Review Centre: Musical Acts

"Thank you so so much for playing, the music was incredible and the vibe that was outside as a result was really special! Our guests loved it and it really made the afternoon special. I definitely think we will be in contact for future events and we will follow up with photos and a review shortly. Thank you again and sorry for the delay. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Phil played at our wedding and I have got to say he was just perfect!! We had so many comments on the day and after about how brilliant he was. He was so helpful on the day and leading up to it. He sounds incredible online, but even better in person! Thank you so much!! Neil and Emily "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A fantastic experience, both musically and personally We have engaged these cheerful musicians twice already, and each time they created unique, atmospheric moments."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would like to send out a huge Thank You to this guy right here. He was absolutely awesome. As a DJ you are going to do great things. Your focus was on point, you remedied problems and took ques as if you had ESP. Anyone who plans on having an event here in Yokosuka and need a good DJ, please look this guy up!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ivan Mastermix’s residency at Tattva has raised the bar even higher. Guests enjoyed the perfect blend of afro house vibes that Mastermix curated, creating an unforgettable atmosphere in this beautiful beach restaurant and club. We’re already looking forward to his nights next summer! Beachside beats at their best! Ivan Mastermix turned Tattva into the ultimate afro house experience."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked c-boys roaming band for our wedding and they were absolutely amazing! All of our guests loved them and they got everyone dancing! Would highly recommend! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A retired doctor who is an outstanding sax player and wonderful family man"

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"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"“Sensation is gone from the Brooklyn Museum of Art, but the fun continues at BMA’s First Saturdays with the Salsa group Sonido Costeño.” -Time Out New York"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Bev and Ken! Just wanted to say a massive thank you to you and to the band! You were all utterly fantastic and we couldn't have asked for more! Please do pass on my thanks to Beer for Breakfast too! You made the night! Matt J For a Wedding in Lancaster, July 2023"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rory played solo saxophone at our event, his performance was top class, choice of music just right for the occasion, the solo saxophone perfectly complemented our event which was an afternoon vintage garden party. In addition Rory is a thoroughly good guy and top company."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band arrived in great time and were very communicative before hand. They set up and did a great show for our campers. The campers were aged between 7 and 17 and all of them loved the experience. The guys were really friendly and interacted with the campers who wanted to speak to them after. Highly recommended and we will be looking to make it an annual thing at camp."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Adriana is a beautiful person as well as a gifted performer."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You are incredible! From the acoustic set in the afternoon to the end of the night, I could not have asked for more. This band are amazing! They were the highlight of the wedding… my husband & I cannot thank them enough. Everyone commented on our band & we were chuffed to bits we had booked them. They helped so much in the planning & the communication was great. I would book them again in a heartbeat. They were unreal!!! Thank you 😊"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I heard Rory playing an impromptu set at the Long Table and I was blown away with his performance. Extremely talented on many instruments, he got everybody dancing and a really fun guy. Id recommend him to get the party started with the talent!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: