Review Centre: Keyboard Players

"Rating 5/6 : Very Enjoyable Absolute Mayhem The Horse & Chains, Bushey on Saturday 30 September 2023 It's a rare thing to go into a local pub and hear a keyboard player who has been described as a musical "genius" by none other than David Bowie. This is no tall story either. The musician Billy Ritchie was the first player in rock music to give keyboards a prominent role -- and that was before Keith Emerson (ELP) and Rick Wakeman came on the scene. Billy told me that he remained good friends with the Thin White Duke until his death in 2016. Lanark-born Mr Ritchie now provides the skilful and fancy keyboards and records backing tracks for his latest incarnation Mayhem with talented female singer Carol Leslie. Carol is a really strong vocalist with a gutsy style. This dynamic duo started their first set at the cosy Sebright Arms with Elvis's late sixties' classic Suspicious Minds. The second song was a surprise -- Kirsty MacColl's comedy number There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears His Elvis. It was a perfect choice after the first song. Carol and Billy select their material wisely and give their audience something very different from the predictable Mustang Sally, Brown Eyed Girl and I Saw Her Standing There, churned out by so many pub bands. So it was great to hear Georgio Moroder and Phil Oakey's electro smash Together In Electric Dreams, Matchbox's catchy rocker Rockabilly Rebel, Starship's uplifting We Built This City (on which Billy demonstrated his keyboard dexterity) and Solomon Burke's gospel-ish Cry To Me. And that was just the first half. Carol is happy to tackle songs usually associated with male vocalists and she started part two with a raucous version of Bryan Adams' rocker Summer Of 69. If you have never seen Mayhem, ask Billy to perform Light My Fire, the Doors rock classic from 1967. This was a sheer musical masterclass as he re-created both vocally and instrumentally this great song. Billy has a rich, tuneful voice and this was a stunning performance. Other highlights in the second half included Journey's rock anthem Don't Stop Believing, Carol's gritty interpretation if Shania Twain's Man I Feel Like A Woman and a fine performance of Bon Jovi's Living On A Prayer A total of 24 songs and I cannot wait to see this duo again. My only concern is their name. I think many club and pubgoers might think Mayhem are a heavy metal band rather than an all-round, top class duo. COLIN FENN, DJ, Freelance Journalist Colin Fenn, DJ - Freelance Journalist, Thursday 5 October 2023"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This band provided the absolute best experience!! The band was better than anyone could imagine!! The music was wonderful and the musicians were amazing. They interacted with the people at the event and added so much fun to our gathering. Would recommend them wholeheartedly!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I haven't heard the special opportunity to hear him play in person, I live in the States... but listening to him on facebook and on YouTube has be an uplifting and cherished event in and of itself. I would recommend him for any event, wish he'd travel across the pond.. it would be such an experience. Recommended him very highly, professional competent, and an expert musician, and a beautiful person. Any event, any time, with any amount. Thank you "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wonderful musician! Kevin did a great job. He was very responsive, flexible and professional. Kevin’s price is reasonable and his work is fantastic"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"La musica del maestro ha reso il nostro matrimonio semplicemente magico. Il repertorio è stato perfetto in ogni momento, dalla cerimonia all’aperitivo. Discreto, elegante, ma capace di emozionare profondamente. Tutti gli ospiti ci hanno fatto i complimenti. Lo risceglieremmo altre cento volte!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Greg was a total professional. He kept in touch leading up to the event date and even gifted us a free song to really set the mood. He was flexible when we had to change the location last minute. I would highly recommend his services. Very good accordionist "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Marini is kind, serves well on every team she is on and is very talented in her craft! We have enjoyed having her play on our teams these last few years."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Alona was absolutely wonderful to work with. From the moment we booked her, she was professional, responsive, and accommodating with our song requests. Her piano performance created the perfect festive and elegant atmosphere for our cocktail hour, and so many of our guests commented on how beautiful the music was. I would highly recommend Alona for any event – she truly made our evening special."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Die klassischen Musiker beim Sektempfang waren einfach hervorragend. Mit der musikalischen Begleitung bin ich höchstzufrieden – die Atmosphäre war elegant, stilvoll und perfekt auf den Anlass abgestimmt. Unsere Gäste konnten einen wunderbaren Eindruck von Wien erleben, fast wie in einer klassischen Wiener Kulisse. Die Musiker haben den Empfang auf besondere Weise bereichert und wesentlich zur schönen Stimmung beigetragen. Eine klare Empfehlung!"

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"When Richard Ellis Hawley came out to New Zealand to visit Family and friends I took the opportunity to ask Richard if he would come and play the piano at the local rest home that I was doing voluntary work and Richard came and played to the residents for a couple of hours. Richard played a variety of songs from the era that the residents grew up with they loved him playing it was just wonderful it bought back memories to the residents and put a smile on their faces in fact they didn't want Richard to finish. Also I asked Richard for a CD he made of all his friends favourite songs including mine Unforgettable which was posted over to me in New Zealand where I live and I play it to my friends. Richard is a very gifted and talented musician would recommend him for all occasions."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sophie & Joseph Duo az esküvőnkön szolgáltatta a zenét, ahol a vacsora alatt igényes jazz zenével, majd később kiváló party hangulattal tették felejthetetlenné az estét. Professzionálisan, remek érzékkel alkalmazkodtak a vendégekhez és a hangulathoz. A násznép és részünkről is maximális volt az elégedettség. Szívből ajánljuk őket bármilyen különleges alkalomra! "

Reply by Sophie & Joseph Duo
Köszönjük szépen, örülünk ha emlékezetessé varázsoltuk a nagy napotokat! ❤️🙂🎹🎤

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The music was perfect for the atmosphere and you did a fantastic job. Thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Tom's performance at our wedding ceremony was truly magical. From the first note he played, he filled the air with elegance and emotion, creating a beautiful and intimate atmosphere. His skillful touch on the keys brought our chosen songs to life, and his interpretation was captivating. Working with Tom was a highlight, as he effortlessly arranged music for a cellist to join him in a breathtaking duet. The collaboration added depth and richness to the performance, creating a harmonious blend of piano and cello that left our guests in awe. Tom's ability to coordinate and arrange with other musicians showcased his versatility and dedication to creating a personalized experience. Not only was Tom a masterful pianist, but he was also professional and accommodating throughout the entire process. He took the time to understand our vision for the ceremony and worked closely with both the cellist and us to curate a repertoire that perfectly captured the essence of our love story. His attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond made us feel confident and at ease. Tom's talent shone through every note he played, and our guests were captivated by the duet performance. The seamless collaboration between Tom and the cellist added a special touch to our wedding day that we will cherish forever. We wholeheartedly recommend Tom. His exceptional skill, professionalism, and warm personality made him and the cellist an absolute pleasure to work with. If you're seeking a pianist who can arrange beautiful duets and create an enchanting ambiance for your wedding ceremony, Tom is the perfect choice."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great music, positive vibes and a lot of dance! We were all surprised how compact a keyboard musician-singer can be. She played for 4 hours with 1 short break and knew all the songs the guests asked for! Congrats and see you next year, Era! :)"

Reply by Era CK Singer, keyboard musician
Thank you, Sam! I also needed 2 days to use my feet again but it was an amazing party. :) Thank you for your invitation and trust! Era

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"6th June 2023 We would like to thank Caroline for her beautiful playing today. Grace & James "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: