Review Centre: Swing Bands

"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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"My residents raved about how much they enjoyed Michael's music and we definitely want to have him back to entertain again!"

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"Performing at our private event was such a wonderful experience. From our first messages to the last song of the evening, he was professional, kind, and easy to work with. His piano playing was elegant, expressive, and created exactly the mood we were hoping for. We were thoroughly impressed with his extensive set list and will definitely invite him back for future gatherings. I highly recommend this band."

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"What did we want? Something a little bit different to entertain our guests of a mixed age group, something that was current and fresh with a nod to the traditional, fun but not cheesy. Musically Excellent. (I'm an ex cruise ship performer so quite fussy.) Trip 4 Biscuits achieved this in spades and has been one of the main talking points of our wedding at the Berry Head Hotel. Think Dua Lipa, Moose T. Right said Fred Sung to perfection in a sequined Ball gown with Tuxedoed Musicians in a 1920's/30's speakeasy style, arrangements that are simply impossible not to tap your feet or dance to. Well done to Laura and the band Edward and Lewis xxxx"

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"The three-piece jazz band that graced our Holiday Soiree on Friday night delivered a truly memorable performance. Their skilful interplay and smooth transitions between classic jazz standards and festive favourites set the perfect tone for the evening. A true highlight of the evening, the jazz trio added a sophisticated yet joyful touch, making the holiday soiree a resounding success. We would highly recommend them for any event seeking a blend of elegance and entertainment."

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"Semplicemente perfetti. Musica swing di altissima qualità è suonata con brio e allegria, che ha messo d'accordo tutte le generazioni presenti al matrimonio, atmosfera fresca e leggera per tutta la festa. Ho ricevuto complimenti da tutti, e anche noi sposi ci siamo divertiti da morire!"

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"The D Train Jazz group provided a wonderful evening of entertainment performing all the classics of the Great American Songbook. They were very professional in their approach and made themselves available to mingle with everyone during their breaks. The quality of the music was top notch and they even took a few request on songs that were not in their regular song list and did a GREAT job with it. I would highly recommend this group for your entertainment pleasure. "

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"Huge repertoire of songs that I love - sung with feeling and style!"

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" joão 2 reseñas Hace 5 meses Después de un gran evento, hemos podido comprobar lo que suele decirse: la realidad supera a la ficción. Jesús y Maite son verdaderos artistas; contagian, emocionan y alegran. Tienen dones únicos, irrepetibles e incomparables. Su calidad humana es indescriptible, y su humildad brilla por sí sola. Gracias, Jesús y Maite, por convertir momentos memorables en instantes inolvidables. "

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"I recently went to see Green St. Trio at Bar 58, Acklam Village in Portobello Road with a friend. They played two very accomplished sets of jazz and contemporary music which we both really enjoyed. Some people were even dancing. More please!"

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"We wanted a pianist playing ambient background to welcome our guests and we could not of chosen better. The music was wonderful. Wendy was beautifully presented and brought a glorious white grand piano. I have since booked Wendy to play for us again. (10 / 10) Mr & Mrs McCulloch"

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"You guys were amazing !!! Thank you so much for starting our wedding party off with such style xxx"

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"The Way played here today. It was absolutely terrific, their repertoire was exceptional, just great songs. Everybody was singing along, dancing, and we were real happy with them. And we had a lot of diverse people here; we had young people, old people, and everybody enjoyed them thoroughly. I would recommend them highly"

Reply by Dennis Winge Ensemble
Thanks Cameron. Hosmer Winery is a great venue.

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"Our guests couldn’t stop complimenting them! great trio!"

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"Just wanted to say a huuuuge thank you to all of you at Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra. You made the wedding evening truly amazing and absolutely eeeveryone loved you guys! So many people have said to us since the wedding how amazing you guys were! Thank you so so much, we had an absolutely fab time, I’m so glad you could play for us! I think you’ve heard from my sister-in-law Faye and I hear you’ll be playing at her and Carl’s wedding next year! Yay. So we will see you all again then 🙂 Thanks again."

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