Review Centre: Jazz Bands

" 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"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired this pianist for a private dinner event in Siena, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish. The goal was to create an elegant and intimate atmosphere, and the live piano music made a huge difference. Communication before the event was smooth and efficient. He understood immediately what we were looking for and proposed a repertoire that matched the tone perfectly. On the evening itself, everything was handled with great professionalism. The setup was quick and discreet, and once the music started, the entire mood of the room changed. It became warmer, more refined, and truly special. The repertoire was varied and well-executed, moving effortlessly between different styles. Guests noticed the quality right away, and several of them asked for his contact information. A truly excellent service for anyone looking for a pianist in Siena."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My residents raved about how much they enjoyed Michael's music and we definitely want to have him back to entertain again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Twilight were fantastic. The music really set the mood for the summer bbq party I was hosting. All the guests really enjoyed themselves. I would definitely recommend them and use them again for future events. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Me encanta la música de la Romi, tiene mucha precisión y es perfecta para una graduación. Me encanta el bossa nova y los boleros, siento que hay un poco de Latinoamérica aquí en Roma. Muchas gracias Rome jazz trio por toda la música bonita!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Jacky, just a note to say a BIG thank-you for your contribution to our party on Saturday. Thankfully the weather was kind and the music was just right for the garden party. So many of our guests commented on how much they enjoyed the music... Please pass our appreciation to the trio. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for tonight.  You guys were great.  Several people commented on how good you were.  I hope you enjoyed playing for us.  If so, when I'm sorting out the dates for next year, I'll get in touch. Thanks again"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Had the most perfect day. Wow, amarè strings made the service very special. Meka and I are very impressed by the string quartet. Highly recommend Amarè strings for your wedding / event. They had no problem playing song requests and were very professional on the day. Much love M & J ❤️🍾🎉"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The perfect elegant touch for our special day! 10/10"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My 80th BD celebration was held on May 24th. It is May 28th and I am still getting KUDOS from my guest about Nadine and her Soul of New York Band. Nadine was professional and always had a smile in her voice from inception. I had spoken with two other bands and was very impressed of Nadine's understanding of what type of music I wanted for my event. I am still getting comments from my guest asking "where did you find your band?", "the singers were excellent", "best BD party ever" and of course I felt very proud my choice was Nadine and her Soul of New York Band. Thank you Nadine, for showing up and showing out, as the saying goes...many blessings!!!!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I wanted to pass on my thanks to the Sydney Jazz Collective. The guys did a fantastic job and the feedback from the audience was great. Thanks for your help in organizing everything."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were so lucky to have Babis play at our wedding. From our entrance to the dinner, his music created the most magical atmosphere—elegant, warm, and unforgettable. Many of our guests told us how much they loved the live saxophone, and it truly made the evening feel very special. Babis is not only a fantastic musician but also a true professional, and we can’t recommend him enough!"

Reply by Babis Prodromidis dj/Saxophone/Clarinet
Thank you very much!!!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Alejandro is an amazing musician. His guitar and saxophone playing were full of passion, energy, and soul. You can really tell he loves what he does. He also played music from different parts of the world, which made the event feel unique and special. On top of that, Alejandro was very professional. He communicated clearly, answered quickly, and arrived early to set everything up. Thank you, Alejandro, for your great performance! I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a talented and reliable musician."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely wonderful! So processional. Music was fantastic. Would hire again!"

Reply by Nicola Cordisco
Thank you! We had a great time too and thank you for choosing our music! Beautiful evening, wonderful location and very very nice people!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Forgot to say when you left our wedding we are sooo happy with you guys! Awesome show last weekend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: