The first time I heard Although You Cannot See Me its beauty brought me to tears. The words and music touch your heart, and Kathy's voice is simply sublime.
(Roy Grimes, Radio Presenter on thevoicefm.co.uk February 2014)
The album Ictal Variations is a work of pure genius. It gives the listener a clear and in-depth picture of the complex and diverse world of epilepsy.
(Dr Julie Thompson-Dobkin, Epilepsy Foundation, UCLA, and Hidden Thruths Manager. October 2013)
"Obliging, pleasant and immaculate in presentation, this young man has a level of technical and artistic expertise that is rare. He is committed to providing a high standard of excellence at every undertaking whether for charity, as paid employment, working with ensembles or as a sole performer. At all times his standard of performance has been received with pleasure and acclaim." (Dr Barbara C. Morden, March 2010)
"He is a totally dedicated professional, everything he does is to the highest order.
His role as an Elton John tribute act is first class, close your eyes and you would believe that Elton John is there, his voice is just brilliant.
His keyboard skills are fantastic, he presents the whole tribute image really well and his interaction with the audience is wonderful to see.
He has a lovely relaxed personality and would be an asset to any show." (Mr J. Wardle January 2010)
"His professionalism and passion for his work drive all that he does.
He is an all out performer with an ability to connect with audiences as he adds flare and spontaneity to his shows.
He is a capable musician across many genres and has a particular affinity with the music and songs of “Elton John”. He is masterful in his technique and polished in his performance and is a delight to watch.
As a recording artist, he is a pleasure to work with, as his commitment to music and his work and practice mean that recordings are usually done in one take."
(Mr D. Milburn 2010)
"Guy is a talented and innovative performer who has performed with considerable success.
Guy has inspired mixed audiences - both in age and interest - with his imaginative interpretations of compositions of his own and of other people. He has a convincing command of performing and he leaves an audience in eager anticipation of more to come.
Guy Stoker is a competent and convincing musician who has a great deal still to offer."
(Mr M. James, 2010)
"I met Guy Stoker on the Saga Pearl 2 during a two week cruise to Iceland. Guy was the cocktail pianist and played several times a day in one of two venues. He always dressed smart wearing either a black or white dinner jacket with bow tie. Guy had a wonderful personality and liked to talk with the passengers and would tell lots of interesting stories about his journey to becoming a cruise pianist in his time off. Guy played a variety of easy listening songs during afternoon tea. In the evening Guy came into his own, playing lots of different genre, from sing along songs to songs he had written himself. Above all, were the musical songs which I thoroughly enjoyed. He played everything from “Bring Him Home” from “Les Miserable” to “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” from “The Lion King”. Guy plays with such passion and emotion with a very distinctive voice. He had me in tears several times during one evening when he sang “This Is The Moment” and “He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother”. Between songs, Guy would interact with the passengers with a story or the reasons why he sang such songs. Guy’s voice lends itself to singing Elton John and John Lennon songs such as “Imagine” and “Your Song”, with your eyes closed you wouldn’t know the difference. One evening, Guy sang “Rocketman” with the resident Saga Pearl band in the main lounge which was enjoyed by all with a standing ovation, what an amazing song and what an amazing performance. If I knew Guy was one of the entertainers on board a ship, I would have no hesitation in booking my next cruise with them."
(Sandra Pettit (Gosport), July 2011)
It is with great pleasure that I write this TESTIMONIAL for musician, Guy Stoker.
My husband & I travelled on the amazing “Saga Pearl 11” between 12th & 26th July 2011 leaving Dover, England, en route to the Baltic. SAGA initiated our first experience by taking photos at the terminal, capturing our excited anticipation of our forthcoming two weeks. The ship’s company went to incredible lengths to ensure the passengers: their guests enjoyed themselves immensely at all times. What was in store for us in the way of entertainment & excursions? Little did we know what fabulous, talented people had been organised for us all to enjoy musically?
One such person was, Guy Stoker, a very talented musician. Guy Stoker is not ”just a cocktail pianist” but an all-round entertainer. He is not “just an afternoon or morning tea piano player”, he has an incredible ability to entertain in a manner which suits the occasion. His versatility is to be applauded. I love music, & at one stage had thought, his talents were “wasted” but this is what he had been hired for & he did it well.
When Guy played for the morning or afternoon teas, he played appropriate background music to suit the occasion. He adapted himself skilfully when he played in the evening shows accompanying other artists. He would also be well suited to being a performer in his own right during some occasions. He has the ability to entertain not just with accompanying music, his own compositions, or by performing the music of many famous people as well as music from a wide diversity of genres. His accompanying information about the artists is an extra bonus.
But it was in Shackelton’s Bar that Guy was able to show his varying ability, again done with diplomacy. Other experienced pianists would have been able to distinguish his talent. His singing & piano talents were brilliantly further exposed when, at a passenger’s suggestion, he teamed up & did amazing performances with the sublime Sally Jones. He also teamed up for some memorable duos with Malcolm Torrent, an amazing impromptu fun performance with Robert Craig & certainly last but not least, with the ever popular Resty Sacedor. How lucky were we to experience their magic together & witness the assured spontaneity in all their performances, particularly Guy as the pianist, & singing as well. We were indeed fortunate!
Further to this, Guy has written some of his own material which is also commendable. I, among others, was amazed at his versatility. I sincerely wish him all the very best and know that whatever he undertakes will be done with sincerity and respect.
Karen Davey. Fremantle Australia
BA Comm/Cult St., Dip. Ed.Teaching, Eng./Sp. Needs.
(October 2011)
I met Guy Stoker on a cruise ship in May, we were traveling for two weeks to Baltic Cities. From our first meeting, when we were both looking for the dining room, I was struck by his natural, open presence and amiability which led to an instant liking. I didn't know then that he was the ship's pianist.
Later I saw him at the piano in the cocktail lounge and was struck again by his lack of pretension, ease at the keyboard and how instantly other people in the lounge were drawn to him.
But of course it was his musical ability combined with his friendly, likable manner that made him such a bonus to have on board for the two weeks. He sang, often his own work, with great sensitivity and with a fine baritone voice and applied himself so well to the necessary ambiance for the time of day. Ballads,classics and pop for lunch and early evening and smooth jazz classics for late evening. He proved a perfect accompanist for professional shipboard singers and amateurs alike and when a music quiz had to be hurriedly put together was totally unfazed and able to grab songs out of the air providing a wonderful evenings entertainment.
I have been a professional singer, songwriter myself so have experience in the field. I feel this young man would be asset and compliment to any professional music situation. He has the ability to rise to any occasion requiring his musical skills and all done with great good humour and professionalism. Guy's presence on board was one of the lasting memories and great bonus's of the cruise.
(D. Matheou, Passenger onboard Saga Pearl 2, May 2011)
I had the pleasure of working with the very talented Guy Stoker on the Saga Pearl 11 cruise ship in 2011. Guy has an engaging personality and has the versatility and repertoire necessary to be an excellent piano entertainer. He has a range of vocal styles which he cleverly uses to fit the particular music he's playing. Not only is he an exceptional piano/vocalist, he also has a very rare and superb talent as an accn impromtu show together due to popular request - and with very little rehearsal, managed to put on a polished and impressive standard of performance. I would unreservedly recommend Guy Stoker for his professionalism, ability, talent and enthusiasm.
(Sally Jones, Entertainer, October 2011)
We first met Guy Stoker midway through 2011 on a ship where he was the main cocktail entertainer. He welcomed us as colleagues as we are a piano duo. We were fortunate enough to hear him play on many occasions. We were struck by his musicianship, as he is seemingly able to turn his hand to any song and make it come to life through his thoroughly musical and very able piano playing. He has an excellent singing voice which has a lovely lyricism when called for, but which is also able to bring out the high points in songs to great effect. His touches of light and shade were also much in evidence, and Guy is himself a successful song-writer.
It was clear that he was also able to create great rapport with his audience, both in a cocktail setting as well as on the occasions when he is on a platform. Though he already has a wide repertoire of songs which he knows from memory, he seems to be constantly adding to his repertoire and seems to be able to draw from a wide variety of sources for his musical material.
We thoroughly recommend him as a pianist and singer and believe that he will bring great joy to many through his music.
Linda Ang Stoodley & Robert Stoodley
Piano À Deux
As a lecturer on Military Music aboard the Saga Pearl 2, I came into contact with Guy Stoker on a number of occasions in July 2011, during their Baltic Cruise. I gave several talks ranging from demonstrations on a variety of trumpets, explanations of the musicians of the Houehold Cavalry of which I was their Director of Music over some years, and anecdotes on Royal Occasions.
During the Cruise, Guy Stoker entertained the passengers in various theatres on board with great versatility and aplomb. He is clearly a very talented musician and accomplished pianist and it was this talent that brought us together as a musical combination with the singer on board, Sally Jones, and myself on trumpet performing a number of classics including "Misty","My Way", and What a Wonderful World". There was little rehearsal as it was a spontaneous occasion which brought the house down.
I well remember the occasion he sang "Bring Him Home" from "Les Miserables" and recall the standing ovation he received. It was a first class performance. This versatility in striking the right balance in accompaniments, excellent aural skills and a genuine wish to both please the audience and artists alike, was proof enough of his professional approach to his music making.
I imagine that armed with these musical qualities, combined with his willingness to contribute to the occasion, his pleasant sense of humour and considerate personality, will bring him just rewards in the future.
Lt Col (Retd) Malcolm Torrent LTCL LGSM psm Director of Music
I have known Guy for 2 years. I have found him to be both an extremely talented musician and vocalist, and a thouroughly pleasant person.
Guy provided the evening's music at the golden wedding celebration of my wife and I. The evening was a great success, in no small way due to Guy, and I received many favourable comments from our guests.
I have played with Guy on a practice evening of a local show band. Once again I found his ablity to accompany brilliantly, a band of 'strangers' quite amazing. I have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone.
Roy Huxtable, North Devon. (October 2011)