Review Centre: Big Bands

"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."

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"La osqueta suna muy bien y son muy organisado y son puntuales "

Reply by Arturo Cruz & Ashe Okun
Muchas gracias Mandy, espero que hayas disfrutado del Show

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What an absolutely fantastic band, we recently hired them for our mums Gatsby themed party, they were amazing, would definitely recommend them to add that touch of roaring 20s Glitz & Glamour to any occasion, 5 Stars"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for helping create such a brilliant atmosphere at our wedding reception - lots of people commented on how good the music was!"

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"Thank you for last night. Everyone has said what a fantastic band you are. We all had a fabulous time and we have no hesitation in recommending you. I wanted authentic and I got it! Thanks for learning the Louis Jordan tune too. That made my night."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Nice to meet you at The Milton Rooms on Saturday night. Everyone enjoyed the evening. I loved all your sets. Love that Swing era music and the songs. You can dance ballroom and latin to almost all of them. So, thanks to everyone in the band and I hope to see/hear you again sometime. Good luck and take care! All the Best."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"La verdad que es un gran artista y profesional . Canta muy bien."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Our sincere thanks to you and all of your amazing musicians. Your performance was outstanding and the amazing singer alongside fantastic musicians was such a wonderful thing to listen to and watch. It truly made our evening special."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Re were very happy with Rocktonight! Everything worked well, they are professional, responsive, helpful and most importantly great performers. Sincere recommendation from us!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can honestly say that it was fabulous entertainment. In all the years of the awards the dance floor has never been so full and for so long!! You made our Awards just a fabulous experience and everyone I have seen since has raved about you all! Thank you so much for an unforgettable night!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great Live Band who cater to a wide audience... Have booked them for gigs @ pubs & also for a private party and they everyone up dancing on every occasions. Would highly recommend if you're looking for a band who can play the crowd and deliver a set full of Funk, soul & melodies."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"One Size Fits All is a party band that knows how to get a crowd moving. With two vocalists and a 4 piece horn section, they played a 50th birthday party and had everyone on their feet. The band is tight and energetic, and their repertoire spans a wide range of genres. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dave was fantastic. Great voice charming person and perfect song selection. The crowd needed warming up and Dave went to them rather than wait for them - great technique. Would definitely book Dave again and recommend him to all. Leanne"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Whether as MD, arranger or instrumentalist (or as is often the case, all three), Simon brings a level of rock-solid professionalism that makes everything a pleasure. His exceptional talents as an instrumentalist go without saying. But he is a dependable and hugely reassuring presence onstage and great fun off it. A real asset to any ensemble. Alexander Armstrong"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Whilst searching for a 1920s style band for a 30th birthday party we came across Trip for Biscuits. WOW, just WOW!! As soon as I watched the videos and listened to the tracks online I knew we had to book them. Laura's voice is outstanding and the musicianship is second to none! So glad we found you guys. Highly recommend, you and your guests will not be disappointed!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: