"Will's band was just the perfect accompaniment to our wedding! They played amazingly and all the guests loved the music. They also made the organisation so easy, we could just focus on our special day"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
Report this review
"Dan and his band was amazing I threw my wife a surprise 10 year cancer remission party and found Dan Olivo on GigSalad. Soon as I talked to him I knew he was the right person for this special event. He definitely provided a memorable night and was the highlight of the party. I would recommend him without any reservations and can't wait to see him perform again."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"From the first note to the last, their musicianship was flawless and their presence brought a truly luxurious atmosphere."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Paul Skerritt can work a room with the skill of a Las Vegas entertainer and he had those present in the palm of his hand. He sings, he swings, he ring-a-ding dings. Old Blue Eyes ain't dead - he just lives in the North East!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Brewhouse Jazz were absolutely fantastic! They created the perfect atmosphere and were so great to deal with. I cannot recommend them enough!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"We booked Pink Champagne to provide background music for my husband’s 60 th . I’m so pleased we did . Lots of guests asked who they were and how we’d found them .,Laura is really warm and friendly . The arrangements were all made without any stress. The music was fantastic . We would definitely book them again . "
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"The Way played here today. It was absolutely terrific, their repertoire was exceptional, just great songs. Everybody was singing along, dancing, and we were real happy with them. And we had a lot of diverse people here; we had young people, old people, and everybody enjoyed them thoroughly. I would recommend them highly"
Reply by Dennis Winge Ensemble
Thanks Cameron. Hosmer Winery is a great venue.
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"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 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!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"When we got engaged, my now husband and I said that we wanted a Jazz Band at our wedding… and ended up having the dreamiest Jazz Band ever. Our wedding in Tuscany this September was truly the best day! Raphael was amazing to communicate with in the lead up to the wedding, super relaxed and took care of everything! They were easy to work with on the day for our wedding co-ordinator and all our guests were in LOVE! We had a small, intimate wedding, and having a Jazz Band truly set the scene and atmosphere in the most magical way. They are talented, fun, and so kind. They even played our first dance song. Thank you to Raphael & the Blue Moon Jazz Trio for helping us create some unforgettable memories!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"At Down Hall we highly recommend Bel Canto to enhance your event. The ladies are extremely talented; lovely to work with and super reasonable. We can not wait to welcome you back to Down Hall and shall continue to recommend you to those seeking special entertainment at their events"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Roberto and his band were fantastic, they entertained us with their music and their friendliness, we had compliments from all our guests"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"On a beautiful August night JSJBF member band The Gumbo Gum bas, a project that grew out of leader Joe Grillo and his late brother Alfie's love of all things New Orleans, played to an appreciative crowd at Bands on the Beach. This was the second of two shows held on the beach for this summer-long Sunday night concert series, sponsored by the City of Long Branch in association with the JSJBFT. his show gave the band a chance to play live much of the material that can be found on their new CD, "Zydeland," with our own Jill Baskind donning the rub board for a couple of tunes. For those of you who may not get the reference in the title, Zydeco is a southern Louisiana dance music featuring the accordion, rub board and in this case horns. The music on the CD was dedicated to Alfie, who passed during the pandemic, and their mixing engineer, Tim Gilles, who left us during the making of the CD. All of the band members who appeared on the beach are on the record, including Dave Anthony on drums, Vinnie Borselli on trumpet, Joe on tenor sax and vocals, Steve Munter on baritone sax and clarinet, Greg Novick on bass, Steve "Big Squeezy" Rice on accordion and piano and Lars Wendt on trombone. All tunes were written, arranged and produced by Joe except as noted below. The opening title track "Zydeland," begins with the measured beat of the drums and is joined quickly by the accordion, with the horns kicking in as the lyrics invite you to join the band on a journey to this magical, musical place. As with any good Gumbo, it's flavored with local ingredients, in this case a dose of the Jersey Shore sound spices up the mix. "Dance With Me" picks up the beat and is reminiscent in tempo and style to one of Joe's major influences, Louis Prima. If this tune doesn't get you out of your seat, nothing will. "Waiting for the Cane," is dedicated to the crazies who choose not to evacuate, but start the party in anticipation of a hurricane, and party they will to this number. "King Cake" includes lyrics by Joe and music by Steve, was explained to the uninitiated that night as the legendary dessert of Mardi Gras which is said to bring luck and prosperity to whoever gets the plastic baby in their piece. It's a high energy number that gives each member of the horn section a chance to stretch out and strut their stuff, and they made it a highlight of that night and the CD. The recorded version of this song literally jumps out of the speakers. "Can't Go Back To New Orleans" is a moving tribute to Joe's brother, envisioning an ode to the city they both love through the sound of Tom Waits, one of Alfie's favorite artists. I got the chills listening to what starts out as a somber tune but ends in an upbeat fashion, finishing with Frank Rein's tuba. Joe and Vinnie collaborated on the lyrics to the tall tale of "Gumbo Parmesan," a song that's lyrics are as much of a fun dream its title implies. "By the Water'' has that infectious "Congo Square" beat, which is highlighted by Dave's opening drum pattern with accompanying percussion and conjures up a scene of the locals doing a NOLA style tap dance. With lyrics by Ken Morrison and music by Steve Rice, "Drifting Off and Dreaming of You" is a mid twentieth century style ballad, complete with strings, and has Joe in the role of a crooner which he does quite eloquently. A welcome respite from the nonstop party to this point, he sounds like the last man at the bar, smoke curling up from that final cigarette, with drink in hand, thinking about the woman of his dreams. The penultimate song, "Drinks On the House," is another fanciful flight of fantasy which would be loads of fun as an MTV video. Bring on the aliens, it's party time! The final tune, "Why Can't Everyday Be Mardi Gras?," is a fitting end to this party with Steph's clarinet leading the second line followed by the rest of the band with a chorus children along the route singing out the refrain. For this band, every time they start to play it's Mardi Gras. If these songs don't leave you smiling and dancing I don't know what will. Mission accomplished in the fun department as far as I'm concerned."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"My partner Jessica Brennan recently had her 70th Birthday Party at the Castello di Septe in Mozzagrogna, and had Good Time Soul Foundation for the music. The band were outstanding and everybody remarked how good they were. Some of the guests were in a nine piece band themselves and could appreciate the quality of their performance. Jessica gave a list of songs that she wanted them to play and they didn’t let her down from Jazz to Soul and Dance everybody had a great time."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"We’ve used Ottawa Pocket Jazz Band a couple of times now for events, and they’ve been fantastic every time. They are excellent musicians, very professional, and extremely easy to deal with from start to finish. They create a great atmosphere and are a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Kevin was amazing! We hired him to play a couple of songs at our wedding ceremony last week is Tuscany. Kevin played a couple of Taylor swift songs (absolutely crushed it) along with Catholic Church songs. He was completely professional with exceptional communication and punctual. Would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a violinist for an event!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: