Review Centre: Keyboard Players

"Rating 5/6 : Very Enjoyable Absolute Mayhem The Horse & Chains, Bushey on Saturday 30 September 2023 It's a rare thing to go into a local pub and hear a keyboard player who has been described as a musical "genius" by none other than David Bowie. This is no tall story either. The musician Billy Ritchie was the first player in rock music to give keyboards a prominent role -- and that was before Keith Emerson (ELP) and Rick Wakeman came on the scene. Billy told me that he remained good friends with the Thin White Duke until his death in 2016. Lanark-born Mr Ritchie now provides the skilful and fancy keyboards and records backing tracks for his latest incarnation Mayhem with talented female singer Carol Leslie. Carol is a really strong vocalist with a gutsy style. This dynamic duo started their first set at the cosy Sebright Arms with Elvis's late sixties' classic Suspicious Minds. The second song was a surprise -- Kirsty MacColl's comedy number There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears His Elvis. It was a perfect choice after the first song. Carol and Billy select their material wisely and give their audience something very different from the predictable Mustang Sally, Brown Eyed Girl and I Saw Her Standing There, churned out by so many pub bands. So it was great to hear Georgio Moroder and Phil Oakey's electro smash Together In Electric Dreams, Matchbox's catchy rocker Rockabilly Rebel, Starship's uplifting We Built This City (on which Billy demonstrated his keyboard dexterity) and Solomon Burke's gospel-ish Cry To Me. And that was just the first half. Carol is happy to tackle songs usually associated with male vocalists and she started part two with a raucous version of Bryan Adams' rocker Summer Of 69. If you have never seen Mayhem, ask Billy to perform Light My Fire, the Doors rock classic from 1967. This was a sheer musical masterclass as he re-created both vocally and instrumentally this great song. Billy has a rich, tuneful voice and this was a stunning performance. Other highlights in the second half included Journey's rock anthem Don't Stop Believing, Carol's gritty interpretation if Shania Twain's Man I Feel Like A Woman and a fine performance of Bon Jovi's Living On A Prayer A total of 24 songs and I cannot wait to see this duo again. My only concern is their name. I think many club and pubgoers might think Mayhem are a heavy metal band rather than an all-round, top class duo. COLIN FENN, DJ, Freelance Journalist Colin Fenn, DJ - Freelance Journalist, Thursday 5 October 2023"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Steve put on a wonderful array of music for Gems and Aj’s Blessing of their Marriage at the OrTon Hall Hotel, from music for walking Gems down the aisle to great music for dancing later into the evening. It was all absolutely perfect. Thank you Steve. It was a Great Evening. And you made it very enjoyable."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely. :- if you are ever after a band for a celebration, these are your guys. The versatility of this band is impressive. They can pretty much play anything you request. They each bring their own individual talent across as very professional. I would highly recommend them and know you would not be disappointed. We will definitely be rebooking! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"At a recent birthday celebration, Tom added a touch of elegance and charm to the event. He effortlessly entertained the guests with a mix of lively tunes and soothing melodies. Tom’s versatility was commendable as he seamlessly switched genres, catering to the diverse preferences of the attendees. His ability to read the room and gauge the energy level ensured that the music perfectly complemented the party atmosphere. Tom's talent was evident, and his performance undoubtedly elevated the overall experience, leaving everyone thoroughly entertained and impressed. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I've performed with, or seen Mark perform hundreds of times over the past 15 years. He can entertain all ages with his singing and playing. He relies on a vast repertoire of songs and musical styles to put a smile on your face and get your toes to tapping. What a versitile and talented musician, singer and performer! Book him for your event and he won't dissapoint!! As a professional musician and guitarist for over 40 years, I highly recommend him!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing! We have had Kevin play at our reception for the past two years and have nothing but great things to say. He is so easy to work with and does a phenomenal job!"

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:

"Thank you for this wonderful journey around the world to meet the Human."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I cannot rave enough about my experience with Mr. McGrath. He communicated frequently throughout the whole process and was just so great to work with. Class act and true talent!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"So so good, you played a combination of everything!! You guys were brilliant, topped the whole day off!!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My friend, Jose Herrera, made this amazing video. I had to stop and rewind a few times just to catch up on images I hadn't fully taken in! Of course, the music is great, too."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The pianist came very early to prepare for the wedding and she played jazz music very beautifully for the guest welcoming. She accompanied our wedding moments with sensitivity and professionalism. We were very happy with the performance. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band was great!played 2 sets everyone loved them and had a fun time dancing.Will definitely hire them again!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Liliana for my 50th birthday garden party. Her performance completely changed the dynamics of the party to fun nostalgic and romantic 😍. She has excellent repertuar. Great performance. We highly recommend. "

Reply by Music of soul
Thank you very much for your review, Angelika. It was pleasure to play music on your event. Also, thank you for your trust.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Helen is such a lovely and talented lady!! She brought so much fun to my party by performing some cracking 80s tunes. She was incredibly accommodating with my song requests and threw herself into the spirit of the evening. Thank you SO much Helen for making the night so special 🤩!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: