Review Centre: 1930s Era Musicians & Bands

"Cellar Magnaval became encore more French this evening. The 20's ambience came to Woking with the voice of sexy Muriele and huge talent of Dominic. All our guests absolutely loved it. Can't wait for the next. A lovely treat post-Valentine. Merci"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jack Bowers The Rick Holland—Evan Dobbins Little Big Band Trilby RPO Productions Five years after a sensational opening act (In Time's Shadow, 2006), trumpeter Rick Holland and trombonist Evan Dobbins have returned for an encore, Trilby, marshaling as before their irrepressible Little Big Band. As was noted of that earlier recording, "the only thing small about [this band] is its numbers." Baritone saxophonist Dean Keller, who shared that chair with Kerry Strayer on Shadow, also returns. The rest of the lineup is brand new, with Evan Dobbins' dad, the well-known educator Bill Dobbins (Eastman School of Music), replacing the splendid pianist John Nyerges. Besides shining at the keyboard, Bill Dobbins wrote "My Darling Darlene" and arranged half of the album's other ten numbers. Although he doesn't play this time around, Strayer composed "Rich's Call" and arranged Sonny Stitt's "Eternal Triangle" and Oscar Pettiford's "Tricotism," while Brent Wallarab wrote "Trilby" and arranged Benny Golson's "Stablemates." Bill Dobbins' engaging charts brighten three originals by Hendrik Meurkens—"Slidin," "Second Waltz," "The Cottage"—as well as Hal Crook's "Fused" and Alec Wilder's lovely standard, "While We're Young" (a reprise from the band's earlier album). Holland, who plays flugelhorn exclusively, solos strongly on seven numbers, striking the ball with assurance and perception on every turn at bat. Bill Dobbins ("Slidin," "The Cottage," "Trilby," "Darlene," "Tricotism") amplifies the message, as do Evan Dobbins ("Slidin," "Fused"), Doug Stone (alto on "Stablemates," clarinet on "Second Waltz," soprano on "Trilby" and "While We're Young"), tenor Mike Pendowski ("Eternal Triangle," "Fused," "Rich's Call"), trombonist Nick Finzer ("Second Waltz," "Tricotism"), bassist David Baron ("The Cottage," "Tricotism") and blue-chip drummer Rich Thompson ("Eternal Triangle," "Fused," "Rich's Call"). When they're not having their say, the ensemble is front and center, giving each of the charts its single-minded attention. The result is music that flows easily without miscue. Trilby marks a second triumph by the Holland / Dobbins Little Big Band, which, as was noted after its debut album, "is more big than little, in every sense of the word." Those who appreciate a tight, swinging band, even if slightly undersized, are sure to admire Trilby."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Every struggling student of the piano must feel some sort of envy as he sails serenely through the tempest of notes, the trills and scales, runs and arpeggios bouncing off his fingers like spray from a rock."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I came to watch Hitchen Big Band at Pertuis Jazz Festival in 2017, while I was on holiday in France. Wow, what a great band! David has several groups, including small jazz bands also. Brilliant."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Je viens d'écouter ton enregistrement, bravo à toi et aux autres musiciens! C'est très agréable à écouter et pas si sombre que ça, comparé à Almost blue de Chet Baker, une des rares musiques que je connaisse vraiment de lui avec My funny Valentine. Cela m'a surtout fait replonger dans l'ambiance d'un très bon film noir de Louis Malle de la fin des années 50 à Paris " Ascenseur pour l'échaffaud", la BO est de Miles Davis"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"On the night Pete Billigton set the right atmosphere with his piano, leading up to a superb gig with Fleur Stevenson singing, accompanied by Pete and Raph Mizraki on the double bass. Fleur's voice is remarkable and the choice of pieces was most fitting. I was complimented by many friends about the music - some jazz players themselves. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so very much for playing yesterday. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and it turned a sad occasion into the celebration that Della wanted. The music you played was fabulous. Everyone commented that the music was a magical touch and that Della would have loved every minute of it. So thank you and please send our thanks to the rest of your band. I found booking your band a very easy and straightforward process with prompt correspondence from you. A few friends and myself are going to book a Friday evening with your band and dinner at the Savoy "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just to say a big thank you to you and your wonderful swing band for providing such wonderful music and entertainment for our evening reception. We both thought it was brilliant and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just great! Lovely set of guys, very professional. The perfect accompaniment for our 90th birthday celebration. They set the mood beautifully. Would highly recommend. 5 Stars"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Roger brought an extra special touch to my mums birthday party as he would to any event. This was the second time we have booked him. He is such a talented pianist and lovely person and really brought a sparkle to the event and helped create such a happy atmosphere. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you very much for coming to our wedding and playing for us. Everyone enjoyed your music and it made a nice relaxing end to a very busy day for most of us."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A truly sublime evening! - I could not recommend Dolores & F. highly enough, led by the exquisite vocals of Sarah Jane. Our perfect mid-summer conditions; outdoor 60th birthday with 80+ guests, were complemented by crystal-clear vocals, excellent instrumentalists and a repertoire from ‘50s -90s which set and caught the mood. The band’s flexibility even embraced ‘roving’ musicians (ie the birthday boy on clarinet) who wanted to indulge in some trad jazz. Everyone had such a good time, in no small part due to the quality, atmosphere and enjoyment created by D&F. Brilliant!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing. Professionals in every aspect of their work. Many thanks."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sax Addict laid the perfect backdrop to my lakeside canapes. Lush."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just a quick note to thank you for last weekend – the band and disco were excellent. Everyone commented on how good the band was – many thanks. It made for a good evening."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: