Review Centre: Big Bands

"Brilliant - would absolutely recommend for a special occasion"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"incredible. I couldn’t have asked for a better group to entertain the guests and set the scene for the night. Laura has the most stunning voice and everyone fell in love with her. The musicians were amazing and we can’t thank them enough!!! If you could them more than 5 stars, I absolutely would. Thank you again!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A fantastic professional performance. I must say that you now are the Number One swing band in my estimation. By far the best sets I have had the privilege of enjoying. I highly recommend you and your swing band to everyone. It made the wedding day perfect. Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for helping create such a brilliant atmosphere at our wedding reception - lots of people commented on how good the music was!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a surprise! This band and musicians were unknown to me, but they are absolutely great! For listeners to hear musicians challenge themselves, and be taken along for the ride, records like this are a must! The musicians in the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band are all reaching the high musical standards realized by playing in this excellent Little Big Band! This music will be featured in my playlists for many months to come. Thank you again for sending this exceptional cd to me. Peter Kuller, Jazz Presenter, Radio 101.5 FM Adelaide, Australia"

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:

" I am proud that the Rick Holland - Evan Dobbins Little Big Band calls Tala Vera cantina home once a month. Rick is a consummate professional as well as a top tier musician. His Band comprises the best players Rochester has to offer. Such talent coupled with an amazing book of swing and traditional jazz, presents a special evening of music every time they play at Tala Vera. Bernard Matthews, Owner of Tala Vera, Rochester, NY I have had the pleasure to do some arranging and writing for Rick's groups and I have to say that his groups are always chocked full of the best musicians around. It's a pleasure to have music played with precision and integrity - no matter what the style or genre. I would highly recommend any or Rick's groups for a jazz or commercial setting. Jim Martin, Grand Rapids, MI We had the pleasure of having the USO-10 piece play at our wedding in May 2017. From the minute we met Rick Holland and heard the band play we knew they were the band for us. It was a pleasure to work with Rick, who was so professional and helpful in many ways especially song choices from everything to cocktail music, our entrance song, first dance, parent dances to our exit song. The dance floor was never empty. We are thrilled with the USO and look forward to hearing them again in the near future!! Thank you for making our wedding so special! Maureen and Mark Deckman Sometimes it all just falls into place. The setting, the situation, the scene, the tone -- everything is going your way. That describes last night for me. And at the heart of this mid-week Xanadu was the Rick Holland Uptown Orchestra, a modest, brass-centric outfit led by the trumpet-blowing Holland that swung with equal parts effervescence and laid-back cool at Lovin Cup. And come to find out, five of his Hollands regular guys were sidelined, and the holes on the bandstand were plugged with subs --- hired music muscle like Po’ Boy Erik Jacobs on the slide trombone. By the time the Orchestra heaped on a helping of Count Basie, there was nowhere else I wanted to be. I dragged my mom out in the cold for this show and she was thrilled when they stomped on the Savoy. Holland led the affair with a relaxed air, coaxing more than conducting under his porkpie lid. He went around the bandstand numerous times so every cat there got his fair shake, including pianist extraordinaire Bill Dobbins. This is one sweet band, yes, yes. Frank De Blase, Roch City News With all the hype going to Wynton Marsalis, you might not guess that there are other, lesser-known, straight-ahead trumpet players out there who are consistently ripping the hide off the ball. This, Rick Holland's auspicious debut, is an impressive effort. The trumpeter leads his quartet, backed by a solid Michigan-based rhythm section: pianist Terry Lower, bassist Ed Fedewwa, and drummer Larry Ochiltree, through a fiery trail of originals and standards, interspersed with some fine balladry. Holland's sensitive ear translates to some tight arrangements and a well-organized program. On flugelhorn, he boasts a rich, full tone that purrs with warmth. On the faster tunes, he steams. This is the kind of jazz that feels just right on a wintry day, with the fireplace in full throttle, and the feet resting on a cushion: it hits the spot perfectly, drenched with emotional power and skillful fortitude. Steve Loewy, All Music Guide"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I hired Fine Whines to play at our 25th Wedding Anniversary garden party last summer. Their fab music really made the party go with a swing. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the music and event. Fine Whines are extremely professional and friendly. Highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great fun and nice eclectic mix up of music. My customers really got involved with singing along and dancing. Enjoyable night for all. Highly recommend "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Saxophones, a rhythm section and vocals, swinging like crazy – that’s the aptly named FIVE STAR SWING ! As saxophone section in any band, they would take some beating. Beautiful tones and well-rehearsed by their leader, Chris Smith (Jnr), who has the singular talent of playing the trumpet with his right hand and the piano with his left at one and the same time ! He also happens to be a very experienced music writer having learnt his trade with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and Glenn Miller’s Brother, Herb. Add to the fact that he can also well handle a vocal, as can his wife, lead alto Simone Smith and tenor man Stephen Davies, who’s clarinet playing on “Sing, Sing, Sing” was superb – and it will give you some idea of the breadth of talent in this line-up. This is a band crying out to be danced to and it wasn’t long before the jivers took to the dance floor. Five Star Swing –a “must” for every dance club in the country."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘Everybody has commented on how well the party went and absolutely loved your singing - they all really praised you. I think you really made the night and you were so good with the kids I think they will talk about you for a long time.’ "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Can we just say WOW! You guys on Saturday were unbelievable. Everyone absolutely thrived and we couldn’t get people off the dance floor. Thank you so much to you and the whole team for making our day unforgettable! I have already had people from the wedding asking for the band's details!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Swing Empire have performed at several key events for us recently including the Cornwall Tourism Awards, our wedding open day and our New Years Eve celebration and they were amazing on each occasion! We had so many positive guest comments and feedback that we just had to book them again for this New Years. With a great variety of songs, interaction with the crowd and very smartly dressed what more could you want! Excellent musicians and certainly a band that we will be recommending for future events that The Headland organise and also for our clients weddings and corporate events."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Trip for Biscuits, you were amazing! From the after dinner duo, to the evening 5 piece band, it was perfect. With your unique style, your music added such great flare to our wedding. From randomly seeing you perform for the first time in the Bootlegger in Exeter, we absolutely loved your music & you certainly didn't disappoint for our big day!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Love these guys. The band and vocals are amazing. The really know how to make you feel good with music."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: