Review Centre: One Man Bands

"Played at an event and did a fantastic job. He had everybody dancing and having a great time. Very professional and would recommend to anybody looking for a live performer for an event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"All of this is an admittedly roundabout way of confessing that I wasn't prepared to be as delighted as I am with Go Tell It on the Mountain (Silkheart), an album of traditional hymns and originals with heaven-gazing titles by Booker T. Williams Jr., a New York-based tenor saxophonist originally from Seattle who performs as Booker T. The obsessive soul-searching implicit in the programming suggests an affinity with John Coltrane. But unlike too many of the saxophonists who aim for Coltrane's spiritual elevation, Booker T has a devilish sense of humor best illustrated by his "Say amen, Gracie" drollery on "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," a homey little melody he elongates and fragments with the comic élan of a Sonny Rollins. In fact, the classic album that Go Tell It on the Mountain most recalls is Way Out West, Rollins's 1958 album of cowboy tunes--and not just because Booker T, like Rollins before him, finds inspiration in unlikely places. It's also because Booker T's interaction with the bassist Saheb Sarbib and the drummer Andrew Cyrille is as carefree and almost as electrifying as Rollins's with Ray Brown and Shelly Manne thirty years ago (or better yet, with Wilbur Ware and Elvin Jones on A Night at the Village Vanguard, from around the same time). Despite the sarcasm implicit in Booker T's low-register bleats, his performances of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "Jesus Loves Me" exude sincerity, much the way Rollins's interpretations of oddball pop tunes do. For Booker T, as for Rollins, satire is a sign of respect, not condescension. Booker T is ecumenical: one of the album's most infectious cuts is "Halle Kalle Mazeltov," a hora whose modality he cagily exploits. The Spartan trio format means that Sarbib and Cyrille have to function as soloists as well as rhythm stalwarts, and both men shoulder the added burden gracefully, maintaining melodic continuity in a manner that bassists and drummers seldom do when they solo. Despite the length of some of the tracks (the title tune, which is just over sixteen minutes, is a Booker T original, not the folk song of the same name), Booker T's solos never deteriorate into self-indulgent braying. His sense of thematic exposition is too well developed for that-another cue he takes from Rollins. (And as if to underscore his lineage, the CD-only bonus track is Rollins's calypso "St. Thomas.") He switches to alto on his own "When Mama Cries I Cry," and his phrasing is impressively speechlike on this lighter horn. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"5 stars across the board, we had a cookout for my sister and her fiancé and he played such a variety and put up with our silliness! He was early, respectful, professional, and knew how to work the crowd playing different songs. Thank you again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Damien was absolutely fantastic from beginning to end. He responded immediately when I had any questions. He arrived on time and brought another guitarist with him. We originally booked him for two hours. He played for the two hours and it was mainly as background music as everyone was chatting. I had asked if possible we could ask him to play for longer if required. As it was coming to the end of the set people had just began to dance. So we asked if he could play for another hour. He agreed. Damien and Roger played until passed midnight. They were fantastic, played every request that we asked if them even songs he hadn't played before. He is so talented and he has an amazing voice. Every one at the party said they were brilliant. A good event turned into an unforgettable evening all due to Damien and Roger. Not only great musicians but absolutely lovely guys. Clearly passionate about music. My guests and I can't thank them enough. We will be having a party next year and will definitely book Damien again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Will definitely book again! Very professional and an amazing singer! From our initial communication and during the event we couldn’t have asked for better entertainment. Loved Riley’s genres of music and guitar playing. We felt like we were at a private concert. Thank you a special night!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fantastic performance! Tom’s ability to engage the crowd was impressive. His upbeat tunes got everyone jigging around. Can't wait to see him again!"

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"“JuanMa y su Sonido Costeño play some of the Hottest Salsa, Cuban Son and Merengue in New York City.” -Daily News"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Professional and really picks up the vibe nicely and plays appropriately. Pleasure to work with and really talented. Our patrons always enjoy his performances."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A++++ So glad we had Chris play at the event. It was the highlight of the night and set the mood. He played great songs that everyone knew and loved. Can’t say enough good things and will book Chris again for sure! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"No wonder Jolina is a popular stage partner in the USA. Her performance is very impressive and authentic."

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"Matt performed at our wedding and was outstanding! I’d thoroughly recommend him. He was able to play/sing a variety of songs and really got the party started. Very professional attitude. Our wedding guests adored him!!!!! X "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stevie is a very professional entertainer who entertained our group and kept them dancing well past midnight, even though the average age was over 65. He arrived in good time to set up and even provided an extra mic for me to make the announcements. Would definitely hire him again and recommend him for any function. Thanks again Stevie for making it such a brilliant night for everyone."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fantastic artist , accommodates all tastes , genres from 50's to modern day .. folk rock indie rock & roll country blues .. and a unique talent on the harmonica .. brilliant voice akin to Bruce Springsteen, Bob Segar and Kelly Jones.. well worth booking"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"John performs to the crowd—if they’re mellow he’s mellow. If they’re having fun he kicks it up a notch with them. Great blues and blues rock. His original songs are crowd pleasers. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Chad Freeman and Redline deliver a refreshing take on country music, seamlessly blending traditional roots with a contemporary edge. The band's distinctive sound is marked by Freeman's emotive vocals and the tight musical chemistry within Redline. Their lyrics resonate with authenticity, often weaving tales of everyday life and heartbreak. With a dynamic stage presence and skilled instrumentation, Chad Freeman and Redline captivate audiences, offering a memorable live experience for both dedicated country fans and those new to the genre."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: