Review Centre: Big Bands

"He was on time. The play was good my wife and children really enjoyed your play. I will surely use him again."

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"Thank you for the wonderful work you did at our wedding reception at the Eglinton Grand. Your music was absolutely wonderful and perfect! Everyone was so thrilled and impressed with the band, and had nothing but the best things to say about you. You were professional, prepared, and amazing-and we couldn't have asked for anything more! Thank you again, Nick and Lara"

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"Thank YOU for coming! I have had overwhelming feedback from my dancers, they loved it! We will definitely have you back."

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"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:

"Igor and his band were absolutely incredible! Hands-down they are the reason our night turned out so special for our surprise birthday party! Great Gatsby style themed and this band definitely fits the Bill ! 10/10 would recommend! Thank you to you three!"

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"Will WOW!!!! We have had nothing but fantastic feedback about the band at our ‘Happily Ever Party'. Ian and I had the best time and NQBB definitely made the day for us. We just need another occasion to hire you again! A huge thank you to you all. "

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:

"Contratamos a Álex y su equipo para el cóctel de nuestra boda ! Sin duda 100% satisfechos y felices de haber contado con él. La gente quedó encantada e hizo del cóctel un ratito maravilloso donde la gente bailaba y disfrutaba muchísimo. Dió su aire fresco y juvenil que es lo que queríamos. Además Álex en todo momento ha estado hablando con nosotros para cualquier duda y se ha adaptado a todo lo que le pedimos. Me siento muy afortunada porque además es una persona que me gustaría conservar en mi vida !! Si tengo algún evento importante sin duda contaré con él :) MIL GRACIAS POR TODO!!!!"

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:

"Thank YOU and the band so much - I'm only sorry we cut into your playing time (speeches and photos)! Everyone absolutely loved the band and was blown away by your sets- we'll hope to catch you and the full Swing Shift band at the Rex sometime in the future and buy you a drink!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had already attended a Rocktoight concert at another wedding and we were very happy to have them at our wedding. From the beginning they were always very helpful, flexible and professional, they helped us to have the day as we imagined, in addition to giving an excellent concert at the end of the day. We definitely recommend this band!"

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! "

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"‘I just wanted to say thank you again for yesterday - everyone loved your sets and kept telling me how much they enjoyed it! Would be happy to recommend you to others!’ "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just wanted to get in touch again to thank you guys for the wonderful show you put on for our wedding on Saturday night! Everyone had such a great time, and absolutely loved your performance. You were a real highlight and we can't thank you enough"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I wanted to thank you all for the most wonderful set you played for us. You were simply brilliant and added a wonderful atmosphere to my birthday."

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