Review Centre: Crooners

"We were so happy with Luke. He was such a pleasant, polite man who quietly got himself organised, despite us getting in his way! The moment he began to sing, everyone was listening and captivated by him. He absolutely made our evening and we were sad when his time was up. We would definitely recommend Luke to anyone "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Darren for a family party... he was absolutely fabulous. Very professional and with a great song list. We had the most perfect afternoon, he created a lovely atmosphere and was very engaging with the family and his audience.. would highly recommend. thank you Darren x Read less. (10 / 10) Julie R"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent Performer and Businessman We had Vince performer at our festival, and he is an excellent performer and businessman. The crowd loved his performance, and his setup was so quick and easy. Would recommend to anyone needing a performer for their event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I booked Darren for my mum’s 80th birthday party. Darren was extremely helpful and professional and the whole process of organising the song choice etc. was so easy. Darren has a lovely voice and his performance created a great atmosphere. Everyone was dancing and had a brilliant time. Thank you Darren for making this celebration so special for my mum. Suzanne (10 / 10) Suzanne"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"10/10! Amazing performance, wonderful people. Mike and his wife Kathy were an absolute dream to have perform at my wedding- Mike performed for an hour during dinner to all the classic rat pack songs. Mike’s Frank performance was outstanding- most guests thought it was a recording of Frank Sinatra until they heard our names placed in the song to personalize it. Mike walked from table to table and was truly such a hit at the wedding. He also sang both our first dance song and our parent dance song- and was totally willing to shorten it to the perfect length. I would HIGHLY recommend hiring them- they were truly such a joy to have at our wedding."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Beyond expectation I read all of Ed's wonderful reviews and was expecting him to be great, but he somehow exceeded that expectation. I wish we could have Ed at every party. He was a wonderful performer and engaged an otherwise shy crowd. I would absolutely hire again and recommend highly! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I've worked with Barry since 1999 and he even did my wedding in 2003. He has performed at numerous events for me and my clients and he is always professional, entertaining, versatile and really elevates the class of the event. I highly recommend Barry and A Touch of Class Music."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We chose The Italian Wedding band to play at our wedding. We really couldn’t have made a better choice. Mariolino and the band were really great. Their music repertoire is really perfect for an elegant Italian wedding. They were able to engage the guests by livening up the party and made us experience wonderful emotions. We got married in Piedmont and they, despite being from Rome, traveled over 600km just to make us happy. In addition, we really appreciated the fact that we also played a song on request that was not part of their repertoire. I received more compliments from guests about the band than any other aspect of the wedding. I will never run out of ways to thank Marino and the whole band for the wonderful atmosphere they were able to create. I would get married again tomorrow just to call them back! ☺️ Finally, another key aspect: they are extremely organized, punctual, and precise! I had to give them very few instructions and they were incredibly autonomous: real true PROFESSIONALS. I have no doubt, I would recommend this band to any wedding couple because I can guarantee they are the best choice any couple could make for their wedding!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Pure class. Set the mood perfectly for our daughter and son in law’s wedding reception. Highly recommended. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"There was one helluva great set of jazz this evening, when band leader and trumpet player Rick Holland brought nine fabulous musicians to the Pausa Art House including alto sax giant Bobby Militello, tenor sax wizard Andy Weinzler and baritone sax player Dean Keller, along with trumpet players Ron D’Angelo and Mark Filsinger, with trombonists Ken Crane and Brendan Lanighan, with Tom Kasperick on drums and bass player Emiliano Lansky, and with the very young, but very cool Harry Graser on piano. The great, blended horn sound provided a rock-solid ground for the wide-ranging, but sweetly swinging vocals of the young, very gifted Lindsey Holland. Do not ever miss a chance to hear this group in the future!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Matthew, I know I said it last night but, once again, thank you for making our Roaring 20s party such a success. I've seen and heard a few singers before but a singer who also plays the trumpet? That added a whole new dimension! Absolutely fantastic! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The broad repertoire his groups encompass and the care with which he deals with musical details are a welcome exception in this age of super specialization and an obsession with quick results at the expense of real quality. Bill Dobbins, Eastman School of Music"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for coming along to our event. Loved your music. My friends partner actually said he was gutted when you finished as he loved every song you were playing! Happy to give you a glowing review ! Kylie :) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Huge repertoire of songs that I love - sung with feeling and style!"

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: