Review Centre: Swing Bands

"The Gatsby Cats were a perfect fit for our small relaxed wedding with a mix of family and friends. They played in a marquee and read the room really well, with one more chilled set just after dinner which was ideal for cocktails and conversation, followed by a second set which was more upbeat and got people up and dancing. We had several comments from all ages that they really enjoyed the music and Francesca had an amazing voice. All three were lovely and Francesca was very communicative in the preceding weeks. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘Thank you so much to Chris who performed at my birthday party. Such a wonderful performer and great singer. He performed all of the songs I requested and nothing was too much trouble. By the end of the night everyone was up dancing and I received many compliments about Chris. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him for another event – he really was brilliant!' "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would recommend to anyone Trip for Buscuits they were amazing, all our Guest were full of praise and it made my daughters 21st a night to remember. Do not hesitate to book this band for your special occasion"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I hired Lina Peters and Simona to provide the music for my 60th birthday party. I can't praise them enough! They got all the guests in the mood with their harmonious background music right from the champagne reception. The cruise on Lake Wannsee wouldn't have been nearly as enjoyable without their musical accompaniment, and in the evening, they had the entire party rocking. Always friendly, perfectly dressed for the occasion, and—last but not least—beautiful saxophone music! The coordination was also fantastic, and Lina even organized a great DJ. 6 out of 5 stars from me! German: Ich habe Lina Peters zusammen mit Simona zur musikalischen Begleitung meines Freundesfest anlässlich meines 60. Geburtstags engagiert. Ich kann nicht anders als in den höchsten Tönen schwärmen!!! Schon beim Champagner-Empfang brachten sie alle Gäste mit harmonischer Begleitmusik in Stimmung, die Cruise über den Wannsee wäre ohne ihre musikalische Untermalung nur haöb schön gewesen und Abends brachten sie die gesamte Festgesellschaft zum rocken. Immer sympathisch, perfekt zum Anlass gekleidet und - last but not least - wunderschöne Saxofonmusik! Die Abstimmung hat auch wunderbar geklappt, und Lina hat sogar noch eine tolle DJane organisiert. 6 von 5 Sternen von mir!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We can’t thank you and your team enough for the most incredible night on Saturday. You were all fabulous. We just so appreciated your professionalism, communication, attire and incredible talent. The music was exactly what we had hoped for and even better that what we listened to on your website. You gave us so much more than what we expected. We have had so many positive compliments from our friends, the only regret being that we only had you playing for 4 hours!! Wish the evening could have been longer."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just love Paddy’s songs and musicians and music and energy… so when he told me he can also do weddings….!!! I just dream about asking him for mine. Their concert was just as perfect as we expected: fun, loving, true, positive! People still talk about this! "

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:

"Pauline has an unusual stage presence, talking to the audience and singing directly to individuals is very clever while performing your own take on some great tunes of which ‘Lifting Me Higher’ would be in my top 10 songs! Bravo!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Girl Friday are a top class act. A group of dedicated, talented, adaptable musos who know how to entertain. Whether it’s a small boat cruise or a large venue - they can dial it up or simmer it down to suit any location, event or group size. Highly recommend them for your next celebration. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"So awesome to see the co-creative potential made manifest in such a tangible way, thanks for being part of the magic that was Luminate 2019!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just a quick note to say a huge THANK YOU for playing at our Wedding. We all loved it - great selection of songs including all our favourites we'd asked for ! Will definitely recommend you !!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Birthdayparty Flexible Good music Nice Guys.5 stars of 5"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"È stato fantastico lavorare con Kevin. La performance è stata splendida e ci ha aiutato molto nella scelta delle canzoni per rendere il nostro matrimonio a Venezia un'esperienza davvero memorabile. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Emanuele went above and beyond our expectations at our wedding reception. He communicated wonderfully before the event and came thoroughly prepared. He even visited the venue in advance to check the piano. Emanuele thoughtfully asked for our playlist and played all of our favorite songs in addition to his own wonderful selections. Our guests absolutely loved his music! He is not only an incredible pianist but also a truly kind person. We couldn’t have asked for anything more for our special day!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Their energy, professionalism, and talent made our day truly special and our guests are still talking about them."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: