Review Centre: Crooners

"Beautiful voice that will take you on a best of Jazz tour. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" Stevi C. Delight of the night! Bill was such an amazing addition to our New Years Eve celebration. He provided several custom arrangements per our request, was a breeze to work with and was a great talent. Definitely recommend! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Barry Cohen was the perfect wedding musician and DJ for our wedding party and venue. He was very professional and he covered everything that we had asked him to do according to the schedule of the day. His easy-going style and confidence helped ease the day. I am still receiving positive comments about his services from family and friends. He's a very talented musician as well, so there is a lot of value to having him perform at the wedding/reception."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Best live Sax Playing I ever heard. Brendan. Best money I ever spent ! Carol. Carol & Brendan. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You were amazing Rokstedy!!! We have such an awesome time singing along with you. Thank you for the advice as well :) Love, Diet Coke a.k.a Molly"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" 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."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had a great evening enjoying Luke’s entertainment. He really leads the party and everyone said how much they enjoyed his performance. Communication was great and he has an amazing range of repertoire. Would not hesitate in recommending him"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Tony, a short note of thanks for all your hard work on Friday at our charity night. Everyone enjoyed your performance and all good comments came in. We raised £456 which will help towards the care that the hospice provides. Once again thank you, and we will do it all again soon."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Officina del Malcontento stands out brilliantly for their incisive artistic research. Their music goes beyond conventional boundaries, boldly exploring new sound territories. Attention to detail demonstrates a sincere commitment to innovation with an attentive eye to tradition. The group embodies the passion for musical art in all its nuances, giving the audience an engaging and unique experience"

Reply by Barbera & Champagne
Thank you for your kind review, Marta! Looking forward to see you and play for you again! Carla and Officina del Malcontento

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:

"thank you so much francis,my dad had a great time as did everyone else.thank you again for doing the extra time,it was very much appreciated."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Tony performed at a colleague's retirement party in Cheltenham - and he absolutely made the night. He was brilliant, is an absolutely fantastic singer with a wide repertoire, and read the crowd just right so keeping the dance floor full of very happy people all night. He really was fabulous - if I could go back 5 years and book him for my wedding, I would!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Cheryl was an absolute joy to work with. I was looking for someone to surprise my husband for his birthday party and she was everything I was hoping for. She really added that extra special element while being very unobtrusive at the same time. I would recommend her highly."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The best vibes! Vince is awesome! We booked him to provide entertainment for our baby shower. Everyone loved everything about him. From his great set up to even better talent. I will definitely be booking Vince in the near future. Thankful for him! Mahalo, Edwin "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Bruddah Vince is a dream! I contacted Bruddah Vince just a few days before our retirement party at a large estate in Beverly Hills, when another performer I had originally hired dropped out at the last minute. What could have been a disaster turned out to be a blessing, as Bruddah Vince was extremely easy, professional, and pleasant to work with, and he provided the perfect vibes we were seeking. His dreamy voice, expert ukulele playing, and great song selection added so much beauty to our night. We all felt transported to the islands for a few hours, and the party would not have been the same without him. He was very agreeable to every request, including taking a Covid test upon arrival, which we really appreciated since some of our guests are high risk."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: