Review Centre: 1940s Era Musicians & Bands

"We just want to say what a fabulous night Saturday was. You made our wedding so memorable, particularly when you let our friend up there with you! We will be recommending your wedding swing band to all our friends. You have already received a great deal of compliments from those who were there!"

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"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!)"

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"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."

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" R.D.Skeates, Chairman, "Mole End" Fore Street, Aveton Gifford TQ7 4LN 9th November 2010 Dear Dennis, I must convey the grateful thanks of the branch and all those who attended the Service of Remembrance on Sunday lat following the dedication of the garden the previous week. Your rendition of the Last Post and Reveille, and not least the National Anthem stirred many a soul. With best wishes and again our thanks, Yours sincerely, R Skeates"

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"We attended a family function this week in Duffield and were entertained by a super jazz trio - The Tri Tones Jazz Trio - they sounded incredible! Check them out!"

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"They were marvellous and in our mixed age group event their playlist went down well with everyone. Looked and sounded great."

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"We love rich, he’s a great performer and would highly recommend… Taken from Google, verified."

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"'Thanks again for a great performance last night!' "

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"Almaz have now played twice at the coachman in Hartford and have been fantastic both times, both staff and customers have praised there performances and we look forward to seeing you again."

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"A Musical Duo that Brings the Romance of Europe to You. Euro Cafe Duo played every second Monday at our venue, and we could not feel happier to host them! You can always be sure to be swept away by the lovely vocal melodies of Andrea Leyton, while Ted Leyton provides a smooth and fun accordion to truly transform any room you're in into a dreamy cafe in France or Italy. Be sure to go and see them!! "

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"You made our event go with a real swing and added to the sunshine of everyone’s day! Your musical skill brought so much pleasure, especially because you played the trumpet as well as singing all our favourites. You had a lovely way with the residents and were so inclusive that everyone wanted to get up and join in. It’s a good job you brought a second microphone and some instruments for us to play! Staff, residents and visitors were all up dancing and we have the photographs to prove it! We are all looking forward to your next visit and know that you will be a regular feature on our activities calendar. Laura Duncan. Activities Coordinator. Glendon House, Overstrand. "

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"Fantastic band, set just the right tone for the event. The singer had a lovely voice."

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"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."

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"Simply must be heard to be believed. This is all the evidence I need to know that Elouise will soon be one of the world’s greatest songstresses VERY soon."

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"Everyone loved the music, thank you so much for performing! Looking forward to the next time we work together."

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