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:

"Thank you so much Dita! Free on the 1st of January to make us live such an amazing moment. We are so grateful and had a great time."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Booked Eli for my 30th birthday party and he truly elevated the night. So friendly, amazing energy and unreal talent. He stayed longer than planned because the crowd was loving it. It made the night very special. 10/10 would book again - highly recommend"

Reply by Traffic Jazz Live Music for Every Occasion
Thank you, it was a great party with a beautiful crowd. Much appreciated Eli

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you very much for a superb performance for the festival. We had such great feedback from the audience."

Reply by Sabra Swing
Many thanks Richard, we enjoyed it a lot.

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:

"Swing Shift played at our wedding, a modest affair with 200 of our closest friends and family. After our wedding dance, a foxtrot, the band started into that great swing tune, "In the Mood". Everyone, and we do mean everyone, ran onto the dance floor and danced the night away. What a magical evening!!! Bob and Karen PS: I have attached one of our favourite photos from the evening. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Everything was exactly as we hoped, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Jazz Centrale delivered a professional and enjoyable musical experience."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just about to embark on our honeymoon cruise but wanted to say a huge thank you for playing at our wedding at Crathorne Hall on Friday. We had a wonderful day in which you played a huge part. Everyone loved the music and even the hotel staff said you were the best band they had had play there in the past few years!!! The whole day was fantastic but the culmination with your orchestra absolutely topped off the day – FABULOUS. STUNNING!!!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Duo Voyages broad repertoire was the cherry on the cake, perfect!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Here's more clear evidence courtesy of Italian-born saxophonist Mirko Fait's quintet that tasteful jazz doesn't run its course at America's borders. These are accomplished musicians who know how to swing and can hold their heads high in any company, foreign or domestic. On the other hand, there is nothing here that sets Fait's group apart from many others of its size and makeup; it is simply a well-schooled working ensemble doing its thing, no more and no less. Fait, who plays soprano and tenor sax, is joined on the front line by flugel Roberto Piermartire, who, like Fait, is an accomplished musician whose solos are invariably polished if not otherwise exceptional. Pianist Antonio Zambrini is another strong soloist, while bassist Rodrigo Amaral amplifies the group's persona by adding his husky baritone on four selections. The quintet's other member, drummer Roby Giannella, is a solid timekeeper who tends to his duties without stepping on anyone's toes. Guitarist Giampiero Spina adds a pastel solo voice on "Sad Eyes Child," "B Mine" and "Funny Day." The program is composed primarily (eight of ten tracks) of compositions by Fait, and they are melodic and charming if less than memorable. Several are in a Latin mode including Amaral's vocals on "Quanno Chiove," "Rebecca Smile," "Nada Mais" and "Aquarela." While the quintet is pictured on the inside jacket performing at the Sant' Elpidio Jazz Festival, Confidences was recorded in a studio, most likely at Fait's home base, Milan. Other particulars are elusive, as the liner notes are in Italian. What is most germane, of course, is whether Fait's quintet is proficient and worth hearing, and the answer to that is yes. The songs, all originals, are for the most part bright and charming, and the quintet plays them well. Although there is nothing here that blazons superiority, neither is there anything that is less than well-managed. Track Listing: Lastlove; Sad Eyes’ Child; Quanno Chiove; Never Alone Melita; Rebecca Smile; All I Missed; B Mine; Nada Mais; Funny Day; Aquarela. Personnel: Mirko Fait: soprano, tenor saxophone; Roberto Piermartire: flugelhorn; Antonio Zambrini: piano; Giampiero Spina: guitar (2, 7, 9); Rodrigo Amaral: electric bass, voice; Roby Giannella: drums. Title: Confidences | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Jazz Di Marca"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sounded amazing We thoroughly enjoyed the Jazz Quartet! It sounded fantastic! Everything went according to our wishes, and given the many positive reactions, the guests agreed. Many thanks for everything, and we wish you much jazz-pleasure and success in the future! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Seps is the best!!! My husband and I got married last week at Falkner Winery in Temecula and Seps was the absolute star of the show! All of my guests have been raving about how good he was and made the night so unique and unforgettable. He was incredibly easy to work with throughout the wedding planning process, and I did not personally have to handle any of the coordination or communication with our venues DJ. Seps and him met multiple times prior to the big day to make sure the grand entrance, dinner, and reception were seamless. My husband and I are big DJ people, but we knew that having a live instrument to pair with the music would make the experience more interactive and fun. Seps absolutely brought that and everyone was on their feet the entire night thanks to him! He’s incredibly professional, easy to communicate with, and friendly with other wedding guests. Do yourself a favor, and book with Seps! The price for the value he adds is an incredible deal and you won’t regret working with him. He will elevate your event and be the highlight of the night!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Two Thumbs up...................................................!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Scott was really excellent. He was on-time, low-maintenance and an exceptionally fun and accommodating performer. He was a highlight of our night and we recommend him highly."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Girl Friday is a Great band performing great Jazz and Blues. My favourite local musicians playing music for everyone "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: