to Chennai to study.” Pusch received a scholarship from ICCR and moved with his family to Chennai in 1996. He would remain there for more than two years, studying Carnatic vocal from S Rajaram and rhythms from V Selvaganesh. “I got into the movie business and performed for many music directors, inclu!ding AR Rahman,” he said. There have been Carnatic saxo!phonists, like Kadri Gopalnath, before him, but Pusch is probably the first Westerner to perform the traditional south Indian style on the sax. He has also arranged compositions by Thyagaraja, Mysore Vasudeva and others, using a rhythm section comprised of guitar, bass and drums. “We respect the raga, but put it in a harmonic frame,” he said. “It’s not the style, but the attitude of the musician that counts. The future of music, art and culture lies in a respectful, well-understood and lived fusion. Not in a commercial, fast food con-fusion.”"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Get Gospel sang at the Celebration of my husband’s life, attended by over 300 people. It was an emotional occasion, but one which I intended to be uplifting, and reflective of his huge vitality and vibrant spirit. A gospel choir had been Nick’s request, some months previously, and it was really important to me that I delivered on that. In fact, Get Gospel delivered - they were fabulous. The afternoon was full of joy, laughter and tapping feet. Jules was great to work with when planning the music, responding to my (many) questions and sending me lots of clips of the choir in action; and the performance on the day was magical. Nick would have loved it. Thank you so much for making a difficult day so very wonderful."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I am just writing to thank you and your fellow musicians for playing for us at Oakley Hall last Sunday. Your music was an absolute delight, everyone enjoyed it. We intend to do it again in the future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow, what a beautiful voice you have! I will keep you in my "unique" folder for the future. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Igor's saxophone performance at our wedding was absolutely exceptional! His musical tunes added an enchanting touch to our special day, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that left everyone mesmerized. Igor's talent and professionalism were evident throughout the entire event, and his music truly elevated the entire experience. We are incredibly grateful for the magic he brought to our celebration. If you're looking to make your event truly extraordinary, Igor is the saxophone player you need!"

Reply by Ontario saxophonist Igor Babich
Thank you so much Matthew. It was a pleasure working with you!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great experience from start to finish. Truly good people and their music was excellent! Will work with again. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"New Blanca band regularly play at a local venue. Great range of music leads to a fab evenings entertainment."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ian was fab !!! Professional and easy to book.All song requests played. Ian brought everything you need for a great evening dancing the night away. Would have no hesitation in booking him again and will be recommending him to everyone "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Melissa was amazing a Fantastic singer, everybody who came to the party said what a lovely lady and singer. Melissa has a amazing personality. My auntie absolutely loved her special day. We will definitely be booking you again for my dads 70th next year. Thank you very much for a amazing day."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Enjoyed! Thank you for the performance! We really enjoyed it and received lovely feedback from our guests. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Exceptional musicians with a distinctive female voice that adapts to all genres, thrilling Ave Marias in church. They are extremely helpful and punctual, and they provided unforgettable accompaniment to my daughter's wedding and the party the next day with my wife. The four jazz musicians who accompanied us during the aperitif were also exceptional, with pleasant music that accompanied us throughout the dinner. What can I say? They are highly recommended. Thanks to Mr. Antognoli and all his collaborators. P.S. It's a shame I only have one daughter, otherwise I would have contacted them again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: