Review Centre: 1940s Era Musicians & Bands

"Ed provided a 1st class band for our drinks reception. I'd recommend these guys to anyone looking for a jazz band for their event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Phenomenal and Professional!  Really enjoyed our time with Jackie Lopez with the Nuance Jazz Trio. Communication was excellent leading up to the event and I enjoyed how they really elevated the ambiance of our event. Guests throughout the hall were in awe of them. I encourage any and all to book with them at their next event! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Before seeing this show I had heard many rumours about Harmonica Lewinsky, whose background was shrouded in mystery, although I believe he learned his harmonica skills in the Deep South in the deltas of Harrow on the Hill under the tutelage of Blind Les Battersby. But, it was a very different character to the one I expected who performed at the posh Victoria pub in Highgate! Mr Lewinsky, looking like a cross between a rabbi and one-half of Chas 'n Dave (I'm not sure which half) appeared in cloth cap and braces and presented a highly original selection of songs, some of which rarely see the light of day. There were no predictable “Brown Eyed Girls” or “Mustang Sally’s” here: instead - a veritable feast of the unexpected - as we witnessed one man, his guitar and his trusty harps. When was the last time you heard a pub act kick off his set with Chas 'n Dave's “The Sideboard Song” and follow it with the Theme to “Top Cat” and then offerings of cheery, chirpy Cockney ditties including “Waiting At The Church,” “Maybe It's Because I'm A Londoner”, “Show Me The Way To Go Home” and Tommy Steele's “What A Mouth”? I’m guessing the answer to that question is ‘rarely’ (if ever) but the fun didn't stop there. Mr Harmonica Man is a really great entertainer and demonstrated, with great finesse, his harmonica technique on - wait for it - the Shadows' “Apache”! It was quite a feat playing the melody on the harp while strumming his guitar. ‘Harmy’, as he is known to his close friends (or 'Self-Harmy‘ to others) also tackled in the first half the theme to "The Flintstones"; Elvis Costello's catchy “Watching The Detectives” and the Cockney knees-up “I've Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts”. Harmy was back in terrific Pearly King form for the second half starting with “Any Old Iron” followed by a touch of the Formbys with “Leaning On A Lamppost” after which he did a ‘Donegan’ with a riotous version of “My Old Man's A Dustman” complete with enthusiastic audience participation. Mr Lewinsky has a great sense of humour, which he constantly shares with the Victoria regulars. "Here's another Cockney classic sung by a Welsh man", quipped Harmy before diving into “Delilah.” Other gems included the theme tune to ‘Match Of The Day’ (played on two harmonicas); a very funny and risque interpretation of Mike Jerome's “Sling Yer Hook”; a great version of the Small Faces' mod anthem “Lazy Sunday”; and a yahoo rendition of the old country favourite “Riders In The Sky”. After many encores Mr Lewinsky packed away his cap and braces and headed off to the Deep South (of London) for some pie and mash. The Victoria would do well to snap up Harmy for some more gigs before he hop-foots it down the Strand for a residency at the Old Bull and Bush!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We experienced a truly amazing wedding at 18! We enjoyed every moment of it. We were very pleased with your contribution and have already heard from several people that they loved the musical accompaniment of our party. We agree and would like to thank you once again for your musical contribution."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Always energetic and engaging trio. Able to adapt to all situations. Quite rare to find musicians who engage with their audience in a jazz setting. And of course top notch music!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Looking round at the audience I noticed most were tapping their feet or bobbing their head to the trio’s first number! Expert rhythm guitar, clean and swift lead and the all important swing of the bass saw several dancers on the small wooden floored area trying to keep up with the fast rhythm. Classics like Caravan and Limehouse Blues had the diners applauding appreciatively. Two hours of music, with a short break to let your feet have a rest the band finished with a flawless rendition of Sweet Georgia Brown. Sadly the evening was over for the music, but I was assured they will return, and I shall be there again giving support for these talented men!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This band was INCREDIBLE. Better even in real life. very professional, customized their set for us and made the party come to life. THANK YOU"

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"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A fantastic party We had a fantastic party with great jazz and beautiful vocals. I hope to do it again sometime and definitely with the same people. Thank you. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Through the Jazz Centrale the lines of communication were fast and short, which resulted in a specific plan that perfectly matched our wishes. The enthusiastic and professional band performed the performance flawlessly according to the agreements made, and provided the ideal atmosphere at our party."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘Once again a MASSIVE thank you for coming to entertain our residents, friends, family and staff at Leycester House for our very first Christmas party. Everyone had a fantastic evening and we will of course be in touch again at some point next year!’ "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You gave the reception a huge atmosphere with your performance. I heard only positive reactions and several people wanted to know your e-mail address (including the observatory staff). Thank you for turning this drizzly day into a celebration with your performance. We enjoyed it."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were over the moon with Dinner Jazz Duo - their choice of songs and their skill on their instruments was first class. We were able to enjoy our wedding breakfast as the guys played away in the corner - it was beautiful! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for performing at our event on Saturday, you were a pleasure to work with and your set list and delivery were right on the money. I've had no end of compliments on our choice of performers! We would not hesitate to have you back anytime!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely great band and nice people! They played for the aperitivo of our wedding party. All our guests where talking about them! Will book them again when I have an opportunity."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: