Review Centre: Crooners

"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!"

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"Our night would not have been so successful if Roberto had not been at his piano singing love songs on our special night and our first dance. The atmosphere was fabulous thanks to Roberto's loving piano playing and choice of song. Roberto also sang at our engagement party where many heels danced on the floor to his warm voice and the song Sway. If you are looking for that little extra for your event, you should definitely contact Roberto."

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:

"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"

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"Sarah sang Nella Fantasia for my mum - it was beautiful, haunting and something special. Perfect classical performance which enriched my final goodbye to someone as special as my mum and I will be forever grateful that I found her. Thank you Sarah for making that last moment a beautiful one D xx (10/10)"

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"Sarah, you entertain elegantly and sing beautifully and as an accompanist it is a pleasure to work with you. The concert last month was well received by the audience and the programme was spot on! Highly recommended. Alan Briggs"

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"Great experience with Duo Colore! Highly entertaining and lots of fun for an evening of food and fun"

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"You must go and see this beautiful young lady, and her voice is absolutely amazing."

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"Thank you for entertaining our guests so well. The entire day was so memorable but your magical performance was the icing on the cake. We've heard so many favourable comments since the wedding. I just wish we could do it all over again!"

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"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:

"Luke performed during our drinks reception and wedding breakfast at our wedding at East Horton Golf Club in Southampton. He was amazing and all our guests loved listening to him. Luke was very accommodating in our song choices. It was perfect and we would thoroughly recommend"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Tom sang at our daughters wedding and was just brilliant. Turned up in good time to set up, looked so smart and then gave two brilliant sets of music that the whole audience absolutely loved. The wedding was quite simply breathtaking from start to finish and the only criticism I received was that I didn't book Tom for a longer time!"

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"She was really sweet, showed up on time. She even saying, and played songs we requested. We were thankful to have live music at our event and she was great."

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

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"What a star! Tony was absolutely fab. He's a great singer and kept everyone on the dance floor. They were screaming for more. He really made the night."

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