Review Centre: Crooners

"Just a short note to thank you ever so much for the great show and dance for us here at the HAG. I have waited until today to write this as we had a meeting on Wednesday and it confirmed everything that I told everyone about the upcoming show and dance. I was told, the band said this was the first time you have played in a hanger and I must say, the acoustics were awesome and the sounds were great even where I was sitting. At the time I thought you had more than enough on your plate but how in hell did you save the song "At Last" for the very last number. It was the very song I would have requested and it back to my Junior and Senior days in high school. Nuf said about that. Yup, I might have had a small tear in my eye, hearing the music, you absolutely stunning! And the Band, exceeded my expectations. Got to get you guys back—Rick Holland is just a splendid musician!!"

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"Martin, what can we say?! Thank you so much for coming all the way to Belgium to make our special day even more special! Having seen you so many times in Puerto Banus, we just couldn't imagine the day without you, and we were right! The people who thought we were crazy for flying you in are now trying to book you themselves! ​Thank you so much for being there on the day the "We decided on Forever" - Patricia & Michael Bleyen"

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:

"Thank you for such a beautiful performance yesterday at the funeral Sarah. The family were so very pleased."

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"James was so terrific that words don’t give him justice! His performance blew the guests (Naval Officers and High Ranking friends) of my father Admiral James "Ace" Lyons' 90th birthday party away! He sang very special songs that brought back very found memories of the past locations where we lived around the world! James was absolutely wonderful and accommodated everything I had ask and dreamed of. Lastly, James' rendition of ‘My Way” brought tears to everybody's eyes! It was better than Frank Sinatra's and just an unbelievable fantastic evening that none of us will ever forget! Thank you so much!! Michele Lyons"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for singing for us at The Woolpack yesterday afternoon! We all enjoyed your performance and the selection of music was really lovely! My friends especially loved it, they came down especially for the jazz music! We would love to have you appear again at some time for us."

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"Many thanks Luke- you’re singing was really great and you hit just the right note with your song selections- the guests were very complimentary of the quality of your performance. It was a fun eve. "

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"Fantastic entertainer! Vince was great at keeping the music going and engaging with the audience. Even played with a battery powered amp when the electricity unexpectedly went out!"

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"Nos divertimos muchísimo con la música de esta banda, deveras que fue un espectáculo que me llevó a mis raíces, con su música tradicional cubana y sus temas Yito que ya se escuchan en la radio. Muchas gracias por tu presencia Marino’s Band Zayas"

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"Everyone loved your music, it was perfect for the party and as you could see, my mother in law loved it! Thank you so much and I will definitely keep you in mind for my next party. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" Gold Rating star Verified Review Rae R. Sock Hop Entertainment Bill did a fantastic job at my memory care communities sock hop event! Lots of dancing and singing! We will for sure have him back again! "

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"Mark played his saxophone for the cocktail hour for our wedding and did an outstanding job. The music was beautiful and everyone raved about. It was such a nice touch and made our day more special. I would highly recommend Mark for your event. Thank you Mark."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Luke is a fantastic singer, everybody enjoyed the evening and Luke is such a nice lad. Would recommend him to anybody, thank you so much. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely Loves Roksteady! My wife and I had the pleasure to see Roksteady perform live on 2 different Carnival Cruises and he never disappoints. He's very charismatic, talented, and interacts with the audience perfectly. Much Love Roksteady. Hope to see you again soon. Love Charles and Tiffany! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fantastic singer. Great communication and personalised the song list to suit our taste. Really entertained everyone at our wedding. Would definitely recommend. (10 / 10) Eleanor Parton"

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