Review Centre: Crooners

" John V. • July 3, 2019 What a wonderful show for us Johnny Cannella recently DJ'd and performed at the scholarship awards lunch for the Grumman-Northrop Grumman Retiree Club. Johnny was great. He prepared well, planning in advance with music for the audience we described to him. He had the audience, both young and old, dancing to the tunes they loved and enjoying his singing. He brought attendees, both retirees and the high school graduates and their families, into the fun of the event, but in an unembarrassing way. We've never seen so many attendees say how much they loved a DJ and asking for his card. We certainly hope to bring him back."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This beautiful lady has a superb voice she is ideal for weddings and any special occasion. Book her you will not regret it."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We love rich, he’s a great performer and would highly recommend… Taken from Google, verified."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Review We got David for our Burns night celebration and he did everything we had wished for.He did his Sinatra and Buble and crooner songs for everyone in his first half and then got the party going with everybody on the dance floor enjoying themselves.We will definitely be booking him again for our future celebrations ."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just a note to tell you and Maria how much we enjoyed the excellent evening of music last night at the Hall. Everyone I spoke to said how much they enjoyed it. I hope the arrangements were OK for you. Your selection of numbers suited our audience very well and your upbeat style was great. Many thanks for entertaining us."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Does pasta qualify as noodles? Uh, yeah, I’d say so. Editor’s Note: Normally this might be blasphemed to include, but I’ll agree with you on this one, just because the food sounds so good and I was pretty hungry while reading this. “Atmosphere” - I’m just going to state my bias right now: “I love Café Amore Bistro”. As soon as you walk in, one of the owners is right there greeting you with a smile; the serving staff are friendly and polite to a fault; the restaurant is bright and inviting in the daytime and dim and cozy and romantic at night. (There’s literally no other way to describe it. It’s a very intimate-feeling place at night.). There are always quirky little elements to look out for: Last time I went, there was an accordion player making his way around tables playing the smoothest damn music your ears have ever been graced with. The tables are close but you still feel like you have your space while you’re eating, and if you happen to spill your drink — and then maybe spill it again — the staff will be right there to offer you a napkin. They’re the sweetest. And, after you’ve stuffed yourself so full you can hardly stand the thought of getting up and going to your car, the owner will personally wish you a good night on your way out. A nicer, more courteous restaurant has never existed. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Frank De Blase, Roch City News Sometimes it all just falls into place. The setting, the situation, the scene, the tone -- everything is going your way. That describes last night for me. And at the heart of this mid-week Xanadu was the Rick Holland Uptown Orchestra, a modest, brass-centric outfit led by the trumpet-blowing Holland that swung with equal parts effervescence and laid-back cool at Lovin Cup. And come to find out, five of his Hollands regular guys were sidelined, and the holes on the bandstand were plugged with subs --- hired music muscle like Po’ Boy Erik Jacobs on the slide trombone. By the time the Orchestra heaped on a helping of Count Basie, there was nowhere else I wanted to be. I dragged my mom out in the cold for this show and she was thrilled when they stomped on the Savoy. Holland led the affair with a relaxed air, coaxing more than conducting under his porkpie lid. He went around the bandstand numerous times so every cat there got his fair shake, including pianist extraordinaire Bill Dobbins. This is one sweet band, yes, yes "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sublime live music I’m struggling to find an adjective that does justice to the experience David Dominique and his band gave us with their live music. You were the perfect finishing touch that made our day absolutely perfect. Our guests couldn’t stop telling us how blown away they were by the musicians. You’re wonderful – thank you for being part of our story and providing the soundtrack to those very special moments. Long live music!"

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:

"Oh, it was amazing! Thank you ! We cannot stop talking about it all, we have just seen your reel on Instagram and I've had a few tears. Wow, words can not express how amazing you made it Paul, So so so special! Thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Tony`s simply the best would go down a storm anywhere."

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"Huge thanks for all you did to make our evening a success. On the commercial side it was very successful for us, and you certainly played a part in making that happen. The atmosphere was perfect. We had so many lovely comments from customers about how much they'd enjoyed the evening, and it seems as it was our best ever. Your professional approach and attention to detail was impressive, and it was great to work with someone who cares about their work as much as we do. I'll definitely keep you in mind for future events, and thanks again Tony."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Matthew, I know I said it last night but, once again, thank you for making our Roaring 20s party such a success. I've seen and heard a few singers before but a singer who also plays the trumpet? That added a whole new dimension! Absolutely fantastic! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was fantastic! We had a good discussion, and Kars understood what we wanted: a performance for an intimate group. Calm but cozy background music. Thanks, Kars and Frans, for your performance! GREAT! We said yes to jazz!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A brilliant singer song writer who brings joy to everyone This brilliant young jazz singer excellently brought joy to the audience with a great manner and etiquette. While songs were greatly presented, the best part was he accepted song requests from audiences (he doesn't even need to look at the music; professional). If you look for a jazz band with a great singer for corporate events or some special moments with live music, you won't regret calling John."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: