Review Centre: 1920s Era Musicians & Bands

"Entertainment, good music and lots of sympathy. I recommend it for a private party."

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"Thank you, we thoroughly enjoyed your music and it made our party. Will look out for your dates next year Best wishes Susan x"

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"Just a quick note to say thank you so much for Saturday you were great, everyone loved you and so enjoyed what you did!"

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"A lovely set performed by a lady with a beautiful voice. Fleur came along to play at my mother's 90th birthday party and entertained everyone with her wonderful soulful tones. A great evening complimented wonderfully by an excellent performer. Thank you Fleur."

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"From start to finish Brian was nothing short of epic! We wanted a pianist for our wedding ceremony and from the moment we booked Brian he was very communicative, super friendly, listened to all of our slightly strange requests and made them all happen, down to the last detail. On the day, Brian arrived well in advance of the start this, and was playing his gorgeous music to the guests (and putting me at easy) well before the start of the ceremony. Yes his music is SUPERB, but for me, what made Brian most incredible, was he ability to read the room. We had a song mid-ceremony (which we thought could potentially be badly sang by guests) but not on Brian’s watch… he lead us all in, adding fun bits into the song, picking up the pace when needed and giving us all the confidence to “belt it out”. Just a true professional with a personal touch. Brilliant Brian!"

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"We have had Rosie singing at our local village pub a few times now. Everyone loves her, brilliant voice and can't wait to have her back. Highly recommended!!!!"

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"The band was a huge success! Everyone was enthusiastic, and their flexibility made the evening even better. Their performance contributed greatly to making the event unforgettable."

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"Just wanted to write a quick note to let you know how much we enjoyed the band at our wedding at White's Chapel. You were a wonderful Master of Ceremonies, and we've had so many kind words from our guests telling us how much they enjoyed the music. Thank you so much for being part of our big day!"

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"The Tri Tones played at our family party last week and were absolutely great. The age range of our guests was from 1 - 90+ and, without exception, everyone loved the music. The band arrived in good time, were cheerful, flexible and played beautifully. I would highly recommend them. Apart from sharp renditions of traditional favourites, they had taken the time to learn a Springsteen classic (requested) - which was fantastic. Our party was in a church hall with doors open on to a garden - people commented how well the band modulated their performance so that it was always significant but never too loud. Thanks Tri Tones - we will definitely be in touch for the next big event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ruby sang at our anniversary party in 2016, and she made it an absolutely unforgettable evening. She has a fantastic song list ready, and she is happy to learn new songs for you, - even if I must say that her repertoire matches my own favourite songs, so I would be hard pushed to find any additional to request. Ruby covers all sorts of swing and Jazz from the Andrew Sisters to Amy Winehouse, dance music from cha cha cha to rock ‘n roll plus also Beatles and Bowie and other styles of music. All delivered with Ruby's own touch. Some of them much better than the originals. On top of it all, she made me aware of another brilliant singer, the Dutch Caro Emerald, as Ruby sings a couple of Caro’s songs. To have Ruby singing was, to quote a Caro Emerald song: “I have never dreamed, dreamed a night like this” I would definitely recommend Ruby for any party, birthday, wedding, anniversary or the like."

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"Melissa your set was fantastic, just right in terms of the songs and you have a lovely voice. In the future if we have other events I would be most happy to invite you back again."

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"Leah and her guitarist Noe sang/played at my wedding ceremony and reception and added SO much to the romantic yet playful ambience I had going on. Her voice is absolutely gorgeous and flexible, accommodating jazzy/soul numbers to indie and pop numbers alike. She was extremely communicative and helpful in choosing songs, playlists and had great suggestions that made my wedding absolutely perfect Thank you so much Leah and Noe!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Cheryl was an absolute joy to work with. I was looking for someone to surprise my husband for his birthday party and she was everything I was hoping for. She really added that extra special element while being very unobtrusive at the same time. I would recommend her highly."

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"Stumbled across the band at the Club House hotel Kilkenny. Absolutely superb. Something different and what a treat to hear a small orchestra live. Definitely going back!"

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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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