Here are various reviews of Billy Thompson Gypsy Style from the press and also from private individuals over the years…
‘Following a stunning performance on behalf of North Wales Jazz in Bellevue Park last summer, Billy Thompson Gypsy Style returns by popular demand… ‘ The Chester Chronicle
Review Tuesday 6th October, 2015.
Billy Thompson “Gypsy Style” with Karen Street
We offer this review, not as experts in the Jazz field but as two ordinary people who enjoy a wide variety of different music styles and, when we hear it, know what we like.
We came to Jazz Club for an evening of entertainment and Billy and his “Gypsy Style” Band certainly served us ‘shed loads’ of it. Fun, banter, showmanship and incredible musicianship to send us both home very, very happy.
Billy, in many ways, is to Gypsy Jazz what Nigel Kennedy is to classical music. Both are incredible exponents of their ‘art’ and both push the ‘boundaries’ of their respective genres, sometimes to the extremes. This evening was no exception with a very broad programme encompassing the full range of the Band’s musical spectrum. From a gentle ballad “Bei Dir War Es Immer So Schon” to fast and furious numbers like Rosenberg’s “Gypsymania” that conjured images of wild dancing around the flickering flames of the warming fire and left the audience breathless.
The whole band came fully equipped, each with two sets of ‘flying fingers and thumbs’ which often became a blur as they flew expertly and precisely over the strings and keys of their respective instruments (or did they each have a third hand skilfully concealed by the blur?).
’Full-on’ musicianship was the keynote of the performance; but delivered in a slick, polished and highly accomplished and relaxed manner. Each musician complementing perfectly the others and contributing equally to the overall balance of the carefully scored arrangement for each number (experts always make it look so easy!).
Karen Street on Accordion; Andy Mackenzie on Guitar; Eryl Jones on Guitar, Mandolin and vocals; Greg Robley on Bass and of course Billy Thompson; we salute you all and your many amazing musical talents.
Chris & Jenny Weaving
P.S. Here’s a thought, what about a Nigel Kennedy & Billy Thompson duo (cf. Menuhin & Grappelli)?
The band’s latest CD was mentioned in the Musician’s Union Magazine’s Reviews section:
A selection of customer reviews from Billy’s Yell.com advert:
A great night and a wonderful band. 5 stars doesn’t do them justice!
The music was fabulous, musicians, passionate and the music made the evening. Everyone enjoyed it and are still talking about it.
Will definitely be booking him again and have no hesitation in highly recommending him.
Talented, professional and a genuine happy person.
Thank you, Billy.
Billy played for us in August 2006 at our wedding reception – hot off the stage at Brecon Jazz Festival.
There are further Reviews on Billy’s Yell.com advert