Review Centre: Crooners

"André was the musician for our Roof Top Wedding in October 2023. The experience with him was amazing. His music, involvement and overall feel for what we wanted was 100% on par and even exceeded our expectations. His music and singing was beautiful, classy and he created a memorable atmosphere. High recommendation from us. Gosha and Wessel "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"They were incredibly patient with all our changing requests and emails, always responding within an hour to our emails. They made do with the little space we could give them for their setup which we really appreciated, and brought all their own equipment. The music was amasing; upbeat and joyful jazz. Everyone at our wedding loved them! Couldn't recommend more! Wished we could have had them for longer on the day!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Crooner Ed was a hit! Crooner Ed gave a great performance with his gifted voice, screen highlights and interaction with our guests. He was adaptable to our requests, sensed the mood of the party and professional. We highly recommend him - a great addition to any party!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Scott was very easy to work with and offered great ideas about how we could best use him. I am looking forward to seeing him again!"

Reply by World Renowned Saxophonist
Thank you so much Ross, it was a delight to work with you! I am already looking forward to the next time!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You were the absolute hit of the night. Everyone was raving about your voice and I will dine out on many occasions when I tell people about the offer you got from a lady at the event. $2,000 for a date with Tim Oates. So cute. Thank you for being so professional, so easy to work with. We all enjoyed you so much. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excelente banda, un sonido único, música inédita, muy buen gusto musical. La pasamos muy bien, volveremos a contratarlos"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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 www.radio.adelaide.edu.au 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! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Best Hawaiian entertainer ever!!! It’s as if I IZ was playing at our event (as so many guest told us afterwards). Vince even learned a new song just for us, Ahi Wela/Twinkle Twinkle Little Star by IZ, and sang it so amazingly! He was the main attraction and what brought our Baby Shower together! I can’t thank him enough for what an amazing job he did!!🫶🤙👏👏👏"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" Review by Robin R. Retirement Party • Reviewed on July 24, 2021 • From Seaford, NY Johnny was an absolute pleasure to have at our retirement party. To say he was prepared is an understatement! I provided him with information prior to the party and he executed it to perfection. He included some of the guests into his performance which was a blast, made jokes, gave a gift to my husband and our son due to his recent engagement. Kudos to Johnny for being so professional, personable and most of all making our party a success. I would not hesitate to hire him again for a party in the future. Don’t think twice book him now - you won’t be disappointed."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate the amazing job you did on June 24th for my wedding. The jazz music was so wonderful and I have passed your name on to many people who were interested to know more. I would absolutely love to book you again if we have another special occasion!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Roberto and his band were fantastic, they entertained us with their music and their friendliness, we had compliments from all our guests"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From the bride: "The music was wonderful! We could not have asked for a better band. Our guests were really impressed; the Uptown Society Orchestra really made our reception special.” From the groom: "What a professional group. Their exceptional musicianship brought a real element of class to the party. There is nothing like the sound of a live band, and this group made our reception better than we could have hoped for.” From the father of the bride: (Dennis Nowicki): "The band was fantastic -- they really exceeded our expectations." Anders Dahlberg and Stacy Nowicki, Wedding at the Chicago Art Museum"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A small venue and really quite enjoyable experience. Singer/acoustic guitarist has great singing abilities and guitar abilities. Crowd was quite enthused as was I."

Reply by Kevin Rowan
Thank you Joe,,really appreciate it!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Kars and his team provided the music for a large corporate dinner we hosted for our clients. Their presence wasn't in the foreground, yet it set a significant mood. Thanks, and we look forward to working with you again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sorry I didn’t come over and say hello. I did get a chance to watch you and you were very good. We have had some really positive feedback and I will keep you in mind for future events."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: