"It was an absolutely fantastic day and I appreciate yours and Simone’s music on the day, the feedback received was nothing but positive, you really made the BBQ/party atmosphere how I imagined it to be. "
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
Report this review
"We had a large, high-level event at a chateau in Vevey, and we really wanted live music. I found gig heaven, listened to Simone, and put in the deposit right away. They arrived on time and were a delight for the whole event. The perfect mood setter for something like this. Will definitely hire these guys again if I host something here in the future!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"As rock lovers, the concert was without a doubt the best part of the party! The guests also really enjoyed it and the atmosphere was spectacular with lots of dancing and moche in the mix. Furthermore, Laura was impeccable when it came to communication and flexibility in choosing songs. I would hire him again for a future party and highly recommend him if you want to have a rock wedding 🤟🏻"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"On behalf of Coby and I, we just wanted to thank you and the Mr Swing musicians for the fabulous evening of music and dance on Sunday. We all enjoyed the swing band tremendously and have highly recommended you to our interested guests. Hopefully will see you all perform again soon."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Trip for biscuits were amazing, very professional, turned up on time and sounded absolutely fantastic, I would recommend them to anybody!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"We hired Good Co to play at our home for a company party of 50 guests. They were on time, polite, fun and every one had a wonderful time. They paid attention to the wants of the crowd and catered to their likes. They were by far the highlight of our party. Next time we have a bigger party we'll hire the whole band (we only hired 3 band members due to the small crowd). Book this band - they are a sure bet from a small house party to a huge soiree."
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:
"WOW, we are totally lost for words, what an EPIC performance and evening with you. There is nothing we wanted more from our wedding than for our friends and family to be laughing, smiling, singing and dancing. Because of you this was how the whole evening went. Our photos are going to be picture perfect from the great time that was had by all. We can’t thank you enough and couldn’t think of anyone better to have celebrated our day with. Enjoy Christmas and a very happy new year ? Lots of Love, India and Ricky Wiltshire (Elmore Court 30.11.2021)"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"What an utterly wonderful band and an unimaginably fabulous collection of humans - thank you for absolutely OWNING my partner's 40th birthday bash, she/we/the crowd loved you and would book you again in a trice... well played and THANK YOU lovely Laura, brilliant bandmates and associated biscuits xxx"
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 I have had the pleasure to do some arranging and writing for Rick's groups and I have to say that his groups are always chocked full of the best musicians around. It's a pleasure to have music played with precision and integrity - no matter what the style or genre. I would highly recommend any or Rick's groups for a jazz or commercial setting. Jim Martin, Grand Rapids, MI 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 Sometimes it all just falls into place. The setting, the situation, the scene, the tone -- everything is going your way. That describes last night for me. And at the heart of this mid-week Xanadu was the Rick Holland Uptown Orchestra, a modest, brass-centric outfit led by the trumpet-blowing Holland that swung with equal parts effervescence and laid-back cool at Lovin Cup. And come to find out, five of his Hollands regular guys were sidelined, and the holes on the bandstand were plugged with subs --- hired music muscle like Po’ Boy Erik Jacobs on the slide trombone. By the time the Orchestra heaped on a helping of Count Basie, there was nowhere else I wanted to be. I dragged my mom out in the cold for this show and she was thrilled when they stomped on the Savoy. Holland led the affair with a relaxed air, coaxing more than conducting under his porkpie lid. He went around the bandstand numerous times so every cat there got his fair shake, including pianist extraordinaire Bill Dobbins. This is one sweet band, yes, yes. Frank De Blase, Roch City News With all the hype going to Wynton Marsalis, you might not guess that there are other, lesser-known, straight-ahead trumpet players out there who are consistently ripping the hide off the ball. This, Rick Holland's auspicious debut, is an impressive effort. The trumpeter leads his quartet, backed by a solid Michigan-based rhythm section: pianist Terry Lower, bassist Ed Fedewwa, and drummer Larry Ochiltree, through a fiery trail of originals and standards, interspersed with some fine balladry. Holland's sensitive ear translates to some tight arrangements and a well-organized program. On flugelhorn, he boasts a rich, full tone that purrs with warmth. On the faster tunes, he steams. This is the kind of jazz that feels just right on a wintry day, with the fireplace in full throttle, and the feet resting on a cushion: it hits the spot perfectly, drenched with emotional power and skillful fortitude. Steve Loewy, All Music Guide"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and the rest of the band for helping to make my 60th party such a special occasion. You were fantastic and everyone was asking where I had found you and how good you were. Maybe we’ll do it all again when I’m 70."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"“Absolutely perfect! Without drawing attention, you made the evening. Kars and his team provided the music during a large corporate dinner we hosted for our clients. Their presence is never in the foreground, yet it sets a major part of the atmosphere. Thank you, and looking forward to the next collaboration!”"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Chris and I cannot thank you enough for the entertainment you provided on Saturday. We had a marvellous time and the compliments we received from all guests young and old were only positive. You had people having the time of their lives on Saturday with some dancing who would usually not get up and dance. The skills the band have are undeniable. I truly couldn’t have asked for better music for our wedding day. I’m so sad it’s all over but I’m hoping I can get some event planned in the further where I can invite you guys along to play again. Our greatest appreciation and thanks to each and everyone of you."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Working with Sty has always been a pleasure - something to look up to. You work with a lot of great talents in the industry but it is very rare that you mean someone who actually pays attention to every single detail and wants to make every show a sensation. Above all, she is a very good friend and a joy to meet for all who have had the pleasure of meeting her. Without second thought, one of the most beautiful voices I have heard in my life, charisma that dazzles and and energy that lights up the room. Even if the stars up in the sky stop shining one day, theres one star from Cyprus that will never stop💫 Are we allowed to give 6 stars??⭐️ **asking for a friend 😅"
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: