Review Centre: 1920s Era Musicians & Bands

" All Music Review Thom Jurek The title of this set is an apt one. While much of the music presented by the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band, it hearkens back -- in terms of its sophistication, confidence and outright jazz literacy, not nostalgically -- to an era when progressive jazz, and big bands (this one numbering 10 pieces) flourished on the scene. This is one sophisticated outfit. Featuring the arrangement and compositional skills of Brent Wallarab, Jim Martin, Bill Dobbins and Kerry Strayer, this band struts out the tradition and make some joyous, complex, and elegant music that reflects its own unique identity. The résumés of all these players are impressive and reflected in the confidence of the date. It opens with "SUNY-Triangle," a Martin composition that works its artful sleight-of-hand over Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Triste." Martin uses the rhythmically complex samba and drapes some tough, knotty twists and turns over it. The intro is a beautiful and raucous wake-up call, while the head of the tune, with its staggered entrances and exits -- including some fine soloing by John Viavattine on tenor and John Nyerges on piano -- give this tune a unique identity. "Creature Comfort" is a beautiful mid-tempo ballad by Wallarab with edgeless yet multi-dimensional dissonances written into its harmonics. It swings beautifully and includes a fine, punchy solo by tenorman Glenn Cashman. Besides the originals, there are some fine readings here as well. There's Wallarab's arrangement of Duke Ellington's "Black and Tan Fantasy" that's a thoroughly modern exercise losing none of Ellington's humor or rhythmic complexity. Likewise, Gerry Mulligan's haunting, wee-hours, "Night Lights," is given expert treatment here by Strayer, and Dean Keller's baritone saxophone playing combines Mulligan's sense of lyric and Ben Webster's sense of time. In Time's Shadow reveals that innovation need not sacrifice accessibility or swing. It is convincing evidence that the big band form is alive, well and full of surprises."

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"Just wanted to say thank you very much to you, Marcella and the guys for Saturday! It went really well and everybody absolutely loved the jazz! The bride was delighted with Marcella’s performance, and all the guests thought the music was wonderful as well."

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"We all had a fantastic time on Saturday, it was a very special night for my sister. Everyone thought that the Roaring 20s band was splendid, thank you for a super evening of professional entertainment which was thoroughly enjoyed & appreciated by one & all, we are all still recovering!! Thanks very much again & all the best.”….and then this, sent to the agency…”Dr Jazz gave a truly tremendous performance; a fantastic band who captivated us all for what was a most splendid and memorable occasion. I would have no hesitation in recommending such a professional & inspiring band."

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"You were fantastic, an undoubted highlight. Everyone keeps going on about how good you were and thinking about occasions when they might be able to book you. "

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"What a brilliant and authentic soft jazz voice from Noa and fantastic music from the band, a marvellous afternoon jazz musical exceeding all expectations. I give Noa and the quintet a 5 out of 5 stars!"

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"Ruby was excellent brought our event alive everyone sang along really fun afternoon top lady great fun"

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"Almaz Duo performed at our wedding breakfast and all I can say is how amazing they were. Very tasteful musicians and highly recommended. All our guests passed comments on how good they were as a band. Thanks again you made our day very special xxx"

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"Lachie and his team absolutely made our wedding day into such a special event. Lachie worked with me for months before the big day to develop a playlist and overall vibe for the ceremony and reception drinks. He understood what we wanted and delivered on the day. Thanks Lachie!"

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"we invited Dupa Trio to play at our wedding in France last august, It was such a blessing to have them on board, what a lovely group of amazing people and super talented musicians. I Heard many jazz concerts in my life but, the show of Dupa Trio is absoulostly stunning! if your looking for a jazz band, look no further, They are simply the best! kind regards, josh"

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"Came on time, dressed appropriately, cooperated with last-minute instructions, excellent set list, exceeded expectations."

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"I just wanted to write to thank you guys for doing such an incredible job at our event last Saturday; you really blew people away! The fact that people were having such a good time, and up dancing throughout the evening was unusual, and evidence of people really having a good time! I heard *many* comments about how amazing you were, and the Manor as well were very impressed and keen to share your information with others booking events with them. So, yay, well done, and THANK YOU!"

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"We sincerely thank you Tri Tones for playing at our wedding. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed your music and were just so impressed. It most certainly made an incredible difference to our day, and we thank you so much for being a part of our celebration. If we get to celebrate our marriage with my family in the UK, we definitely would love you to play again!"

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"Ruby was great, very professional and more importantly a really good singer. Booked her for a birthday party, Her selection of songs entertained everyone aged 11 to 80 Thank you Ruby"

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"I had this band play at my wedding the other Saturday and they were amazing! Even though we just had the 3 piece band (2 guitars and bass) they sounded amazing and everyone loved them! Fitted perfectly with our venue and relaxed style of wedding. The guys were superb and very professional and I didn't have to worry about them at all. I even got time to stand there and appreciate them for awhile :) Would highly recommend these guys!"

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"Both Alice and Tom brought a real touch of class to the Selfridges Christmas pop-up event. Customers and staff alike gravitated towards their exceptional performances - the feedback was fantastic! Would definitely book again."

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