Review Centre: Soul Bands

"Where to even start?! WOW! We’re honestly all still buzzing! What a night we all had on Saturday! Honestly, it was so, so special for us and you guys were the biggest part of that. I knew you were going to be amazing but you were amazing AND THEN SOME! It’s so lovely to hear that you were all loving life too – that means a lot! I just can’t thank you enough personally for all of your help and advice in the lead up to the party – you’ve been so helpful, accommodating and reassuring the whole time and just been so nice to be in touch with! It’s been such a pleasure! And again on the day you were a complete star and took so much work away from us as we literally didn’t have to worry about you guys – you had it all in hand, even the clearing up – naughty! Haha! Please pass on our sincere thanks to Dale and the whole band who are all so super talented, and so super fun! They absolutely made our night! I had high expectations and they smashed them! I have to give a shout out to our singers (Dee and Mel was it?!), I mean how incredible were they?! So much charisma and sass- I think I’m actually obsessed with them haha! Not forgetting the Swing Singer and Quartet you also provided. Amazing! Thanks for making it such a special night for us and our guests – you knocked all of our socks off! We will absolutely be recommending you to anyone and everyone (!) and wouldn’t hesitate to book you guys again for any future event that we’re having. You should all be so proud of the overall package you provide as a band – it’s unique and it’s special. THANK YOU for everything. I’m so sad this is all over so let’s just say, until the next time…! ? All the very best, xx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band threw a superb performance , sounded like they have been playing for 20 years together "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We couldn't have enough. Professional musicians with experience. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band, The Globe, Cardiff, January 31st Jan Louder Than War’s Nick Fisk catches Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band for an evening of soul classics, resulting in him feeling like he probably should have seen them sooner. There’s something life-affirming about tonight. We may be specks of dust on a chunk of rock spinning around in a seemingly meaningless way, but when people come together for this band, somehow it’s as if sense is made of the world after all, if only for the duration of the gig. Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band have been treading the boards for some time now. And with it being such a large band, you’d think a lot of those boards must have been worn right down. They’ve been known to play in pubs and clubs the length and breadth of Cardiff, including pubs near to this very venue, like the Claude. Have always meant to catch them, but somehow never did, and as a result, this was my first time. I always thought The Regular Fries would have made a good support act. In terms of musical styles, the two bands are like chalk and cheese, but then again, if you think about it, a hamburger and a potato chip are not really similar food stuffs, but are great as a combination. But the London baggy propagandists split up some time ago, while Big Mac has just carried on. The name of the band pretty much gives it away in terms of which genre Big Mac’s fit into – unapologetically in the style of The Commitments (though they actually began before the film came out, and have even supported the band), this is a great, big band, playing all the soul classics you might expect to hear, but in such a smooth, polished style that they can rightfully claim to be the best in South Wales – it would be a brave effort to try to steal this band’s mantle. They have the look, the sound, the lot. Dressed smartly in black, there is a proper feel of professionalism, with just that little bit of gangster-chic thrown in for good measure, with the heavies on the right on the brass, the ladies on the left on backing vocals, and Mike “Big Mac” McNamara himself, proudly centre stage, with something of the look of Al Pacino about him. He has a fantastic voice, with a great range, which he can vary according to which song he’s covering – he can be deep and gravelly at one point, but then switch to softer and smoother, but all the while, extremely strong and confident – he’s a great leader, always with a smile. It’s hard to say which are my favourite songs of the set, they do them all so well. “Mustang Sally” is definitely one that seems popular with everyone; I’ve always liked “Build Me Up, Buttercup” for some reason. We have two whole sets of all the greats, plus an encore, so value for money is never in doubt. When it’s done right, I guess it goes without saying that soul music is good for the soul, and Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band are proof positive of this. This gig was a sell-out, and there will be many people greatly looking forward to seeing them again in a few months for their 25th anniversary in Newport. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent!! Interactive, entertaining and one of the best bands in Bham area! I’d absolutely pick a wedding with a band over a DJ anytime and this band solidified my decision with that!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Superriffic! The ladies showed up in style and professionalism. Had the most wonderful experience and highly recommend this singing group."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"James, You’re welcome and thank you guys for displaying your amazing talents with such an amazing show!! 3 hours plus of enjoyment!! I had the best time and as I told you I’ll be at the next!!!! 🎶🔥 💃🏾"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"we booked Raphael and the Blue moon jazz band a year ahead for our wedding in Montalcino in September. Raphael was so professional and sweet all through our planning, and we didn’t have to worry about anything. At the wedding day they arrived and and just started to play in front of the guest at the reception. everyone loved it. they were so kind and joyful, and was playing for hours with the biggest smile. so romantic and perfect for our wedding. we just sat in the sun, drinking champagne, eating delicious food and listened to real italian jazz. it couldn’t have been more perfekt. So if you want real italian mood for your wedding, a over the top professional band and some talented musicians, you have to book The Blue Moon Jazz Trio. We loved it! We wish you (Raphael and the band) all the best. Love Ken and Cecilie"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can’t recommend Retrophonic enough. So many of our guests after the wedding said how great they were. They were really professional and friendly, working with us to get a set list we’d love. They sounded amazing and most importantly got everyone up dancing. Definitely one of the best wedding bands out there!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Cheers played at our wedding in August this year and were absolutely phenomenal from the first set to the last. They were new to the venue but you wouldn't have known. Fuss free, fantastic attitude and with the perfect amount of stage presence for a wedding. Furthermore, Ben, the band manager, was easy to contact, always engaging and friendly, and on-hand for anything we needed. I can't recommend these guys enough. Book them and you won't regret it!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Played n sang a really good mix of dance numbers. On our feet all night ... a great evening. Hope to see u back very soon. Highly recommend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Helped us to make an already perfect day, memorable for all our guests. Even our “non dancer” friends we’re convinced to dancing with us. Great tracks from all decades. Thanks Xxx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"They were absolutely fabulous!! All of the bend members were willing to learn new songs to accommodate my husband and me. The music that they play is perfect for everyone at the party! Our parents, Our grandparents, and all of our friends LOVED them! The price is more than reasonable! I HIGHLY recommend Lisa & the E-Lusion to anyone! Review by Jill M. FROM DESTIN, FL "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Superriffic! The ladies showed up in style and professionalism. Had a most wonderful experience and highly recommended them."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Attended a disco night at the Safety Harbor Spa- it was a blast. They were great and the music was almost non-stop. Hoping our community hires them for our own Disco night."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: