Review Centre: 1930s Era Musicians & Bands

"We hired Good Co to play at our home for a company party of 50 guests. They were on time, polite, fun and every one had a wonderful time. They paid attention to the wants of the crowd and catered to their likes. They were by far the highlight of our party. Next time we have a bigger party we'll hire the whole band (we only hired 3 band members due to the small crowd). Book this band - they are a sure bet from a small house party to a huge soiree."

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"We booked Melisma Manouche for a corporate drinks event; they were professional, friendly and very talented. Booking was easy and hassle-free. Would recommend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much Matthew. Honestly everyone was raving about the band. Honestly in that room it was just incredible. Truly was. Thank you xx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Laura and I just want to say a huge thank you to you and the band for singing/playing at our wedding party in London. All our guests were raving about you guys and thought it was a perfect musical accompaniment... You sounded great! We certainly had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves that evening! So, thank you again for making it a perfect day and we will certainly recommend you to everyone we can for any future bookings."

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"I decided to surprise my best friend and hire a small band on her bachelorette dinner. Velvet band is fascinating and truly talented!"

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"Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. The music was fantastic and all the swing band members were wonderful. Everyone commented on how amazing you were. We will definitely be recommending you in the future. Many thanks."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We thoroughly enjoyed Vanessas performance at my parents 60th wedding anniversary. She performed a mix of swing, and more modern type songs, as requested. We were very happy with hoe the evening went, She catered for al ages, the was some thing for every one."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"On Christmas Eve 2019, the congregation's celebration ended with the Christmas concert of ensemble Family Singers. They are impressing and many congregation members are still talking about their concert. They are a good example of how the Hungarian music method created by the well known Zoltan Kodaly generates good music ears and advanced choral singing. I believe these occasions has been suitable for the ensemble and their performance."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Tri Tones played at our family party last week and were absolutely great. The age range of our guests was from 1 - 90+ and, without exception, everyone loved the music. The band arrived in good time, were cheerful, flexible and played beautifully. I would highly recommend them. Apart from sharp renditions of traditional favourites, they had taken the time to learn a Springsteen classic (requested) - which was fantastic. Our party was in a church hall with doors open on to a garden - people commented how well the band modulated their performance so that it was always significant but never too loud. Thanks Tri Tones - we will definitely be in touch for the next big event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"TRILBY Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76 The Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band, which is based in Rochester, New York, was founded in 2005. Co-led by flugelhornist Holland and trombonist Dobbins, the 11 piece group has the sound of a big band despite having eight instead of the usual 11 or 12 horns. Its musicianship is top-notch, soloists are impeccable, and arrangements are both colorful and swinging. The 11 songs heard on Trilby consist of four standards, three originals by harmonica great Hendrik Meurkens, and a song apiece by Kerry Strayer, Hal Crook, Brent Wallarab and pianist Bill Dobbins. The father of Evan Dobbins, Bill Dobbins is the best known musician in the band, contributed six of the arrangements, and is a key soloist on five songs. But enough of the statistics. The Little Big Band swings hard and puts plenty of spirit into each performance. The opener, Benny Golson's “Stablemates,” has fine solos from Holland and the Phil Woods-inspired altoist Doug Stone, with the two battling it out near the tune's finish. Meurkens' “Slidin'” has an arrangement by Bill Dobbins that in its use of restrained tone colors is worthy of Thad Jones. A heated jam on “The Eternal Triangle” gives Holland and tenor-saxophonist Mike Pendowski an opportunity to jam, trade-off and interact with each other. Holland, Doug Stone (this time on clarinet) and trombonist Nick Finzer play lyrically on the melodic “Second Waltz.” David Baron's bass is featured prominently on “The Cottage,” a haunting tune particularly worthy of several listens. “Trilby,” a lengthy exploration of the chord structure of “Alone Together,” has some excellent hard bop flugelhorn from Holland, adventurous soprano from Stone and a memorable spot for Bill Dobbins' piano. Trombonist Dobbins, Pendowski and drummer Rich Thompson are not only well featured on “Fused” but at one point they play as a pianoless bassless trio. Rick Holland is heard at his best on the ballad “My Darling Darlene” and a jazz waltz version of “While We're Young.” David Baron is naturally in the spotlight during bassist Oscar Pettiford's “Tricotism” (along with Nick Finzer and Bill Dobbins) before Trilby closes with its most intense performance on “Rich's Call.” 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."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Brian and his band provided us with the most wonderful entertainment for our wedding this month. Right from the start Brian was easy to communicate and organise things with, they hardly required anything from us in order to come & play and where very flexible even when our plans changed at the last minute. We thoroughly enjoyed the music they played and would highly recommend them to anyone considering a band for a wedding."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hold our event at Lightwoods park house, in Birmingham each June and October. This is the third year Vanessa has performed for us. She is a true professional. , in every respect. Her voice is like velvet, Yet so strong and powerful. She is a real gem."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This was the second occasion it's been my pleasure to watch Harmonica Lewinsky at the Green Dragon and certainly won't be the last. The venue itself is a good old-fashioned local that, unlike many in the area, hasn't been gentrified but is cosy, friendly and intimate. The trio were absolutely brilliant, put smiles on the faces of everyone present and there was much foot-tapping and singing-along. I look forward to the next time."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow! Mike really had the beautiful Parisian atmosphere we were looking for. As we came out of the church, we had him walk around playing amongst our guests while we drank champagne!"

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" Totally matched our fairytale themed Greek-American wedding! Brilliant musicians!"

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