Review Centre: 1930s Era Musicians & Bands

"The feedback from the party was very positive. I think everyone enjoyed the event, and the guests were certainly very complimentary about you both."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We and everyone else had a fantastic time and a lot of people said how your band was one of the highlights of the day, so thank you very much!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just great! Lovely set of guys, very professional. The perfect accompaniment for our 90th birthday celebration. They set the mood beautifully. Would highly recommend. 5 Stars"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much! Everyone loved you and your band and I really appreciated the way you just seamlessly fitted in with our plans! The music really was just ripping and really set the tone for the whole evening! Young and old thought it was spot on. I would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" I am proud that the Rick Holland - Evan Dobbins Little Big Band calls Tala Vera cantina home once a month. Rick is a consummate professional as well as a top tier musician. His Band comprises the best players Rochester has to offer. Such talent coupled with an amazing book of swing and traditional jazz, presents a special evening of music every time they play at Tala Vera. Bernard Matthews, Owner of Tala Vera, Rochester, NY I have had the pleasure to do some arranging and writing for Rick's groups and I have to say that his groups are always chocked full of the best musicians around. It's a pleasure to have music played with precision and integrity - no matter what the style or genre. I would highly recommend any or Rick's groups for a jazz or commercial setting. Jim Martin, Grand Rapids, MI We had the pleasure of having the USO-10 piece play at our wedding in May 2017. From the minute we met Rick Holland and heard the band play we knew they were the band for us. It was a pleasure to work with Rick, who was so professional and helpful in many ways especially song choices from everything to cocktail music, our entrance song, first dance, parent dances to our exit song. The dance floor was never empty. We are thrilled with the USO and look forward to hearing them again in the near future!! Thank you for making our wedding so special! Maureen and Mark Deckman Sometimes it all just falls into place. The setting, the situation, the scene, the tone -- everything is going your way. That describes last night for me. And at the heart of this mid-week Xanadu was the Rick Holland Uptown Orchestra, a modest, brass-centric outfit led by the trumpet-blowing Holland that swung with equal parts effervescence and laid-back cool at Lovin Cup. And come to find out, five of his Hollands regular guys were sidelined, and the holes on the bandstand were plugged with subs --- hired music muscle like Po’ Boy Erik Jacobs on the slide trombone. By the time the Orchestra heaped on a helping of Count Basie, there was nowhere else I wanted to be. I dragged my mom out in the cold for this show and she was thrilled when they stomped on the Savoy. Holland led the affair with a relaxed air, coaxing more than conducting under his porkpie lid. He went around the bandstand numerous times so every cat there got his fair shake, including pianist extraordinaire Bill Dobbins. This is one sweet band, yes, yes. Frank De Blase, Roch City News 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 You get the feeling from Holland’s recordings, that Holland and his compatriots are not only talented musicians, but fully formed human beings with wit, style and elegance---folks whom you would enjoy sharing a fine dinner and stimulating conversation. Bill Barton, Green Mountain Jazz Messenger "Rick brought his quartet and the little big band to our wedding and reception. He was wonderful to work with, being both receptive to our requests and knowing where to fill in the gaps with his expertise. Not to mention I could call him anytime, and he worked around our schedule. They played a tasteful mix of songs great for just listening to and a few that got everyone up on the dance floor. In the end, everyone was raving about how great the band was. We couldn't be happier!" P.S. Lindsey was amazing, the two comments I heard most were "Wow, they are great!" and "That girl can sing!" Sam and Ellie Carrell I hired Rick Holland Productions for my wedding and I thank my lucky stars I did. They were just an absolute solid band. I live in Toronto so the 10 piece band crossed the border for my wedding - our wedding coordinator said she'd never heard a band that good over her decade long career. I like to think I'm a genius for finding them ?? Kian K., Toronto, ON, CA From the bride: "The music was wonderful! We could not have asked for a better band. Our guests were really impressed; the Uptown Society Orchestra really made our reception special.” From the groom: "What a professional group. Their exceptional musicianship brought a real element of class to the party. There is nothing like the sound of a live band, and this group made our reception better than we could have hoped for.” From the father of the bride: (Dennis Nowicki): "The band was fantastic -- they really exceeded our expectations." Anders Dahlberg and Stacy Nowicki, Wedding at the Chicago Art Museum The Uptown Society Orchestra may have had six members, but it sounded as if it had twice as many as members blew triumphantly throughout New Years' eve night. (Front page Kalamazoo Gazette, regarding the New Years Eve Festival 2004, Kalamazoo, Michigan) Bill Wood, Arts and Entertainment critic, Kalamazoo Gazette Amazing! Rick Holland Productions worked seamlessly with our wedding, where we had three separate "performances" that were adpated to by Rick's use of different members of the Little Big Band. We had a cocktail reception where a trio played, then a brass quartet accompanied our Wedding ceremony. After our guests were transported by horse-drawn carriage to a lake side reception site, the Little Little Big Band got things started and the full Little Big Band played the night away to the extreme pleasure of our entire party. They even let Joe Robinson jam with them in the chill of the autumn, fire-lit evening! Thank You so much Rick! Matthew Cooper, Bradford, PA Rick brought his quartet and the little big band to our wedding and reception. He was wonderful to work with, being both receptive to our requests and knowing where to fill in the gaps with his expertise. Not to mention I could call him anytime, and he worked around our schedule. They played a tasteful mix of songs great for just listening to and a few that got everyone up on the dance floor. In the end, everyone was raving about how great the band was. Lindsey Holland was amazing, the two comments I heard most were "Wow, they are great!" and "That girl can sing!"We couldn't be happier! Sam and Ellie Carrell When we heard the Uptown Society perform at a New Year's Eve concert we knew that we wanted them to play at our wedding. They had the perfect blend of jazz, swing and romantic ballads. They are excellent musicians and we were thrilled to find that they were available for our wedding. Our guests were thrilled that we hired them; we received so many compliments. Uptown Society provided a wonderful 'soundtrack' for our storybook wedding. Eric and Kim von Oeyen, Battle Creek, MI Rick Holland and his band played our wedding on August 28, 2010. Rick could not have been more accommodating to my husband and my wants and needs for music at the wedding. We communicated through email, over the phone, and met with each other once to go over the details. Rick was very thorough and always set our minds at ease. During our ceremony, his quartet played us up the aisle with a romantic song and down the aisle with ''Fireworks'' which set the mood for the festive evening to begin. The cocktail hour began immediately following the ceremony and Rick''s band did not miss a beat....the little big band entertained guests while they mingled and got a bite to eat. When the wedding party was ready to be announced, Rick took the microphone as we were all introduced. After the speeches were out of the way, Rick and the band let loose! With a full band and two singers, a male and a female, we partied for the next four hours! The guests were dancing, singing, and truly having a great time as did we! The band definitely made the night! The songs were exactly what we requested and the sound quality was superb. I would gladly book Rick and his band for another occasion as well as recommend them. Thanks again Rick! Erin and Mike Victor, New York"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sax Addict laid the perfect backdrop to my lakeside canapes. Lush."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From start to finish Brian was nothing short of epic! We wanted a pianist for our wedding ceremony and from the moment we booked Brian he was very communicative, super friendly, listened to all of our slightly strange requests and made them all happen, down to the last detail. On the day, Brian arrived well in advance of the start this, and was playing his gorgeous music to the guests (and putting me at easy) well before the start of the ceremony. Yes his music is SUPERB, but for me, what made Brian most incredible, was he ability to read the room. We had a song mid-ceremony (which we thought could potentially be badly sang by guests) but not on Brian’s watch… he lead us all in, adding fun bits into the song, picking up the pace when needed and giving us all the confidence to “belt it out”. Just a true professional with a personal touch. Brilliant Brian!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ruby sang at our anniversary party in 2016, and she made it an absolutely unforgettable evening. She has a fantastic song list ready, and she is happy to learn new songs for you, - even if I must say that her repertoire matches my own favourite songs, so I would be hard pushed to find any additional to request. Ruby covers all sorts of swing and Jazz from the Andrew Sisters to Amy Winehouse, dance music from cha cha cha to rock ‘n roll plus also Beatles and Bowie and other styles of music. All delivered with Ruby's own touch. Some of them much better than the originals. On top of it all, she made me aware of another brilliant singer, the Dutch Caro Emerald, as Ruby sings a couple of Caro’s songs. To have Ruby singing was, to quote a Caro Emerald song: “I have never dreamed, dreamed a night like this” I would definitely recommend Ruby for any party, birthday, wedding, anniversary or the like."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"In the brief break in the lockdown clouds in August I was able to sneak in my downsized, socially distanced garden birthday party. The one thing I really wanted was some lovely French accordion music and in Mike I found the perfect answer. He was friendly without being overbearing, his playing was absolutely spot on and he really added to and became part of the whole wonderful day - a day that was all the more special because of all the restrictions that had to be accommodated. And the sun shone! It will always be a very special day for me never to be forgotten and Mike provided the perfect theme tune for it. Thank you so much. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Highly recommended jazz duo - punctual, friendly and professional. They played for a dinner at my home in Manchester and were superb all afternoon."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Iedereen was zeer te spreken over jullie optreden. Zou zo nog wel eens een vervolg kunnen krijgen in de toekomst. Verder alles prima geregeld."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Swiss Chalet [where Joie de Vivre played a concert on Bastille Day] is a very rare “trophy property” designed and restored exclusively for Private Members only. The Chalet is one of the most famous secret landmarks used by some of the most discerning personalities in the World. From King Edward VII right through to Charlie Chaplin, Fred Astaire, Marlin Monroe to mention but a few. Today only the most exclusive guests are privy to be entertained at this amazing private residence.​For this precise reason we have carefully selected what I would call rising stars. I just wanted to say how thrilled we were with your performance at our private function. Everyone commented on how amazing [Muriele's} voice was. I have had so many people ask for your names! [Joie de Vivre were] just amazing and I can’t tell you how delighted I was! You blew our guests away with such unexpected talent. I’d highly recommend you to anyone especially anyone seeking music and performance to enhance any exquisite occasion!! You score very high in my preferred Jazz music performance !! All the best"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Swing. Non si spiega, si esprime." Ed è questo l'emblema dei Conosci mia cugina... uno spettacolo divertente e coinvolgente che è stato molto apprezzato da tutti gli ospiti"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely LOVED performance. They were able to include the sentimental songs I requested for the anniversary party which created the perfect atmosphere Euro Café Duo! Highly recommend! They were very easy to communicate with, very accommodating of our event’s needs and I loved their performance. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I sent him only some humming about a song and he created something unique but still very authentic to the original "song". He was in time at the place we discussed. 10/10 communication. 10/10 creativity. 10/10 privacy after I proposed he just left without making it a big deal and contacted me afterwards. Very VERY satisfied with this lad !"

Reply by Victor Wahlström
Thank you again and I wish you all the best!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: