Review Centre: 1920s Era Musicians & Bands

"I’ve worked with Harry both live and in the studio a number of times and I would highly recommend him. He’s a fantastic player with great versatility and arrangement skills and his positive and professional attitude is second to none."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Perfect Jazz Band! Secured The Kensie Jazz Band for our 30th Anniversary corporate event. From start to finish they were perfect. Perfect background music while guests are engaging in the social circuit. Perfect background music while being seated and served for dinner. The band can adjust their sound level to your preference. They play a range of music. A live band is a classy touch and adds ambience to any event rather than a standard DJ. It is a completely different vibe. Nice group of people! Good pricing as well. Thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What did we want? Something a little bit different to entertain our guests of a mixed age group, something that was current and fresh with a nod to the traditional, fun but not cheesy. Musically Excellent. (I'm an ex cruise ship performer so quite fussy.) Trip 4 Biscuits achieved this in spades and has been one of the main talking points of our wedding at the Berry Head Hotel. Think Dua Lipa, Moose T. Right said Fred Sung to perfection in a sequined Ball gown with Tuxedoed Musicians in a 1920's/30's speakeasy style, arrangements that are simply impossible not to tap your feet or dance to. Well done to Laura and the band Edward and Lewis xx"

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:

"We invited Dupa Trio to play 4 concerts on our exhibition on IBC 2022 , the atmosphere they created was just stunning ! Super nice people, responsible, quick responses , always on time, and of course great music that made the atmosphere of the event ! I really recommend hiring Dupa Trio, I know we will do so in the future for sure Stefan, Canon Europe marketing team "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Ruby for making my daughter's birthday party unforgettable - you were amazing from start to finish - warm, approachable and fun with an amazing voice - can't wait for the next party x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Since l was little I remember my nan taking me to the pub to watch the live bands and enjoying all of it and it's been so long since I've seen anything on the same level so watching at the cross lances on remembrance Sunday 2019 it was like going back in time. This band is amazing friendly and bring out all the originals that I didn't even realise I have missed. So thank you. Stephanie 34 Hounslow."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for making our wedding even more unique special! You definitely added a level of excitement to the party! I highly recommend this band, they were on time, professional and they played good music! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Before seeing this show I had heard many rumours about Harmonica Lewinsky, whose background was shrouded in mystery, although I believe he learned his harmonica skills in the Deep South in the deltas of Harrow on the Hill under the tutelage of Blind Les Battersby. But, it was a very different character to the one I expected who performed at the posh Victoria pub in Highgate! Mr Lewinsky, looking like a cross between a rabbi and one-half of Chas 'n Dave (I'm not sure which half) appeared in cloth cap and braces and presented a highly original selection of songs, some of which rarely see the light of day. There were no predictable “Brown Eyed Girls” or “Mustang Sally’s” here: instead - a veritable feast of the unexpected - as we witnessed one man, his guitar and his trusty harps. When was the last time you heard a pub act kick off his set with Chas 'n Dave's “The Sideboard Song” and follow it with the Theme to “Top Cat” and then offerings of cheery, chirpy Cockney ditties including “Waiting At The Church,” “Maybe It's Because I'm A Londoner”, “Show Me The Way To Go Home” and Tommy Steele's “What A Mouth”? I’m guessing the answer to that question is ‘rarely’ (if ever) but the fun didn't stop there. Mr Harmonica Man is a really great entertainer and demonstrated, with great finesse, his harmonica technique on - wait for it - the Shadows' “Apache”! It was quite a feat playing the melody on the harp while strumming his guitar. ‘Harmy’, as he is known to his close friends (or 'Self-Harmy‘ to others) also tackled in the first half the theme to "The Flintstones"; Elvis Costello's catchy “Watching The Detectives” and the Cockney knees-up “I've Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts”. Harmy was back in terrific Pearly King form for the second half starting with “Any Old Iron” followed by a touch of the Formbys with “Leaning On A Lamppost” after which he did a ‘Donegan’ with a riotous version of “My Old Man's A Dustman” complete with enthusiastic audience participation. Mr Lewinsky has a great sense of humour, which he constantly shares with the Victoria regulars. "Here's another Cockney classic sung by a Welsh man", quipped Harmy before diving into “Delilah.” Other gems included the theme tune to ‘Match Of The Day’ (played on two harmonicas); a very funny and risque interpretation of Mike Jerome's “Sling Yer Hook”; a great version of the Small Faces' mod anthem “Lazy Sunday”; and a yahoo rendition of the old country favourite “Riders In The Sky”. After many encores Mr Lewinsky packed away his cap and braces and headed off to the Deep South (of London) for some pie and mash. The Victoria would do well to snap up Harmy for some more gigs before he hop-foots it down the Strand for a residency at the Old Bull and Bush!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This is a short note post honeymoon to let you know that the Casablanca Steps were a HUGE hit at the wedding a few weeks ago. I loved it, Steve loved it, and all our guests were blown away. When we thought it couldn’t get any better the dancers were amazing!!! Please pass our thanks to the band & dancers, and accept our thanks to you for all your help in this process. Best Regards from an extremely happy customer, "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" Noa played at a surprise party held on Saturday 28th June for my daughter's home coming from her travels through South America.We decided on a Latin Jazz theme which was a huge success. I would highly recommend Noa for the sense of the mood which she created and her vocals which were absolutely perfect for the evening 10 out of 10 for a great evening had by all!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you once again for making my father’s birthday party such a great success. Having the party on a boat made for slightly more difficult logistics but your professional yet flexible and enthusiastic approach to the situation really helped. On arrival you quickly tuned into the nature and tone of the event and your personality and sense of fun charmed everyone. You play the accordion wonderfully and is the perfect accompaniment to your beautiful voice transporting us all to a timeless Left Bank cafe in Paris. As you know, my father was enchanted by you. He said that you were the absolute highlight of the party. And that’s the first time I can remember dancing with my mum! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"For a grand dinner with a "Great Gatsby" theme we were looking for a suitable musical accompaniment. We found it at the Jazz Centrale. After clear consultation and advice we decided to book singer Mylene and 5 musicians. A great choice! Mylene and band have an inexhaustible repertoire, felt the atmosphere and moments well, and can really do everything. From background music to making a party, in this case a "Great Gatsby party", they can do it. Mylene and the accompanying musicians are all thoroughbred musicians and quickly adapt to the moments. Wonderful for host and hostess because they arrange everything themselves. An excellent, cozy and extraordinary musical accompaniment for all guests. Incidentally, the Jazz Centrale can offer much more, everything is possible, on to the next party!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band were the highlight of our evening. Talented, great fun and professional. We were very happy we chose them for our special day."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: