Review Centre: Crooners

"Fantastic Band! Rick is easy to work, dance floor was full all night long. Guests are still talking about how the Rick Levine Band helped make my event a success! Thanks."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely fantastic, from beginning to end. Everyone complimented you and a lot of people thought it was actually a Frank Sinatra CD playing! Very highly recommended. We will have you back for mum’s 90th! "

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:

"Lewis recently attended one of our dinner date evenings at Gosfield Hall wedding venue. He was so engaging with our guests were they sat and enjoyed their dinner in our ballroom. I have had nothing but praise from couples I spoke to after the event and from members of staff.thank you so much for coming along and we look forward to working with you more in the future!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The perfect accompaniment to the cocktail party Everything, from start to finish, was perfect. Mark was very flexible and professional. Every detail was taken care of and the band sounded incredible. Everyone enjoyed the experience and I’m very grateful to David for creating the perfect atmosphere for my cocktail party. Thank you very much!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would highly recommend Sarah. She has an amazing voice and was really good at communication with myself to pick the right songs for the evening. Everyone said you was brilliant. Thank you so much, you was fantastic and made the evening for us all. x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Luke performed at our Open Evening Event, and he was absolutely incredible! His perfect blend of professionalism and warmth made the evening truly special. With his amazing voice and friendly, welcoming nature, he created the perfect atmosphere for our guests. We highly recommend Luke!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Quality entertainer with a wide range of music. Will be booked again."

Reply by Denis Cook
Thanks Sam … I enjoyed the afternoon very much and look forward to seeing you all again Denis

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"She was versatile, and everyone enjoyed her presentation. She has a beautiful voice and works well with people."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Best party band in Ontario bar none. Have seen them many many times."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Matthew, I know I said it last night but, once again, thank you for making our Roaring 20s party such a success. I've seen and heard a few singers before but a singer who also plays the trumpet? That added a whole new dimension! Absolutely fantastic! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were thrilled to have Alex perform at our GRSA International Stringers Conference 2024 on Saturday, November 16th, and he truly exceeded all expectations. His performance was outstanding—his voice, energy, and stage presence created an unforgettable atmosphere for our gala dinner. Many of our guests commented on how much they enjoyed his performance, and it added a special touch to the evening. Beyond his talent, Alex was professional, friendly, and easy to work with throughout the booking process and on the day of the event. It couldn't have been better, I didn't have to worry about a single thing! I would highly recommend him for any event, and I wouldn't hesitate to hire him again in the future. He really helped make our first annual conference a truly memorable experience!"

Reply by Alex Wengel Vocalist
Dear Natasha, What a pleasure it was to sing at your beautiful event. Thank you for a fantastic night. I had such good fun. You were so wonderful and kind and you made my work that much easier. I really hope our paths will cross again. All the best to you with kindest regards, Alex

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Erna Botha's 3 minute W/app review is now available here in the Audio section of my portfolio."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thankyou so much! We had SUCH fun and all my guests LOVED you! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for another fantastic night on Saturday Tony. Top quality entertainment as always."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: