Review Centre: Big Bands

"We couldn't have been more delighted with Hot Shoes performance, the dance floor was packed from the moment they started and stayed that way for the whole set!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow! You were wonderful. We have had so many messages saying how excellent the evening was – so many people loved the band, and we can’t thank you enough. The music, as you know full well, is such an important part of the evening and we could not have hoped for anything better. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Desde luego un joven artistazo y muy buen equipo!!! inmejorable y totalmente recomendable por nuestra parte!!! Nos hicisteis pasar un excelente día de boda que porsupuesto nunca lo olvidaremos!!! Sin duda alguna volvería a contratar a este equipo flamenco para dar la perfección a cualquier tipo de evento especial que tuviera. Muchísimas gracias Alex por todo y ojalá nos volvamos a ver para oír esa voz angelical que Dios te a regalo!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Can we just say WOW! You guys on Saturday were unbelievable. Everyone absolutely thrived and we couldn’t get people off the dance floor. Thank you so much to you and the whole team for making our day unforgettable! I have already had people from the wedding asking for the band's details!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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:

"WOW, we are totally lost for words, what an EPIC performance and evening with you. There is nothing we wanted more from our wedding than for our friends and family to be laughing, smiling, singing and dancing. Because of you this was how the whole evening went. Our photos are going to be picture perfect from the great time that was had by all. We can’t thank you enough and couldn’t think of anyone better to have celebrated our day with. Enjoy Christmas and a very happy new year ? Lots of Love, India and Ricky Wiltshire (Elmore Court 30.11.2021)"

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:

"We hired Vibrant Jazz fairly last minute and were impressed with how efficiently they responded to emails etc to organise the booking. They made everything hassle-free. The band were fantastic on the night and all of our guests were really impressed. The music fitted perfectly with our 1920's style event and the band were happy to stop and start around our speeches etc. We would definitely recommend them and would use again in the future. Entertaining, efficient and great value for money!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can honestly say that it was fabulous entertainment. In all the years of the awards the dance floor has never been so full and for so long!! You made our Awards just a fabulous experience and everyone I have seen since has raved about you all! Thank you so much for an unforgettable night!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I went to a BigBandeoke event in Manchester and it was the best concert I've ever been to! The fact that my friends and I were up on stage singing with them was incredible, the energy was constant throughout the night and they clearly know how to work a crowd. Everyone was so involved and the band were so good! I will definitely be going again and would recommend them to anyone wanting a band for their event!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Chris and I cannot thank you enough for the entertainment you provided on Saturday. We had a marvellous time and the compliments we received from all guests young and old were only positive. You had people having the time of their lives on Saturday with some dancing who would usually not get up and dance. The skills the band have are undeniable. I truly couldn’t have asked for better music for our wedding day. I’m so sad it’s all over but I’m hoping I can get some event planned in the further where I can invite you guys along to play again. Our greatest appreciation and thanks to each and everyone of you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"As rock lovers, the concert was without a doubt the best part of the party! The guests also really enjoyed it and the atmosphere was spectacular with lots of dancing and moche in the mix. Furthermore, Laura was impeccable when it came to communication and flexibility in choosing songs. I would hire him again for a future party and highly recommend him if you want to have a rock wedding 🤟🏻"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band went down a storm and already I’ve been asked for your details. We really appreciated the effort and journey and thank you all. In hindsight, I wish that we had you on longer as the feedback really has been amazing. Please pass on my thanks to all of the band."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What can I say? Simply fantastic. Spot-on entertainment that kept the dance-floor packed from beginning to end. Your team’s professionalism shone out on the day by a country mile and they’re the kind of standards i love and expect! The band was absolutely fantastic. The set up, look and standard of music was second to none and the many comments we received back from our guests reflected this. The vocals from your lead singer were simply stunning. Also, the accompanying disco that you provided for us was absolutely fantastic too and together with the band it made for perfect wedding entertainment. I would have no hesitation in recommending your services. Thanks again and should the opportunity arise I hope to book you again one day."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fui a verlo en repetidas ocasiones. La voz, el arte y la pasión con la que canta, hace que sea estremecedor y se te ponga el vello de punta. Muy bonito y con un amplio repertorio musical."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: