Review Centre: Swing Bands

" Fascinating small band with great taste in choosing songs for such occasions! Overall we had a wonderful time having them in our event!"

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"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just wanted to say how brilliant the band was yesterday. You really helped to let Wimbledon know that Neptune have arrived in style! So well received in fact that the big boss said they want Melisma Manouche at all their events!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Performing aboard paddle steamer Waverley is always a challenging experience and requires artists of great skill and initiative to grapple with the small performance space and access limitations. The Bel Canto Vintage Sisters proved perfect for our 1940's themed cruises, entertaining our passengers with a great range of wartime and big band standards, with frequent changes of costumes and great audience interaction. A delightful trio of ladies who were more than happy to change set lists and performance times throughout the day according to the needs of the ship. Their day with us ended in passengers dancing and joining in a full throated sing- a - long to much acclaim. One of the most entertaining and versatile groups I have used in 40 years of running cruises, we have received strong positive feedback from our passengers, and will be booking Angie and her trio again in 2025 for another 40s themed cruises. I recommend this group for any occasion, cruise or function. You will not be disappointed!. Tim Wardley. Waverley Excursions Thames Liaison Officer."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Darren was fantastic. Would definitely recommend him. Was a great end to our wedding reception. (10 / 10) Kerry Bassi"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Igor and his band were absolutely incredible! Hands-down they are the reason our night turned out so special for our surprise birthday party! Great Gatsby style themed and this band definitely fits the Bill ! 10/10 would recommend! Thank you to you three!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to say a massive thank you. You were all amazing last night! You absolutely made my party and I’m so grateful!! I had so many people comment on how awesome you were! Many thanks again for making my 40th fabulous and unforgettable."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had a lucky hand when we could engage saxophonist Sebastian Lilienthal for our wedding celebration on 03.09.2021. He was just the right person for our Brazilian-German celebration with his beautiful music and large repertoire. He played for us at the wedding ceremony in the registry office, at the subsequent champagne reception outside and at the wedding dinner until late into the night. Especially his South American sounds made our hearts beat faster and contributed to an unforgettably beautiful day. Thank you Sebastian for your great musical accompaniment!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"love how the track has become more concise and upbeat!!!! thank you so much!!! the ending's perfect!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Tom sang at our daughters wedding and was just brilliant. Turned up in good time to set up, looked so smart and then gave two brilliant sets of music that the whole audience absolutely loved. The wedding was quite simply breathtaking from start to finish and the only criticism I received was that I didn't book Tom for a longer time!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hired a jazz trio with Dan for my wedding - which was themed around an outdoor garden party. Dan was fantastic at keeping in touch and booking couldn't have been easier. The guys were there and ready for when they said they would be, and they were absolutely brilliant! Provided the perfect backdrop to our event, excellent musicians too. I would have no hesitation in recommending these guys, and should I have any events in future that would suit some smooth jazz then these guys would be top of the list! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band entertained everyone at our afternoon tea party. I have organised other events and it is very difficult to please everyone , but the feedback received from those attending was unanimous in their praise for the band . Laura’s singing was sensational. I will definitely hire again. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great band, great music, perfect for our NYE party"

Reply by Flash Mob Jazz
Thanks for the review. We loved performing at your incredible hotel for your NYE party

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Swiss Chalet [where Joie de Vivre played a concert on Bastille Day] is a very rare “trophy property” designed and restored exclusively for Private Members only. The Chalet is one of the most famous secret landmarks used by some of the most discerning personalities in the World. From King Edward VII right through to Charlie Chaplin, Fred Astaire, Marlin Monroe to mention but a few. Today only the most exclusive guests are privy to be entertained at this amazing private residence.​For this precise reason we have carefully selected what I would call rising stars. I just wanted to say how thrilled we were with your performance at our private function. Everyone commented on how amazing [Muriele's} voice was. I have had so many people ask for your names! [Joie de Vivre were] just amazing and I can’t tell you how delighted I was! You blew our guests away with such unexpected talent. I’d highly recommend you to anyone especially anyone seeking music and performance to enhance any exquisite occasion!! You score very high in my preferred Jazz music performance !! All the best"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for coming at such short notice. You absolutely smashed it and went down a storm. Cheers"

Reply by Shadow Sax
This review was sent by social media so there was no system for a numeric rating.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: