Review Centre: 1940s Era Musicians & Bands

"The band went down a storm and already I’ve been asked for your details. We really appreciated the effort and journey and thank you all. In hindsight, I wish that we had you on longer as the feedback really has been amazing. Please pass on my thanks to all of the band."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We chose The Italian Wedding band to play at our wedding. We really couldn’t have made a better choice. Mariolino and the band were really great. Their music repertoire is really perfect for an elegant Italian wedding. They were able to engage the guests by livening up the party and made us experience wonderful emotions. We got married in Piedmont and they, despite being from Rome, traveled over 600km just to make us happy. In addition, we really appreciated the fact that we also played a song on request that was not part of their repertoire. I received more compliments from guests about the band than any other aspect of the wedding. I will never run out of ways to thank Marino and the whole band for the wonderful atmosphere they were able to create. I would get married again tomorrow just to call them back! ☺️ Finally, another key aspect: they are extremely organized, punctual, and precise! I had to give them very few instructions and they were incredibly autonomous: real true PROFESSIONALS. I have no doubt, I would recommend this band to any wedding couple because I can guarantee they are the best choice any couple could make for their wedding!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The music was absolutely beautiful and set the perfect tone for the afternoon. The booking process was effortless, and the musicians were a delight to work with. We would book them again without hesitation."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Last Sunday in the great ambiance of the Cultuurkoepel in Heiloo we visited the concert of Marcia Bamberg with her Swing Quartet. Wonderful singing by Marcia with a number of French songs in Django Reinhardt style. We really enjoyed it and the enthusiasm was obvious. In addition to Marcia's Quartet we could enjoy the virtuoso violinist Tim Kliphuis, a perfect interpreter of the music of the French jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli. Moses Rosenberg was also in shape, nice fast guitar playing for this musician from the Rosenberg family. All in all a fantastic afternoon, with nice contact with the audience. Definitely worth repeating. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"On the occasion of my farewell party I invited the Jazz Centrale to provide the musical accompaniment. This was done very professionally. The guests were particularly taken with singer Eline and the band."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just wanted to drop you a quick message to say thank you so much for being such a fantastic part of our wedding last week! We have lost count of the number of guests who commented on how fantastic you all were, both on the night itself and in messages afterwards. The atmosphere was exactly as we had hoped it would be. We can’t think of a better way that we could have gotten all of the different people from all walks of our lives up and dancing all night! Dexter particularly isn’t much of a dancer so I hope you do take it as the high praise that it is that he was on the dance floor for so much of the evening. We also just wanted to say a massive thank you for being so flexible with the timings and playing later than planned without any issue. Hope the rest of the wedding season continues to be such a success. Thanks so much again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A standout jazz performance lit up the R&R Forum, with the group dressed sharply and playing with remarkable skill. The atmosphere was warm and engaging, and the audience clearly enjoyed every moment. A fantastic appearance from musicians who know how to make any setting feel special."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Frankie and Pete, We were very happy to have you there on our special day - everyone loved it and you really brought a joy and vibrancy to the atmosphere helping to make the night unforgettable. Thank you very much. Best wishes, Jack and Jisu."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Brilliant band music outstanding really worth seeing "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jack Bowers The Rick Holland—Evan Dobbins Little Big Band Trilby RPO Productions Five years after a sensational opening act (In Time's Shadow, 2006), trumpeter Rick Holland and trombonist Evan Dobbins have returned for an encore, Trilby, marshaling as before their irrepressible Little Big Band. As was noted of that earlier recording, "the only thing small about [this band] is its numbers." Baritone saxophonist Dean Keller, who shared that chair with Kerry Strayer on Shadow, also returns. The rest of the lineup is brand new, with Evan Dobbins' dad, the well-known educator Bill Dobbins (Eastman School of Music), replacing the splendid pianist John Nyerges. Besides shining at the keyboard, Bill Dobbins wrote "My Darling Darlene" and arranged half of the album's other ten numbers. Although he doesn't play this time around, Strayer composed "Rich's Call" and arranged Sonny Stitt's "Eternal Triangle" and Oscar Pettiford's "Tricotism," while Brent Wallarab wrote "Trilby" and arranged Benny Golson's "Stablemates." Bill Dobbins' engaging charts brighten three originals by Hendrik Meurkens—"Slidin," "Second Waltz," "The Cottage"—as well as Hal Crook's "Fused" and Alec Wilder's lovely standard, "While We're Young" (a reprise from the band's earlier album). Holland, who plays flugelhorn exclusively, solos strongly on seven numbers, striking the ball with assurance and perception on every turn at bat. Bill Dobbins ("Slidin," "The Cottage," "Trilby," "Darlene," "Tricotism") amplifies the message, as do Evan Dobbins ("Slidin," "Fused"), Doug Stone (alto on "Stablemates," clarinet on "Second Waltz," soprano on "Trilby" and "While We're Young"), tenor Mike Pendowski ("Eternal Triangle," "Fused," "Rich's Call"), trombonist Nick Finzer ("Second Waltz," "Tricotism"), bassist David Baron ("The Cottage," "Tricotism") and blue-chip drummer Rich Thompson ("Eternal Triangle," "Fused," "Rich's Call"). When they're not having their say, the ensemble is front and center, giving each of the charts its single-minded attention. The result is music that flows easily without miscue. Trilby marks a second triumph by the Holland / Dobbins Little Big Band, which, as was noted after its debut album, "is more big than little, in every sense of the word." Those who appreciate a tight, swinging band, even if slightly undersized, are sure to admire Trilby."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"On the night Pete Billigton set the right atmosphere with his piano, leading up to a superb gig with Fleur Stevenson singing, accompanied by Pete and Raph Mizraki on the double bass. Fleur's voice is remarkable and the choice of pieces was most fitting. I was complimented by many friends about the music - some jazz players themselves."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I booked The Crotchet Club for my wedding. They were brilliant! They were hugely accommodating and I had excellent communication with them prior to the big day. We were able to choose songs that I liked from their extensive repertoire. As three musicians trained at the Royal Academy their playing was impeccable and helped bring a jazzy, fun vibe to the event. Several of my guests are musicians and commented on the band’s excellent performance. I would not hesitate to book this band again for another event. Finally, our wedding breakfast overran slightly and yet the band kindly stayed a little longer to accommodate this. Very happy with my choice to go with them!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for the wonderful performance. We have enjoyed your music and you personally. Definitely recommended for those who like Gypsy Jazz. Good luck and see you at the next party!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Lorraine And The Flames is a sophisticated jazz band covering all the fabulous vintage numbers. Lorraine Heavey is a star, it’s just as simple as that. Having done 25 years in TV news I know a star when I see one. There is an expression for on air talent who completely control the viewer’s attention—-‘she eats the camera’. She is that talent. She is enchanting. I wish her such good fortune as she takes London by storm. Lady Susan Lampl "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for tonight, Ed. You both played beautifully - just what we wanted. A few of the guests were musicians and they were very impressed by the music. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: