Review Centre: Crooners

"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:

"Best live Sax Playing I ever heard. Brendan. Best money I ever spent ! Carol. Carol & Brendan. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Martin, what can we say?! Thank you so much for coming all the way to Belgium to make our special day even more special! Having seen you so many times in Puerto Banus, we just couldn't imagine the day without you, and we were right! The people who thought we were crazy for flying you in are now trying to book you themselves! ​Thank you so much for being there on the day the "We decided on Forever" - Patricia & Michael Bleyen"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a fantastic voice, Mickey's performance was outstanding! He entertained our audience of 650 plus members and guests, at our New Years Eve Ball, with effortless charm, from the ballads he began with, to the big band numbers he sang at the end. Many of our guests are still talking about him now! A classy and professional act I would highly recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Takk Charles for at du reiste ned til Sandefjord på lørdag for å synge i min overraskende 50-årsdag. Jeg synes du er fantastisk, og det samme gjorde alle som deltok på festen. Jeg har fått tekstmeldinger som spør om deg og massevis av meldinger som sier hvor enestående du er. Jeg hadde en fantastisk tid, og du sang alle favorittsangene mine. Takk for at du gjorde bursdagen min så fantastisk."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I have worked with Tom for a while now, both as a crooner, recording covers (sometimes better than the original) and a solo original artist recording his own music. His voice blew us away the very first time we heard it. With a fantastic talent and a firm, 'head screwed on' type manner that he brings to all aspects of his work, he really is a treat to work with. He is professional, always smartly dressed, talented, but above all, a fantastic character to work with. A genuinely nice guy. I look forward to seeing what the future brings for the fantastic Tom Fitzpatrick."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"To have Mr. Cobos on board for this season made the difference .Great artist, perfect performance , accurate repertoire, nice shows where every single detail is perfectly measured . Incredible tone and powerful voice. Guest really love his shows, receiving always full standing ovation. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A class act! The real deal! Highly recommended! Thanks!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Darren for a great evening we hope to see you again soon Had great feedback from customers brilliant voice. Thank you (10 / 10) Diane ( Anchor In Tideswell ) "

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:

"Thanks to you, we all had so much fun. Your song choices brought back so many memories. We're already thinking about our next event just so we can have you back again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Bruddah Vince was beyond amazing for our rehearsal dinner! His performance was nothing short of exceptional. He played the ukulele and guitar for our Hawaiian themed dinner. It was truly the cherry on top to our magical night! The atmosphere remained positive and energetic throughout the entire night. He kept the music going non-stop throughout the night and had people singing along. We would definitely recommend Bruddah Vince to all our family & friends!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Kars and his band will be a highlight of your event! Truly a professional, artistic, and charming band! Looking forward to working with them again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks Luke, Ted enjoyed his birthday and your singing. We have had lots of messages and they all say how good you were. Thanks again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for a brilliant evening of entertainment. You pitched your show perfectly giving the audience the chance to chat over coffees and drinks after the meal with some well known romantic songs (not too loud that we could still hear each other chatting!) and then plenty of more upbeat ones filling the dance floor. The feedback from guests was so complimentary you have a great voice and kept the evening flowing. I have no hesitation in recommending you highly. Thanks again for helping to make the evening a huge success. "

Reply by The British Bublé
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback! I’m really glad to hear everyone enjoyed the mix of relaxed tunes and upbeat dance numbers — it’s always about reading the room and creating the right atmosphere for each moment. It was a fantastic evening and I loved being part of it! If you’re planning a corporate event, private party, or wedding in London or across the UK, and want a professional live singer who can bring smooth jazz, swing, and classic hits to keep your guests entertained all night, I’d be delighted to perform for you.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: