"'Thanks again for a great performance last night!' "
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"Thank you and the band so much for providing the music to our wedding last night. As I’m sure you’d expect, very many of our guests expressed their admiration of your performance. However, we’d heard you before and knew what to expect. Notwithstanding, your wedding swing band over-delivered on our expectations and we had an absolutely fantastic evening of music and dance thanks to you and you colleagues. We were genuinely delighted with your delivery and the way you made the party swing. Again, thank you, and we look forward to seeing you again at your public performances."
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"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!"
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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 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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"Rock2nite was just incredible, my husband and I had the best time, and not to say our guests they were just really happy with the decision of having a band for the wedding, since our wedding was multicultural then we had a bit of rock to celebrate my husbands family side of the family! Laura and the band are just great!! Thank you!! And 100% recommended!"
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"Love these guys. The band and vocals are amazing. The really know how to make you feel good with music."
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"Laura has been a great pleasure to deal with throughout the planning process of our wedding. Always quick to respond and accommodating, she made us feel really cared for and excited for our special day!"
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"Saxophones, a rhythm section and vocals, swinging like crazy – that’s the aptly named FIVE STAR SWING ! As saxophone section in any band, they would take some beating. Beautiful tones and well-rehearsed by their leader, Chris Smith (Jnr), who has the singular talent of playing the trumpet with his right hand and the piano with his left at one and the same time ! He also happens to be a very experienced music writer having learnt his trade with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and Glenn Miller’s Brother, Herb. Add to the fact that he can also well handle a vocal, as can his wife, lead alto Simone Smith and tenor man Stephen Davies, who’s clarinet playing on “Sing, Sing, Sing” was superb – and it will give you some idea of the breadth of talent in this line-up. This is a band crying out to be danced to and it wasn’t long before the jivers took to the dance floor. Five Star Swing –a “must” for every dance club in the country."
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"Thank you Trip for Biscuits, you were amazing! From the after dinner duo, to the evening 5 piece band, it was perfect. With your unique style, your music added such great flare to our wedding. From randomly seeing you perform for the first time in the Bootlegger in Exeter, we absolutely loved your music & you certainly didn't disappoint for our big day!!"
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"My guys were booked at this location and it went well. I got good feedback from the Mgr and they just rebooked them again. They are excited the business liked them and wanted them back."
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"Wedding October 14 2023 - University Club - Chicago, IL Hi Ron, I've been meaning to shoot you an email. Thank you guys so much, we had such a wonderful time and were so happy and impressed with the music. With everything going on, there were 2 things about the wedding that made it stand out: the food and the band. Our guests loved the music and it was everything that we could have ever wanted and more. I really meant what I said about how cool it is that you all play this music and hopefully more people my age appreciate the work that you all do. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. We visit Chicago pretty often so we'll keep tabs on when you play and will come say hello sometime soon. Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving! -Ryan & Angela"
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"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"
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"Hi Sam, We would just like to say the biggest thanks, the evening went so well, everyone was buzzing! What a night we all had on Saturday! The band made our night so special for us and Dale and the band made that possible. We knew you were fantastic but you on the night you lit up the sky and everyone thought the Band was amazing. Your help and advice sorting the stage in the lead up to our wedding was exceptional, you were so helpful, accommodating and reassuring when we had a question or query. Please pass on our sincere thanks to Dale and all the band who are all so gifted / talented, and so much fun! They absolutely made our wedding day one night that we will never ever forget! The dance floor was never empty, Dee and Mel were incredible so much charisma and simply Amazing! Thanks for making it such a special night for us family and our friends – you blew us away ! We will absolutely be recommending you to anyone and everyone (!) and wouldn’t hesitate to sing your praises."
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"I’d like to thank you and the band for an outstanding performance on Saturday night. The members and overseas guests commented on a great night of entertainment. I hope you all had a safe journey home. It was very much appreciated that you travelled down south for this event."
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"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. 🙂"
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