Review Centre: Big Bands

"We just wanted to get in touch again to thank you guys for the wonderful show you put on for our wedding on Saturday night! Everyone had such a great time, and absolutely loved your performance. You were a real highlight and we can't thank you enough."

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"Perfect execution of all melodies. Ability to read the crowd and artfully pick the next song to keep the party going. Flawless organization. You guys are just such a talented team of musicians - it’s beautiful and inspiring."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great Big Band with a very varied song list,, Not some of the usual stuff,, played different versions of 70s and 80s classics Will be looking out for their next gig"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and the rest of the band for helping to make my 60th party such a special occasion. You were fantastic and everyone was asking where I had found you and how good you were. Maybe we’ll do it all again when I’m 70."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had a large, high-level event at a chateau in Vevey, and we really wanted live music. I found gig heaven, listened to Simone, and put in the deposit right away. They arrived on time and were a delight for the whole event. The perfect mood setter for something like this. Will definitely hire these guys again if I host something here in the future!"

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"Thank you for being part of our special day. You were outstanding and gave us the night we had dreamed of. We’re always looking for when we can see you again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"One Size Fits All is a party band that really knows how to get a crowd moving. With two vocalists and a 4 piece horn section, they played at my 50th birthday party and had everyone on their feet. The band is tight and energetic, and their repertoire spans a wide range of genres. A fantastic evening and we will be inviting them back soon."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From the very beginning Rock Tonight were just excellent. Laura was the person I was in contact with most and her response time was super quick. She was always very reassuring and accommodating and the band helped make the wedding day run so smoothly. I really enjoyed the covers that we'd asked them to learn and the whole band had such a wonderful presence. Loved their set list and the performance on the night of the wedding was fantastic. Lots of guests were asking how we found Rock Tonight and we're very glad we did! She's got a great voice, the band's sound was exactly what we wanted and really helped the energy on the wedding. I couldn't recommend them enough!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired Good Co to play at our home for a company party of 50 guests. They were on time, polite, fun and every one had a wonderful time. They paid attention to the wants of the crowd and catered to their likes. They were by far the highlight of our party. Next time we have a bigger party we'll hire the whole band (we only hired 3 band members due to the small crowd). Book this band - they are a sure bet from a small house party to a huge soiree."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Kit was a wonderful addition to the boat cruise I organised for my friends hen do, his sophisticated attire and flexible style (upper deck/lower deck/upper deck again!) made him a pleasure to work with and the classics he sang and played made the whole afternoon a real delight, thank you Kit!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for the excellent entertainment – it was even better than we expected and everyone has given us very positive feedback about the swing band. In fact I am listening to your cd as I type this."

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:

"Brilliant - would absolutely recommend for a special occasion"

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"Just a quick email to say thank you so much for playing at our wedding reception. Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra were simply amazing and we have had so many guests comment on how great you were. Thank you again and all the best to your Yorkshire swing band for the future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"WOW, we are totally lost for words, what an EPIC performance and evening with you. There is nothing we wanted more from our wedding than for our friends and family to be laughing, smiling, singing and dancing. Because of you this was how the whole evening went. Our photos are going to be picture perfect from the great time that was had by all. We can’t thank you enough and couldn’t think of anyone better to have celebrated our day with. Enjoy Christmas and a very happy new year ? Lots of Love, India and Ricky Wiltshire (Elmore Court 30.11.2021)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: