Review Centre: Swing Bands

"Thank you Trip for Biscuits, you were amazing! From the after dinner duo, to the evening 5 piece band, it was perfect. With your unique style, your music added such great flare to our wedding. From randomly seeing you perform for the first time in the Bootlegger in Exeter, we absolutely loved your music & you certainly didn't disappoint for our big day!"

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"Banda sonora perfeita Queríamos uma banda de swing/jazz/blues e que também tocasse um pouco de bossa nova e os Stomping at Six foram sem dúvida uma excelente escolha. A música era uma parte muito importante do casamento para nós e foram absolutamente perfeitos. Recebemos muitos elogios da parte dos nossos convidados. Muito obrigada e esperamos cruzar-nos com estes maravilhosos músicos em breve."

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:

"We absolutely LOVED the band. The enthusiasm of the musicians was contagious!! Fantastic!! So glad we chose MR SWING for our special day. More than happy to provide references for future clients. Fabulous night. Worth every penny! Matthew, you are a star! Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"They played a variety of music for us and even made our announcements throughout the night. They helped keep everything on schedule and had everyone out dancing. We had so many compliments on their music and how good they were. Our guests really and truly had a great time and loved the music"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We invited the Jazz Centrale to our wedding. This was great. Good atmosphere and wonderful music. Communication runs very smoothly. In short: highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Romina and her band are incredibly talented! They performed for our family during a cozy dinner at Poggio il Castellare and exceeded our expectations! We cannot thank them enough for sharing their craft and really elevating the evening. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hired a jazz trio with Dan for my wedding - which was themed around an outdoor garden party. Dan was fantastic at keeping in touch and booking couldn't have been easier. The guys were there and ready for when they said they would be, and they were absolutely brilliant! Provided the perfect backdrop to our event, excellent musicians too. I would have no hesitation in recommending these guys, and should I have any events in future that would suit some smooth jazz then these guys would be top of the list! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Kevin played a few songs on my surprise proposal at Florence, and it was so magnificent!! Thank you very much! I planned this proposal three weeks before. I chose a location (in front of San Miniato al Monte), time of early morning before any crowds, a photographer and Kevin as a violinist to create a magic atmosphere. And it was the best decision ever! I wrote to him on Insta, while being from Kazakhstan myself; we discussed all the details, picked music, and just waited for the Day! On the day, it was all set up, on time, and beautiful. So, my fiance was stunned and didn't expect anything at all, but now she will remember it forever!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Don't miss this band! Great experience! Jazz swing and latin music at its finest."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Beautiful sound, great communication, and totally stress-free."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Their musical skill is incredible, and they made everything feel elegant, relaxed, and joyful at the same time."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"During a medical conference in Greece this summer, we had the pleasure of hearing the band Marmitas perform live at the reception. Their performance was truly amazing, mixing international songs with a professional touch that left us impressed. We especially loved their jazz tunes, which were performed with such precision, and singer Mania added the perfect touch with her incredible voice. It was a musical experience to remember!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The bride, groom and their 200 guests found Annelise’s performance both very entertaining and professional. The timbre of her voice is ideally suited to the jazz idiom."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The trio were fantastic! Had a party in our garden and the music they played brought a fabulous atmosphere and vibe to the event ! Highly recommend ! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: