Review Centre: 1930s Era Musicians & Bands

"Stellar musicianship, musicality and fun. A wonderful evening with such talented musicians. Thanks so much!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely great band and nice people! They played for the aperitivo of our wedding party. All our guests where talking about them! Will book them again when I have an opportunity."

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:

"Absolutely fantastic musician! Professional, friendly and super talented! Our guests were blown away . From start to finish Ben was an excellent communicator and such a nice guy . He greeted our guests and created the atmosphere that we’d hoped for . Thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a lovely voice and very talented performer, Annelise Molloy was well received by the audience and was a real success."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"... a wonderful evening of life-affirming music..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" La grande classe ! Prestation de très grande classe à la hauteur de nos attentes. Le groupe Jazzador brille non seulement par la qualité exceptionnelle de ses 4 musiciens, mais également par son professionnalisme (ponctualité, adaptabilité) et sa gentillesse. Grâce à leur répertoire aussi fourni que varié, chacun y a trouvé son compte. Ils ont fait sensation lors de notre mariage et nous sommes très heureux d’avoir fait appel à eux. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Beautiful voice that will take you on a best of Jazz tour"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Lady J were absolutely fantastic - they capped a wonderful day for our wedding in the perfect way. From the first moment they really got our reception party going with an amazing positive atmosphere and our guests were up dancing from the first tune to the last. An amazing set list of songs which I trusted them to choose having seen them a number of times before. Every performance has been amazing. Janelle has such a wonderful voice and Felix is a truly great guitar player. One guest is still talking about him as the best live player he has seen (and he has seen a few!). They were so easy to deal with they organised all the technical requirements directly with the venue, really professional, and absolutely seamless on the day. Could not recommend more. Do yourselves a favour and book them."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Jess, Just wanted to say thank you so much for a great set at the wedding! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We are absolutely delighted to have discovered Joie de Vivre. Muriele and Dominic's performance at our Gout de France Event was just amazing. Our customers loved them and it felt very special. Thank you so much et a l'annee prochaine"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band was superb. We all had a brilliant evening. Even James the golf club manager commented at the end of the evening and asked how we’d found you. He also thought you were great. Will definitely highly recommend you. And when my next two girls get married will be in touch! Thank you Matthew."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"80th Anniversary of D-Day, Mansion House, at the worshipful company of Feltmakers annual Banquet with representation from the Lord Mayor of London and 200 guests. ​ Singing after hearing a major speech by Sir Winston Churchill. You stole the show - so many of our guests were enthralled by your singing on this very special occasion. It was wonderful to hear you and everyone was so impressed and emotional, many had tears in their eyes as the emotions flooded back regarding World War II and for many your performance will be remembered by them forever. Thank you. ​ Lt Col (Ret) Simon Wilkinson TD DL, Master Feltmaker (6th June 2024) ​"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for tonight.  You guys were great.  Several people commented on how good you were.  I hope you enjoyed playing for us.  If so, when I'm sorting out the dates for next year, I'll get in touch. Thanks again"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Perfectly blended talents! I love Euro Cafe Duo. A Husband and wife team that blend their talents together perfectly. A virtual accordion with beautiful sounds accompanying a beautiful female vocalist with a wonderful soothing voice! A terrific group that can bring happiness to any venue.  Andrea’s jazzy singing style and Ted’s café era accompaniment are a perfect match."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: