Review Centre: Big Bands

"This band is fabulous – a performance not to miss!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"TRILBY Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76 The Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band, which is based in Rochester, New York, was founded in 2005. Co-led by flugelhornist Holland and trombonist Dobbins, the 11 piece group has the sound of a big band despite having eight instead of the usual 11 or 12 horns. Its musicianship is top-notch, soloists are impeccable, and arrangements are both colorful and swinging. The 11 songs heard on Trilby consist of four standards, three originals by harmonica great Hendrik Meurkens, and a song apiece by Kerry Strayer, Hal Crook, Brent Wallarab and pianist Bill Dobbins. The father of Evan Dobbins, Bill Dobbins is the best known musician in the band, contributed six of the arrangements, and is a key soloist on five songs. But enough of the statistics. The Little Big Band swings hard and puts plenty of spirit into each performance. The opener, Benny Golson's “Stablemates,” has fine solos from Holland and the Phil Woods-inspired altoist Doug Stone, with the two battling it out near the tune's finish. Meurkens' “Slidin'” has an arrangement by Bill Dobbins that in its use of restrained tone colors is worthy of Thad Jones. A heated jam on “The Eternal Triangle” gives Holland and tenor-saxophonist Mike Pendowski an opportunity to jam, trade-off and interact with each other. Holland, Doug Stone (this time on clarinet) and trombonist Nick Finzer play lyrically on the melodic “Second Waltz.” David Baron's bass is featured prominently on “The Cottage,” a haunting tune particularly worthy of several listens. “Trilby,” a lengthy exploration of the chord structure of “Alone Together,” has some excellent hard bop flugelhorn from Holland, adventurous soprano from Stone and a memorable spot for Bill Dobbins' piano. Trombonist Dobbins, Pendowski and drummer Rich Thompson are not only well featured on “Fused” but at one point they play as a pianoless bassless trio. Rick Holland is heard at his best on the ballad “My Darling Darlene” and a jazz waltz version of “While We're Young.” David Baron is naturally in the spotlight during bassist Oscar Pettiford's “Tricotism” (along with Nick Finzer and Bill Dobbins) before Trilby closes with its most intense performance on “Rich's Call.” 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."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Harmony In Harlem performed at our wedding at the Plaisterers' Hall on London Wall in 2012. We thought that the band was fantastic - our guests loved it and at least one said it was the best music they have ever heard at a function - I certainly thought so!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you again for the wonderful evening/night of music. Everybody loved the band and I’ve heard a few music lovers say it was the best swing band they have ever seen. The band and yourself have made an ever lasting impression with everyone. The intro was fantastic and definitely started the evening off with a bang. Katie and I thank you for our first dance it was more perfect than we could have imagined. I can not express our appreciation enough to you and the band. You guys made the evening a brilliant success and are true professionals."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Vibrant Jazz were brilliant. Provided exactly the right music for our party in the garden on a beautiful summers day greatly appreciated by all our guests.Dan and Charlie both professional and charming. Will definitely be using them again when the occasion arises. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fantastic band and lovely people. Hired for my wedding and they had everyone dancing even the non-dances were toe-tapping and chair dancing Highly recommend. Not a bad word can be said. Thank you for a fantastic evening & making our wedding extra special"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just recently played at a little wedding celebration - the happy couple and their toddler, and me with my little set up playing in the corner while they ate cake. Even the kid danced a little, and they had a good afternoon. Here is their review sent to Encore (who did the booking): Alex L, 1 hour ago Wedding in Blackfriars Priory, Ladybellegate St, Gloucester GL1 2HN, UKSean was our saxophonist for our elopement wedding and I can not fault him at all! He was so accommodating with our song requests/genre and even played a few songs for our toddler. Absolutely fantastic. The venue commented on how great he was and so did everyone we showed the videos to. Would 110% recommend and would love to have Sean again at another event. Thanks Sean! :)"

Reply by Saxophone in England recording/performing
Thank you - have a good time All the time...Sean

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rocktonight was absolutely amazing to work with from start to finish. From the very beginning, we were in direct communication with them, and they even coordinated directly with our event planner so we didn’t have to play middleman. Their playlist was extensive and flexible, giving us plenty of great options to choose from. Most importantly, they rocked out on the night of our wedding — bringing incredible energy, sound, and fun that took our celebration to the next level. They added something truly special to our day, and our guests are still raving about them. If you’re looking for a band for your wedding or private event, I can’t recommend Rocktonight enough. Reach out to Laura — she’ll take great care of you!"

Reply by Rocktonight
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing! Rick Holland Productions worked seamlessly with our wedding, where we had three separate "performances" that were adpated to by Rick's use of different members of the Little Big Band. We had a cocktail reception where a trio played, then a brass quartet accompanied our Wedding ceremony. After our guests were transported by horse-drawn carriage to a lake side reception site, the Little Little Big Band got things started and the full Little Big Band played the night away to the extreme pleasure of our entire party. They even let Joe Robinson jam with them in the chill of the autumn, fire-lit evening! Thank You so much Rick! Matthew Cooper, Bradford, PA"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wedding October 14 2023 - University Club - Chicago, IL Hi Ron, I've been meaning to shoot you an email. Thank you guys so much, we had such a wonderful time and were so happy and impressed with the music. With everything going on, there were 2 things about the wedding that made it stand out: the food and the band. Our guests loved the music and it was everything that we could have ever wanted and more. I really meant what I said about how cool it is that you all play this music and hopefully more people my age appreciate the work that you all do. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. We visit Chicago pretty often so we'll keep tabs on when you play and will come say hello sometime soon. Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving! -Ryan & Angela"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had an amazing time with them. They played a variety of music and had everyone dancing and singing. They Kept the audience entertained. Highly recommend them. Would love to attend another venue with them. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing addition to our wedding! Dan and Karen and the rest of the band were so talented! Dan also helped MC our event everything went absolutely perfect. They are a joy to work with and will take your event to the next level. Great communication and professionalism. Lucky to have them play some jazz on our big day!"

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:

"I also wanted to thank you for putting on such a great event. We had some of the best feedback in years. Everyone loved y’all and they were still buzzing about it this week. Truly just a fantastic evening. 🙂"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ребята, спасибо вам огромное! Наша свадьба была идеальной - музыка, организация, всё на высшем уровне. Даже не представляю сколько усилий и профессионализма нужно чтобы 300 человек остались в восторге… Всем рекомендую LBP!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: