Review Centre: Swing Bands

"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! "

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"WOW. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. If you are considering hiring Good Time SoulF for your wedding or event, you should book them immediately! I am so incredibly impressed with their talents, professionalism, communication, and overall performance. They were such a highlight of my wedding day and I couldn’t be more grateful that they were able to come and perform for us. They were so flexible with their playlists as well and let me customize the songs that I wanted to hear from their playlists as well as add a few more songs that they were able to learn for the wedding. I am overjoyed with their performance and the only thing I wish I would have done differently is to have asked them to stay longer. Truly amazing, kind, talented, and wonderful performers. I enjoyed every second as did my guests. THANK YOU!!! XXXX"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great show Ryan. Hope to see you again at Worthing, or on TV!"

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"Sublime live music I’m struggling to find an adjective that does justice to the experience David Dominique and his band gave us with their live music. You were the perfect finishing touch that made our day absolutely perfect. Our guests couldn’t stop telling us how blown away they were by the musicians. You’re wonderful – thank you for being part of our story and providing the soundtrack to those very special moments. Long live music!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"When I imagined my wedding, I wanted it to be magical, unique and special – in a garden, at night, filled with candles, with Frank Sinatra classics, among other greats, playing in the background. Thanks to David’s Jazz Band, this dream became a reality. From the very start, they were incredibly friendly, they adapted to what I was looking for, and the set list they suggested was simply perfect. Without a doubt, if I were to get married again, I would ask them to play at my wedding. Everyone who attended my wedding still remembers that jazz band. All the members are extraordinary, especially the two vocalists. There’s nothing quite like live music, and then when you look at the photos and, above all, the video, it brings back so many memories and emotions. They are definitely a safe bet."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great meeting [the musicians]. Both [singer] and guitar/harmonica player were excellent! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Kars and his band will be a highlight of your event! Truly a professional, artistic, and charming band! Looking forward to working with them again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Jessica and band members, I wanted to thank you all for the amazing performance you gave last Thursday night at the event - it was a long shot with my client and it paid off and they were absolutely delighted and the feedback from them and their guests was amazing so thank you all very much indeed. It was lovely to meet you and I hope I will be in touch again to book you for another event. "

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"Encore merci c'était top! Vous avez ajouté une touche très jolie merci beaucoup! "

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"I just wanted to write to thank you guys for doing such an incredible job at our event last Saturday; you really blew people away! The fact that people were having such a good time, and up dancing throughout the evening was unusual, and evidence of people really having a good time! I heard *many* comments about how amazing you were, and the Manor as well were very impressed and keen to share your information with others booking events with them. So, yay, well done, and THANK YOU!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Nicola B. , data nozze: 18/09/2021 La ciliegina sulla torta! Questi sono tutto ciò che bisogna chiedere ad un matrimonio, super organizzati, dei professionisti assoluti. Eccezionali, gli invitati hanno ballato fino alla fine e si sono divertiti una sacco, alcuni degli invitati mi hanno chiesto di sposarmi almeno una volta al mese per fare una festa così! Una serata da urlo! I migliori sulla piazza sono loro. Il sax di Samantha ha entusiasmato tutti (una professionista impressionante) per non parlare del piano... Andrea è il numero 1, ci ha fatto saltare fino alla fine con un entusiasmo da paura. Complimenti a tutti, siete stati la ciliegina sulla torta. Inviato il 23/09/2021"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted to say thank you again for playing at our party last weekend. We had an absolutely fantastic time - everyone said how much they enjoyed your music (it definitely helped to make the evening a special one). (10 / 10) "

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" I BEYOND THANK YOU AND YOUR BAND! When I tell you that you guys were all people were buzzing about!!! The music was excellent and there were so many compliments. There were a few last min changes like Chilly Bill Smith so he didn't know that they were not supposed to sing but it worked out and everyone joined in from what I could hear from the lobby. Oh and the 'church' banter was perfect. I am sure a few of them would caught the Holy Ghost if yall kept going...lol The chemistry was fantastic! When Ms. Ava is happy then we are all happy - lol."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Abbiamo scelto Tea For Three per il nostro matrimonio...gli avevamo già sentiti suonare più volte ad altri eventi e al nostro matrimonio hanno riconfermato la loro bravura. Tutti i nostri ospiti sono rimasti felicissimi e ci hanno fatto molti complimenti per la musica che gli ha intrattenuti piacevolmente per tutta la serata. Gli sceglierei altre 1000 volte!! Bravi ragazzi, siete i numeri 1 !!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Best Band for Any Event 100% recommended as the best band for any type of event. We’ve hired them on several occasions for birthday parties and our wedding, and it was the best decision we could have made. A wide variety of music across all genres; we chose the Vintage Band, plus an exceptional violinist who was just as brilliant as the band. Special mention must go to David, the director and performer too, for his professionalism and empathy. Quality of serviceRating: 5 out of 5 5.0 Response timeRating: 5 out of 5 5.0 ProfessionalismRating: 5 out of 5 5.0 Value for moneyRating: 5 out of 5 5.0 FlexibilityRating: 5 out of 5 5.0 It was a real treat to meet him and we’re sure to continue enjoying all of them."

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