Review Centre: 1920s Era Musicians & Bands

"Let’s face it. Music soothes, heals, excites, entertains and inspires. Legendary Jazz Drummer and Bandleader, Art Blakey even said “(it) washes away the dust of everyday life.” I’ll go with that. That very moment when any artist starts to sing or play, is critical. We all want to be entertained, not just played to. And one more observation, if they look like they’re having fun - I am too. The Jazz Kings performed to a sell-out audience at the Brisbane Jazz Club: they brought their musical goods right through the front door and into our hearts and souls. The key difference is in the delivery. It’s called engagement, the sparkle in their eyes as they share their love of Jazz with everyone in the room. The Jazz Kings' repertoire is wide, impressive and constantly updated. It includes a couple of original pieces, but you can’t quite tell as they are very cleverly cloaked with the fabric of that particular era. What makes their evening different is their cheerful unpredictability. Not every song has each person doing an instrumental. (Which often can be tedious.) Two tunes might even be performed one after another without a formal introduction. Look out for some gentle fun inclusion with the audience – that’s the chance to sing along. It’s an old-fashioned but proven concept that has you laughing – and wondering where the night went. All-in-all, a thoroughly entertaining night. I’d go again. And again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a band! Laura has the most incredible voice and the band rocked our Peaky Blinders dinner dance just brilliantly. Everyone is talking about it still and I’m desperately trying to think of another event to book Trip For Biscuits! Couldn’t recommend them highly enough."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Fleur, we enjoyed your performance very much. I was thinking it was too short for me personally :) I would love you playing all evening honestly or at least twice the time :)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Was great to meet you! You and your band were so much fun. They loved you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fleur sang a beautiful set for our wedding in August. She sang a gorgeous mix of dance numbers and slower romantic ones, and made our reception very special. She was a delight to have there with us and tailored her set to include our requests as well. I'm so glad we booked Fleur and can't recommend her enough for any occasion - she is relaxed, elegant and has such a beautiful voice, it set such a lovely tone for our evening. Thank you, Fleur!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Robin is a great musician – he has a beautiful melodic turn of phrase and a strong personal sound."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Saturday December 14 we went to the Christmas concert of the Marcia Bamberg Swing Quartet in the old pumping station in Heerhugowaard. Great, atmospheric evening with top musicians and the beautiful, lived-in voice of Marcia Bamberg. Gipsy Jazz, the way you like to hear it. Amazing how Christmas hits and French chansons were arranged in the swinging style of Django Reinhardt. We can expect a lot from this Quartet! Recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Gajè Gipsy Swing is an incredibly talented group. Their style of performance was perfect for our wedding ceremony and apertivo. They customised a few specific songs we requested which was a lovely touch. Every guest was asking where and how we found the best wedding band! Thank you very much for making this celebration so memorable. 10 stars!"

Reply by Gajè Gipsy Swing
Many thanks Sean, very appreciated, it was our plesure! Alessandro

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Please can you tell everyone that performed at my birthday party that I have had 100% positive feedback. I have had loads of messages today to say how much they enjoyed the band and felt like they were in the 1920s at a night club. Thank you all for making my birthday so special"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Fay, the music made our wedding an occasion . The music made the emotion. It was beautiful and all the guests complimented you all. The flute really added to it and you all played beautifully. Just highly recommended . Pasw on our thanks to the rest of the ensemble. Shrigley Hall 2022"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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:

"We booked Fifi and Rico to play some music for my 30th birthday, a 1920's themed night in a large house. They were extremely professional and friendly and tailored the music to fit in with the evening. Everyone though they were wonderful and really helped make the night extra special. I think my favourite part of the whole weekend was when everyone was up dancing to Fifi’s and Rico's music. Would certainly recommend! Thank you Fifi and Rico!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Made it a unique event and one everyone enjoyed thanks to Jen. Would highly recommend her for any event as something for everyone and every taste in music catered for brilliantly"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Marcella Puppini was great. She was charming, showed up on time, performed two fab sets and set up and packed up with absolutely no fuss. Loved her..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Beautiful voice that will take you on a best of Jazz tour. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: