Review Centre: Jazz Bands

"Had a fantastic time listening to this group with a diverse type of music and songs . Would highly recommend them to other venues . "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Live jazz trio performance at private wedding reception at Stamata, Greece"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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:

"Drumpet Disco was a major hit at our product launch. Their unique style of mixing live instruments with electronic beats really set the vibe. Our guests were super impressed. They added a cool, edgy feel to our event. Also Noam, the manager was so easy to work with, such a positive and professional person! See you next time! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were really happy with Fan Club Jazz Band from start to finish. Their initial communication was excellent, and they arranged a set up for us which was perfect for our guests. They were really willing to listen to our needs and accommodate for our event. It was a house a party, and their vocals and their music were excellent and on point. They really judged the atmosphere very well. They created an atmosphere which was very chilled to begin with, and then later, as the evening progressed they cracked out some excellent dance numbers, which meant that our guests had a fabulous time. Our guests were raving about the event for weeks afterwards. They were really respectful in their set up and clean up of the house, and I would thoroughly recommend them for anybody who is looking to have a house party/intimate gathering as they were perfect. We will definitely hire them again. I 100% recommend Fan Club Jazz Band and their members for your event needs."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Phenomenal Performance! Thanks so much for performing at my Grandma's memorial gathering. What a great experience! My family really enjoys jazz, and you really brought it with your tributes to Miles, Trane, Nelson, Shorter and so many others. I will definitely recommend you to anyone looking for live jazz sax. You were phenomenal ! "

Reply by Beacon Street Jazz - Jeff Moyer
Hello Niqki and thank you so much for the kind review. I really enjoyed entertaining your family and friends. My only regret is not having the opportunity to meet your Grandma. Everyone I spoke with told me she was a huge jazz music fan. Best Regards, Jeff Moyer (Beacon Street Jazz)

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Brian went above and beyond all of our expectations as a pianist and DJ at our wedding. He proactively reached out to us before hand, he coordinated the ceremony with the wedding planners,his sound system was audiophile quality. And he made it fun! He was flexible and fair when the reception went longer than planned. I haven't been to another reception where the guests were dancing from beginning to end, all age groups Brian had something to keep it going. I highly recommend Brian! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for coming at such short notice. You absolutely smashed it and went down a storm. Cheers"

Reply by Shadow Sax
This review was sent by social media so there was no system for a numeric rating.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Finding a band for a wedding can be tricky. We decided very early on that we wanted a live jazz act at our wedding reception, but we also knew that we didn't want a stereotypical 'wedding band', or a band that just did jazzy versions of pop songs. Fortunately for us, we came across On The Rocks: a group of quality jazz musicians willing to play a few weddings, rather than a wedding band that play a bit of jazz. Led by Jacky Naylor, they were genuinely, effortlessly brilliant. Cool, classy, chic, while also being fun and friendly... and just really damn good. They played with a singer at our request, Helena Debono, who was perfect: smoky, rich vocals and great stage presence. Jacky was really easy to work with throughout on everything practical, responding quickly to emails, letting us plug into the band's sound system when needed, being flexible on repertoire but also offering helpful advice and being happy to follow the feel of the room. Highly recommended, and I'd book them again in a heartbeat (for pretty much any kind of event)."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing performance. 2 wonderful ladies playing wonderful music. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a dream team!! We absolutely love this bands vibe! They played at our wedding and were so fun, professional and talented! We even got a sax solo for our reception entrance. Would recommend them to anyone! Lauren & Michael"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great, atmospheric music! The collaboration with the musicians was pleasant and professional, both during the event (and the setup), and in the coordination beforehand. Highly recommended!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Experience was pretty much seamless, he was incredibly professional and the music was beautiful and we wouldn’t of had it any other way!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just wanted to get in touch again to thank you guys for the wonderful show you put on for our wedding on Saturday night! Everyone had such a great time, and absolutely loved your performance. You were a real highlight and we can't thank you enough"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"CJ is more than an entertainer, he can play and perform any plethora of music you desire. My favorite is classic rock ‘n’ roll. He is also an honest Christian man. Don’t hesitate to reach out to him for any event. God bless. Bruce"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: