Review Centre: 1930s Era Musicians & Bands

"I booked this jazz duo to play at my wedding anniversary party and they were marvellous. They were on time, easy going and played 2 beautiful sets of music. Many thanks to you both, Huw"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jack and the guys provided a perfect end to a perfect wedding day. The trio of double bass, saxophone and keyboard were exceptional – providing jazz after dinner background music. Really nice guys and really great music. I would definitely book them again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Mark It was our pleasure! We certainly enjoyed the live music; so many guests commented on how well you played. Thank you for coming and being part of a very special day for us. Best wishes from all of us (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ed supplied two high quality Jazz musicians for our wedding reception at the Midland Hotel. They were punctual, professional and very highly talented. Everyone really enjoyed the music during the meal! Ed was also great at the communication, everything was crystal clear! Thanks again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I met the band for my wedding and I was impressed by their professionalism as well as the fact that they are exceptional live. Davide was always present in the organizational phases, a precious help. Thanks for everything"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to be in touch to say thank you to Mr Swings Dance Orchestra for an excellent evening on Saturday night. How could anyone not be inspired to get up and have a dance to such great music! We feel, with your help, Gordon’s retirement has got off to a brilliant start!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had Eric at a family party for my brother who was 60, his children and grandchildren attended so it was a mixed age group, Eric was very friendly and explained which instruments he was playing on, which he did very well. He has a varied list of songs and kept us entertained while he was there, some people carried on talking but later they said it was good to have some background entertainment, I would certainly recommend Eric to liven up any party, thank you so much for attending ours."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dan provided a great ambiance and music that had class, taste and worked for all age groups. His professionalism and musical skill were fantastic. I would contact him again for future needs. In addition, his communication, friendliness, and accessibility gave me the peace of mind that he would take care of my event. He communicated with me a few days before my event and showed up about 1 hour prior to my event ready and eager to provide superb service. The next day my guest were complimenting his music and sound range."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks so much for coming to Knowsley and taking part in our Serious Nonsense Festival. Your performance was one of the highlights of the programme and we have had so much positive feedback from audience members and visitors. Dr Jazz were as popular as ever!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Feet tapped, eyes shone, hands clapped and hips and heads rolled as the brilliance of the great song writers Gershwin, Porter, Warren, Berlin and others became the hymns of this Saturday evening. But light-hearted as most of the music was, there was contrast in the emotive classic 'Every Time we say Goodbye' sung by the nightingale Gaylene Parish (close your eyes and it was Ella Fitzgerald)."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Even on a murky February morning (2005), the first performance in July of our new commission doesn’t seem too far away. Jane Roper tells us about the composer and the composition: Howard’s way If you ever get a chance to talk to Howard Haigh about composing, take it. He has a huge range of experience, good insights into the creative process, and he communicates his enthusiasm for his work so well, I guarantee you will be both enthralled and inspired. And now he's working for us! I thought you might like to read a bit of background to his career and to his current commission. Although Howard is happily settled up north in Lancaster he trained near us; a BA Performing Arts/Music at Middlesex Polytechnic was followed by a Masters in Music/Composition at the University of London. He studied composition with Brian Dennis and David Bedford; had tutorials with Michael Finissy, George Benjamin and John Cage, and studied flamenco guitar with Paco Pena, Juan Serrano, Manuel Granados and Titi Losada. We think of him principally as a Spanish guitarist, but he also studied mandolin, keyboards, percussion, harmonica and vocal techniques. He has written for most instrumental combinations, from solo guitar, small ensembles and string quartets to bands, girls’ choirs, large choruses, electronic scores and computer music. Howard combines composing with teaching throughout the north west. He has taught guitar at Lancaster University since 2000. He is a member of the English National Ballet's Education and Community Unit, and is engaged in outreach projects in schools throughout England. The nature of this work may range from musical accompanist to residencies in which he composes an original score for a short performance. He has done similar work for Ballet Rambert and the Royal Ballet. His work has been performed at the Barbican, the Royal Festival Hall, Sadler's Wells (for the Queen) and the Purcell Room; and at festivals in Edinburgh, Brighton, Cheltenham and WOMAD. One of his great strengths is his ability to collaborate with people from a wide range of performing disciplines. I've found out that as well as working closely with singers, dancers, and actors, he has also worked with jugglers, comedians, strippers, a skiffle group, film makers and performance artists. No problem working with us then. And then add a massive list of theatre companies, musicals, community projects and commissions and it's no wonder he's always out when I call. In the 1980's Howard composed some extraordinary pieces using unusual instruments. Body Music used claps, stamps, clicks and slaps. This was followed by Kitchen Music. I bet you didn't know that Alan Titchmarsh played the saucepan in this on Pebble Mill. There was also a pre-Prom show on Radio 3 featuring unusual percussion prior to Evelyn Glennie's performance. But by the late '80s his explorations were focusing on vocal writing. Crouch End Festival Chorus gave him an exciting opportunity when they commissioned him in 1990. I heard them perform Saeta again in the Barbican last January. It was sensational. I can't even remember what the second half standard-repertoire piece was; I was still high on Howard's piece and wanted them to sing it again. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Spectacular musicians! They were perfect for my wedding reception! I'd recommend them to anyone! Event Date: May 10th, 2015 Services Provided: Jazz Band"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We have had Rosie singing at our local village pub a few times now. Everyone loves her, brilliant voice and can't wait to have her back. Highly recommended!!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Totally recommend Hetty and her band. I wanted a Post Modern Jukebox feel to my party; she and her band brought that and more. They arrived early, looked the part from the word go, were 100% professional and were fabulous musicians. Huge repertoire of songs. Would recommend to anyone and would definitely book them again. Charles"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What Ferdie can do that nobody else does (to the extent that he does it) is sing his heart out, and then play his heart out-- his vocal and instrumental expressions are equally strong. It's not like he's trying to get a gig at the local Holiday Inn lounge, no!--he belongs in the concert hall! Larry Coryell (from the liner notes to "Look for the silver lining" album by Ferdinando Argenti"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: