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 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:

"I had the pleasure of hiring Jerry Caringi for my dad's 70th birthday party, and he truly made the evening unforgettable. His performance filled the venue with an incredible sound, and the repertoire was diverse, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. We have had the opportunity to work with Jerry for many years; Jerry is always able to create a lively atmosphere, captivate the audience, and make everyone feel involved in the celebration. He was incredibly easy to work with from the initial booking to the end of the event. He was punctual, professional, and accommodating, which made the entire process seamless. I would highly recommend Jerry. He consistently exceeds expectations and contributed to making my dad's 70th birthday party a memorable success! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The [ 2015] Christmas party at Davey’s Court sheltered scheme will go down on memory as the best, most enjoyable event we have ever had within the building. This was completely down to the talented, all singing, all dancing Shola Adewusi, aka Misty Lee Brown. Her soaring vocals were off-set with good crowd participation. Thoroughly recommended by Peabody residents living at Davey’s Court sheltered scheme. "

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for opening up Macmillan Mayhem 2023 for us. Your support really is appreciated. You guys were absolutely amazing. A lot of people were talking about you all day. We will certainly be looking out for your future gigs. You really got the party started (your words lol) Thanks again 💚😊"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We have had nothing but compliments for the entertainment at the Gala Dinner at our National Rally this year. The choice of material for both sets was spot on. Pleasure working with you and I hope we may be able to do it again some time in the future. I will certainly be recommending you to anyone I come across looking for event entertainment."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Very successful Thank you for your performance (and the quick arrangements). We found it very successful. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I've seen wiseiris perform before and he also is based near us. It was a no brainer to hire him for our event. Communication leading up to the event was perfect with everything laid out. He arrived early to the venue for soundcheck and delivered an amazing set. If you want a multi talented musician with songs you can feel I would recommend wiseiris in a heart beat and we can't wait to have him back to perform for us in 2026."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Igor was amazing at our wedding reception. Super talented and was raved by all. I would highly recommend for any event!"

Reply by Ontario saxophonist Igor Babich
Thank you so much, Jen! It was a pleasure to be a part of your special day!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Our congress was exactly how our Congress Organisation wanted with Duo Voyage. Real professionals!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dan and his band was amazing I threw my wife a surprise 10 year cancer remission party and found Dan Olivo on GigSalad. Soon as I talked to him I knew he was the right person for this special event. He definitely provided a memorable night and was the highlight of the party. I would recommend him without any reservations and can't wait to see him perform again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"PTL! Ever so grateful to step out on Faith to try this App, especially in this dispensation of time. Minister Darryl "DeeSaxaphonist" Anderson came to our Service in Jacksonville, FL and blessed our Souls! Truly Anointed, Powerful Player of God that produces the Sounds of Heaven! Very Professional, Gifted and Talented! Very Kind, Humble and will Communicate with you! We Love him, and will pass the word of his services/Ministry that he does! We're Excited already, about the next time of rendering his services! May Blessings Overtake Minister Anderson, and may God open Many More Doors of Opportunities and Prosperities for him; May God keep him and his family, protect them all, while on their Journeys ahead; for this Man of God, has truly Blessed us!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Tommy & James hebben op onze bruiloft tijdens het diner gespeeld. Het was geweldig! Ze maken goeie muziek en brengen een vrolijke sfeer mee! Wat ik erg prettig vond was dat ze flexibel en mobiel zijn. Zonder dat ik het door had, stonden ze er al en begonnen ze te spelen. Top! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"J&P Duet provided the perfect backdrop for our ceremony and cocktails at The Vineyard, Albufeira. The took our requests and made them work. Professional throughout, great communication. Above all, incredible voice, and incredible guitar playing"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"First, thank you so much. It all started with good contact, a great band and a perfect wedding day. We loved this band and all our guests were so obsessed with the band as well. Thankyou so much for our wonderfull experience we would recommend everyone. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fleur's music and the performance of her duo were perfect for our party (80 guests in a marquee). Ideal selection of music and very pleasant pair of musicians. Thank you Fleur."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: