Review Centre: 1950s Era Musicians & Bands

"Thank you very much! We were thrilled that you could make it, you guys were great and the guests loved the music."

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"The feedback from the party was very positive. I think everyone enjoyed the event, and the guests were certainly very complimentary about you both."

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" I am proud that the Rick Holland - Evan Dobbins Little Big Band calls Tala Vera cantina home once a month. Rick is a consummate professional as well as a top tier musician. His Band comprises the best players Rochester has to offer. Such talent coupled with an amazing book of swing and traditional jazz, presents a special evening of music every time they play at Tala Vera. Bernard Matthews, Owner of Tala Vera, Rochester, NY I have had the pleasure to do some arranging and writing for Rick's groups and I have to say that his groups are always chocked full of the best musicians around. It's a pleasure to have music played with precision and integrity - no matter what the style or genre. I would highly recommend any or Rick's groups for a jazz or commercial setting. Jim Martin, Grand Rapids, MI We had the pleasure of having the USO-10 piece play at our wedding in May 2017. From the minute we met Rick Holland and heard the band play we knew they were the band for us. It was a pleasure to work with Rick, who was so professional and helpful in many ways especially song choices from everything to cocktail music, our entrance song, first dance, parent dances to our exit song. The dance floor was never empty. We are thrilled with the USO and look forward to hearing them again in the near future!! Thank you for making our wedding so special! Maureen and Mark Deckman Sometimes it all just falls into place. The setting, the situation, the scene, the tone -- everything is going your way. That describes last night for me. And at the heart of this mid-week Xanadu was the Rick Holland Uptown Orchestra, a modest, brass-centric outfit led by the trumpet-blowing Holland that swung with equal parts effervescence and laid-back cool at Lovin Cup. And come to find out, five of his Hollands regular guys were sidelined, and the holes on the bandstand were plugged with subs --- hired music muscle like Po’ Boy Erik Jacobs on the slide trombone. By the time the Orchestra heaped on a helping of Count Basie, there was nowhere else I wanted to be. I dragged my mom out in the cold for this show and she was thrilled when they stomped on the Savoy. Holland led the affair with a relaxed air, coaxing more than conducting under his porkpie lid. He went around the bandstand numerous times so every cat there got his fair shake, including pianist extraordinaire Bill Dobbins. This is one sweet band, yes, yes. Frank De Blase, Roch City News With all the hype going to Wynton Marsalis, you might not guess that there are other, lesser-known, straight-ahead trumpet players out there who are consistently ripping the hide off the ball. This, Rick Holland's auspicious debut, is an impressive effort. The trumpeter leads his quartet, backed by a solid Michigan-based rhythm section: pianist Terry Lower, bassist Ed Fedewwa, and drummer Larry Ochiltree, through a fiery trail of originals and standards, interspersed with some fine balladry. Holland's sensitive ear translates to some tight arrangements and a well-organized program. On flugelhorn, he boasts a rich, full tone that purrs with warmth. On the faster tunes, he steams. This is the kind of jazz that feels just right on a wintry day, with the fireplace in full throttle, and the feet resting on a cushion: it hits the spot perfectly, drenched with emotional power and skillful fortitude. Steve Loewy, All Music Guide"

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"Thanks to direct contact it was clear in no time which instruments/which music. Also nice consultation about what was possible based on the musical taste of the deceased. The performance was exceptionally good. Even an unexpected improvisation was picked up flawlessly. Highly recommended."

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"From the first conversation until the final performance, everything was handled flawlessly. The musicians were highly professional, and the quality of the music exceeded our expectations."

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" John V. • July 3, 2019 What a wonderful show for us Johnny Cannella recently DJ'd and performed at the scholarship awards lunch for the Grumman-Northrop Grumman Retiree Club. Johnny was great. He prepared well, planning in advance with music for the audience we described to him. He had the audience, both young and old, dancing to the tunes they loved and enjoying his singing. He brought attendees, both retirees and the high school graduates and their families, into the fun of the event, but in an unembarrassing way. We've never seen so many attendees say how much they loved a DJ and asking for his card. We certainly hope to bring him back."

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"We booked Paul to sing for two sets after our corporate dinner and our guests loved it! Amazing to see that our crowd knew most of the songs and sang along. I'll definately reccommend Paul Hudson and we'll book him again! "

Reply by "The Sounds of Sinatra" with Paul Hudson
Many thanks and much appreciated!

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"Dimitris Bakopoulos Trio were excellent for our event. The level of playing is high and the music reflected to everyone invited on our event. Very nice mood, good atmosphere, very inviting for the people to dance to. "

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"If you are looking for an Elvis, look no further! This is the BEST you are gonna get in Vegas! Very professional, friendly, accommodating and most importantly “IN CHARACTER”. He will leave your party with all your guests raving on how much he looks & sounds like Elvis! He also has the option to have show girls, Marilynn Monroe and throw back to Hawaii with real hula girls for your Blue Hawaii favorites! "

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"I contacted Kars for our company party. Following Kars's advice, we opted for a jazz trio followed by a vinyl DJ. It was a fantastic party!"

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"Jerry did an amazing job! He was on time and brought all of his equipment, he knew all the songs and sang them very well. He interacted with the crowd, he was very friendly and funny. I would definitely hire him again. -Rachel W, Tinley Park, IL"

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:

"I am writing to recommend Styliannie. She worked with us at Mare Village Ayia Napa, Cyprus as a vocalist and band member for seasons 2023/2024/2025 and reported to me in my position as Group Entertainments Manager for Wavemaker Hospitality in Cyprus. As a performer she was always conscientious and reliable. Her vocal abilities and range are fantastic and her stage presence is immense. She can deliver a whole range of different styles and had a great repertoire. I have always put a premium on integrity among my musicians and she never failed to deliver. Styliannie is a delight to work with and I wouldn’t hesitate to hire her again."

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"Big City Dixieland was a HUGE hit in our City Parade! Audiences from all ages were singing along, clapping and even dancing in the grass! Big City Dixieland sounded great! From what we (the organizers) could hear, they played a good variety of lively, well-known Dixieland Music, including a patriotic song. It was very easy to work with Maureen and Michael, their band arrived early, and everyone was very professional. We will definitely be hiring Big City Dixieland band for our next event in 2025! "

Reply by Big City Dixieland Band
Big City Dixieland appreciates this feedback. We're glad to hear you were so pleased, and appreciate you for choosing us to provide New Orleans Dixieland music to the parade!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Honestly, this band is the best. Amazing musicians, brilliant vocals and they get any place they play absolutely jumping. They engage beautifully with their audience making everyone feel part of one big party. Add to that they are all lovely guys and you have a great night ahead if the Evil Trouser Monkeys are playing. Go and see them, you will not be disappointed . "

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