Review Centre: Swing Bands

"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."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Every struggling student of the piano must feel some sort of envy as he sails serenely through the tempest of notes, the trills and scales, runs and arpeggios bouncing off his fingers like spray from a rock."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band was perfect in all the management of the music in the different locations within the party's venue. they are all very nice and the show is fantastic. We especially appreciated the music of the 50s/60s, and twist and rock and roll. the guests all danced, without exception. Thanks Contrabbandiati"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"An unbelievable addition to our Christmas party at the Royal Opera house"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I’ve had the privilege of knowing and listening to Smooth Duo for 8 and a half years now and their music never fails to impress their audience. It’s unique, authentic and a great way to spend your evening. Highly recommended!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘Thank you for such a wonderful performance last night! Everyone was so impressed with you and wish you the very best for the year to come. I hope you enjoyed the evening too. I thought the concert went very well!' "

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:

"What a band! Laura has the most incredible voice and the band rocked our Peaky Blinders dinner dance just brilliantly. Everyone is talking about it still and I’m desperately trying to think of another event to book Trip For Biscuits! Couldn’t recommend them highly enough."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Smooth Duo played in a marquee during afternoon tea for an event to celebrate my Mum's life. They were absolutely amazing. Thank you"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dr Jazz arrived at our wedding in good time and set up their stage area and equipment with no fuss. Looking keen and smart with their authentic outfits and array of instruments. Already I was impressed with the professionalism and appearance of the band, but little did I know just what I had booked for the evening. Matthew Hardy’s outfit, Dr Jazz, simply surpassed all our expectations. Never had I guessed we would receive such a wonderful, exciting, dynamic but most of all musically awesome series of sets. The accuracy and quality of the performances were second to none. Studio quality sound and execution, professionally managed without a hint of fuss or issue. The musicianship of the ensemble was outstanding. The set list was varied and of a consistently high standard. The arrangements were just perfect and the solos were fantastic. Matthew himself leads the band with confidence and skill. His stage presence tasteful and engaging. The clips available of the band are wonderful but even they cannot capture just how tight and well executed the ensemble’s live performance is. I cannot recommend this band highly enough to anyone considering them. They set an atmosphere at our wedding that was everything we had hoped and more, carrying the mood and wonderful day’s atmosphere from dinner into the evening. They are worth every dime. 10/10 would definitely book again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘On behalf of myself, my husband and our family and friends, you were truly brilliant! The amount of people that complimented you throughout the day/evening, you really added a special touch to our wedding day. On behalf of everyone thank you so, so much, I will definitely be recommended you!’ "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Couldn’t imagine our surprise party without these guys. Wonderful singing, sax player was amazing and the atmosphere was outstanding. We can’t thank you enough and wish these guys an amazing future. Would HIGHLY recommend them. 5 stars is not enough "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘Chris was so nice. Very professional and the evening went so well. We had so much feedback and comments on how good he is and the music is great. It was a huge success' "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You sound exactly like Ol Blue Eyes himself Ray Thanks.."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Original band, great live music, great show from Transilvania, Romania !"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: