Review Centre: Wedding Ceremony Musicians

"Me encantó la música en nuestro evento de la Comisión Europea. Sonido con clase, sin fallos, encajó perfectamente con el ambiente."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"All of this is an admittedly roundabout way of confessing that I wasn't prepared to be as delighted as I am with Go Tell It on the Mountain (Silkheart), an album of traditional hymns and originals with heaven-gazing titles by Booker T. Williams Jr., a New York-based tenor saxophonist originally from Seattle who performs as Booker T. The obsessive soul-searching implicit in the programming suggests an affinity with John Coltrane. But unlike too many of the saxophonists who aim for Coltrane's spiritual elevation, Booker T has a devilish sense of humor best illustrated by his "Say amen, Gracie" drollery on "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," a homey little melody he elongates and fragments with the comic élan of a Sonny Rollins. In fact, the classic album that Go Tell It on the Mountain most recalls is Way Out West, Rollins's 1958 album of cowboy tunes--and not just because Booker T, like Rollins before him, finds inspiration in unlikely places. It's also because Booker T's interaction with the bassist Saheb Sarbib and the drummer Andrew Cyrille is as carefree and almost as electrifying as Rollins's with Ray Brown and Shelly Manne thirty years ago (or better yet, with Wilbur Ware and Elvin Jones on A Night at the Village Vanguard, from around the same time). Despite the sarcasm implicit in Booker T's low-register bleats, his performances of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "Jesus Loves Me" exude sincerity, much the way Rollins's interpretations of oddball pop tunes do. For Booker T, as for Rollins, satire is a sign of respect, not condescension. Booker T is ecumenical: one of the album's most infectious cuts is "Halle Kalle Mazeltov," a hora whose modality he cagily exploits. The Spartan trio format means that Sarbib and Cyrille have to function as soloists as well as rhythm stalwarts, and both men shoulder the added burden gracefully, maintaining melodic continuity in a manner that bassists and drummers seldom do when they solo. Despite the length of some of the tracks (the title tune, which is just over sixteen minutes, is a Booker T original, not the folk song of the same name), Booker T's solos never deteriorate into self-indulgent braying. His sense of thematic exposition is too well developed for that-another cue he takes from Rollins. (And as if to underscore his lineage, the CD-only bonus track is Rollins's calypso "St. Thomas.") He switches to alto on his own "When Mama Cries I Cry," and his phrasing is impressively speechlike on this lighter horn. To the best of my knowledge, Booker T's only other recording has been as a sideman on Cold Sweat, a recent album of James Brown tunes (also featuring Craig Harris and David Murray) that illustrates the sloppiness jazz musicians are capable of when trying to show they can be Regular Guys. But Go Tell It on the Mountain is stunning enough to make me a believer in Booker T's potential. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing! Hired Michael for my dad’s surprise 60th birthday and it was a great success, everyone was up on the dance floor and thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Benedetta C. (Private) - For Dagmar Segbers & Michele Fazio - Piano & Voice 18/2/2023, Birthday Dagmar has a wonderful voice that strikes straight to the heart, I was almost moved already at the rehearsal! Michele on the piano super professional! A fantastic couple for a special evening!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From start to finish Jan was amazing!! He kept in contact and replied back to my messages straight away! We asked Jan if it would be possible to learn a few extra songs to he’s already wide selection he had passed over and did them no problem! Such a lovely guy! Will defo be booking again in the future.. excellent ? thanks again ? ?"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a wonder it was to decide that they would be responsible for putting the icing on the cake! The live music enhanced the emotions and left us all delighted with their talents and the synchrony they have between them. Without a doubt, a great success. Thank you, guys!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We've seen Jack perform many times while cruising with Carnival and always looked forward to listening to him sing and play guitar. Jack has a nice repertoire and has absolutely nailed the 60's. We would say his Beatles sets are excellent and the best we've heard anyone perform live. Don't miss this genuine performer....would love to see him again..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Enchant Your Event with Trip for Biscuits! They sounded amazing, dressed the part and provided our wedding with an unforgettable sound and enchantment that exceeded our expectations. They were flexible with the venue, easy to work & coordinate with, and absolutely professional"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stefanie is the whole package! She has a wonderful voice, has stage presence, and keeps her audience spellbound by her beautiful singing. She completely engages her audience giving them an unforgettable artistic experience. I am a vicar and have the privilege of having Stefanie singing at our church events, special services and even at funerals. She relates easily with different people and works well as part of a team as she occasionally supports our church choir. I wholeheartedly recommend Stefanie as a professional singer who despite being highly skilled is able to perform at different levels and places as the occasion requires. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted to say thank you so very much for yesterday. You completely made the party. It was such a pleasure to have you there as part of the day. Everyone adored the music including me. Thank you again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Bonjour, Je tenais à vous remercier encore pour la qualité de votre prestation qui a fait l'unanimité. Cordialement Alain B."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Professional at her job. Her style, amazing! Music style more than amazing! And last thing I want to say "Thank you AiraZ for yor support to our environmental organization Greek Eco Project!"

Reply by AiraZ Violin Performance
Thank you so much! Great organization for a very important cause! My pleasure to perform for greek eco project! - Aira

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Roger was excellent in every possible way. He literally played a part in what we can only describe as one of the happiest and special days of our lives. He even went to the effort of learning Rita Ora's Anywhere which was playing when Vic proposed to me. He was charming as well as being incredibly talented. We hope to have reason to invite back to a future occasion. Thank you so much Roger! Jo & Vic x x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can't thank Sarah and Martyn enough for making our event go so well. True professionals. They were punctual. Good sound quality despite it being an outside event. They engaged well with the audience. A flawless session. Would definitely use them again. Leslene, Organiser Leslene Smith"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had the pleasure of having the organist Ivan perform at our 50th wedding anniversary in Milan, and we could not have made a better choice. His music accompanied the celebration with great elegance, solemnity, and sensitivity, making this milestone even more emotional and meaningful. The organ performance was impeccable: each piece was interpreted with depth and respect for the liturgical and celebratory context. Ivan was able to create an intense yet harmonious atmosphere, perfectly suited to such an important occasion for our family. His presence was discreet and professional, demonstrating great experience in managing the ceremony and attention to every musical detail. Our guests also greatly appreciated the quality of the accompaniment, highlighting the beauty and refinement of the music. We are deeply grateful for his contribution in making our anniversary an unforgettable moment. We highly recommend organist Ivan for any religious celebration or special event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: