Review Centre: 1950s Era Musicians & Bands

"Absolutely amazing!!! Definitely would recommend. Thank you for performing for my wedding. Xx "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jack was really fantastic at our event. He was very easy to deal with before, giving me a call a few days before to finalise details. He turned up on time, was very little effort to look after, and played some excellent music throughout, just the right vibe for a relaxed afternoon party. I should have pressed him to take more of a break, because I think he just kept on playing, beyond the timings we booked him for. Overall, he was really excellent & made a huge difference to our event, with lots of the guests commenting on how much they liked him."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had a great evening with Lorraine & The Flames at The Pheasantry. A really interesting and varied selection of classics and some lesser-known songs, all performed beautifully by Lorraine and her band. The quality of Lorraine's voice alongside a clearly very accomplished band displaying great timing, rhythm, and hats-offs, made for a fabulous evening. Looking forward to future gigs!"

Reply by Lorraine And The Flames
Thank you Simon for your fabulous review and really glad you had a great time at The Pheasanty with Lorraine and The Flanes !! Lorraine Lorraine and the Flames🔥

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much you guys were INCREDIBLE, we couldn’t have wished for better!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Warmly Recommended This is the second time I am organizing a company party with life music from “Jazz Centrale”. The first it was a Jazz quartet with Bossa Nova singer Agnes and this time it was a Jazz Quartet with Jazz Singer SaraLee. Both were equally great. Warmly recommended not only for quality of the music but also for the smoothness of the organization. "

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:

"You guys were absolutely fantastic and everyone has been raving non stop about how good the band were! Thanks again for letting me on the stage and I wish you every success for the future. You really were brilliant and I will be sure to pass your details on and recommend you to friends and colleagues!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The performance on Thursday was very nice! Our guests thought so too. In short, we are very satisfied, also about the booking process."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Glory Days for making our 50 th Birthday special! Linda and John were amazing! Everyone had a fabulous time grooving to the music! Anyone looking for live music I would highly recommend Glory Days"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Musically very high quality: jazz from the toes the men were also helpful, attentive and pleasant Highly recommended"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘Everyone had a fantastic time and again so many compliments re: your fantastic band and music. It was perfect! Really looking forward to working with you again next year' "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had a lovely evening. Everyone said how good they are. Would highly recommend "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We look back on a very successful event with the Gradalicious band. A true team of top musicians who knew how to set the mood from the very first minute. The collaboration was also very pleasant. We truly felt like we were organizing something together — and we’re already looking forward to a next time."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"'A superb band with players that not only play brilliantly but that really know their stuff and as a result play a wide range of styles in a very authentic way. Crucially, they also know how to entertain an audience…they are a promoter’s ideal band! ' Dr Ian Darrington MBE Director & Co-founder Wigan International Jazz Festival."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just to say how thrilled we were with you all from start to finish. Now we’ve got your band’s real name straight, we will recommend you far and wide! If we ever need a live band again, it will absolutely be you. We loved the set list and your performances were outstanding. We could have easily danced all night long if we hadn’t had other various duties! We were also absolutely charmed by you all on a personal level – delightful!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: