Review Centre: Crooners

"Gordon Rocker, what a perfect name. Gordon gets everyone rocking to his perfect vibe. We have had the pleasure of booking him four times so far. Everytime a 10/10, a rocking success. Thank you so much Gordon."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just a quick thank you for last night's performance Darren we thought you were excellent Kind regards Nick (10 / 10) Nick Fletcher"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"WOW, is all I can say! I had booked the Serenading Servers as a total surprise, I was the only person on the day that knew they would be there, not even the groom knew. Their singing was phenomenal and they got every single person up and dancing. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more. So many people commented on how amazing they were and said they were the highlight! Thank you so so much 🥰"

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:

"You really made our day extra special. Thank you so much!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Enkele weken geleden heb ik Ludo Bone live gezien in De Dromedaris in Enkhuizen. Wat een onvergetelijke avond! Met zijn warme, swingende stem en charismatische podiumpresence brengt hij Frank Sinatra perfect tot leven. Van swingende classics tot intieme ballads – alles klopt. Ludo doet niet onder voor de echte Sinatra en zorgt voor een elegante, sfeervolle show die iedereen raakt. Ideaal voor feestavonden, theaters en bedrijfsfeesten. Absoluut een aanrader om te boeken. Translation: A few weeks ago, I saw Ludo Bone live at De Dromedaris in Enkhuizen. What an unforgettable evening! With his warm, swinging voice and charismatic stage presence, he brings Frank Sinatra perfectly to life. From swinging classics to intimate ballads – everything is spot on. Ludo is just as good as the real Sinatra and delivers an elegant, atmospheric show that touches everyone. Ideal for parties, theaters, and corporate events. Absolutely recommended for booking."

Reply by Ludo Bone — Frank Sinatra Tribute
Marijn, wat een prachtige recensie — heel erg bedankt! De Dromedaris is een geweldige plek en het was een onvergetelijke avond voor mij ook. Fijn dat je de sfeer zo hebt ervaren zoals ik hem bedoel. Hopelijk tot de volgende keer!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"David, Thank you very much for playing at our exclusive Pre-Cannes Party. We look forward to having you back very soon! General Manager. Atheneum Hotel. Mayfair London. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for coming, it was wonderful listening to you. One of the ladies in the kitchen thought it was a CD playing as you are so good!! We do have some event ideas in the pipeline for this year which you would be first choice"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Many thanks Luke- you’re singing was really great and you hit just the right note with your song selections- the guests were very complimentary of the quality of your performance. It was a fun eve. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent entertainer! Fabulous voice and warm personality."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Quality entertainer with a wide range of music. Will be booked again."

Reply by Denis Cook
Thanks Sam … I enjoyed the afternoon very much and look forward to seeing you all again Denis

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just a note to tell you and Maria how much we enjoyed the excellent evening of music last night at the Hall. Everyone I spoke to said how much they enjoyed it. I hope the arrangements were OK for you. Your selection of numbers suited our audience very well and your upbeat style was great. Many thanks for entertaining us."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much Peter. Your retro pop was perfect for our themed party, and everyone loved you x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing musician, highly professional, Roberto was the perfect help in creating the atmosphere we needed for our event. I do hope he will work for us again! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Efrayim Fischbacher brought the house down at Dublin clarinetWorld with a performance and volume masterclass that will live long in the memories of all who attended. At 95 years old, Fischbacher is nothing short of a living legend, and his wit, charm, and unparalleled energy made for an unforgettable experience. Known as “the world’s loudest clarinet player,” Fischbacher more than lived up to his reputation. His booming renditions of classic jazz standards filled the room with a vigor that belied his age. At one point, he even shouted his catch phrase, “Oompah!” to the delight of the audience. The masterclass itself was equal parts education and entertainment. Fischbacher peppered his teaching with captivating anecdotes from his days in the 1950s jazz scene. His tales of smoky clubs, impromptu jam sessions, and larger-than-life characters were as colorful as his clarinet playing. Despite his larger-than-life persona, Fischbacher was generous with his knowledge, sharing practical tips on controlling dynamics, enhancing tone, and, of course, projecting sound with authority. Aspiring clarinetists and seasoned musicians alike left with invaluable insights—and a newfound appreciation for the art of making a statement with volume. Efrayim Fischbacher’s appearance was a celebration of music, history, and the sheer joy of performing. His charisma and storytelling were as commanding as his playing, and his presence at clarinetWorld was a true gift to all who were lucky enough to be there. Bravo to a legend who continues to inspire across generations!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: