Review Centre: Big Bands

"No se puede disfrutar más, disfrutamos mucho de una boda donde la música fue clave. Sin música hubiese sido muy distinto, no me lo imagino. Hicieron todo perfecto y los temas adecuados para estar agusto, guitarra y voz muy bien."

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"Thank YOU for coming! I have had overwhelming feedback from my dancers, they loved it! We will definitely have you 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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"Just to say a big thank you to you and your wonderful swing band for providing such wonderful music and entertainment for our evening reception. We both thought it was brilliant and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves."

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"Sue and I cannot praise you and your wonderful swing band enough. We have organised many prestigious balls and dinner dances over the years and we have hired some of the finest dance bands in the country but we can truly say that Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra is the best we have ever used. It was absolutely magical, thank you. We are so so overwhelmed with gratitude to you for the evening because you absolutely made it. We would recommend you to anyone in the World; we already have a few people in mind. Comments from the guests included “The best band I have ever heard” and “What a fabulous band!” Not only were the musicians excellent but more importantly they all enjoyed playing which made for a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was a pleasure meeting you Matthew and a privilege to listen to your wonderful band which helped to make the evening very special indeed."

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"Rock2Nite was incredible! They stole the show at our wedding. We are two Americans who did a Jewish-Hindu destination wedding in Portugal. We cared a lot about having a great band, and Rock2Nite was that and more. They learned a bunch of new songs for us, including one in Hebrew, and added in a trumpet player at our request. Their covers of everything from Madonna to Miley Cyrus to Weezer to Jack Johnson were on point. I can not recommend Rock2Nite highly enough - for rock, pop, acoustic, traditional Portuguese music, and much more."

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"Simply fantastic! Laura, what can I say about your work?! Simply fantastic! You made our day so much richer, livelier, and more romantic. Such professionalism, such versatility in the repertoire that pleased all the musical tastes of our guests! What an amazing voice from Laura and such passion from every member of the band! We truly loved having you with us, from the bottom of our hearts! Thank you for all the organization and the sense of calm you brought! It was a pride to introduce you to our loved ones! Kisses and hugs! "

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"Rocktonight was absolutely amazing to work with from start to finish. From the very beginning, we were in direct communication with them, and they even coordinated directly with our event planner so we didn’t have to play middleman. Their playlist was extensive and flexible, giving us plenty of great options to choose from. Most importantly, they rocked out on the night of our wedding — bringing incredible energy, sound, and fun that took our celebration to the next level. They added something truly special to our day, and our guests are still raving about them. If you’re looking for a band for your wedding or private event, I can’t recommend Rocktonight enough. Reach out to Laura — she’ll take great care of you!"

Reply by Rocktonight
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just a quick note to thank you for last weekend – the band and disco were excellent. Everyone commented on how good the band was – many thanks. It made for a good evening."

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"Since 2011, the band has a new focus. First, it is commissioning the legendary Bill Dobbins, to write sample arrangements from his famous “Evolution of Jazz Piano”, a series of movements based on the tune “All of Me”. Secondly, is breaking in it’s new vocalist, 19 year old sensation, Lindsey Holland. The band currently has over 60 arrangements for her to sing, including selections from Nancy Wilson’s disc with Cannonball Adderley. Furthermore, we have a Christmas Set now for her to sing, as well as many straight ahead jazz standards. The hope is for this group to record both of these projects sometime in the future."

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"Thank you for last night. Everyone has said what a fantastic band you are. We all had a fabulous time and we have no hesitation in recommending you. I wanted authentic and I got it! Thanks for learning the Louis Jordan tune too. That made my night."

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"Alex y su banda estaban en mi fiesta de cumpleaños y me faltan las palabras en Español para describir que maravilla era. Mis amigos, la mayoria de Holanda, estaban todos muy muy impresionados por la actuacion de Alex y su banda, y el bailaor. No me habia imaginado que sería un tal exito. Mil gracias!!"

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"Thank you Greg, For appreciating our event and our property. The truth is, I am one of the lucky ones who got to marry their best friend. It's true love through and through, and I think that is why things were just destined to work out as beautifully as they did. I think you will appreciate this, the next day, Jay said, "that was the best wedding I have ever been to. I had to laugh thinking to myself, "I wonder how the groom feels"!!! ����! But I knew it was going to be terrific when two days prior this incredible rainbow engulfed our house!!! Auspicious indeed!!! All the best to you and your awesome band! Margrit Dr. Margrit Mikulis, ND, AD"

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"Leah performed at a private birthday party event that I threw last minute for my partner. Leah was very flexible and communicative beforehand, helped provide lighting options, and willing to work with us based on our location, budget, and other needs. The performance was beautiful - Leah is an incredibly talented and lovely singer, and many of my guests were asking how to book such an amazing singer for their own future events! All in all, everything exceeded my expectations and we had the perfect event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Contagious energy and professionalism We chose Rocktonight to liven up our wedding, and it was the best decision we could have made! We selected a set that would please all the guests and us (the band’s repertoire is vast!), and we even made a few special song requests, which were superbly performed. The band provided full support from the very first meeting and helped with all the requests we made. The guests are still praising the performance, even 2 months after the event ;) "

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