Review Centre: Vintage Themed Bands

"The Lewis Barfoot Jazz Quintet delivers amazing performances. The ensemble demonstrated a deep understanding of both the jazz and swing tradition and the soul of live interpretation, balancing technical precision with an inviting sense of spontaneity. Lewis's leadership was evident throughout, with singing that was confident yet understated, allowing space for all the musician voices to shine.There was an unmistakable sense of enjoyment and mutual respect on stage, which translated directly to the audience. Dynamic contrasts were handled with care, and solos were expressive without ever feeling self-indulgent. Particularly impressive was their attention to providing music that truly worked for dancers. Tempos, dynamics, and phrasing were handled with care, ensuring the music was not only enjoyable to listen to but also perfectly suited to the dance floor. Beyond the performance itself, the professional approach stood out throughout the entire process. Communication was clear and reliable from the initial booking through to the end of the event, making the experience smooth and stress-free. Overall, the Lewis Barfoot Jazz Quintet combined high-quality musicianship with professionalism and thoughtful consideration for their audience, resulting in a thoroughly successful event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Friday 24th November 2023 - The Jazz Kings - Tweed Valley Jazz and Blues A superb gig to bring a fitting close to a year of top-flight music. ‘The Jazz Kings’ left us in no doubt why they are currently rated among the top outfits on the North Coast. Each of them – Nicole Parker-Brown on vocals, Peter Uppman on vocals and trumpet (sometimes almost at the same time), Gordon Matheson on guitar, Col Atkinson on bass and yet more vocals, and Jose McLaughlin on keyboards – is an accomplished performer in their own right, and in combination they are a musical powerhouse to be reckoned with. It was an evening of eclectic mix, from popular jazz standards, through blues arrangements that will be appearing on their latest album, to occasional dips into the classical realms, and a few nostalgic ‘pop’ reminiscences. Among the favourites were their own arrangements of evergreens such as ‘Night and Day,’ ‘All Of Me’, ‘Misty’, ‘Georgia On My Mind’ and ‘Making Whoopee’. Jose even gave a nod towards his earlier career as keyboard player and musical director of ‘Gerry and the Pacemakers’ with his updated arrangements of ‘Ferry Cross the Mersey’ and ‘Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying’. All in all, a great end to 2023, and the Club Committee took time at the end to wish all members and visitors a happy and safe Xmas and a prosperous New Year. If it promises music of the same quality as this past year, then we’ll have no complaints."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for opening up Macmillan Mayhem 2023 for us. Your support really is appreciated. You guys were absolutely amazing. A lot of people were talking about you all day. We will certainly be looking out for your future gigs. You really got the party started (your words lol) Thanks again 💚😊"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We’re absolutely delighted with Ricky Cool & The In Crowd, they are now firm festival favourites."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" Fascinating small band with great taste in choosing songs for such occasions! Overall we had a wonderful time having them in our event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fantastic Band! Set just the right mood for our party, and wonderful vocals."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Please pass on our sincere thank you to the amazing band for their fantastic performance last night at our festive get together. We were so excited to have them with us and they absolutely nailed it."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Alice and Tom made my birthday unforgettable with an exceptional performance! Alice’s gorgeous voice and Tom’s virtuoso piano playing created a magical atmosphere. Thanks a million guys! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a fabulous rhythm and blues band, highly polished from years of experience. A great addition to any festival."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so very much for playing yesterday. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and it turned a sad occasion into the celebration that Della wanted. The music you played was fabulous. Everyone commented that the music was a magical touch and that Della would have loved every minute of it. So thank you and please send our thanks to the rest of your band. I found booking your band a very easy and straightforward process with prompt correspondence from you. A few friends and myself are going to book a Friday evening with your band and dinner at the Savoy "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Jess, Thank you so much for yesterday, you were completely amazing, outstanding! You both looked and sounded sensational ...Everyone thought you were fabulous. A couple of people wanted your details, are you OK if I pass them on? Thanks again Kim and George "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rosie performed at a Corporate Work Party at Canary Wharf - she was fantastic & professional - Thank you so much Rosie, thoroughly recommend x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Jess, Thank you from me and Mat!!! You and your band have been absolutely fantastic - we really enjoyed having you sing and play so beautifully and for being so flexible with timing. EVERYONE loved you and the band - they all said you have the most fabulous/ stunning voice and presence. The "EVERYONE" includes all the chefs (they were boogying whilst getting the meal out), the floor staff, and my neighbours who were still working in the garden and didn't quite make over to dinner. Thank you also for singing the 2 songs I requested - my brother (the one who led the speeches) was very touched as they were for him and thought you sang them beautifully! We will certainly be in touch again when we entertain with live music again! With very best wishes to you and all your band members Yvonne & Mat "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great wedding performance! It was great to have Belle Histoire performing at our wedding in Lake Como (at Relais Villa Vittoria) in July 2023. We had a great time, our guests had a blast. In addition to her absolutely incredible voice, the lead singer helped us make a couple of guest announcements as well. It was really easy to make arrangements with the band - the performance was exactly what we were hoping for and more. Definitely recommend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Harmonica Lewinsky, half musician, half comedian, can't be filed easily under any one genre. There are no "rawk" anthems or jangly pop toons to guide you to a familiar sense of comfy numbness you may well be used to in your local music venue. Instead, you get a proper show. Someone - that's Phil Leiwy, crazy alchemist of alter-ego Lewinsky - has taken it upon himself to create a crisp set of upbeat, rhythmic gems played on guitar (choppy, jazzy, mellow), vocals (smooth, welcoming) and of course, a boxload of harmonicas (swanky, tuneful, engaging). But words alone seem unable to explain why, after a HL gig, you go home feeling as if you have been crane-lifted out of a ditch... If you haven't seen HL play, go and see for yourself, and let the performance into your life. Careful listening really helps: the lyrics to many of Phil's songs - including Gordon Brown (to the tune of the Stranglers' "Golden Brown") - are wry, clever and occasionally rude. Lovers of X-Factor stability or other social brainwashing techniques may leave feeling confused."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: