Review Centre: 1930s Era Musicians & Bands

"The perfect band for a party. Amuse Manouche performed at my leaving party at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge University, when I retired as President. I think almost every guest complimented me on the music. Beautiful vocals and a wonderful swing sound of the 1920s to 1940s. Amuse Manouche helped to create a relaxing vibe to the party while ensuring they never drowned out the conversation."

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 sent him only some humming about a song and he created something unique but still very authentic to the original "song". He was in time at the place we discussed. 10/10 communication. 10/10 creativity. 10/10 privacy after I proposed he just left without making it a big deal and contacted me afterwards. Very VERY satisfied with this lad !"

Reply by Victor Wahlström
Thank you again and I wish you all the best!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely brilliant band with a unique sound which provided the perfect ambience for our party! Highly recommended!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We heard Sarah Jane (a.k.a. Miss Dolores) and her band at Painshill and I hoped that she might agree to perform at my 60th Birthday. The songlist she chose was wonderful as we had canapes and drinks and a great way to start the evening. It honestly made me tearful - it was just magical and a truly elegant start to the party."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much, Ben for an amazing evening! You were the highlight of the event and we all thoroughly enjoyed listening to you! You have such a great talent! You completely changed the ambience.Thank you for playing a number of my favs at short notice. I will definitely book you again. Great Job, Ben!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely magical performance, truly elevated our wedding!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Armed with a whole case of Blues Harps and one or two trusty Guitars, Harmonica always provides a brilliant few hours of musical entertainment. He's become a firm favourite in the Cole household and we aren't ashamed to say we've become groupies, following him across London to venues just like this. He seems to have an almost infinite amount of songs in his repertoire, ranging from Cockney classics to Country ballads and lots more besides. Your feet begin to tap the moment he starts his set and by the end you've normally ground a hole into the pub carpet! Thoroughly recommended!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We loved having them they really added life and elegance to the day."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The guys were amazing! I am so glad we hired them for our wedding, They were pure class and added such a lovely touch to the drinks reception and wedding breakfast, cannot fault them. Would highly recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band was great! And fun! We hope to do it again sometime!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The jazz duo were superb, very friendly, most accommodating and they really made my parents 60th wedding anniversary a very special occasion. Thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I have booked a lot of musicians for events over the years and Scott is up with the best of them. Communication was easy, his approach was very helpful and the music he played was perfect to add a degree of class to our event. I will hopefully be able to employ him at our next party. Thanks, Amanda."

Reply by World Renowned Saxophonist
Thank you Amanda for your lovely message! I had a great time at your event, looking forward to our next one!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I recently had the pleasure of hiring this group for a corporate event, and from the moment they took the stage, they created a very elegant and refined atmosphere providing the perfect background music for our dinner. Their energy was incisive but never aggressive, allowing all the guests to enjoy the conversation. Each band member was not only talented but also very kind and flexible. Their professionalism throughout the planning process and during the event was top-notch. I highly recommend them for any event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band entertained everyone at our afternoon tea party. I have organised other events and it is very difficult to please everyone , but the feedback received from those attending was unanimous in their praise for the band . Laura’s singing was sensational. I will definitely hire again. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: