Review Centre: 1920s Era Musicians & Bands

"Well hello, it’s Larry Richmond back on the entertainment scene, and so good to be attending live entertainment again. On Sunday 20th February I attended the Pheasantry in Chelsea, to see Lorraine & The Flames. This gig was produced by Aspects Productions and presented in association with Pizza Express Live. I had previously seen the band’s showreel and was looking forward to seeing them live on stage. The Pheasantry is one of London’s top two cabaret rooms. I arrived well in time to order a meal and a bottle of wine. The show started at 8.00 pm. The venue was full. After an introduction by the compere, Lorraine looking stunningly elegant in her long glittering dress entered the room from the above stage balcony and slowly descended the stairway singing her opening song. Throughout the 90 min show, consisting of two 45 min sets, Lorraine backed by her excellent band of piano, bass, drums, and guitar, gave us the best of the American songbook in a relaxed and stylish style which was a joy to hear and see. I understand that Lorraine Heavey was a successful professional performer in her native Ireland during the early part of her career, and then gave up performing to marry and start a family. How glad I am that this talented lady has decided to return to her showbiz career and is now performing again. Lorraine Heavey has that certain element that we call ‘star’ quality. I hear through the grapevine that Lorraine and The Flames will be performing again at the Pheasantry later this year on the 6th Sept and at another of London’s top cabaret rooms, The Crazy Coqs, on the 3rd of October. I for one look forward to seeing her on stage again. Larry Richmond Entertainment Reviewer February 2023 "

Reply by Lorraine And The Flames
Thank you so much Larry for this great review!!! Lorraine Lorraine and the Flames 🔥

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"Thank you for your fantastic performance! It was great working with you!"

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"I also wanted to thank you for putting on such a great event. We had some of the best feedback in years. Everyone loved y’all and they were still buzzing about it this week. Truly just a fantastic evening. 🙂"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Michelle's Birthday Party - excellent jazz band, very classy, perfect for the event in question. It's nice to see a band which does things so simply and professionally, providing a full sound with the minimum of equipment. They were happy to play to the room when people were eating and talking, at a volume which still allowed conversation, but were friendly and engaging as and when people wanted to interact with them. The singer they provide (if required) has a great voice, well matched to their style, no over-acting or dramatic self indulgence, just confident, strong and pitch perfect. Great day, thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ruby was warm and fun, entertained everyone from 20 years to 60 years. Excellent choice of songs brought a lovely atmosphere to the party. Wonderful personality and pleased to have Ruby there."

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"It was a great night and everyone enjoyed it immensely. I'm sure those that came will do it again. So we must plan another one for the New Year!"

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"Hi Fay, the music made our wedding an occasion . The music made the emotion. It was beautiful and all the guests complimented you all. The flute really added to it and you all played beautifully. Just highly recommended . Pasw on our thanks to the rest of the ensemble. Shrigley Hall 2022"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Fifi and Alex to play some music for my 30th birthday, a 1920's themed night in a large house. They were extremely professional and friendly and tailored the music to fit in with the evening. Everyone though they were wonderful and really helped make the night extra special. I think my favourite part of the whole weekend was when everyone was up dancing to Fifi’s and Alex's music. Would certainly recommend! Thank you Fifi and Alex!" (10 / 10) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"TRILBY Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76 The Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band, which is based in Rochester, New York, was founded in 2005. Co-led by flugelhornist Holland and trombonist Dobbins, the 11 piece group has the sound of a big band despite having eight instead of the usual 11 or 12 horns. Its musicianship is top-notch, soloists are impeccable, and arrangements are both colorful and swinging. The 11 songs heard on Trilby consist of four standards, three originals by harmonica great Hendrik Meurkens, and a song apiece by Kerry Strayer, Hal Crook, Brent Wallarab and pianist Bill Dobbins. The father of Evan Dobbins, Bill Dobbins is the best known musician in the band, contributed six of the arrangements, and is a key soloist on five songs. But enough of the statistics. The Little Big Band swings hard and puts plenty of spirit into each performance. The opener, Benny Golson's “Stablemates,” has fine solos from Holland and the Phil Woods-inspired altoist Doug Stone, with the two battling it out near the tune's finish. Meurkens' “Slidin'” has an arrangement by Bill Dobbins that in its use of restrained tone colors is worthy of Thad Jones. A heated jam on “The Eternal Triangle” gives Holland and tenor-saxophonist Mike Pendowski an opportunity to jam, trade-off and interact with each other. Holland, Doug Stone (this time on clarinet) and trombonist Nick Finzer play lyrically on the melodic “Second Waltz.” David Baron's bass is featured prominently on “The Cottage,” a haunting tune particularly worthy of several listens. “Trilby,” a lengthy exploration of the chord structure of “Alone Together,” has some excellent hard bop flugelhorn from Holland, adventurous soprano from Stone and a memorable spot for Bill Dobbins' piano. Trombonist Dobbins, Pendowski and drummer Rich Thompson are not only well featured on “Fused” but at one point they play as a pianoless bassless trio. Rick Holland is heard at his best on the ballad “My Darling Darlene” and a jazz waltz version of “While We're Young.” David Baron is naturally in the spotlight during bassist Oscar Pettiford's “Tricotism” (along with Nick Finzer and Bill Dobbins) before Trilby closes with its most intense performance on “Rich's Call.” 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."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I booked Fifi for an event celebrating my business’s 20th Anniversary and I was so delighted with the whole evening. Fifi’s accordion playing created a beautiful ‘French style’ atmosphere for my soiree and her range and choice of pieces was perfect. Not only is Fifi’s playing magical she also has a rapport with the guests that lifts the event and makes everyone smile. She even included some impromptu East End sing along tunes to the delight of our guests. I would thoroughly recommend Fifi to provide professional, enjoyable and entertaining music for any event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a spectacular service! From the cocktail band, with Jazz and bossa nova, where they had very good musicians and an incredible voice, to the DJ who did everything we asked of him, everything was incredible!"

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"Indigo Mood played for our drinks reception and I'll never forget the energetic buzz in the room with this amazing duo playing in the background. We got so many compliments on the music. They are incredible. I can't recommend them enough "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I am proud that the Rick Holland - Evan Dobbins Little Big Band calls Tala Vera cantina home once a month. Rick is a consummate professional as well as a top tier musician. His Band comprises the best players Rochester has to offer. Such talent coupled with an amazing book of swing and traditional jazz, presents a special evening of music every time they play at Tala Vera. Bernard Matthews, Owner of Tala Vera, Rochester, NY "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The absolute best! From the moment I booked Maria I knew it was going to be a great party! What a pro, from beginning to end, Maria was gifted on the saxophone and i loved everything song she spun on the DJ set. Honestly - we danced ALL NIGHT. Cannot recommend Maria enough"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had a great evening and would like to thank you for participating in or Music extravaganza and making a superb contribution with your performance and hope we will be able to invite you to play again at some time in the future."

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