Review Centre: Big Bands

"Rick brought his quintet to our "An Evening of Jazz" and put on a great show! What incredible musicianship and professionalism. Thank you so much Rick to and your guys for providing great entertainment for the people of Kendall. Rick, it was amazing stuff. You have a great thing going.....keep up the good work. The community is better for it. I look forward to working with you again. Joe Pompilli, Band Director, Kendall HS"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Swing Shift: What can we say to such an amazing group? Nevin and I are so glad you were able to perform at our wedding reception! You absolutely made the night and guests have been raving nonstop about the music! The ambiance was perfect-our favourite style of jazz performed by such a talented, professional group. We appreciated your flexibility in accommodating the schedule for the night. Thanks again for the amazing night! Rachelle and Nevin"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘Thank you for such a wonderful performance last night! Everyone was so impressed with you and wish you the very best for the year to come. I hope you enjoyed the evening too. I thought the concert went very well!' "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Sam, We would just like to say the biggest thanks, the evening went so well, everyone was buzzing! What a night we all had on Saturday! The band made our night so special for us and Dale and the band made that possible. We knew you were fantastic but you on the night you lit up the sky and everyone thought the Band was amazing. Your help and advice sorting the stage in the lead up to our wedding was exceptional, you were so helpful, accommodating and reassuring when we had a question or query. Please pass on our sincere thanks to Dale and all the band who are all so gifted / talented, and so much fun! They absolutely made our wedding day one night that we will never ever forget! The dance floor was never empty, Dee and Mel were incredible so much charisma and simply Amazing! Thanks for making it such a special night for us family and our friends – you blew us away ! We will absolutely be recommending you to anyone and everyone (!) and wouldn’t hesitate to sing your praises."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Quedó todo precioso. El trato de Alex fue magnifico y profesional en todo momento. Fue sorpresa para los invitados y alucinaron, nos queda un recuerdo precioso del día de nuestra boda. Lo pasamos genial!!! La familia nos dijo que no se esperaba un cóctel amenizado de esa manera y que lo disfrutaron mucho "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Super Band, professional singers, great atmosphere… Good music. I had them on my birthday party. They were on time, really created the vibes. Il surely take them again this year for my wedding anniversary party."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band went down a storm and already I’ve been asked for your details. We really appreciated the effort and journey and thank you all. In hindsight, I wish that we had you on longer as the feedback really has been amazing. Please pass on my thanks to all of the band."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Re were very happy with Rocktonight! Everything worked well, they are professional, responsive, helpful and most importantly great performers. Sincere recommendation from us!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band was perfect in all the management of the music in the different locations within the party's venue. they are all very nice and the show is fantastic. We especially appreciated the music of the 50s/60s, and twist and rock and roll. the guests all danced, without exception. Thanks Contrabbandiati"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had already attended a Rocktoight concert at another wedding and we were very happy to have them at our wedding. From the beginning they were always very helpful, flexible and professional, they helped us to have the day as we imagined, in addition to giving an excellent concert at the end of the day. We definitely recommend this band!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Came on time, dressed appropriately, cooperated with last-minute instructions, excellent set list, exceeded expectations."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jack Bowers The Rick Holland—Evan Dobbins Little Big Band Trilby RPO Productions Five years after a sensational opening act (In Time's Shadow, 2006), trumpeter Rick Holland and trombonist Evan Dobbins have returned for an encore, Trilby, marshaling as before their irrepressible Little Big Band. As was noted of that earlier recording, "the only thing small about [this band] is its numbers." Baritone saxophonist Dean Keller, who shared that chair with Kerry Strayer on Shadow, also returns. The rest of the lineup is brand new, with Evan Dobbins' dad, the well-known educator Bill Dobbins (Eastman School of Music), replacing the splendid pianist John Nyerges. Besides shining at the keyboard, Bill Dobbins wrote "My Darling Darlene" and arranged half of the album's other ten numbers. Although he doesn't play this time around, Strayer composed "Rich's Call" and arranged Sonny Stitt's "Eternal Triangle" and Oscar Pettiford's "Tricotism," while Brent Wallarab wrote "Trilby" and arranged Benny Golson's "Stablemates." Bill Dobbins' engaging charts brighten three originals by Hendrik Meurkens—"Slidin," "Second Waltz," "The Cottage"—as well as Hal Crook's "Fused" and Alec Wilder's lovely standard, "While We're Young" (a reprise from the band's earlier album). Holland, who plays flugelhorn exclusively, solos strongly on seven numbers, striking the ball with assurance and perception on every turn at bat. Bill Dobbins ("Slidin," "The Cottage," "Trilby," "Darlene," "Tricotism") amplifies the message, as do Evan Dobbins ("Slidin," "Fused"), Doug Stone (alto on "Stablemates," clarinet on "Second Waltz," soprano on "Trilby" and "While We're Young"), tenor Mike Pendowski ("Eternal Triangle," "Fused," "Rich's Call"), trombonist Nick Finzer ("Second Waltz," "Tricotism"), bassist David Baron ("The Cottage," "Tricotism") and blue-chip drummer Rich Thompson ("Eternal Triangle," "Fused," "Rich's Call"). When they're not having their say, the ensemble is front and center, giving each of the charts its single-minded attention. The result is music that flows easily without miscue. Trilby marks a second triumph by the Holland / Dobbins Little Big Band, which, as was noted after its debut album, "is more big than little, in every sense of the word." Those who appreciate a tight, swinging band, even if slightly undersized, are sure to admire Trilby."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I wanted to thank you all for the most wonderful set you played for us. You were simply brilliant and added a wonderful atmosphere to my birthday."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to be in touch to say thank you to Mr Swings Dance Orchestra for an excellent evening on Saturday night. How could anyone not be inspired to get up and have a dance to such great music! We feel, with your help, Gordon’s retirement has got off to a brilliant start!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: