"Thank you for the wonderful work you did at our wedding reception at the Eglinton Grand. Your music was absolutely wonderful and perfect! Everyone was so thrilled and impressed with the band, and had nothing but the best things to say about you. You were professional, prepared, and amazing-and we couldn't have asked for anything more! Thank you again, Nick and Lara"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
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"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:
"Such a variety of music. The most beautiful version of Pachelbel's Canon (specially requested) to walk down the aisle to, a song so close to my heart. And then Disney classics. Outstanding musicians. I cannot recommend enough. You made our day even more magical. Thank you "
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"I love jazz but many of my party guests were not so keen. After Vibrant Jazz entertained us for a brilliant evening I have had so many comments about how good they were and how much they enjoyed the music. Many thanks for helping the night go with a swing!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"You guys went down a storm and everyone loved you! Thank you again for an amazing evening of entertainment. Your guys were brilliant!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Dear Swing Shift: What can we say to such an amazing group? Nevin and I are so glad you were able to perform at our wedding reception! You absolutely made the night and guests have been raving nonstop about the music! The ambiance was perfect-our favourite style of jazz performed by such a talented, professional group. We appreciated your flexibility in accommodating the schedule for the night. Thanks again for the amazing night! Rachelle and Nevin"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Dear Danilo, You made our wedding by worlds the most special, wonderful, humorous and emotional experience in recent years. Friends and family keep telling us how great our free wedding ceremony was.... We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. PS: some are still asking for cookies???? best regards Stephan & Collin & Nadine"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Where to even start?! WOW! We’re honestly all still buzzing! What a night we all had on Saturday! Honestly, it was so, so special for us and you guys were the biggest part of that. I knew you were going to be amazing but you were amazing AND THEN SOME! It’s so lovely to hear that you were all loving life too – that means a lot! I just can’t thank you enough personally for all of your help and advice in the lead up to the party – you’ve been so helpful, accommodating and reassuring the whole time and just been so nice to be in touch with! It’s been such a pleasure! And again on the day you were a complete star and took so much work away from us as we literally didn’t have to worry about you guys – you had it all in hand, even the clearing up – naughty! Haha! Please pass on our sincere thanks to Dale and the whole band who are all so super talented, and so super fun! They absolutely made our night! I had high expectations and they smashed them! I have to give a shout out to our singers (Dee and Mel was it?!), I mean how incredible were they?! So much charisma and sass- I think I’m actually obsessed with them haha! Not forgetting the Swing Singer and Quartet you also provided. Amazing! Thanks for making it such a special night for us and our guests – you knocked all of our socks off! We will absolutely be recommending you to anyone and everyone (!) and wouldn’t hesitate to book you guys again for any future event that we’re having. You should all be so proud of the overall package you provide as a band – it’s unique and it’s special. THANK YOU for everything. I’m so sad this is all over so let’s just say, until the next time…! ? All the very best, xx"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"What can I say? Simply fantastic. Spot-on entertainment that kept the dance-floor packed from beginning to end. Your team’s professionalism shone out on the day by a country mile and they’re the kind of standards i love and expect! The band was absolutely fantastic. The set up, look and standard of music was second to none and the many comments we received back from our guests reflected this. The vocals from your lead singer were simply stunning. Also, the accompanying disco that you provided for us was absolutely fantastic too and together with the band it made for perfect wedding entertainment. I would have no hesitation in recommending your services. Thanks again and should the opportunity arise I hope to book you again one day."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Amazing addition to our wedding! Dan and Karen and the rest of the band were so talented! Dan also helped MC our event everything went absolutely perfect. They are a joy to work with and will take your event to the next level. Great communication and professionalism. Lucky to have them play some jazz on our big day!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"We had a large, high-level event at a chateau in Vevey, and we really wanted live music. I found gig heaven, listened to Simone, and put in the deposit right away. They arrived on time and were a delight for the whole event. The perfect mood setter for something like this. Will definitely hire these guys again if I host something here in the future!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Holy moly, how can you rate NQBB out of only 5*? Not enough stars available! We saw NQBB perform at 2 weddings before ours which gave us all the more time to get MEGA excited for our own. And even having seen them recently, we were still blown away by how much fun we had with them at our own party! We've had many, many guests comment on the music and dancing at our reception, saying it was amongst the best they've known and by heck, we agree. Super easy, helpful and fun to work with, tailoring the set to our preferences and on the day, extremely flexible and a dream to have there. Honestly can't praise them enough. Book them, it'll be a highlight that everyone remembers. "
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Just wanted to say a massive thank you for your performance last night; you sounded great and it went down a treat!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Amazing band that played at our pub recently. Would 100% recommend, we've already got the regulars asking for them back!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Just a line to thank you so much for your set at our party. You really were excellent. As people left and in the thank you notes so many people commented on what a great band you are and how much they enjoyed your music. Very professional and very talented."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: