Review Centre: Crooners

"The broad repertoire his groups encompass and the care with which he deals with musical details are a welcome exception in this age of super specialization and an obsession with quick results at the expense of real quality. Bill Dobbins, Eastman School of Music"

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:

"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:

"Huge thanks for all you did to make our evening a success. On the commercial side it was very successful for us, and you certainly played a part in making that happen. The atmosphere was perfect. We had so many lovely comments from customers about how much they'd enjoyed the evening, and it seems as it was our best ever. Your professional approach and attention to detail was impressive, and it was great to work with someone who cares about their work as much as we do. I'll definitely keep you in mind for future events, and thanks again Tony."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Paul sang at our wedding, nothing was too much trouble for him - organising new music sheets and musicians. Paul also sang at many charity events that were organised and brought the house down "

Reply by Paul Byrom Tenor
Thanks a million Gordan, Delighted it all went as planned!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The best music for our wedding. Nick and Roberto were amazing. Classy and fun music."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you SO much! Everyone LOVED you! We are all a crazy bunch who love a dance, so you were absolutely perfect!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" John V. • July 3, 2019 What a wonderful show for us Johnny Cannella recently DJ'd and performed at the scholarship awards lunch for the Grumman-Northrop Grumman Retiree Club. Johnny was great. He prepared well, planning in advance with music for the audience we described to him. He had the audience, both young and old, dancing to the tunes they loved and enjoying his singing. He brought attendees, both retirees and the high school graduates and their families, into the fun of the event, but in an unembarrassing way. We've never seen so many attendees say how much they loved a DJ and asking for his card. We certainly hope to bring him back."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"IT WAS billed as A Night At The Musicals, and it was certainly a title which attracted a packed house to the Howden Park Centre last Friday evening when Darren Shaw and three dancers took the stage and sang and danced their hearts out. Two for the price of one took on a whole new meaning in this show in which we, the audience, were encouraged to join in with some of the well known songs. If you looked around, all you could see was a sea of smiling faces having a great time reminiscing and sharing some of their favourite moments from the musicals. This was courtesy of one very talented young man sporting a George Clooney haircut and diamond earring, some nifty costume changes, an incredible voice range and an endearing smile. Using a variety of spectacular, if sometimes dazzling lighting effects, and the obligatory dry ice creating an atmosphere that makes the singer appear suspended in clouds, the show began with a spotlight into which sauntered Mr Shaw in top hat and tails singing On The Street Where You Live, from My Fair Lady. Once again the excellent acoustics of the Brian Duguid Theatre played host to emotive, full orchestral music courtesy of impeccably timed tapes. Maybe it was just a shade loud in the first half which saw something very unusual and totally original. Everyone is familiar with The Sound of Music and the recent Connie Fisher version of The Hills are alive. Enter Darren Shaw looking splendid in lederhosen, like a denizen of Austria and straight from the Alps. To everyone's amazement and some barely concealed audience mirth, he became a soprano and made the hills come alive in his own special way. As the show progressed, the format of two songs by Mr Shaw interspersed with dance routines by the hardworking dancers began to win us over. For the first time ever, the famous duet from Grease, You're The One That I Want, was sung by Mr Shaw who performed the male and female parts. Using his falsetto voice – an attribute which was once taught in Italy in the middle ages resulting in the singers being known as castratto (please, don't ask) – Shaw sang the SuBo hit from Les Miserables as he duetted with himself in I Know Him So Well. In The Phantom of the Opera sequence he once again sang the famous duet which takes Christine, the soprano and The Phantom to perform, all by himself. As for the three dancers, two glamorous blondes and a bonny brunette, they proved their versatility by dancing a variety of styles from musical comedy to modern with a brave attempt at Irish River Dancing which drew cheers from the audience. The finale saw Shaw resplendent in a mint green sparkling shirt and matching flares with the dancers in glittering jump suits so there was no doubt that we would hear something from Mamma Mia and we certainly did. This night at the theatre was indeed a feast of tunes from the musicals which at first, thanks to Mr Shaw's dual voice, seemed a little hard to digest but soon became an acquired taste."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Scott was very easy to work with and offered great ideas about how we could best use him. I am looking forward to seeing him again!"

Reply by World Renowned Saxophonist
Thank you so much Ross, it was a delight to work with you! I am already looking forward to the next time!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My partner and I first heard Kevin at an Art, Beer, and Wine festival, playing for everyone waiting in line. Despite the long line, his music and the vibe he brought just made everyone feel happy and excited. When we were planning our wedding years later, we knew we wanted that same vibe during our small, outdoor courthouse wedding. Kevin listened to what we wanted, and played a perfect selection of songs during the pre-ceremony and cocktail hour. We gave him a few specific requests and some general guidelines, and he captured exactly what we were going for. For our ceremony he went above and beyond and created his own arrangement of our special songs. His music was a special touch that made our day feel even more magical. "

Reply by Kevin Krieger saxophonist
Thanks so much for your lovely review. I enjoyed learning and playing the songs you requested. It was a beautiful day and I'm so glad I could help make it special for you both.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Italian Wedding Band, Marino, where do we even start. We had Marino and the Italian Wedding Band play at our wedding, and they were nothing short of exceptional! From the very first note, they were a complete stand out – they had everyone on the dance floor, and it was impossible not to smile. They brought such a fun, energetic vibe, and their professionalism was clear from the moment they arrived. They truly are entertainers in every sense of the word – they read the room perfectly, created an incredible atmosphere, and even went above and beyond with a special performance for us, which we’ll remember forever. We were running a bit behind on the schedule, but they were so flexible and accommodating, working seamlessly around us to make sure the night flowed beautifully. Thank you so much to Marino and the Italian Wedding Band for making our night so magical – we couldn’t have asked for more!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were so happy with Luke. He was such a pleasant, polite man who quietly got himself organised, despite us getting in his way! The moment he began to sing, everyone was listening and captivated by him. He absolutely made our evening and we were sad when his time was up. We would definitely recommend Luke to anyone "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gary Willner: A Modern-Day Master of Ventriloquism In conclusion, Gary Willner's performance as a veteran ventriloquist is nothing short of remarkable. His comedy is hysterically funny, his characters are brilliantly portrayed, and his act pays homage to the tradition of ventriloquism while adding his own modern touch. With a stage presence that is captivating and a genuine connection with his puppets, Willner has rightfully earned his place as a modern-day master of ventriloquism. A night spent enjoying his act is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, joy, and admiration for this exceptional talent David Rogan The Guardian"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Annelise was perfect in every way. Prompt, communicative and responsive. Everyone at the party loved her and commented on her style. This was important to us as we were catering for all ages and tastes. She sang beautifully. I would definitely recommend and book again. Just wonderful."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: