Review Centre: Big Bands

"We have hired Hana a couple of times for our events on our yachts and she has even been available for us at very last minute with barely no time to prepare. She is great as a person and everyone is always amazed with her music. We have hired her with a pianist as well as a guitar player on different occasions and each time she has given us a great show."

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:

"The Las Vegas Experience was a great show for our Christmas Party. Music for all tastes with a fantastic singer and musician performing with a full light show and great sound. Marty is a true professional and a gentleman, nothing was too much trouble and provided a good DJ service as well."

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:

"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:

"OMG Layonne !!! You guys are the talk of the town. Outstanding performance!!! Thank you is not enough for the joy that you all brought to this fundraiser... How in the world will I top your performance at next year’s event ??? I can’t imagine anyone greater than Motor City Revue. Thank you so much and please thank the rest of band for me. I WILL be inviting you all back again, that’s for sure. Blessings to you all"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow! You were wonderful. We have had so many messages saying how excellent the evening was – so many people loved the band, and we can’t thank you enough. The music, as you know full well, is such an important part of the evening and we could not have hoped for anything better. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great night at The Vine, Wangaratta. Looking forward to seeing you again at the Wangaratta Jazz Festival on Cup day."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Paul Skerritt can work a room with the skill of a Las Vegas entertainer and he had those present in the palm of his hand. He sings, he swings, he ring-a-ding dings. Old Blue Eyes ain't dead - he just lives in the North East of England!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We have loved having you at The Square and hearing your unique style at Claire and Andy's wedding on the 28th December. Your duo was so fun and went down so well with all the guests and ourselves!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We are passionate about Sinatra, and Giuliano's beautiful voice made our wedding truly unforgettable. His performance added a touch of class and elegance, creating a unique atmosphere. Giuliano is not only a great artist on stage but also an exquisite person. His kindness and friendliness made our encounter a true pleasure. The ensemble of musicians who accompanied him was top-notch, contributing to a perfect musical experience. In short, if you're looking for a top-level swing professional for your wedding, Giuliano is the perfect choice. He made our day truly special, and we can't thank him enough for the unforgettable performance."

Reply by Giuliano Ligabue
Thank you for your glowing review! It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of your special day. I'm thrilled my performance added class and elegance to your wedding, and that you enjoyed the music. Your kind words about my voice and demeanor mean a lot. Thank you for choosing me—I'm honored. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

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: