Review Centre: Big Bands

"Our 50th anniversary party was everything we had hoped it would be. Our guest list was a very broad age range and the Texas Gypsies were a huge hit. You should feel very lucky to have the privilege of their talent. Steve Curry, the manager was very helpful and easy to work with. Thank you again to the Texas Gypsies for helping make our party the success it was! K phillips"

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:

"Romeo provided a great music service to our school parent's meeting. The music was perfect for the atmosphere, happy and intimate at same time."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Love this band, love these people....and that's all I gotta say!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We absolutely LOVED the band. The enthusiasm of the musicians was contagious!! Fantastic!! So glad we chose MR SWING for our special day. More than happy to provide references for future clients. Fabulous night. Worth every penny! Matthew, you are a star! Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can not say enough good things about J. Baxter and the Sauce! They have amazing energy and a great playlist. Thanks to them, all of our guests were on the dance floor and had a wonderful time. I would recommend J. Baxter and the Sauce to anyone looking for a fun, up tempo band for their event. Tyler "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were thoroughly impressed with this band. They arrived on time, stuck to agreed time and also played some extra requested songs for us on the night! (Happy Birthday to our CEO went down an absolute treat!). I would have no qualms in hiring this band again in the future and urge everyone to look to these guys as first choice for your event. Thank you very much for gracing our event with your talent. Until next time!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" When we set about choosing our nighttime entertainment for our wedding ceremony we wanted a band that would appeal to all, with a sense of fun - to get people up and dancing. We watched you on YouTube and read your reviews, it all seemed quite good. Your energy - live, on stage - was even better than we expected. We were also very impressed by your professionalism throughout the booking process and on the night itself. Judging by the numbers on the dance floor, I'd say the night was a success! Sandra and I would like to thank you very much for making our celebrations perfect. We cannot recommend you highly enough. Chris"

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Born! We didn’t even have the moment to meet you yesterday. We were just so swamped with the overall evening production and agenda. But we did have a chance to enjoy your beautiful performance 🤍 Thank you so much! We got great feedback from our attendees, they really enjoyed your music and it was a beautiful night! Hopefully we will come back to Amsterdam in the future and can find ways to collaborate again. (Mindvalley 2025 @ Vondelpark Paviljoen Amsterdam)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You guys were absolutely fantastic and everyone has been raving non stop about how good the band were! Thanks again for letting me on the stage and I wish you every success for the future. You really were brilliant and I will be sure to pass your details on and recommend you to friends and colleagues!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The broad repertoire his groups encompass and the care with which he deals with musical details are a welcome exception in this age of super specialization and an obsession with quick results at the expense of real quality. Bill Dobbins, Eastman School of Music"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Viimsi concert program was very engaging and diverse. Well-known pop music and jazz went well together!"

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Dave is an amazing person, and an amazing saxophonist. I strongly advise anyone looking for a saxophonist to pick him!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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:

"What a treat to have The Texas Gypsies play our wedding. We wanted classic music and styles that people of all ages could dance to. They did a fantastic job, and we heard so many compliments from our guests--many of whom were musicians as well. Several people liked the band enough that they bought CDs, too. The Texas Gypsies even let my Dad play a little number. Very sweet. You can't go wrong with this band!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: