Review Centre: Jazz Pianists

"Thank you so much for playing at my wedding - it made the day very special."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks so much for providing music on our wedding day. So many of our friends said they loved the atmosphere you provided."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was lovely to have Nene playing at my brother’s wedding reception. You did set a lovely atmosphere with your sax."

Reply by Nene Fernandez
Thank you Alex! What a beautiful wedding it was indeed. All the best to the new couple x Nene

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Finding a band for a wedding can be tricky. We decided very early on that we wanted a live jazz act at our wedding reception, but we also knew that we didn't want a stereotypical 'wedding band', or a band that just did jazzy versions of pop songs. Fortunately for us, we came across On The Rocks: a group of quality jazz musicians willing to play a few weddings, rather than a wedding band that play a bit of jazz. Led by Jacky Naylor, they were genuinely, effortlessly brilliant. Cool, classy, chic, while also being fun and friendly... and just really damn good. They played with a singer at our request, Helena Debono, who was perfect: smoky, rich vocals and great stage presence. Jacky was really easy to work with throughout on everything practical, responding quickly to emails, letting us plug into the band's sound system when needed, being flexible on repertoire but also offering helpful advice and being happy to follow the feel of the room. Highly recommended, and I'd book them again in a heartbeat (for pretty much any kind of event)."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I booked the jazz band to play at my wedding in August after listening to their music online. We were not disappointed! The music was simply perfect and Ed was so helpful leading up to the day. I'd definitely recommend them to anyone. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for a thrilling performance, Gabriel. There is no doubt that your mastery of piano and keyboard is imminent. While I can barely play piano, I do listen as I did when I was last in Sydney. That you have come so far, with such a large repertoire of both classical and South American masterworks, is not presented in what is a grouping of informal music. May I commend you on the interesting variations of intonation that you are able to express. Your technique is enviable. I am unfortunately not an expert in critique. What may help you as you press on to a rating of 102 out of 95, are some observations. That the Kwai is good is undoubted, and even with the Beale that you played upstairs in Allans, before Allans closed, the Pitt Street store, compared against the longer Yamaha Grand that you also played, in any of these, the higher octaves can sound a bit thin against the richness of the lower and middle registers. There were moments in My Way, when I sensed the thinness of the upper octaves. I thought also that as you had to reach so far, you had in fact more time than you think, to add more tone and meaning. I thought that you were a bit rushed at that point of the performance. You have all the skill necessary. Just take a little more time, particularly on your first right hand move into the upper octaves, to let the jazz notes fall like a sprinkling of rain. They are short notes and to fit them into strict time with such a large move up the keyboard, seems for a moment to squeeze the time you think you have to execute several high notes. Elsewhere in the several performance pieces, you extract a richness also in the higher octave notes. Well done. That the piece New York has syncopation and time changes is challenging. Your performed well. I do seem to think that you may benefit by understanding or viewing performances of tap dancers dancing to the piece. It is a difficult idiom, and not one I used to adore. So if we have experienced the dance moves, we may then relate better to the changes. Still very good playing. I so much enjoyed your performances. "

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted to say thank you so much again for Saturday - everyone loved the music and it was the perfect way to start the evening. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired Paul and Andy (piano and sax) for our Christmas wedding last month, and they were absolutely perfect. Everyone loved them and it really added to the atmosphere. So pleased we booked Cocktail Jazz, they were brilliant :)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks for such a top flight, professional and enjoyable performance from The Crotchet Club last weekend. The atmosphere you created was just right for the occasion and your pre-event organisation must have been very well done as your arrival and departure was not even noticed........just the wonderful music in between."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A very nice and satisfying duo. Never seen such an artistic ability while remaining close to the tastes of the listeners. Very highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked John as a jazz trio for a surprise 60th party. they were fantastic - very professional and sounded great. Arrived on time - left when they were ready and they made the party. Thanks very much and good luck in the south west!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just to say a big thank you for playing on Wednesday.  It was just great and perfect for the occasion. Everyone loved your music."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The guys did a brilliant job for our dinner - very professional. Just what we wanted. Thanks also for learning the new music. We'll definitely be in touch again for next year."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I booked John as a Jazz duo with his fellow musician Rob for a Corporate Event in which our most senior executives were present. Their performance created the whole ambiance of the evening and captivated our guest’s right from the beginning to when our last guests left which was long after they were due to finish performing. John’s ability to read the target audience and deliver a mellow and memorable experience to all that attended was awe inspiring and the response from the guests was highly positive. His passion for his music speaks for itself and his professionalism and gentleman like demeanour meant it was an absolute pleasure to work with him. I would not think twice to book him and his fellow musicians for our future events and will be booking again very soon"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dinner Jazz Duo played during my wedding breakfast at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire - they were lovely. Nice background music and friendly with my guests. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: