Review Centre: Swing Bands

"So awesome to see the co-creative potential made manifest in such a tangible way, thanks for being part of the magic that was Luminate 2019!!"

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"We and everyone else had a fantastic time and a lot of people said how your band was one of the highlights of the day, so thank you very much!"

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"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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"Amazing Jazz Trio We had the pleasure of having Black Thursday play at our company party and we couldn't be happier. So many of our guests commented on how much they enjoyed the ambiance they created with their skill and thoughtful selection of both classics and modern jazz. Our Founder / CEO even asked them to play an additional 3 hours! And I personally enjoyed working with them. They are professional, communicative and easy to work with. Thank you for agreeing to play even longer to make our event more lively and elegant! You were a highlight of our party."

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"The band was timely, friendly, professional, and sounded GREAT. They are eager to work with you to develop the ambiance and timing you want for your wedding day or any event. I highly recommend them!"

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"In one word: great! Celebrated our wedding yesterday. Concept is great, musicians are so good and feel everything perfectly. All guests thought it was so beautiful too! We have received many compliments, so we would like to pass them on in this way. Thank you again very much for your presence!"

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"Just wanted to say a massive thank you for your performance last night; you sounded great and it went down a treat!"

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"It was a pleasure to have Brian and Tim play at our office open event. They set the mood just right and it helped the evening to be the huge success that it was. It was a really easy booking process and our minds were put at rest with their communication and they are very good value. I would strongly recommend the Duo and wouldn’t hesitate to re-book for future events. "

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"Elegant, smooth, and incredibly professional performance."

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"we had great night with your great trio nastazio we hope to see you again round all the best !"

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"You sound exactly like Ol Blue Eyes himself Ray Thanks.."

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"Straordinari Solo una parola può racchiudere la nostra esperienza con "Stefano Indino Music & Events": Straordinari Il nostro matrimonio non sarebbe stato così memorabile senza di loro, dall'inizio della cerimonia civile nel bosco fino alla musica per i festeggiamenti finali, sono sempre stati perfetti con il giusto pathos e la giusta quantità di simpatia per ogni momento. In più ci hanno sorpreso con una piccola performance di ballo in mezzo al pranzo, veramente eccezionali! Grazie ancora di tutto, siete stati il collante perfetto che ha reso in nostro matrimonio una giornata meravigliosa da ricordare per sempre!"

Reply by Italian Music Band: Folk Swing &Tarantella
Grazie ragazzi belli! Ancora ricordo con piacere la vostra fantastica cerimonia e la bella festa a seguire! W GLI SPOSI! ❤️

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"We booked two people from this Italian band and were very happy with it! They played Italian classics that all our guests - even though no one was Italian - knew. They played at the end of dinner and during the dessert buffet. It was a very energetic performance and got all our guests on their feet, dancing and starting the party. We would definitely recommend booking this band for a wedding or other event. "

Reply by Italian Music Band: Folk Swing &Tarantella
carissimi sposi your words fill us with joy! thanks for choosing us! it was a real pleasure!! Saluti dal'Italia W GLI SPOSI!!!!

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"We booked Melisma Manouche for a corporate drinks event; they were professional, friendly and very talented. Booking was easy and hassle-free. Would recommend!"

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"A truly sublime evening! - I could not recommend Dolores & F. highly enough, led by the exquisite vocals of Sarah Jane. Our perfect mid-summer conditions; outdoor 60th birthday with 80+ guests, were complemented by crystal-clear vocals, excellent instrumentalists and a repertoire from ‘50s -90s which set and caught the mood. The band’s flexibility even embraced ‘roving’ musicians (ie the birthday boy on clarinet) who wanted to indulge in some trad jazz. Everyone had such a good time, in no small part due to the quality, atmosphere and enjoyment created by D&F. Brilliant!"

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