Review Centre: Big Bands

"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:

"Professional efficient always returns my emails quickly. Great entertainment, engaging and well dressed.They were the icing on the cake highly recommend The Martini Set"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Astoundingly good jazz and great personal service. Highly highly recommended! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Super professional and we really loved the show! We got a lot of compliments from the guests about how good the band was ?"

Reply by Rocktonight
Thank you so much! Wishing you all the best for you both and your lovely son ?

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Matthew, what can I say about the band. Firstly, everyone at the party has commented on the amazing atmosphere you all created from the moment you stepped onto the stage. I knew that you would be good as obviously I had watched your performances on your site, but what I wasn’t prepared for was the utter joy that your performance would give to everyone who was there including the staff at the hotel! The music choices were perfect, the vocals and commentary perfect and the feeling that I couldn’t have booked anyone better a delight. I know my father really enjoyed his night and has sung your praises far and wide. You all made the night truly fabulous and I cannot thank you enough for it. I hope to book you all again for future functions and obviously will let everyone know just how incredible your band is. Once again please give my thanks to the whole band, they were absolutely amazing."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had the pleasure of having the USO-10 piece play at our wedding in May 2017. From the minute we met Rick Holland and heard the band play we knew they were the band for us. It was a pleasure to work with Rick, who was so professional and helpful in many ways especially song choices from everything to cocktail music, our entrance song, first dance, parent dances to our exit song. The dance floor was never empty. We are thrilled with the USO and look forward to hearing them again in the near future!! Thank you for making our wedding so special! Maureen and Mark Deckman"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Really good voice and players, we love the music and everybody was dancing all night. I won't repeat because I'm not planning to get married again but definitely totally recommendable."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This was forwarded to me in FB messenger by the guy who booked me: Hi Would you be able to pass on my thanks to our saxophonist, he was amazing. I had excellent feedback from all my guests too. Thanks Jamie-Leigh Dai Dai Phillips Seems you went down really well!! ?"

Reply by Saxophone in England recording/performing
Let the good times roll. Sean

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great Live Band who cater to a wide audience... Have booked them for gigs @ pubs & also for a private party and they get everyone up dancing on every occasions. Would highly recommend if you're looking for a band who can play the crowd and deliver a set full of Funk, soul & melodies."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Easy to get along with and created a great environment for our wedding reception. Guest were happy and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Swing at its absolute finest!! Thank you so much for helping make our wedding such a memorable occasion. Communication before, during and after was superb. Would highly recommend. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I am proud that the Rick Holland - Evan Dobbins Little Big Band calls Tala Vera cantina home once a month. Rick is a consummate professional as well as a top tier musician. His Band comprises the best players Rochester has to offer. Such talent coupled with an amazing book of swing and traditional jazz, presents a special evening of music every time they play at Tala Vera. Bernard Matthews, Owner of Tala Vera, Rochester, NY "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you very much, we really enjoyed the evening. A lot of guests praised the band and your enthusiasm!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We would like to thank you and the swing band for making Clare and Terry’s wedding reception an occasion we shall never forget. The music was magic and enjoyed by both old and young."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"American Jazz Company did a great job at our fundraising Gala. Dan was very easy to work with and accommodating on our timeline at the event. The communication leading up to the event for planning and reviewing the set list was great. They checked with us and were willing to modify and make recommendations with a large portfolio to create a set list geared towards our guests. Everything was on time and in order which made coordination easy."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had the pleasure of being introduced to Manee Valentine through a close friend in our group and we requested his entertainment services for our event, "Hooray for Hollywood" last February 26, 2022, @ the Carson event center. To our delight, his addition to the show was a total success. His professionalism and talent are instrumental to satisfying any and all audiences. Great appearance craft and personality are the comments we've been hearing since that day. We will definitely work with him in other opportunities. Yes, we give him a thumbs up and highly recommend him."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: