Review Centre: Crooners

"Absolutely amazing!!! Thank you SO much to Paul for helping make our wedding so special, he was phenomenal! 🤩 👏🏼 "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jack Bowers The Rick Holland—Evan Dobbins Little Big Band Trilby RPO Productions Five years after a sensational opening act (In Time's Shadow, 2006), trumpeter Rick Holland and trombonist Evan Dobbins have returned for an encore, Trilby, marshaling as before their irrepressible Little Big Band. As was noted of that earlier recording, "the only thing small about [this band] is its numbers." Baritone saxophonist Dean Keller, who shared that chair with Kerry Strayer on Shadow, also returns. The rest of the lineup is brand new, with Evan Dobbins' dad, the well-known educator Bill Dobbins (Eastman School of Music), replacing the splendid pianist John Nyerges. Besides shining at the keyboard, Bill Dobbins wrote "My Darling Darlene" and arranged half of the album's other ten numbers. Although he doesn't play this time around, Strayer composed "Rich's Call" and arranged Sonny Stitt's "Eternal Triangle" and Oscar Pettiford's "Tricotism," while Brent Wallarab wrote "Trilby" and arranged Benny Golson's "Stablemates." Bill Dobbins' engaging charts brighten three originals by Hendrik Meurkens—"Slidin," "Second Waltz," "The Cottage"—as well as Hal Crook's "Fused" and Alec Wilder's lovely standard, "While We're Young" (a reprise from the band's earlier album). Holland, who plays flugelhorn exclusively, solos strongly on seven numbers, striking the ball with assurance and perception on every turn at bat. Bill Dobbins ("Slidin," "The Cottage," "Trilby," "Darlene," "Tricotism") amplifies the message, as do Evan Dobbins ("Slidin," "Fused"), Doug Stone (alto on "Stablemates," clarinet on "Second Waltz," soprano on "Trilby" and "While We're Young"), tenor Mike Pendowski ("Eternal Triangle," "Fused," "Rich's Call"), trombonist Nick Finzer ("Second Waltz," "Tricotism"), bassist David Baron ("The Cottage," "Tricotism") and blue-chip drummer Rich Thompson ("Eternal Triangle," "Fused," "Rich's Call"). When they're not having their say, the ensemble is front and center, giving each of the charts its single-minded attention. The result is music that flows easily without miscue. Trilby marks a second triumph by the Holland / Dobbins Little Big Band, which, as was noted after its debut album, "is more big than little, in every sense of the word." Those who appreciate a tight, swinging band, even if slightly undersized, are sure to admire Trilby."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Huge Thank you to Darren Newbould for a fabulous evening of amazing music! You are just awesome! (10 / 10) Caroline"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"They were incredibly patient with all our changing requests and emails, always responding within an hour to our emails. They made do with the little space we could give them for their setup which we really appreciated, and brought all their own equipment. The music was amasing; upbeat and joyful jazz. Everyone at our wedding loved them! Couldn't recommend more! Wished we could have had them for longer on the day!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Luke performed during our drinks reception and wedding breakfast at our wedding at East Horton Golf Club in Southampton. He was amazing and all our guests loved listening to him. Luke was very accommodating in our song choices. It was perfect and we would thoroughly recommend"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank You Ryan You Were Great! See you again very soon!"

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"Just a note to tell you and Maria how much we enjoyed the excellent evening of music last night at the Hall. Everyone I spoke to said how much they enjoyed it. I hope the arrangements were OK for you. Your selection of numbers suited our audience very well and your upbeat style was great. Many thanks for entertaining us."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for a great night last night. It was fantastic to see all our friends and family having such a good time. And the way you got everyone joining in with When You're Smiling and Minnie The Moocher was brilliant! Thanks again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had a wonderful evening, you were brilliant, thanks so much"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"“Volevo ringraziarvi di nuovo per aver reso stupendo quel giorno…lo dico con il cuore e non solo da parte nostra. I giorni successivi abbiamo ricevuto mille complimenti e a distanza di un mese c’è chi lo dice ancora…persone brave e sensibili come voi non se ne trovano in giro! Grazie grazie e ancora grazie”"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You must go and see this beautiful young lady, and her voice is absolutely amazing."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Martin, We just wanted to say a huge thank you for your wonderful singing on our wedding day. You did an amazing job and are very talented at what you do. We are so glad we chose you for our wedding as everyone of all ages was up dancing and having a great time! And all the little extras that you did like MC and background music for the cake was so lovely. Our guests were talking about how good you were for days after the wedding! Thank you so much for making our day so special! And a massive thank you to Sonya for recommending you! All the best Rebecca & Gavin (Dublin)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We have hired Roberto for a couple of years in a row now for our company events. Most recently at our Christmas party, Roberto put an extra golden edge on our evening with his warm voice and wonderful energy. We are very satisfied and the collaboration will continue. Highly recommend Roberto. /Mattias Andersson CEO Antura AB Sweden"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Many thanks for Saturday night. You looked amazing! The whole top hat and tails get-up fitted in so well with all the guests in their own fabulous outfits. It gave the whole event an air of class. Good luck for the future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just a note to express our big thanks at being a FANTASTIC Singing Waiter at our Wedding recently. You had everyone up straight away, and all of our guests mentioned how fabulous you were! Thank you so much!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: