Review Centre: Musical Acts

"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:

"I had the pleasure of listening the soothing sounds of this young man's saxophone during a dinner outing with my mother and sister. After how the weekend started off it was pure bliss to hear him play!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for agreeing to provide entertainment at such short notice... I'm so pleased my Dad found out about you - it was a wonderful wedding gift he decided on for us. We will no doubt recommend you to others! Thanks again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Lisa, I can’t thank you enough for the beautiful music you played at our wedding. It was all lovely but in particular your version of Boy Meets Girl ‘Waiting for a Star’ was so special and literally made me cry as I signed the register as it was just perfect for that moment. So many people (both during and since Saturday) have asked us about our amazing pianist and have said what an amazing job you did."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired Rock the Night for our Wedding Party and from the first phone call with Jake we knew we were in safe hands. The guys were very professional through out while still carrying the vibe we were expecting based on their profile. Communication all the way through was excellent, working around our schedule, and going into detail on our music tastes and what we would like from the night. On the evening the band were prompt, setting up efficiently and letting myself and my wife be stress free!. Performance was brilliant, high energy and thoroughly enjoyed by all our guests, especially Feeder - Buck Rogers being a real stand out. Thanks again for making our night so great."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Johnny was so awesome to work with. I didn’t give him much notice, but he worked with my schedule and the surprise I wanted to plan for my Grandma. His performance was stellar! He is so friendly and a great performer. Every song he played was fantastic, and he played the songs I requested phenomenally. Look no further- Johnny is your guy. I can’t recommend him enough. :)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" goldRating star Verified Review Michael H. More than we expected Bill showed up on time and altho our event was not ready for him on the beginning time we had requested, he patiently waited a while until our group was assembled, then he still gave us a bit more performing time at the original price. He was very professional. He made our group very happy with his song selections, and was able to accommodate a couple of our special requests. Great job! I would certainly use him again if I had a similar event. Hired as: Crooner "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Bertie We're both still decompressing from our wedding day but I wanted to drop you a note to say a massive thank you for Saturday. Your set on the lawn was our absolutely favourite part of the day, and a lot of people have said the same! We appreciate the extra effort you put in, the energy was amazing and we will forever remember it. "

Reply by Bertie Taylor - Singer & Guitarist
Thank you, I’m honoured to have been part of your special day. It was great fun and you were a great crowd!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Better than our idols You only turn 65 once, that called for a party with 65 guests, excellent catering and live jazz music with a singer (Willem). We preferred the style of crooners Michael Bublé and Dennis van Aartsen, but this band was even better than our idols and exceeded our expectations; great music, super professional, with fun band members. It became a top party with compliments about the music from all guests, young and old. We look back on it with great pleasure!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Smooth and soulful with the right level of energy to get the crowd going. We loved the music but also his stage presence and dancing. Could and would recommend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You smashed this weekend Helen. It was the best day of our lives and we love you so much thank you for being incredible! We couldn’t have got Married without you! The recordings of your singing in the church are amazing."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From the moment we found GeO Gospel Choir, we knew they would be the perfect entertainment for our big day. Initially, we had planned on having the 10-piece choir for only our ceremony and cocktail hour, however, when comparing them to other entertainment for the evening, we simply could not find anyone on par. In the end we decided to go with the 10 piece gospel choir, saxophonist and DJ for the full day package and it was the best decision we could have made. - Mr & Mr Hobin - Downie, The Chester Hotel, Aberdeen "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A retired doctor who is an outstanding sax player and wonderful family man"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Increíble, es el mejor DJ que puedas imaginar para tu evento/fiesta/boda, etc. Hasta nos hizo una canción personalizada!!! Ojalá volver a coincidir con él! Animo a todo el mundo con su buena música. 10 de 10."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Le chanteur Jacopo a donné une prestation le 5 décembre lors du marché de Noël de la commune de Lintgen. Il s’est montré très sympathique, authentique et professionnel. La prestation a commencé ponctuellement et la collaboration avec lui a été très agréable. Jacopo est un artiste cool et talentueux, qui a su créer une excellente ambiance et séduire le public. Nous le recommandons sans hésitation et espérons que ce ne sera pas sa dernière prestation au sein de notre commune."

Reply by Jalo & Sounds (solo duo trio etc)
Bonjour! Un grand grand merci á vous et tous pour l'organisation parfaite d'un Marché de Noël très grand et varié comme intervenants, associations et artistes. Ce n'est donc pas par hasard que beaucoup de publique de tout âge était là et a bien apprécié. Le prestataire qui faisait le son a fait aussi un travail très rapide et professionnel, donc j'étais dans les meilleures conditions pour faire de mon mieux! Bien sur quand ce sera possible j'apprécierai de collaborer de nouveau avec votre Commune, peut être avec quelqu'un de mes musiciens partenaires? En tout cas, un excellent 2026 et á bientôt peut être!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: