Review Centre: Swing Bands

"We hired Igor and his team for our wedding and could not be happier with my experience. They showed up on time, were professional, and most importantly played beautiful music that elevated the event. They provided a string quartet for the pre-ceremony/ceremony music and Jazz trio for the cocktail hour. The pre-ceremony music was romantic and set a beautiful ambiance for our guests as they arrived. They also learned a song that I specifically requested for the recessional which was so special to us. The jazz trio was also amazing for bringing up the energy for cocktail hour and many guests told me how much they enjoyed the music. I was originally on the fence regarding hiring live music but am SO HAPPY we did. If you are thinking about hiring live musicians you should book Elite Music Group"

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"This band is INCREDIBLE! They truly made our night special - despite a downpouring of rain, change of venue, etc - they rolled with the punches and put on a show! Every person at a 275 person wedding was dancing, including my 92 year old grandmother. They even booked a guest at the wedding - if that isn't a good enough recommendation, I'm not sure what is. If you have the choice to go with them, do not hesitate. Thank you to ATBB for making our wedding night perfect."

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"Ottimi musicisti professionali e disponibili. Un gruppo capace di intrattenere in qualsiasi momento della situazione. grazie mille"

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"The musicians of the Jazzcentrale are always on time, neatly dressed and play pleasant music. Until next time!"

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"Melisma Manouche with Sarah-Jane singing were great. Brilliant music and very friendly. Would definitely recommend again."

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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."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stellar, professional, & swingin!!! We booked this trio for one of our larger institutional events that we host twice a semester. They were phenomenal! I cannot sing their praises enough. They added just enough ambience, swing, and mood to the dinner setting for our guests. We will definitely be booking the Simon Burke Trio again and again!"

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"First Class! 10/10 Sarah gave a first class performance at the concert."

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" I BEYOND THANK YOU AND YOUR BAND! When I tell you that you guys were all people were buzzing about!!! The music was excellent and there were so many compliments. There were a few last min changes like Chilly Bill Smith so he didn't know that they were not supposed to sing but it worked out and everyone joined in from what I could hear from the lobby. Oh and the 'church' banter was perfect. I am sure a few of them would caught the Holy Ghost if yall kept going...lol The chemistry was fantastic! When Ms. Ava is happy then we are all happy - lol."

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"Lucie was a wonderful piece to our evening and fit perfectly for what we were looking for. We were amazed by her ability to not only play fluently but also captivate and interact with the crowd. Thank you!"

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"Thank you so much for an amazing musical display; you and your Great Gatsby band were the icing on the cake! Everyone loved you and thought you were fantastic. Mark and I and the kids want to thank you all for the wonderful music and atmosphere you created on the night. The event would not have been the same without you. Just made the party start with a bang and we could not have been happier. I can’t thank you enough and would highly recommend you. You were all brilliant."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What an incredible musical journey that was. The talent displayed by these young musicians is astounding. They are well beyond their years. Their improvisational skills particularly blew me away. I can’t wait for their next performance! "

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"Gruppo pazzesco! Sono ragazzi giovani ma con un grande talento!!!!"

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"Twilight were fantastic. The music really set the mood for the summer bbq party I was hosting. All the guests really enjoyed themselves. I would definitely recommend them and use them again for future events. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted to drop you a quick email to say thank you for Friday night. You were absolutely amazing, and better than we imagined. The staff have all said how brilliant you were. Thank you for being part of our Works party. We really enjoyed having you there and the music you played was just what we wanted and hoped for. We are all still talking about the night and I have party blues. Wish it hadn’t happened yet so I could do it all again. Your details will definitely come in use for future events I’m sure."

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