Review Centre: Blues Bands

"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:

"Jeff was able to schedule our awards dinner in with short notice and did a fantastic job. Our employees really enjoyed the wide variety of music he played (seeing our CEO get up and show us some dance moves to an old Elvis song was the highlight of the night though). We look forward to having Jeff back in the future! "

Reply by Beacon Street Jazz - Jeff Moyer
Thanks for the opportunity and the kind words Carl. You have a great group of people and they made it a fun evening. As discussed, I'm looking forward to bringing in my Jazz quintet next time. Best regards ... Jeff Moyer (BSJ)

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We did August lindennow pub rated us 5 stars out of 5 stars Will be going back in summer time"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"There’s more to Johnny Ticktin than meets the eye. Well-versed in the blues, having once served as lead guitar player for the legendary Louisiana Red, the open-minded Ticktin is a sponge, soaking up the subtle six-string nuances and intricacies of a multitude of genres—from surf to classic R&B, swing and even Mambo—on his eighth album with The Headhunters, That’s All I Need. It would feel right at home in any rough-and-tumble roadhouse. The title is borrowed from a song, covered here in all its dark, swampy glory, off Magic Sam’s 1967 iconic electric blues marvel West Side Soul. Watery, backwoods ripples of Sam’s tremolo guitar style and seductive rhythms meander through Creedence Clearwater Revival’s mysterious kudzu on Johnny & The Headhunters’ version, as Ticktin and company paddle up a lazy river of Bayou groove. Just as fluent in nasty rockabilly, they thrive in the sweltering heat of the 1957 obscurity “Chicken House,” giving it a warm buzz and making it rumble and swagger, while the lascivious, infectious funk of “Body and Fender” – a Doc Pomus/Duke Robillard joint originally built for soul crooner Johnny Adams – shakes all over and ogles the female form. A rousing, boogie-woogie version of Lowell Fulsom’s Chess Records’ hit “Rock ‘Em Dead” is wonderfully shambolic, and Ticktin rides the lightning of the Link Wray instrumental “Ace of Spaces” like a champ, gleefully wheeling through edgy garage-rock riffs with appropriate vim and vigor. What feel he and his band have for this material. There is not the slightest bit of indifference to it anywhere on this record. Not that they need it, but help arrives in the form of keyboardist Tam Sullivan, who wraps smoky, sensual organ and wraiths of piano around a soulful remake of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “Lead Me On,” and singer Liz Springer, who joins her brazen vocals to Ticktin’s in the cheeky, but charming, duet “Watch and Chain.” And, with the solid machinery of a good backing band at work behind him, Ticktin can just let loose – witness the slide-guitar fury of their cover of Elmore James’ “Shake Your Money Maker.” For aficionados of tasteful guitar work and music that time shouldn’t have forgotten, this is what you need. —Peter Lindblad SPREAD THE NEWS! FacebookTwitter RELATED STORIES September 3rd, 2023 Rhythm & Roots Festival August 28th, 2023 Rhythm & Roots: Family Fave July 28th, 2023 When Rock & Roll is a Verb"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Her self penned songs are truly inspirational and her vocal talent is one of the best I've heard in a very long time. I do think this lady is going places. Bo was an excellent guitarist and they both complimented each other's performance. - Sharon — Lydian Events"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We experienced a truly amazing wedding at 18! We enjoyed every moment of it. We were very pleased with your contribution and have already heard from several people that they loved the musical accompaniment of our party. We agree and would like to thank you once again for your musical contribution."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"LaQuin did an amazing job at my wedding! He was very easy to work with and came fully equipped with all of the sound equipment. He can play all types of music. I would absolutely hire him again! He made our cocktail hour perfect!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Nadine v. Music Entertainment We absolutely loved working with the band! They were very responsive, professional and most important: talented! My guests were very happy with the performance. Thank you Basoon in the Wild for making my daughter’s event more special!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Stir really rocked our party. Get had people dancing to rocking blues music all night"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Ixeis Afixeis perform, and I can confidently say they deliver an outstanding show every time. The band’s professional approach and incredible musicianship, especially the bouzouki solos, leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a wedding, festival, or private event, Ixeis Afixeis creates a festive and authentic Greek atmosphere. Based in Thessaloniki, they are a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the heart of Greek music!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Look at our #1 fan standing next to our singer Ronald Adams. We had 12 fans from London, England stay with us for 4 hours. They wouldn’t let us leave. We had to perform longer so we got a picture out of the deal. New Orleans you are getting free concerts for a while. Soon you will need a ticket. Cheers mate! BMC Balcony Music Club Jesse Jaeo Tolbert Terry Ruppel Tremusic Pro James Johnson"

Reply by XCITEMENT
We love ❤️ our fans!....-Xcitement

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ich empfehle die Boogiemen-Band gerne weiter. Diese großartigen Musiker haben bei unserem Firmenfest in Effendorf letzten November großartige Arbeit geleistet und werden sie auch im nächsten Jahr wieder dabei haben."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Unexpected Duo play a wide variety of music, and there are some “ unexpected” choices as a Duo they don’t seem to be limited, they play everything! Jan has a lovely voice , she sounds like Bonnie Raitt..we will continue to have them back every year!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I have hired the duo You & Me for my 30th birthday, which I held at an outdoor farm at noon. They were the ones who livened up the moment and it was beautiful to be able to share with my loved ones with good music from the hand of these two wonderful artists."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Crotchet Club played at our wedding and were absolutely fantastic. Their performance was amazing and really got everyone dancing. Their customer service was also brilliant, they were very responsive over email and were happy to accommodate our requests. On top of that they were really lovely people. They are great and would not hesitate to book them again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: