Review Centre: Big Bands

"Just the best band I have ever hired. The music just wanted to make me dance all night long. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a treat to have The Texas Gypsies play our wedding. We wanted classic music and styles that people of all ages could dance to. They did a fantastic job, and we heard so many compliments from our guests--many of whom were musicians as well. Several people liked the band enough that they bought CDs, too. The Texas Gypsies even let my Dad play a little number. Very sweet. You can't go wrong with this band!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can’t say enough great things about this entire band. Igor is such a pleasure to work with and the all of the musicians were not only impeccable but musically very very talented. Our entire event went off without a hitch due to their talents."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were both extremely impressed by the band and really enjoyed the music. Even more telling was the number of comments we had from guests as we walked around during the reception. The band is extremely talented and the music they played for us was perfect. They played two songs for us that weren't on their regular set list, and both were great. We were really pleased with their performance and professionalism. Anybody who likes well played gypsy, Dawg, or music that isn't cookie cutter will love these guys."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Nice to meet you at The Milton Rooms on Saturday night. Everyone enjoyed the evening. I loved all your sets. Love that Swing era music and the songs. You can dance ballroom and latin to almost all of them. So, thanks to everyone in the band and I hope to see/hear you again sometime. Good luck and take care! All the Best."

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:

"What a fantastic band. We booked Steve & the band for my parent's 60th Wedding Anniversary. The music was fantastic and some modern songs were played too. Just brilliant and thank you for making their night extra special "

Reply by Steve King Band
Thank you for your review Moira, and once again, thank you for the booking!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"WE were so glad we found Andrew Thielen Big Band. They are a real band that has been together for over twenty years perfecting their music, showmanship and dazzling variety of music that kept our dance floor jammed. WE almost got swayed into one of these chain bands called Empire something where they throw together bands for one night until we figured out you cannot be a 3 piece band one week and a 12 piece band the next. WE wanted a real band where the band leader has had repeat performances for the most discriminating buyers for years. Every age, everyones taste in music and our twenty something wedding party had the time of our life. Call them now for sensational singers, instrumentalists and organization. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This is a very good African group that I have seen performing live"

Reply by The African JAZZ Hounds
Thanks Sir for the kind words of encouragement god bless

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Big Thank You to Trip for Biscuits who performed at our retention event - they were amazing"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I had an incredible experience! I had the opportunity to have Igor and Sergei play the double bass and piano for my proposal, and it couldn’t have been more beautiful. We spoke over Zoom and on the phone to go over the details, and they truly understood my vision. They even checked out some of the songs I wanted to include. They arrived on time and delivered an unforgettable performance. I will definitely hire them again for future events and highly recommend them"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just unbelievable! This Band made our holiday unforgettable! We are still getting feedback from guests all over the world! The combination of a cover band and a jazz band-Big Band, gave us the feeling of Las Vegas and a dance club at the same time. The singers sang in all languages of the world, real professionals, it was as if we had been at the world's best concerts, and all this was presented in one team - Diamond Rain Show. Special Thanks to Rem Fleming For take our party as his personal!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A precise and discreet person, he accompanied our evening with friends by playing jazz guitar, including manouche style, in a varied yet impeccable way—never overly virtuosic, never banal. The melodies did not take the center stage, providing the perfect background, just as we had requested. A wonderful evening. Thank you, Romeo!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Greg, For appreciating our event and our property. The truth is, I am one of the lucky ones who got to marry their best friend. It's true love through and through, and I think that is why things were just destined to work out as beautifully as they did. I think you will appreciate this, the next day, Jay said, "that was the best wedding I have ever been to. I had to laugh thinking to myself, "I wonder how the groom feels"!!! ����! But I knew it was going to be terrific when two days prior this incredible rainbow engulfed our house!!! Auspicious indeed!!! All the best to you and your awesome band! Margrit Dr. Margrit Mikulis, ND, AD"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"All we can say is Wow! Jay and his crew were amaaaaaazing! Truly made the night so memorable and fun. We couldn't be happier. From the minute they got to our house until they packed up their last instrument, they were nothing but professional, polite, respectful and friendly. And let's talk about how talented and entertaining they were! Even our neighbors said that they sat in their driveway and enjoyed the sounds of the evening. They truly ""brought the house down"" and we couldn't be more grateful and appreciative. We thanked Jay, and Rob's in touch w him about Venmo-ing, what we hope is a generous tip for him and his band. Monica, you too have been nothing but so helpful and gracious. It takes a village and we are so grateful for our fantastic village of vendors such as you and Jay. Thanks again for everything!! Tracie T."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: