Review Centre: 1940s Era Musicians & Bands

"Fabulous Jazz Trio! Wonderful playing, in the spirit of New Orleans. Young and old enjoyed them, it was easy to book through Gig Salad, Simon was very quik to respond and came up with great suggestions to make our event memorable. We would rused them again. Thanks Johan, Classical Movements."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Annelise was perfect for our event, a welcoming drink on the terrace and an after dinner breakout. Really set the scene for a laid back enjoyable gathering. Annelise arrived on time set up with minimum fuss, was flexible and sang beautifully . Perfect."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for tonight, Ed. You both played beautifully - just what we wanted. A few of the guests were musicians and they were very impressed by the music. "

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 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! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A grate band, professional and funny. I suggest Le Signorine Buonasera for all kind event!"

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"I've booked the guys to play at The Lowry Hotel a number of times and the quality of the music has been superb. Very professional and they created just the right atmosphere for the hotel. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Here comes the sun... We wanted to surprise our guests for the vin d'honneur. We met Lutz and were immediately enthusiastic about the talent and professionalism of Jazzador. This part of the wedding took place outside and despite the rain and the cold, the quartet was able to put a wonderful sunshine in the hearts of the young and old by making everyone swing and delighting. A very high quality performance, a kindness and an availability out of the ordinary which made this moment a magic, exceptional and unforgettable moment."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘Everybody has commented on how well the party went and absolutely loved your singing - they all really praised you. I think you really made the night and you were so good with the kids I think they will talk about you for a long time.’ "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

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

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"W imieniu Fundacji Barka chciałabym przekazać ze jesteśmy pod wielkim wrażeniem wrażliwości i talentu członków Trio ❤️ Zespół towarzyszył Fundacji już drugi raz w kolejnym ważnym dla nas wydarzeniu. Było to tym razem podsumowanie cyklu spotkań w ramach Szkoły Animacji Społecznej, naszego barkowego uniwersytetu. Przepiękna muzyka, nieprzypadkowo dobrane utwory i zapadające w pamięć aranżacje wsyztskich nas wprawiły w zachwyt. dziękujemy Gentle Jazz Trio English Translation: On behalf of the Barka Foundation, I would like to convey that we are very impressed by the sensitivity and talent of the members of the Trio: the band accompanied the Foundation for the ❤️ second time in another important event for us. This time it was a summary of a series of meetings within the School of Social Animation, our shoulder university. Beautiful music, not accidentally selected songs and memorable arrangements of all of us delighted. thank you Gentle Jazz Trio"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks so much for playing out our daughter's Naming Ceremony. You guys did a great job and everyone really enjoyed themselves!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Outstanding performance, VERY enjoyable! Highly accomplished musicians, and great guys, too. We will definitely be booking them again. You hear echoes of Joe Pass, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ron Carter."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gli Uke Swing hanno suonato al nostro matrimonio, rendendo la nostra festa molto piacevole e divertente. Sono venuti incontro alle nostre esigenze con molta disponibilità ed elasticità. Consigliatissimi!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just a quick note to thank you all for playing for us last week - you helped to make the day extra special. All the best"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I also wanted to thank you for putting on such a great event. We had some of the best feedback in years. Everyone loved y’all and they were still buzzing about it this week. Truly just a fantastic evening. 🙂"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: