Review Centre: Rock Bands

"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:

"Laura has been a great pleasure to deal with throughout the planning process of our wedding. Always quick to respond and accommodating, she made us feel really cared for and excited for our special day!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I hope you had a good journey home and have not been put off Devon! Thanks so much for coming all this way and for putting on such a great, friendly performance for us. Everyone praised the music and really enjoyed it. Great that you managed to get them up and dancing! (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"An unbelievable night of spectacular live music in benefit of Montage Support Services was presented to all in attendance on this brisk fall night at the Vaughan City Playhouse Theatre courtesy of multi-talented Instrumentalist Dom Mar KZ, who was backed up by the mind-blowing Shining Star Band. Having been a fan of Dom’s work for the past 32 years, saying that I was looking forward to seeing this show was an understatement. I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Having seen Dom evolve from being the hard rocking Bassist of Graffiti Knox who made his professional debut in 1991 at Toronto’s legendary (yet sadly defunct) Rock ‘N’ Roll Heaven (along with his now Brother-In-Law and one of the Shining Star Band’s Guitarists - Lu Cachie) to becoming one of the most extraordinary and respected Musicians in Canada today was guided by a pre-determined fate. And his fan base across the Globe continues to increase via exposure through International Radio and Online Publications. Besides his Brother-In-Law, Dom was also joined on stage by his son Joe Marchese (Keyboards), Nephews (who also happen to be Lu’s Sons!) Andrew DeVita (Drums) / Carmen Cachie (Guitar), Eugene V (Bass), Daniel Monte (Violin), Piero Nunziata (Guitar), and Enrico Galante (Saxophone). This assembly of exquisite talent was enhanced even further with the Meta Centre Performers, followed by Prado and Juno Award Winner Liberty Silver, who mesmerized the audience and shook this Writer to his core with their stunning presence and vocal prowess. Some of the many stellar (pun intended) tracks churned out included “Destiny” , “In Through The Fire” , “Need A Favour” , “My Lady”, and “War” . Combined with a mesmerizing visual background comprised of photographs and memories from significant periods in Dom’s life, the mentioned songs combined with others included in the Shining Star Band’s set were taken to a deeper level as the Audience came to know and forge an even stronger bond with the Artist via the undeniable magic of music. I genuinely hope that this will be the first of many more performances to come from Dom Mar KZ and The Shining Star Band as their chemistry and passion tore the Vaughan City Playhouse Theatre’s roof off. Mega thanks to Laura Tonelli of Let Signature Events for her hospitality and months of hard work in making this successful concert in aid of an excellent charitable cause a reality! "

Reply by Dom Mar KZ
It’s was my pleasure to be part of such a great event and organization. Thank you Montage for including me.. 🙏🙏🙏

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Perfect all the way ! I highly recommend, professional and concerned Thanx Patrick & Fred"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great and very professional rnr band , we enjoyed a lot their powerful performance . "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Michael Charles “...Australia’s answer to Stevie Ray Vaughan...” "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Giaco was the highlight of our birthday party ! Guests absolutely loved it . Their playlist was perfect for the occasion, my husband loves classic rock and they just nailed it , Living on a prayer was a winner ! The drummer was able to adjust the volume a bit lower , they brought some lights that were so beautiful when evening came . We would love to have them again to rock the next birthday party . Thank you guys for such awesome time ! "

Reply by Giaco PopRock
Thank you so much guys, it was a great party and we’re happy to be a part of it 😊😊😊😊

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I had the most amazing time last Saturday and this was due to the amazing Kids at the Back. They were simply amazing from start to finish. Jim and his fellow band members kept the whole party entertained! So many of my friends and family complimented around their amazing performances, engagement with the crowd and amazing mixture of songs. They catered for all the crowd! I cannot thank them enough … 100% will recommend them. Just superb! One of the best live bands we have ever experienced. So talented in every shape and form. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Love Ruth and John xx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a wonderful way to kick fall off with StarAlliance. Our residents and staff at Immanuel Campus of Care were thrilled with the music that this group provided. Music selection was fantastic mixed with new and old music and they even took requests. After they got done playing they took the time to speak with many of my residents and signed a few autographs. This is a professional group of musicians and would highly recommend them for your next event. Thank You for helping make our event successful!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What an excellent match! We first saw Gary play at one of our favourite gourmet restaurants and I immediately fell in love with his guitar playing. I originally contacted Gary through Facebook asking if he played at weddings. As it turned out weddings are a common venue for him and he was the perfect fit for our wedding. He played during the cocktail hour as well as the receiving line. His music consisted of solo classical style guitar with no vocals. But the way his finger style arrangements sound, it is almost like you can hear the lyrics in you head. He was very well received by our guests and my cousin wants to have him play at her wedding while she walks down the isle. He was the complete package deal punctual and very professional with a seemingly endless repertoire. Which was excellent because he played all my requests and some of the best solo Beatles renditions I have ever heard. I couldn’t have been happier with him and now whenever I hear the Beatles “In My Life” I think of my wedding and that perfect day. Thank you Gary!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Brilliant band at our wedding - the song choices were perfect and Luke’s voice is unbelievable. So many guests commented on how good the band were and the dance floor was full all night. Especially loved Proud Mary and the Irish set to start us off. Wish we could do it all again - thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Electric Owls two lead guitarists are AMAZING!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for a really great show! 😊 You were really good and our guests also praised you very much!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We loved having him part of our special day. He played popular songs our guests loved for cocktail hour and added such a special touch to our grand entrance! All our guests were obsessed with the performances he gave at our wedding! He’s very friendly and a great person to have at your wedding or event! Update: It's been over a week since the wedding and people are still talking about your amazing music! Thanks again! You were great!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: