"It began as a Swing Band project, in the winter of 2005, in Oswego, NY, where Rick met Evan Dobbins, and put together a ten-piece swing band, to play occasional concerts, and private parties. Evan was to contract and Rick would be in charge of music when, the band played five, or six-events, and Rick had the idea, they would not only play swing music, but play modern jazz. Thus, ''The Little Big Band'', and ''Uptown Society Orchestra'' were formed. In 2006, the band released their first disc, entitled “In Times Shadow”, which was a mainstream release on Blue Jazz. It received wide critical acclaim, prompting Ollie Bivins in LA to say: “Rick Holland (Trumpet) and Evan Dobbins (Trombone) lead a group of New York area musicians, who could give the more well-known big bands in New York and Los Angelas a run for their money, and as part of the the Blue jazz label, a label that promotes and distributes jazz musician’s albums. this big band is taking its destiny into it’s own hands rather than wait to be “discovered” by the major labels. More power to this label and all others who do the same. Lovers of Big Band music, especially, will like the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band’s refreshing recording.” Doug Collar in East Lansing, Mi said this....''I have just played “In Time’s Shadow” the new CD from the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band. What a disc! What a sound! What an ensemble! This disc is my top nomination for jazz ensemble release of the year. The arranging is nonpareil and the soloists masterful. The whole package is varied, listenable, and leaves the audience asking for more. Rick Holland and Evan Dobbins have created a musical experience that our listeners will absorb and enjoy.'' After the release of this disc, the band landed their first steady gig at Tasteology, every Monday night. The gig lasted 2 years, as the bands repertoire grew. The band then moved over to the Loving Cup, in Henrietta, New York. They played on Sunday nights, this gig lasted 3 years. This led to the band 2nd recording, “Trilby”, in 2011. Some of the review was just marvelous. For example: Throughout Trilby, the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band plays on the level of most better-known ensembles, performing music that is inventive, full of life and fun. Their CD is highly recommended.-Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, The LA Times 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 Adelaide 101.5 FM, and JPL "Jazz from Down Under". The liner notes inform us that this ensemble started as a swinging dance band in 2005. Since then, they've evolved into a solid, well-arranged outfit with first rate solos played by intriguing, skilled jazz cats. The feeling I derived from the CD was similar to a classic Blue Note session. You know, several well-written originals that are melodically strong, and a few standards to test the players' chops on familiar material. The co-leaders play flugelhorn and trombone, respectively. Most of the arrangements come from pianist Bill Dobbins, who allows plenty of room for free-swinging solo work. The familiar vehicles here include Benny Golson's "Stablemates" and Sonny Stitt's "Eternal Triangle." I also spotted a tune called "Rich's Call" by Kerry Strayer, a baritone player of the highest stripe, and a skilled composer and arranger as well. It is interesting to note three compositions from jazz harmonica whiz, Hendrik Meurkens. Perhaps, he has some connection to the band. Finally, it should be said that this session is directed straight down the middle of the bop highway. Simply an outstanding blowing session on songs that, amazingly enough, sound like songs! Wow! What a Surprise!"
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"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."
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"Professional efficient always returns my emails quickly. Great entertainment, engaging and well dressed.They were the icing on the cake highly recommend The Martini Set"
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"We needed a band for our wedding in Lisbon. Given we had a themed wedding (rock and heavy metal), we’ve been looking for a band playing in this genre. We were so glad to have found Rocktonight, and when they sent us their setlist, there could be no other choice! We aren’t from Lisbon ourselves and all our guests were coming from somewhere else, so looking for a band had to be done remotely, and we weren’t able to meet the band in advance. But the communication with the band was great, with Laura replying to all our questions promptly. In addition, we somehow managed to pick the hottest day of summer for the wedding, but Laura and co. took up that challenge! They have been absolutely awesome! Not only they made everybody dance (mainly, jump), but they also learned our wedding song (a ballad by Steel Panther), which wasn’t an easy one to learn. Needless to say, all our guests were amazed by the band too! We doubt the party would have been the same without them. Highly recommended!"
Reply by Rocktonight
Thank you so much! It was such a pleasure to be part of your special day. You are amazing and we wish you all the best! ??
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"Thank you and the swing band more than I can say. You were terrific. We are trying to think of an excuse to have another party at which you would play!"
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"I hired Rick Holland Productions for my wedding and I thank my lucky stars I did. They were just an absolute solid band. I live in Toronto so the 10 piece band crossed the border for my wedding - our wedding coordinator said she'd never heard a band that good over her decade long career. I like to think I'm a genius for finding them ?? Kian K., Toronto, ON, CA"
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"I can not say enough good things about J. Baxter and the Sauce! They have amazing energy and a great playlist. Thanks to them, all of our guests were on the dance floor and had a wonderful time. I would recommend J. Baxter and the Sauce to anyone looking for a fun, up tempo band for their event. Tyler "
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"‘Thank you so much to Chris who performed at my birthday party. Such a wonderful performer and great singer. He performed all of the songs I requested and nothing was too much trouble. By the end of the night everyone was up dancing and I received many compliments about Chris. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him for another event – he really was brilliant!' "
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"We would like to thank you and the swing band for making our silver wedding anniversary so special and such a memorable occasion for us. We had such a perfect evening and we are sure all our family and friends enjoyed themselves as much as we did. We would like to think if in the future we have another occasion to celebrate that Mr Swing would be there!"
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"Paul Skerritt can work a room with the skill of a Las Vegas entertainer and he had those present in the palm of his hand. He sings, he swings, he ring-a-ding dings. Old Blue Eyes ain't dead - he just lives in the North East!"
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"What an absolutely fantastic band, we recently hired them for our mums Gatsby themed party, they were amazing, would definitely recommend them to add that touch of roaring 20s Glitz & Glamour to any occasion, 5 Stars"
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"Leah performed at a private birthday party event that I threw last minute for my partner. Leah was very flexible and communicative beforehand, helped provide lighting options, and willing to work with us based on our location, budget, and other needs. The performance was beautiful - Leah is an incredibly talented and lovely singer, and many of my guests were asking how to book such an amazing singer for their own future events! All in all, everything exceeded my expectations and we had the perfect event!"
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"They did a fantastic job! It was a pleasure having them and we would highly recommend! Thank you."
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"Review from Laura C. from venue 'The Vineyard At Florence'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So good! So good! Just heard this band in Florence at the Vineyard! They were amazing! Her vocals were excellent and his guitar playing was incredible! The variety of songs were so familiar and it sounded so good! Would highly recommend them!"
Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:
"Having Chris at our event was wonderful!..such an elegant person and a superb musician, he added an extra touch of class to our event!"
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