Review Centre: 1940s Era Musicians & Bands

"Keziah sang at our wedding and we couldn't have asked for anyone better! She really made the event even more special. Great voice, and very prompt and professional at rehearsals and on the day. Would recommend to anyone getting married!"

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"Jazz Centrale delivered exactly what we were looking for. The music was elegant, tasteful, and appreciated by everyone attending our celebration. We would gladly book them again."

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"An atmospheric and Christmassy decorated theatre café forms the setting for this year's Yes Jazz Christmas Matinée. It is pleasantly busy. Many music lovers choose the warmth of the Yes Jazz theatre café of De Hofnar on this cold Sunday afternoon. Gipsy jazz is popular and Christmas music always goes down well. When these two come together, you can of course count on a special afternoon. And that is what it will be. The music is beautiful. A beautiful singer and three excellent musicians ensure a beautiful Christmas Matinée. This quartet clearly shows that many different types of music can be cast in the mould of the gipsy style. Django Reinhardt resonates in everything. The tight foundation is audible in Ronald Weel's rhythm guitar and on Daniël Gueli's double bass. You can build on this. The solo guitar and the singer provide the leading parts. Marcia Bamberg stands out because of her clear voice: crystal clear and velvety soft where necessary. The improvisations of the solo guitarist, John Lighart, are smooth and inventive. Sometimes very virtuoso. The repertoire is especially very versatile. From French chansons to well-known jazz standards. Of course, the big Christmas hits are not missing. Night and Day, After you’ve gone, but also Belle Histoire and La vie en rose come in beautiful arrangements from the Yes Jazz stage. Christmas has started well! "

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"I hired Rick Holland Productions for my wedding and I thank my lucky stars I did. They were just an absolute solid band. I live in Toronto so the 10 piece band crossed the border for my wedding - our wedding coordinator said she'd never heard a band that good over her decade long career. I like to think I'm a genius for finding them ?? Kian K., Toronto, ON, CA"

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"Thanks again for a wonderful performance, I'm sorry that we couldn't dance to every song, but the ones that we did we thoroughly enjoyed....Thank you for being part of our special day, we both absolutely loved your voice and music. You are extremely talented and we felt honoured to have you sing for us. All our love, Josh & Rach. xxx"

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"Ruby sang beautifully at my Nanny Whites 90th Birthday tea party. The videos we have of that day will be forever treasured as that was to be her last Birthday. Xx"

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"Fleur came with her amazing pianist Pete Billington to sing for my father on his 90th birthday at his care home. She was incredible generous and flexible in the way she arranged the gig beforehand and positive about the whole experience from beginning to end. She played two short sets which were exactly right the whole family and the residents absolutely loved it and there was a fabulous atmosphere. Happiest of all was my father! It took twenty years of him and he joined in and improvised with Fleur and Pete on his harmonica in absolute heaven. Fleur has a beautiful voice and a wonderful warm swingin' delivery it was perfect! 110% Fab would book her and Pete again like a shot. "

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"We’re so glad we chose Bijou Trio for our wedding! They brought such a beautiful energy to the day and were incredibly easy to work with from start to finish. The music was absolutely top-tier - very clean and elegant and absolutely charming and professional. Everything surrounding their performance was seamless: clear communication, perfect timing, and a truly polished experience. We loved having them and couldn’t recommend the trio more highly for any special occasion!"

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"I would just like to say once again thank you so much for today. Everyone was talking about you and your beautiful voice at the reception and felt that you really made the day special and I know that my mum would have loved it."

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"Just a quick note to thank you and the rest of the trio for the wonderful music on Saturday night! It was just what we wanted and everyone agreed that you were all fantastic! Many thanks again, and all the very best"

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"Parish's voice was warm and expressive throughout, and Williams proved to be the ideal accompanist with his light, melodic touch and studied rhythmic flow. John Barham played strong, firm bass lines, and the three sounds - piano, voice and bass - blended together successfully."

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"We saw the Tom Harvey Trio at the Penny Royal for an intimate jazz night. Some of the best live jazz music I've seen in Cardiff! Can't wait to see them perform again"

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"...was such a delightful addition at our daughter's wedding. ... worked closely with the bride and groom to plan the music for the ceremony and the cocktail reception, and participated in the rehearsal so that he was well-prepared for the event. We were thoroughly pleased with Josiah's musical expertise and affable demeanor." "...is a true professional!"

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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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"The music was greatly appreciated by our guests. The selection of songs was excellent and perfectly performed. We were impressed from our very first meeting and immediately thought of Jazz Centrale for this occasion. Even the venue management complimented the performance."

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