Review Centre: Swing Bands

"Excellent young group of Musicians of the highest quality playing to a lower than expected number of guests on a lovely evening. Music was varied and appreciated by those that arrived and enjoyed it with their gin and tonics!"

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"They did a fantastic job! It was a pleasure having them and we would highly recommend! Thank you."

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"The sound of KAMA Jazz&Bossa band made our silver wedding party unforgettable. We chose the duo with Francesca on vocals and Alex on guitar. Francesca followed us step by step in choosing the songs she would perform, including bossa nova, jazz standards and Italian songs. She took care of all the organizational aspects, so that my wife Elena and I only had to think about enjoying the performance. She is very professional. Francesca's in tune voice and Alex's expertise, the excellently chosen pieces (including some of their own compositions) gave us a concert that enchanted us and all our guests. I hope we will have the opportunity to hear KAMA Jazz&Bossa band again as soon as possible. I can only thank Francesca and Alex once again and wish them all the recognition they deserve."

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"Je recommande Petra pour sa musique exceptionnelle lors de notre Mariage. Tous ont adoré ! Merci !"

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"Gerard was absolutely wonderful! I listened to his music through his website and enjoyed it but it was even better listening to it in person. We had a chef prepare our dinner but the soft music in the background just made the evening. I would highly recommend him for any occasion. If we didn’t live in the U. S. I would do it sooner than later."

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"We booked the Brian White quartet for our wedding in June and they were absolutely brilliant! All our guests commented on how great the band were and they played a great mix of music in the two sets, which really got the party going. They were happy to accommodate any special requests we had, including playing in a slightly unusual venue in our case. Dealing with Brian was a pleasure from start to finish and everything was handled very professionally. I highly recommend Brian and his band for any event."

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"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! "

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"We have had nothing but compliments for the entertainment at the Gala Dinner at our National Rally this year. The choice of material for both sets was spot on. Pleasure working with you and I hope we may be able to do it again some time in the future. I will certainly be recommending you to anyone I come across looking for event entertainment."

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"Last Sunday in the great ambiance of the Cultuurkoepel in Heiloo we visited the concert of Marcia Bamberg with her Swing Quartet. Wonderful singing by Marcia with a number of French songs in Django Reinhardt style. We really enjoyed it and the enthusiasm was obvious. In addition to Marcia's Quartet we could enjoy the virtuoso violinist Tim Kliphuis, a perfect interpreter of the music of the French jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli. Moses Rosenberg was also in shape, nice fast guitar playing for this musician from the Rosenberg family. All in all a fantastic afternoon, with nice contact with the audience. Definitely worth repeating. "

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"What an amazing singer this lady is! Had her at my club doing a jazz evening and will definitely be booking her again!"

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"Fantastico! Luigi è stato fantastico durante tutta la giornata e durante i mesi precedenti il matrimonio. Sempre disponibile e puntuale nel rispondere. Gli invitati sono rimasti molto colpiti e hanno apprezzato tantissimo i pezzi fatti con il sax! Consigliatissimo!"

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"Saxophonist Lina and her band were performing at Alstom's 115th anniversary celebration in Hennigsdorf. We joined them spontaneously and were immediately captivated by her intense and emotional playing, which deeply touched the audience! Despite the very changeable weather and the rather austere setting, she managed to create a special atmosphere and a wonderful mood. Simply fantastic!! German: Die Saxophonistin Lina mit ihrer Band hatte ein Engagement im Rahmen der 115-Jahr Feier von Alstom in Hennigsdorf. Wir sind spontan dazu gestoßen und waren von ihrem intensiven Spiel voller Gefühl, das die Zuhörer unmittelbar berührt, sofort begeistert! Trotz des sehr wechselhaftem Wetters und des eher nüchternen Rahmens hat sie es geschafft, eine besondere Atmosphäre und wunderbare Stimmung zu erzeugen. Einfach klasse!!"

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"Melisma Manouche were great. Brilliant music and very friendly. Would definitely recommend again."

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"Nice swinging gypsy sounds and excellent singing during the Cool Jazz Festival on October 13th. Compliments! Above all, keep participating in the festival!"

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"​It is 100 years since Frank Sinatra was born and Martin Joseph is considered one of the most important Sinatra interpreters today. The concert with the excellent Carlsham Punch Big Band was delivered with dynamic force and feeling, showcasing a singer and entertainer of the highest class. KARLSHAMNS ALLEHANDA, SWEDEN"

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