Review Centre: Jazz Bands

"We received excellent service from Jazz Central. They provided tailored advice tailored to our wedding needs and delivered a fantastic performance. It was a successful evening."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Interestingly, this unique saxophonist is able to play a variety of genres. He can charm you with flamenco flames on the saxophone, play blues and jazz for cocktails or go country with the strings. Or dabble in rockabilly and funk."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Igor was absolutely AMAZING!!!! Had him perform at my son’s baptism celebration. He played the saxophone throughout the cocktail hour and dinner. Was so beautiful to listen to while we had the meal. He is so unbelievably talented and the music just flowed. He played covers of popular songs that had the guests amazed. Added such a nice touch to the venue with live music. Highly recommend Igor! Such a nice guy too. Thank you Igor for making my son’s baptism celebration that much more memorable!"

Reply by Ontario saxophonist Igor Babich
Hi Elyse, Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! It truly means a lot. I’d be delighted to perform for you again anytime! Wishing your beautiful family all the best! Igor

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just want to thank you so much for making our wedding celebrations so perfect. Everyone who came has fed back to us how amazing you were. You were absolutely stunning and I loved every minute of your sets – terrific voice and music. It was lovely to see everyone dancing – from my 6 year old niece to my 83 year old aunt! Thank you so much."

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:

"Great repertoire made of classic jazz standards. Good for listening and dancing too."

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Raphael and the Blue Moon Jazz Trio were terrific for our Wedding in Orvieto Italy. They sounded amazing, and created the perfect vibe for our Italian wedding. With a little rain to deal with, they handled no problem, and were very quick in making the changes between ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner locations. Music was perfect, exactly what we wanted. Highly recommend the Blue Moon Jazz Trio. Thank you for making our special day, even more special!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Giuliano Ligabue, a modern-day crooner extraordinaire, graced our wedding with a voice reminiscent of Sinatra's golden era. His performance not only showcased unparalleled talent but also exuded class and charm, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Beyond his musical prowess, Giuliano's warmth and professionalism made our encounter truly enjoyable. A genuinely nice person, he elevated our special day with his top-tier swing expertise. For jazz and swing enthusiasts seeking the best, Giuliano is the ultimate choice, turning our wedding into a timeless celebration of love and music."

Reply by Giuliano Ligabue
Hi Martin, what can I say... Thank you so much for your words, it was a great pleasure to bring our music to your wedding and I'm happy that you were completely satisfied. I wish you all the best!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Darren's band played at our graduation ball at Crewe hall and were absolutely fantastic! They played fun and lively music at the drinks reception and gave the whole room a buzz of energy. The only downside was that we didn't have enough time to have them play for longer!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I strongly recommend The Blue Moon Jazz Trio to any couples looking to add an elegant and spirited atmosphere to their wedding day. Aside from being incredibly talented, they are professional, friendly and will make such a big difference to your wedding day! On the day of the wedding we had to make last minute changes because of the weather, and they went above and beyond to help and maintain the magical atmosphere and beautiful sound. Such a worthwhile investment that you will never regret or forget! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"... a wonderful evening of life-affirming music..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This is to certify that the Marlene Johnson Duo was performing at the Starboard in the Taj Mahal hotel, Mumbai for a period of three months. During their tenure here we found the band to be of exceptional quality and class. Not only did they entertain the guests but they have also contributed a lot to the overall business and the impression of the place. They were the most aptly suited band that I worked with yet at the bar Their music, entertaining skill and ability to sing in a varied number of languages was a quality that will never be forgotten. I wish Flavio and Marlene all the best in their future endeavors."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Die Sängerin Martina Rebhandl riss zusammen mit Ihren Kollegen mein Atelierpublikum beim diesjährigen Sommerfest ungeheuerlich mit: Mit ihrer grandiosen Stimme, der großen Musikalität und ihrer leidenschaftlichen Art trägt sie Coversongs aus Jazz, Pop, Schlager & Rock überzeugend und stimmungsvoll vor. Die einzelnen Nummern moderiert sie kurz an, frech und charmant zugleich flirtet Rebhandl mit dem Publikum und sorgt mit ihren Bandmitgliedern für einen einmaligen Abend. Meine Gäste und ich waren bezaubert und begeistert.100% Weiterempfehlung! Atelier Gabriele Drexler aus München"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you and the band so much for providing the music to our wedding last night. As I’m sure you’d expect, very many of our guests expressed their admiration of your performance. However, we’d heard you before and knew what to expect. Notwithstanding, your wedding swing band over-delivered on our expectations and we had an absolutely fantastic evening of music and dance thanks to you and you colleagues. We were genuinely delighted with your delivery and the way you made the party swing. Again, thank you, and we look forward to seeing you again at your public performances."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Je recommande Petra pour sa musique exceptionnelle lors de notre Mariage. Tous ont adoré ! Merci !"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: