Review Centre: Accompanists

"It is an absolute delight to hear Kim play the piano and sing live. Kim´s voice is beautiful; she adds unique quality and versatility to the songs she performs. I love the way Kim really connects with her audience. Whether the songs are up tempo or ballads, Kim always manages to put them down perfectly."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent musician, great playlist with personal favourites added. Much appreciated by our guests of all ages and us. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired Tom to play the piano at my daughters Christening party and would definately hire him again and have already recommended him to friends and family. Tom turned up on time and played beautifully. Everyone commented on how great he was and how nice it was to have live piano music at the party. Tom was friendly and a really nice guy and was also great talking with the kids and took some time to teach them some piano basics when he really didn’t have to. Highly recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Aegir Room February 1, 26 FB post: Had a wonderful evening seeing Paul Wainwright perform at The Oswego Hotel’s Aegir Room in James Bay. From the moment he started playing, it was clear we were in for something special. A terrific performance in an intimate setting, paired with delicious food, cold beverages, and genuinely excellent service — it all added up to a delightful night of music, friends, and great vibes. If you haven’t seen Paul Wainwright perform (and honestly, where have you been? He’s been a mainstay of the local music scene for years), I highly recommend you make it a point to catch him live. Good news: Paul will be back at the Aegir Room (the coolest lounge in Victoria) at The Oswego Hotel on Sunday, February 8th and Sunday, February 15th, from 6:00–8:00 pm. Reservations are recommended. Support live music and treat yourself to a fantastic evening — you won’t be disappointed."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hype Magazine USA Cure For Jealousy A perfectly polished storyteller in the literal sense, Dar.Ra goes for this wild swing of ‘80s dance-rock infused with edge on the stomping sweetness of “Cure For Jealousy.” The track combines a range of periods and influences, ensuring the sound works seamlessly as a cohesive, concise whole. Volume is a given; he brings it, and it is a physical sound, like the way blood rushes through the ears with the first few traces of jealousy. Looking through his track record, he’s managed to touch upon every iteration of dance and rock within the last forty years, and has done it well. Outside of the music, he’s the author of two books, which also inform the character studies that he graces with his sound. It is catchy, addictive, and liberating stuff, the sort of thing that the music world needs now – something unique, experimental yet accessible, and overflowing with ideas. Sonically, Dar.Ra’s sound draws on the revivalist traditions of DFA Records, specifically on LCD Sound-System’s earnest pleas and search for meaning. Like James Murphy, Dar.Ra does have a love for the aesthetics of just a gigantic canvas, letting the whole arrangement feel enormous. On the classic side, the insistent bass has an ESG quality, with the groove absolutely dominating. It is easy to get intoxicated by the atmosphere, and the vocals further sell this idea of breaking free from this impairment. The tautness of the groove even delves into Parliament’s most unhinged experiments, as the track sparkles with endless creativity. For all these reference points, Dar.Ra continues his fine tradition of marching to the beat of a different drummer, going for this life-affirming, soulful stance. The stormy mix of keyboards and the tight rhythm section work their magic. Before his voice enters the equation, the mood is already set. When he takes center stage, the song transforms into an inner turmoil. He’s conflicted, and the verses cascade downwards reflecting exactly that. It stuns, and the track’s length makes the atmosphere almost psychedelic. Of course, this is what good dance music is meant to embody – endless expanses, endless possibilities. There is a reason so many dance-floors adhere to that sixto-seven-minute mark, even exceeding it when necessary. The band's interplay feels spirited, as if possessed, and this is what carries it all the way to the finale: a contemplative commotion. “Cure For Jealousy” shows that Dar.Ra is what music needs right now – a sound that draws and builds on the past while pointing a way forward, in a purely hedonistic, funk/dance/punk flavour."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Matt has a great taste in song choice and knows how to bring back the vibe and excitement of the classics. He is very professional and kind and I'd recommend him for a private party, wedding or company event! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The décor, the ambiance, the timing—everything was perfect. We walked into our reception and felt the joy and elegance in the air. Highly, highly recommend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Djavad at our event was absolutely fantastic! His energy was contagious, and he brought such a vibrant, joyful atmosphere to the entire evening. Not only was he incredibly talented, but he also knew exactly how to engage the crowd and keep everyone smiling and dancing. Guests couldn’t stop talking about how much they loved his performance. He truly made the event unforgettable!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rebecca was amazing at our Civil Partnership yesterday when she stepped in to perform at the very last minute. A beautiful player and a warm and lovely personality. Cannot recommend her enough. 12 out of 10. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dave – I honestly want to thank you for helping to make our wedding day so fantastic. You set the perfect atmosphere. I hope our paths cross again…. I’ll certainly recommend you to anyone I know getting married. Thanks again, Esther and Michael Hayfield Manor – April 2024"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I hired Dave to entertain a small party of 16 people for a special birthday. Our guest list ranged in age from 25 to 85, and it's fair to say that everyone enjoyed his music and entertaining style. Dave was incredibly communicative about logistics, flexible on set list and accommodated a few special requests. His set up was brilliant - lighting, sound and acoustics were great - and it worked well even inside a small room with a lot of people. If you're looking for upbeat entertainment and a "one-stop shop" for a gathering (large or small), I'd highly recommend giving him a call. Rating: Reviewer: Susan Ruffalo Event date: May 16th, 2025 Services provided: Singing Pianist"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"(Sax perspective) Do NOT slip on this man.. He wasn’t only easy to play with, but a joy to play with!! I can’t speak more highly even if I could. In the sax/woodwind world it’s tough because you’re more solo/lead dominant; Bear rose to the occasion and actually LISTENED as a TRUE percussionist. He’s a soloist AND instrumentalist, and that’s super hard to find. (ie. When I was playing straight through a solo.. he did; when I had rhythmic augmentation.. Bear did; no matter the tempi) DAWG."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Manu was the best choice I could have made; he made every special moment even more special, if that was possible. I always recommend him. He is very professional. 🥰"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I arrived at venue after someone else recommended Sandy as worth going to see. What an understatement. Sandy is a must see., or rather hear. The variety of her song choices is extensive, something for everyone. Her voice, goodness that's some range and the depth, warmth of the tone is inviting you as an individual to enjoy. Now add to that the party that explodes with her wit and seance of fun. Really great night out, so good I went back to see her show twice. (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wir haben diesen Pianisten für unsere Hochzeit in St. Gallen engagiert und sind noch immer begeistert von seiner Leistung. Schon beim ersten Kontakt hat er uns mit seiner Professionalität und seiner freundlichen Art überzeugt. Er ist auf all unsere Wünsche eingegangen und hat uns sogar wertvolle Vorschläge für die musikalische Gestaltung gemacht. Am Hochzeitstag selbst lief alles absolut reibungslos. Er war frühzeitig vor Ort, perfekt vorbereitet und hat sofort eine angenehme Atmosphäre geschaffen. Die Musik während der Zeremonie war unglaublich emotional und hat viele unserer Gäste tief berührt. Besonders schön war, wie er die einzelnen Programmpunkte musikalisch begleitet und miteinander verbunden hat. Auch während des Empfangs und des Abendessens hat er mit seinem abwechslungsreichen Repertoire überzeugt. Von klassischer Musik über Jazz bis hin zu modernen Stücken – alles wurde mit viel Gefühl und Eleganz gespielt. Unsere Gäste waren begeistert und haben uns immer wieder auf die wunderbare Musik angesprochen. Wir können ihn wirklich von Herzen weiterempfehlen."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: