Review Centre: Big Bands

"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 101.5 FM Adelaide, Australia"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The near full house had cheers ranging out continuously until, finally, the house lights came up, announcing that the musical treat really had finally come to an end."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Since 2011, the band has a new focus. First, it is commissioning the legendary Bill Dobbins, to write sample arrangements from his famous “Evolution of Jazz Piano”, a series of movements based on the tune “All of Me”. Secondly, is breaking in it’s new vocalist, 19 year old sensation, Lindsey Holland. The band currently has over 60 arrangements for her to sing, including selections from Nancy Wilson’s disc with Cannonball Adderley. Furthermore, we have a Christmas Set now for her to sing, as well as many straight ahead jazz standards. The hope is for this group to record both of these projects sometime in the future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just wanted to say a massive thanks to the Band for playing at our Great Gatsby Party on Friday last week! They were amazing! Everyone really loved them and wished they could have stayed for longer! What a great mix of old vs. new Gatsby and great singer and musicians would definitely recommend them!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"WOW, we are totally lost for words, what an EPIC performance and evening with you. There is nothing we wanted more from our wedding than for our friends and family to be laughing, smiling, singing and dancing. Because of you this was how the whole evening went. Our photos are going to be picture perfect from the great time that was had by all. We can’t thank you enough and couldn’t think of anyone better to have celebrated our day with. Enjoy Christmas and a very happy new year ? Lots of Love, India and Ricky Wiltshire (Elmore Court 30.11.2021)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We love rich, he’s a great performer and would highly recommend… Taken from Google, verified."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you and the band so much for providing the music to our wedding last night. As I’m sure you’d expect, very many of our guests expressed their admiration of your performance. However, we’d heard you before and knew what to expect. Notwithstanding, your wedding swing band over-delivered on our expectations and we had an absolutely fantastic evening of music and dance thanks to you and you colleagues. We were genuinely delighted with your delivery and the way you made the party swing. Again, thank you, and we look forward to seeing you again at your public performances."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent young group of Musicians of the highest quality playing to a lower than expected number of guests on a lovely evening. Music was varied and appreciated by those that arrived and enjoyed it with their gin and tonics!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just a short note to thank you ever so much for the great show and dance for us here at the HAG. I have waited until today to write this as we had a meeting on Wednesday and it confirmed everything that I told everyone about the upcoming show and dance. I was told, the band said this was the first time you have played in a hanger and I must say, the acoustics were awesome and the sounds were great even where I was sitting. At the time I thought you had more than enough on your plate but how in hell did you save the song "At Last" for the very last number. It was the very song I would have requested and it back to my Junior and Senior days in high school. Nuf said about that. Yup, I might have had a small tear in my eye, hearing the music, you absolutely stunning! And the Band, exceeded my expectations. Got to get you guys back—Rick Holland is just a splendid musician!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"thank you so much francis,my dad had a great time as did everyone else.thank you again for doing the extra time,it was very much appreciated."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to be in touch to say thank you to Mr Swings Dance Orchestra for an excellent evening on Saturday night. How could anyone not be inspired to get up and have a dance to such great music! We feel, with your help, Gordon’s retirement has got off to a brilliant start!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just wanted to get in touch again to thank you guys for the wonderful show you put on for our wedding on Saturday night! Everyone had such a great time, and absolutely loved your performance. You were a real highlight and we can't thank you enough."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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:

"Just wanted to say a huge ‘thank you’ for a great night on Saturday at Kate and Matt’s wedding. We had a fantastic evening and all of the guests enjoyed it. The acoustics in the National Railway Museum were very good. Would not hesitate in recommending your Yorkshire swing band in the future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Giuliano Ligabue and his band brought a touch of timeless charm to our wedding, enchanting us with his captivating voice reminiscent of the great crooners of yesteryears. His performance not only added sophistication to the atmosphere but also resonated with the hearts of all present. Giuliano's professionalism was matched only by his warmth and amiable nature, making him not just an artist but a delightful presence at our celebration. For aficionados of swing and jazz, Giuliano is the ultimate choice. He transformed our wedding into a mesmerizing journey through musical elegance, leaving us with memories to treasure for a lifetime. Grazie mille, Giuliano, for making our day truly magical."

Reply by Giuliano Ligabue
Thank you immensely for your wonderful review Susy! It fills my heart with joy to know that my band and I could bring a touch of timeless charm to your wedding day. I'm thrilled that my performance resonated with everyone present and added sophistication to the atmosphere. Your kind words about my professionalism and warmth mean the world to me. It was a pleasure to be a part of your celebration and to create lasting memories through music. Grazie mille for choosing me—I'm truly honored.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: