Review Centre: Crooners

"Wonderful! Crooner Ed performed for us at a cocktail party recently and was adored. His combination of singing and background images was a huge hit! He sang all the residents favorites and I've been asked to bring him back, often!"

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:

"Rok I've seen you three times playing in the piano bar on the Horizon and you are spectacular. To the point i wish i knew your schedule so i could book a sailing on your ship to watch you again. 100% one of the best performers i have seen. Brian from Canada"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We won tickets from More FM Radio, It was a fab show, Well Done RYAN! x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks Ryan, Wow.. Fantastic! So pleased we booked you, see you again soon!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Played two sets of excellent Jazz. Was enjoyed by all those in attendance. Would highly recommend to anyone. Superb. Thanks Chris and Sue. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate the amazing job you did on June 24th for my wedding. The jazz music was so wonderful and I have passed your name on to many people who were interested to know more. I would absolutely love to book you again if we have another special occasion!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"what a fab night everyone had,thank you again francis,great dj as well."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Does pasta qualify as noodles? Uh, yeah, I’d say so. Editor’s Note: Normally this might be blasphemed to include, but I’ll agree with you on this one, just because the food sounds so good and I was pretty hungry while reading this. “Atmosphere” - I’m just going to state my bias right now: “I love Café Amore Bistro”. As soon as you walk in, one of the owners is right there greeting you with a smile; the serving staff are friendly and polite to a fault; the restaurant is bright and inviting in the daytime and dim and cozy and romantic at night. (There’s literally no other way to describe it. It’s a very intimate-feeling place at night.). There are always quirky little elements to look out for: Last time I went, there was an accordion player making his way around tables playing the smoothest damn music your ears have ever been graced with. The tables are close but you still feel like you have your space while you’re eating, and if you happen to spill your drink — and then maybe spill it again — the staff will be right there to offer you a napkin. They’re the sweetest. And, after you’ve stuffed yourself so full you can hardly stand the thought of getting up and going to your car, the owner will personally wish you a good night on your way out. A nicer, more courteous restaurant has never existed. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I find it very important in todays jazz environment that a player of Rick Holland talent gets heard and recognized because he carries on a tradition of swing and melodic playing that I consider most important in jazz. Hendrik Meurkens, Jazz Harmonicist, NYC"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"She was versatile, and everyone enjoyed her presentation. She has a beautiful voice and works well with people."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hello Darren What a smashing day!! Thank you so much for your contribution to it. I loved having you with us and so did everyone else. A great set, lovely voice and performance, elegant presentation and exceptionally professional approach to all parts of our preparation and our day. And you brought the promised sunshine! I know where to come should we do it again. Thanks Jen (10 / 10) Jennifer C"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Chris was very entertaining. The variety of music he performs and music we could sing along with."

Reply by Chris Hawkins Music
Thank you so much...Had a great time performing for you all.

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Martin, We just wanted to say a huge thank you for your wonderful singing on our wedding day. You did an amazing job and are very talented at what you do. We are so glad we chose you for our wedding as everyone of all ages was up dancing and having a great time! And all the little extras that you did like MC and background music for the cake was so lovely. Our guests were talking about how good you were for days after the wedding! Thank you so much for making our day so special! And a massive thank you to Sonya for recommending you! All the best Rebecca & Gavin (Dublin)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for such a beautiful performance yesterday at the funeral Sarah. The family were so very pleased."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: