Review Centre: Jazz Bands

"We had the band play at our wedding in Sorrento for the Aperitif hour, and I can honestly say they were amazing! We had Nana singing and she was outstanding! All our guest complemented them on how great they were and it really set the tone of our wedding perfectly! Raphael was so professional he was always available when I needed to ask any questions, I highly recommend this band for any event they are top class and so professional 10/10! "

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"We booked the dinner jazz duo for our wedding in October and they were just wonderful. Super charming and professional. Their music was just perfect during arrival drinks and dinner! Thank you both so much :) "

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"Romantic trio, heavenly tunes for our reception! Loved them"

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"Exceptionally professional and accommodating, we all enjoyed the music and the atmosphere it generated. Will definitely use again and highly recommend."

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"Thanks for coming again to help us with this event, it added so much and we hope to see you again soon"

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"Divertimento assicurato Nessun dubbio, li risceglieremmo altre mille volte! Professionali, disponibili e gentili. Hanno contribuito alla realizzazione perfetta della nostra festa, accogliendo le nostre richieste e facendoci scatenare fino all'ultimo minuto. Ancora complimenti ragazzi, siete delle belle persone e dei bravissimi artisti! Grazie di cuore"

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"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!!"

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"Great success Last Saturday’s celebration was a great success, largely thanks to you. We have already received many positive reactions. Once again, our sincere thanks. The organization ran smoothly from our perspective. "

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"I have received many compliments from school principals, teachers and students and the like on the balance of your program and how the students enjoyed the musical performance. As you could tell by the applause and the respectful attitude of your audience of 1400 members, the quality of your performance was professional and highly entertaining. It proves when you put superior performers in front of an audience, fine behavior and educational goals are met and rewarded! Thanks again on a fine concert performance. Richard Hintz, Fine Arts Consultant, Kalamazoo Public Schools"

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"What more can I say – I am absolutely thrilled with your performance last night. I would say that rarely at a guild festival has anyone danced so intensively until such a late hour."

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"Igor was our saxophonist for my wife and my wedding service. He arrived on time (a little early) to set up. The music list he provided was extensive and included all of the hit songs we were hoping for. He set himself up quickly and was very polite and easy to work with. His musical talents were phenomenal. He had my mother-in-law in tears when he played a few of her favourite songs ("fly me to the moon" in particular). He played "1000 years" as the entry song for my partner and helped set the mood for what was a beautiful service. Our experience with Igor was extremely positive and both myself and my wife highly recommend that anyone who wants a live performer for a special occasion consider throwing in a little saxophone provided by Igor, you're likely to fall in love with it!"

Reply by Ontario saxophonist Igor Babich
Thank you so much Ryan! It was a pleasure working with you.

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"In November we chose the Trio for our tenth wedding anniversary party and they were the perfect choice! We had viewed various bands on YouTube and contacted a few. They were by far the most responsive and even sent us videos of our song requests in advance. On the night they were super helpful and truly got the party going for us. Would hire them again in a flash!"

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"Mellowtone Jazz played at my 60th birthday Sunday lunch at Poets House hotel in Ely yesterday . I can not recommend them highly enough. They were professional and helpful in all my dealings with them . They were flexible , accommodating , and most importantly - their music was great ! Our guests thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment and it really made the party . Thankyou , Chris and co , you made all the difference to our event ! (10 / 10) "

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"Thanks again for another great night "

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"TRILBY Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76 The Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band, which is based in Rochester, New York, was founded in 2005. Co-led by flugelhornist Holland and trombonist Dobbins, the 11 piece group has the sound of a big band despite having eight instead of the usual 11 or 12 horns. Its musicianship is top-notch, soloists are impeccable, and arrangements are both colorful and swinging. The 11 songs heard on Trilby consist of four standards, three originals by harmonica great Hendrik Meurkens, and a song apiece by Kerry Strayer, Hal Crook, Brent Wallarab and pianist Bill Dobbins. The father of Evan Dobbins, Bill Dobbins is the best known musician in the band, contributed six of the arrangements, and is a key soloist on five songs. But enough of the statistics. The Little Big Band swings hard and puts plenty of spirit into each performance. The opener, Benny Golson's “Stablemates,” has fine solos from Holland and the Phil Woods-inspired altoist Doug Stone, with the two battling it out near the tune's finish. Meurkens' “Slidin'” has an arrangement by Bill Dobbins that in its use of restrained tone colors is worthy of Thad Jones. A heated jam on “The Eternal Triangle” gives Holland and tenor-saxophonist Mike Pendowski an opportunity to jam, trade-off and interact with each other. Holland, Doug Stone (this time on clarinet) and trombonist Nick Finzer play lyrically on the melodic “Second Waltz.” David Baron's bass is featured prominently on “The Cottage,” a haunting tune particularly worthy of several listens. “Trilby,” a lengthy exploration of the chord structure of “Alone Together,” has some excellent hard bop flugelhorn from Holland, adventurous soprano from Stone and a memorable spot for Bill Dobbins' piano. Trombonist Dobbins, Pendowski and drummer Rich Thompson are not only well featured on “Fused” but at one point they play as a pianoless bassless trio. Rick Holland is heard at his best on the ballad “My Darling Darlene” and a jazz waltz version of “While We're Young.” David Baron is naturally in the spotlight during bassist Oscar Pettiford's “Tricotism” (along with Nick Finzer and Bill Dobbins) before Trilby closes with its most intense performance on “Rich's Call.” 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."

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