Review Centre: 1920s Era Musicians & Bands

"Just wanted to say thank you again for playing at our party last weekend. We had an absolutely fantastic time - everyone said how much they enjoyed your music (it definitely helped to make the evening a special one). (10 / 10) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a fantastic evening this was, our second French night at Lock & Quay. This one well topped it and every single customers happy with the food and all entertainment. Muriele's voice was one of the best we've had at our venue and we can't wait to have her back here to sing for us and all our customers. Very talented performance and we wish you the very best with all your future gigs. Best wishes and thank you ( June 2023)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Colleyville Police Department would like to thank Just Jazz for providing such outstanding musical entertainment at our 2024 Police Department Awards Banquet. Your music made a huge difference in the ceremony and there were many positive comments about the music. Please extend our appreciation to all of your musicians! It goes without saying your music helped make this year's event very special for everyone in attendance."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Tracy has sung for me at a number of venues I have managed. Most recently she entertained with her Miss Swing theme. Was amazing, all our guests thoroughly enjoyed their Sunday afternoon and have been left waiting for more of Tracy later in the year. So accommodating to this new venture, I cannot recommend enough, get booking!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I hired Rick Holland Productions for my wedding and I thank my lucky stars I did. They were just an absolute solid band. I live in Toronto so the 10 piece band crossed the border for my wedding - our wedding coordinator said she'd never heard a band that good over her decade long career. I like to think I'm a genius for finding them ?? Kian K., Toronto, ON, CA"

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:

"A top notch evening. Wonderful entertainment, serious musicianship and big smiles all night! They look as good as they sound. What a fantastic band - highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Beautiful atmospheric location and a very relaxed performance by the quartet! It was as if you could join them at their home for an evening full of fun anecdotes, fun amongst each other and fun making music. The Christmas songs were refreshing in the gipsy jazz style, nicely interspersed with their regular set! It was impossible to stay seated..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"They are immense, talented and unique ... I listened to them together with their pianist. Formidable"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We couldn’t be happier that we chose Maria for our wedding reception. Maria brought a magic, glamour, and old Hollywood style charm to our big day that is hard to put into words. Not only is she a hugely talented singer and saxophonist, but she also has an amazing stage presence - she added so much to our special day. From our first telephone call with her it was clear that she really cared about our vision for our big day, and her performance was beyond our wildest expectations. It was so wonderful to see our guests out on the floor enjoying Maria's performance, and two months later they are still commenting about how fabulous she was, and how much she added to their enjoyment of our day. Thank you Mara from the bottom of our hearts. Dee & Shea ❤️ xoxo"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so so much for the amazing music. We had such a good time and all the guests thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you again! Jenny "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Harmonica Lewinsky, half musician, half comedian, can't be filed easily under any one genre. There are no "rawk" anthems or jangly pop toons to guide you to a familiar sense of comfy numbness you may well be used to in your local music venue. Instead, you get a proper show. Someone - that's Phil Leiwy, crazy alchemist of alter-ego Lewinsky - has taken it upon himself to create a crisp set of upbeat, rhythmic gems played on guitar (choppy, jazzy, mellow), vocals (smooth, welcoming) and of course, a boxload of harmonicas (swanky, tuneful, engaging). But words alone seem unable to explain why, after a HL gig, you go home feeling as if you have been crane-lifted out of a ditch... If you haven't seen HL play, go and see for yourself, and let the performance into your life. Careful listening really helps: the lyrics to many of Phil's songs - including Gordon Brown (to the tune of the Stranglers' "Golden Brown") - are wry, clever and occasionally rude. Lovers of X-Factor stability or other social brainwashing techniques may leave feeling confused."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The jazz band that performed at our recent corporate reception was impressive and delivered a memorable experience. Hana was very detail-oriented and thorough leading up to the performance. During the event, each musician brought a unique touch to the performance, and their musical talent created a fun atmosphere that was enjoyed by all attendees. Their professionalism and enthusiasm were evident throughout the evening, contributing to the event's success. I would recommend this jazz band for any corporate event or special occasion."

Rating: 8 / 10 Share this review:

"Ruby was great, very professional and more importantly a really good singer. Booked her for a birthday party, Her selection of songs entertained everyone aged 11 to 80 Thank you Ruby"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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: