Review Centre: Big Bands

"We absolutely LOVED the band. The enthusiasm of the musicians was contagious!! Fantastic!! So glad we chose MR SWING for our special day. More than happy to provide references for future clients. Fabulous night. Worth every penny! Matthew, you are a star! Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Since 2011, the band has a new focus. First, it is commissioning the legendary Bill Dobbins, to write sample arrangements from his famous “Evolution of Jazz Piano”, a series of movements based on the tune “All of Me”. Secondly, is breaking in it’s new vocalist, 19 year old sensation, Lindsey Holland. The band currently has over 60 arrangements for her to sing, including selections from Nancy Wilson’s disc with Cannonball Adderley. Furthermore, we have a Christmas Set now for her to sing, as well as many straight ahead jazz standards. The hope is for this group to record both of these projects sometime in the future."

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"Just to say a big thank you to you and your wonderful swing band for providing such wonderful music and entertainment for our evening reception. We both thought it was brilliant and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves."

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"‘Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. We had so many people comment on how great you were. It really was the perfect day! You were brilliant!’ "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Super professional and we really loved the show! We got a lot of compliments from the guests about how good the band was ?"

Reply by Rocktonight
Thank you so much! Wishing you all the best for you both and your lovely son ?

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"MCR absolutely ROCKED our Wedding Event!! They brought the house down and then some, w/ rarely an inch of the dance floor empty! Couldn't recommend Layonne and the Motor City Revue crew enough for any and all Live Music needs... now we just need to plan another event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were in the room with Frank Sinatra. Fabulous night of entertainment with Old Blue Eyes! ***** 5 Star"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"All we can say is Wow! Jay and his crew were amaaaaaazing! Truly made the night so memorable and fun. We couldn't be happier. From the minute they got to our house until they packed up their last instrument, they were nothing but professional, polite, respectful and friendly. And let's talk about how talented and entertaining they were! Even our neighbors said that they sat in their driveway and enjoyed the sounds of the evening. They truly ""brought the house down"" and we couldn't be more grateful and appreciative. We thanked Jay, and Rob's in touch w him about Venmo-ing, what we hope is a generous tip for him and his band. Monica, you too have been nothing but so helpful and gracious. It takes a village and we are so grateful for our fantastic village of vendors such as you and Jay. Thanks again for everything!! Tracie T."

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:

"With all the hype going to Wynton Marsalis, you might not guess that there are other, lesser-known, straight-ahead trumpet players out there who are consistently ripping the hide off the ball. This, Rick Holland's auspicious debut, is an impressive effort. The trumpeter leads his quartet, backed by a solid Michigan-based rhythm section: pianist Terry Lower, bassist Ed Fedewwa, and drummer Larry Ochiltree, through a fiery trail of originals and standards, interspersed with some fine balladry. Holland's sensitive ear translates to some tight arrangements and a well-organized program. On flugelhorn, he boasts a rich, full tone that purrs with warmth. On the faster tunes, he steams. This is the kind of jazz that feels just right on a wintry day, with the fireplace in full throttle, and the feet resting on a cushion: it hits the spot perfectly, drenched with emotional power and skillful fortitude. Steve Loewy, All Music Guide"

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:

"Hi Stevie, Thank you so much for your performance at our fathers 80th birthday. It was fantastic; you truly made a lasting memory for us all as a family, and one that won’t be forgotten. You totally finished us off with “My Way”. There were tears! You should be highly recommended by any agency that has signed you up. I’m sure we’ll see you again. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dan and his band was amazing I threw my wife a surprise 10 year cancer remission party and found Dan Olivo on GigSalad. Soon as I talked to him I knew he was the right person for this special event. He definitely provided a memorable night and was the highlight of the party. I would recommend him without any reservations and can't wait to see him perform again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We and everyone else had a fantastic time and a lot of people said how your band was one of the highlights of the day, so thank you very much!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These guys were brilliant, will definitely book again!"

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