Musical Acts

"Felix is a talented pianist and singer who makes a positive impact in a care environment. He is extremely versatile and can play many genres of music, ranging from classical to popular hits. What makes Felix special is how he connects with people. He doesn’t just perform; he engages with the audience. Felix's music sessions lead to more social interactions, improved moods, and a sense of calm and comfort, especially for those with dementia or cognitive decline. For these residents, his music is not just entertainment; it is therapy and joy. "

"The Lewis Barfoot Jazz Quintet delivers amazing performances. The ensemble demonstrated a deep understanding of both the jazz and swing tradition and the soul of live interpretation, balancing technical precision with an inviting sense of spontaneity. Lewis's leadership was evident throughout, with singing that was confident yet understated, allowing space for all the musician voices to shine.There was an unmistakable sense of enjoyment and mutual respect on stage, which translated directly to the audience. Dynamic contrasts were handled with care, and solos were expressive without ever feeling self-indulgent. Particularly impressive was their attention to providing music that truly worked for dancers. Tempos, dynamics, and phrasing were handled with care, ensuring the music was not only enjoyable to listen to but also perfectly suited to the dance floor. Beyond the performance itself, the professional approach stood out throughout the entire process. Communication was clear and reliable from the initial booking through to the end of the event, making the experience smooth and stress-free. Overall, the Lewis Barfoot Jazz Quintet combined high-quality musicianship with professionalism and thoughtful consideration for their audience, resulting in a thoroughly successful event."

"The band absolutely MADE our wedding! From the moment they started playing, the dance floor was packed, and the energy was electric. They knew exactly how to keep the party going, playing hit after hit that kept all our guests—young and old—dancing all night. We couldn’t have asked for a better band to make our day so special"

" Yaz xxx oud player is widely regarded as a very good, highly respected oud player. Here’s why musicians, critics, and venues take him seriously: 🎵 Musical Skill & Reputation • Strong technical command of the oud: His playing shows control, speed, and expressive phrasing, especially in improvisation (taqsim). • Expressive style: Critics often highlight the emotional depth and atmosphere of his playing rather than just flashiness. • Comparisons to top players: He has been compared in reviews to internationally respected oud masters like Anouar Brahem, which is high praise in the oud world. 🌍 Professional Recognition • Major venues & festivals: He has performed at places like Ronnie Scott’s, the Barbican, Royal Festival Hall, WOMAD, and Glastonbury — venues that book only high-level musicians. • Serious collaborations: Playing with artists such as Robert Plant, Natacha Atlas, Cheb Mami, and Transglobal Underground indicates strong peer recognition. • Longevity: He has maintained an active career for decades, which usually only happens when a musician is consistently good and in demand. 🎶 Musical Value • He’s not just a technician — he’s also a composer and bandleader, able to integrate the oud into jazz, blues, and world-music contexts without losing its traditional character. • His work with Fantazia and later ensembles shows versatility across traditional and contemporary styles. Bottom line If you measure “good” by: • technical ability ✅ • musical expression ✅ • professional respect ✅ • sustained career at high-level venues"

"Ryan and the guys were amazing! Easy to work with leading up to the event (answered my many questions), professional and very talented too. Our attendees raved about them!"

"It was amazing festival , we enjoyed with the soul of Desert"