Review Centre: 1920s Era Musicians & Bands

"Thoroughly enjoyable. Band were professional, energetic, and great value."

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"The professionalism and musical quality were second to none. The band created exactly the right atmosphere and contributed enormously to the success of our event."

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"'A superb band with players that not only play brilliantly but that really know their stuff and as a result play a wide range of styles in a very authentic way. Crucially, they also know how to entertain an audience…they are a promoter’s ideal band! ' Dr Ian Darrington MBE Director & Co-founder Wigan International Jazz Festival."

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"Perfect Jazz Band! Secured The Kensie Jazz Band for our 30th Anniversary corporate event. From start to finish they were perfect. Perfect background music while guests are engaging in the social circuit. Perfect background music while being seated and served for dinner. The band can adjust their sound level to your preference. They play a range of music. A live band is a classy touch and adds ambience to any event rather than a standard DJ. It is a completely different vibe. Nice group of people! Good pricing as well. Thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I was nervous about booking a band because there are so many options out there, but I wish I had never spent any time worrying. Gatsby Cats are EXCELLENT. They surpassed any possible expectation I had, and everyone at the wedding loved them. Their set list was perfect and the musicians were genuinely nice professionals. Thank you so much."

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"The Gatsby Cats gave a fantastic performance during our afternoon tea wedding reception. We loved their music style and their performance really contributed to giving a chic chilled vibe! They were flexible to work with, in particular when we had to rebook our wedding due to COVID-19. Thanks for making our day special!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I am not sure where to start. Rosie and her boys were the most amazing and helpful #band I have ever dealt with. We hired them for our #wedding and from the outset, Rosie was extremely helpful and flexible. I had a special song request, which was a surprise for my #husband and the Trio learnt the song, especially for us and their interpretation, was probably even better than original. The sets guys have prepared for us were very well put, very sophisticated but at the same time fun and integrated with our wedding theme very well. Many of our guests were complimenting how fantastic the Trio is and Rosie's #voice is to die for. I am sure I will contact Rosie again if I will ever have a need for a fun, easygoing and very professional band. I simply love them and would be the first in a queue to buy their album if they will ever decide to release one. Many thanks guys for making our wedding super special."

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"It was an absolutely fantastic day and I appreciate yours and Simone’s music on the day, the feedback received was nothing but positive, you really made the BBQ/party atmosphere how I imagined it to be. "

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"I booked Hetty and her trio to play at a garden party for my wife’s birthday, and couldn’t have made a better choice. They played some gorgeous Latin American jazz, interspersed with swing classics, and the sound was perfect for a laid-back summer afternoon. Ronan's smooth saxophone is an excellent foil for Hetty’s flexible but beautifully expressive vocals. Miguel holds it all together, unobtrusively and elegantly, on guitar. They were lovely people to work with, and I’d confidently recommend them for social events of this kind."

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"Thank you for your warm and professional demeanour as well as the wonderful music"

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"Since l was little I remember my nan taking me to the pub to watch the live bands and enjoying all of it and it's been so long since I've seen anything on the same level so watching at the cross lances on remembrance Sunday 2019 it was like going back in time. This band is amazing friendly and bring out all the originals that I didn't even realise I have missed. So thank you. Stephanie 34 Hounslow."

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"Brilliant - would absolutely recommend for a special occasion"

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"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:

"I have received many compliments from school principals, teachers and students and the like on the balance of your program and how the students enjoyed the musical performance. As you could tell by the applause and the respectful attitude of your audience of 1400 members, the quality of your performance was professional and highly entertaining. It proves when you put superior performers in front of an audience, fine behavior and educational goals are met and rewarded! Thanks again on a fine concert performance. Richard Hintz, Fine Arts Consultant, Kalamazoo Public Schools"

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"Hi Melissa, just thought I would email to say a big thank you and to let you know you was a huge success in our home – our residents really enjoyed your performance and would love for you to come back!"

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