Review Centre: 1920s Era Musicians & Bands

"Thanks to Jazz Centrale, our evening was absolutely perfect. We received countless compliments about the event, and the live music played a major role in its success. It was a pleasure working with such talented musicians."

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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"Thank you so much for singing at our wedding. We received so many compliments about your singing!!! It was beautiful. You made our day so special and we are very grateful. Warmest regards, Catherine and Max"

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:

"It was an absolutely fantastic day and I appreciate yours and Simone’s music on the day, the feedback received was nothing but positive, you really made the BBQ/party atmosphere how I imagined it to be. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired Good Co for our 1920's themed holiday party. They were extremely flexible and accommodating, especially when we asked if they would follow our leadership around the office as they gathered people for the party. Awesome talent, great at judging sound vs space. Our office is pretty echo-y and loud, but they found the right balance immediately. Definitely keeping on the books for next time!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rick Holland and his band played our wedding on August 28, 2010. Rick could not have been more accommodating to my husband and my wants and needs for music at the wedding. We communicated through email, over the phone, and met with each other once to go over the details. Rick was very thorough and always set our minds at ease. During our ceremony, his quartet played us up the aisle with a romantic song and down the aisle with ''Fireworks'' which set the mood for the festive evening to begin. The cocktail hour began immediately following the ceremony and Rick''s band did not miss a beat....the little big band entertained guests while they mingled and got a bite to eat. When the wedding party was ready to be announced, Rick took the microphone as we were all introduced. After the speeches were out of the way, Rick and the band let loose! With a full band and two singers, a male and a female, we partied for the next four hours! The guests were dancing, singing, and truly having a great time as did we! The band definitely made the night! The songs were exactly what we requested and the sound quality was superb. I would gladly book Rick and his band for another occasion as well as recommend them. Thanks again Rick! Erin and Mike Victor, New York"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Kensie Jazz and Dance Band does it all and is incredibly talented. We were so impressed and will hire them again without question. They were easy to work with, friendly and they do a wide range of music. Everyone there was raving about how good the band was. Julie's voice is gorgeous and the music was amazing. Highly recommend!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Convergence has been our band of choice for SpeakEasy Nite for several years. They take you back to the 20s, very danceable, listenable. The Flappers love it!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and the rest of the "big" band leaders would be proud of your leadership and musical skills-the music was so amazing!!!m studying the great American Band Leaders for my PHD in American Musical History. I have to say, there hats would have been off to your splendid performance. Your daughter was great too.’Take care and thank you again so much for the great music! Katie Smith, Buffalo NY"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These ladies sparkled both visually and audibly. All our guests were talking about them. They created a wonderful atmosphere for our drinks reception."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wonderful to hear live jazz from a group of young, spontaneous and polished performers. Great rapport between the players and with the audience. Loved the energetic and stylish scat singing and instrumental solos, and it’s doubly great to have been in the audience of a live recording."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely brilliant! Contact from the start was quick, and all ideas were discussed. Pink Champagne brought everything they needed for the gig, and set up by themselves. The music was enjoyed by all. I would 100% recommend and use them again!! Thank you Pink Champagne!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These guys were FANTASTIC! We had a picnic section to our wedding and they set the scene beautifully with incredible dixieland jazz. Boaters and ham sandwiches all round! Such lovely chaps that clearly love what they do. Thank you for just being you. Big love, April and Gav Dickson (10 / 10) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just what we were looking for!! We had so many compliments from our guests - Jess is a great singer and looked amazing!! Contact was really easy and everything went smoothly. I would highly recommend the The Red Hot Rags! Thanks again to Jess and the band. Becca Ward"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: