Review Centre: Big Bands

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

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:

"Good Co made our outdoor August wedding so magical. They were incredibly easy going and communicative and learned a couple request songs for us. They were great at reading the room, playing more subdued songs when people were eating and talking, and a great variety of more danceable songs towards the end of the evening. They even played the Hora on the spot when a Jewish relative of mine requested it. Guests were abuzz about how great the music was, and neighbors (we had a backyard wedding) who overheard sent notes about how much they loved the music. They were also very patient with some power issues that arose midway through dinner (and even kept playing for us!)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"your performance through dinner was just perfect and your dj set had them on the floor all night.thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"thank you francis you were fab,i would highly recommend."

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:

"Paul is a consummate performer who builds an exceptional rapport with his audience. Paul's warm vocals and infectious charm are guaranteed to get your toes tapping and lift your hearts with joy!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra made our wedding! We thought our special day couldn’t get any better after we exchanged our vows and heard the kind words from our family but, as soon as we heard the music, I knew that the band would leave an impact on our guests. I did not stop dancing all night! We truly enjoyed every moment of the band’s set and all our guests have commented on how wonderful they were. Really wish we could have had them longer. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Matthew and the rest of the band for making our wedding magical. All our love, Mr & Mrs Colbeck."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Matthew, what can I say about the band. Firstly, everyone at the party has commented on the amazing atmosphere you all created from the moment you stepped onto the stage. I knew that you would be good as obviously I had watched your performances on your site, but what I wasn’t prepared for was the utter joy that your performance would give to everyone who was there including the staff at the hotel! The music choices were perfect, the vocals and commentary perfect and the feeling that I couldn’t have booked anyone better a delight. I know my father really enjoyed his night and has sung your praises far and wide. You all made the night truly fabulous and I cannot thank you enough for it. I hope to book you all again for future functions and obviously will let everyone know just how incredible your band is. Once again please give my thanks to the whole band, they were absolutely amazing."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just unbelievable! This Band made our holiday unforgettable! We are still getting feedback from guests all over the world! The combination of a cover band and a jazz band-Big Band, gave us the feeling of Las Vegas and a dance club at the same time. The singers sang in all languages of the world, real professionals, it was as if we had been at the world's best concerts, and all this was presented in one team - Diamond Rain Show. Special Thanks to Rem Fleming For take our party as his personal!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A true genius in every sense, Arturo Cruz is a masterful composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist who effortlessly blends cultures and colors into his music. His work transcends boundaries, bringing an electrifying energy to his performances. Arturo is a rare talent who continues to redefine musical excellence. I have had the pleasure to enjoy not only his performances but his arrangements and recordings, all I have to say is he is a must known artist of this generation!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great band! Our guests loved them and are raving about the range of vocals. Would recommend them 100%!!"

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