Review Centre: Brass Musicians

"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."

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"Great band! Really transformed our festival into a merry event. Big Smoke got people dancing, and played a nice mix of Christmas songs and covers of Pop songs. We would book them again."

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"Thank you again for bringing your energy and tunes to our day. Your presence was the best surprise, thanks to friends, and brought us so much joy, as well as memories "

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"Will WOW!!!! We have had nothing but fantastic feedback about the band at our ‘Happily Ever Party'. Ian and I had the best time and NQBB definitely made the day for us. We just need another occasion to hire you again! A huge thank you to you all. "

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"Review of Trilby - 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!"

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"Dan played at our wedding and it was absolutely perfect, I highly recommend him! He played background jazz saxophone in the venue courtyard while our guests were having reception drinks and canapes. Our guests loved it. We chatted to Dan about the kind of music and atmosphere we wanted to create for our rustic wedding and he did the rest and came up with the most perfect set. My husband is very musical so it meant a lot to him that Dan created such an excellent atmosphere"

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"What an incredible experience. We hired Brandon and his team for our wedding surprise and was worth every penny! Not only did they bring such great energy, but they also played a ton of more modern-day songs in a brass band format. It was epic and would highly recommend!"

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"“The Ambassadors played during our wedding drinks reception, just after our ceremony. The music was fantastic and they were so lively and got everyone hyped for the day! It felt really celebratory to come out of the ceremony into amazing live music. All our guests were raving about them and I know several want to book them for their own events. The band were also really lovely to chat to and very friendly, they were super responsive to emails and checked in with us regularly leading up to the wedding day. Can't recommend them enough!” "

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"MK & the Misters played at our wedding in April and were absolutely fantastic. All setting up and arrangements on the day were faultless, and the band were easy to work with, as well as being very polite and professional. The band were incredible and kept the dance floor packed from the first song to the last. Their wide ranging playlist has plenty to appeal to both young and old, and everyone was singing and dancing along. All in all our expectations were far exceeded by this amazing band. Excellent, 5 stars."

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"Rio Brass were great - fun music that got everyone up dancing! They were great to work with, communication and planning was all really straight forward. Would definitely recommend!"

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"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 101.5 FM Adelaide, Australia"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Simone's performance capabilities as a jazz trumpet player are truly masterful. His technical proficiency, expressive playing, and improvisational skills make him a standout musician. Whether performing in small ensembles or leading a jazz band, Simone's performances never fail to leave a lasting impression."

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"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 "

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"Rick Holland’s music is certainly not radical or innovative, but is some of the best group playing in it’s genre of Jazz Bop. Robert D. Rusch, President of Cadence Records"

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"We booked the Strayhorns for our wedding and we couldn't have made a better decision. They led our wedding party between venues and totally set the mood for the day. They are great people to deal with and their superb musicianship, fun and energy was a true highlight of our day. Thanks so much guys, J & E xx"

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