Review Centre: 1940s Era Musicians & Bands

"A grate band, professional and funny. I suggest Le Signorine Buonasera for all kind event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for a wonderful evening. After a stressful 2 hour drive it was truly a relaxing evening listening to Carolyn's wonderful voice and the musicians behind her. We missed the band 4 years ago at beginning of lockdown. Truly worth the wait. Thank you Carolyn for heads up email to say you were performing. We will be back. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It has been more than satisfactory and your contribution to it has been essential. Everyone I spoke to yesterday and today is praising you guys. So once again, many thanks to you and the other band members. If we need music again in the future, we will definitely know where to find you. Too bad that beautiful moments also have an end."

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:

"Many compliments received The performance was exactly as expected, and even a little more! We thoroughly enjoyed your performance—it was wonderful to do both the opening dance and unexpectedly the last dance. We also received many compliments from our guests for choosing the Rotterdam Jazz Trio. Guests especially appreciated that they could dance but also have a conversation at the same time. "

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:

"Harry has attended Oak Hall Care Home a number times now to entertain our residents. Harry's professionalism is outstanding and his musical ability is wonderful. Harry always takes the time to chat with out residents about his music and his musical background. It is always a pleasure for us to have Harry perform and it is thorughly enjoyed by all residents & staff."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Marino and the gang were fantastic from start to finish. Extremely flexible and very easy to deal with, Marino went to every effort to organise a fantastic day & night’s entertainment for us including organising the DJ and admin such as the music tax. The band themselves were very talented musicians; I had a couple of professional musicians as guests who both commented on how good the band were musically! The ceremony music was a lovely background to festivities, the Italian acoustic music made the drinks reception sparkle and the band played with such energy in the evening that everyone was on the dance floor all night! Brilliant selection of songs mixing traditional Italian with modern classics. All that along with some extra special touches. Very highly recommended, you won’t regret selecting the Italian Wedding Band to help celebrate your big day!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks for such a top flight, professional and enjoyable performance from The Crotchet Club last weekend. The atmosphere you created was just right for the occasion and your pre-event organisation must have been very well done as your arrival and departure was not even noticed........just the wonderful music in between."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ed and the guys played some superb jazz during our wedding breakfast at Mitton Hall. They created just the right mood for dinner and we can't thank them enough for adding to our special day! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We gave such a short notice and Carolyn was really willing to help. We had a French inspired event and she was just perfect! Amazing repertoire, lovely voice and she brought with her a very professional accordionist! Our guests had an amazing time!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was a pleasure to invite and book Tracy to sing and entertain us all at are party for a very special birthday would recommend her and would book her again in the future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Made it a unique event and one everyone enjoyed thanks to Jen. Would highly recommend her for any event as something for everyone and every taste in music catered for brilliantly"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I'd like to thank your team for their performance on March 10th. Everyone was very pleased with the Jazz Duo's performance! I hope the duo enjoyed the evening as much as we did."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Looking round at the audience I noticed most were tapping their feet or bobbing their head to the trio’s first number! Expert rhythm guitar, clean and swift lead and the all important swing of the bass saw several dancers on the small wooden floored area trying to keep up with the fast rhythm. Classics like Caravan and Limehouse Blues had the diners applauding appreciatively. Two hours of music, with a short break to let your feet have a rest the band finished with a flawless rendition of Sweet Georgia Brown. Sadly the evening was over for the music, but I was assured they will return, and I shall be there again giving support for these talented men!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: