Review Centre: 1940s Era Musicians & Bands

"I would just like to express my heartfelt thanks to you and the rest of your quartet for making my birthday celebrations so special. The music was absolutely right for the occasion and I have heard nothing but praise for your performance."

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:

"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:

"Angelo, Pablo and the band were amazing. They Made such a happy atmosphere, their performance really set the tone for a joyous and festive reception. They interacted with our guests, were responsive to the dancing. The communication was very easy, even being in completely different parts of the world. You won’t regret adding them to your party! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Incredibly grateful I'm incredibly grateful to Kars and his band for making our evening incredibly special - our dinners guests were amazed by the performance and the professionalism of the band. Our honourary guest was extremely pleased to hear his favourite songs being performed live especially for him. The overall experience from the first contact with Kars to evening of the performance was great. Thank you so much!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Beautiful Music! My wife and I played tourists in Kingston today and dinned and shopped at some of our favourite spots and also discovered some new ones. While enjoying our gelato by the Kingston tourism building, we had the pleasure of listening to Euro Café Duo perform. Let me tell you that I wish I could stay there all day long and listen to Ted and Andrea play... they are magnificent and extremely talented musicians. If you have an upcoming event, reach out to them and let your senses be marinated by their beautiful music!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks for such a top flight, professional and enjoyable performance from The Crotchet Club last weekend. The atmosphere you created was just right for the occasion and your pre-event organisation must have been very well done as your arrival and departure was not even noticed........just the wonderful music in between."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hold our event at Lightwoods park house, in Birmingham each June and October. This is the third year Vanessa has performed for us. She is a true professional. , in every respect. Her voice is like velvet, Yet so strong and powerful. She is a real gem."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Exactly right Thank you for your performance at our wedding. Your wonderful music created exactly the atmosphere we had envisioned for our festive reception. Everything was perfect. We had a fantastic evening. Many guests gave positive feedback about the enjoyable evening, which can also be seen as a compliment to you. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We watched the videos and listened to the audio songs on his profile, and decided to hire him to play at our cocktail party since we already have a grand piano at home. His playing was beautifully melodic and he was amazing from start to finish. The music created the perfect atmosphere for our guests to mingle and enjoy a drink. Everyone kept commenting on how wonderful the piano sounded — we couldn’t believe it was our own same piano! We’ll definitely be booking him again soon."

Reply by Cocktail, Jazz & Pop Piano
Thank you Betty for the review and for your trust. I enjoyed the party and playing your amazing Steinway piano. I can't wait to play for you again on such a beautiful and well maintained instrument.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Robin and Jack are fantastic players and incredibly professional at every stage of booking/performing process - highly recommended! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"“Wonderful music that everyone can hear without being disturbed. We got in touch with Jazz Centrale and, after consultation and clear explanations, chose a jazz trio. The performance was punctual and exactly as agreed. Given the composition of our guests, this trio was the perfect choice, and we received many compliments. A breath of fresh air after attending many receptions where the music was a disruptive factor (hard to converse, unsuitable repertoire, etc.).”"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired "Dupa Trio" to play at my parents 30 Anniversary party WOW what a band ! I cant stress enough how much I recommend them "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The event was a complete success and the jazz band was very much enjoyed. Many thanks."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" A Fabulous night with all the best hits from the Sinatra Rat Pack era. Paul kept us all rocking and was a brilliant host for the night. Great atmosphere, and we’ll definitely recommend the show and book again for next year. Norman Jones, Holiday Inn Hotel, Guildford."

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

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: