Review Centre: 1920s Era Musicians & Bands

"This was Phil's third visit to the Hammer as Harmonica Lewinsky. He never fails to entertain the locals with his cockney act and great humour. As the landlord of the Hammer I can honestly say this guy is amazing and really great value...so much so we have booked Phil to return again for St. Georges day celebrations on Sunday 26th april."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Marcella Puppini's new album is a crowning glory..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"There was one helluva great set of jazz this evening, when band leader and trumpet player Rick Holland brought nine fabulous musicians to the Pausa Art House including alto sax giant Bobby Militello, tenor sax wizard Andy Weinzler and baritone sax player Dean Keller, along with trumpet players Ron D’Angelo and Mark Filsinger, with trombonists Ken Crane and Brendan Lanighan, with Tom Kasperick on drums and bass player Emiliano Lansky, and with the very young, but very cool Harry Graser on piano. The great, blended horn sound provided a rock-solid ground for the wide-ranging, but sweetly swinging vocals of the young, very gifted Lindsey Holland. Do not ever miss a chance to hear this group in the future!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Everything was handled with great professionalism. The jazz performance was elegant, tasteful, and exactly what we had envisioned for our anniversary. It truly elevated the entire event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just what we were looking for!! We had so many compliments from our guests - Jess is a great singer and looked amazing!! Contact was really easy and everything went smoothly. I would highly recommend the The Red Hot Rags! Thanks again to Jess and the band. Becca Ward"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thoroughly enjoyable. Band were professional, energetic, and great value."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Well, where can I start! From initially stumbling upon Dr Jazz and realising that there was something rather special about their approach and unique sound, to the very first email and phone calls to discuss our plans for the day, all the way through to our Wedding day itself – Dr Jazz and company were brilliant. Helpful, friendly, and wonderfully entertaining, we could not have asked for anything more. The set itself was fantastic – we were blown away with how much of an impact they made, not only in terms of everyone feeling the urge to get up to dance (which was a slight worry for us before the day!), but also with their spot on interaction with the guests, and overall management and ownership of the evening. We really knew we’d made the right decision as soon as the first note was played – talk about creating a spectacle!! In terms of a front man Matthew is absolutely superb, and his supporting crew of brilliantly talented musicians helped make our day one to remember for both us and our guests. Thank you all so very much for everything. We know what it’s like trying to find the ‘right band’, ourselves having trawled through many hundreds of sample tracks from other people and groups, and the worries that come with it regarding whether people will like it, whether it’ll be well received etc. The best advice I can honestly give is that if you are sitting there reading this review, and you have enjoyed the sample tracks you’ve listened to, then please don’t hesitate to book these guys. You will not regret it, and you and your guests will certainly never forget it. They were nothing short of marvellous. Once again we wanted to say thank you very much for everything – we really had a fantastic time, as did everyone else in attendance, and it is all thanks to you and your crew. You certainly made the evening, if not the day for us, and we are so pleased and lucky to have been able to book you to play for us. You were nothing short of brilliant, and we can’t stop talking or thinking about how amazing you were (and nor can anyone else!) It was so lovely to meet you all in person. All the best for the future, and please rest assured that we’ll be singing your praises for the years to come!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Purple llamas performed a brilliant turn at The Surrey Steampunk Convivial. Even when their 30 minute set followed an exciting and vibrant band, they managed by hook or by crook to get absolutely everyone on their feet and dancing; Fantastic value, great fun - and we’d love to have them back again and again!"

Reply by Purple Llamas
Wonderful playing at any of Ben's events, where we get treated well and the sound is excellent. looking forward to the next one!

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Beautiful atmospheric location and a very relaxed performance by the quartet! It was as if you could join them at their home for an evening full of fun anecdotes, fun amongst each other and fun making music. The Christmas songs were refreshing in the gipsy jazz style, nicely interspersed with their regular set! It was impossible to stay seated..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Gajè Gipsy Swing was wonderful to work with. Alessandro was quick to answer all questions prior to the performance - they were extremely professional and made every step simple (even able to accommodate a last minute extension of playing time). The music was lovely and classic and the perfect addition to our cocktail party. I highly recommend this band!"

Reply by Gajè Gipsy Swing
Thank you Kylie for your kind words, it was our plesure to play for you! Alessandro

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Armed with a whole case of Blues Harps and one or two trusty Guitars, Harmonica always provides a brilliant few hours of musical entertainment. He's become a firm favourite in the Cole household and we aren't ashamed to say we've become groupies, following him across London to venues just like this. He seems to have an almost infinite amount of songs in his repertoire, ranging from Cockney classics to Country ballads and lots more besides. Your feet begin to tap the moment he starts his set and by the end you've normally ground a hole into the pub carpet! Thoroughly recommended!"

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 huge thank you to Isobel Gathercole's band for the fabulous music last night! We have had so much feedback from those who attended saying how much they loved the event and in particular, the music. They looked great, sounded great and helped to create the most perfect atmosphere!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would very much like to thank you all for my amazing party on Saturday night. I was in a daze for most of it so apologies if I didn’t take the time to say thank you to everyone. The band were incredible. We really enjoyed the music. It is so good to hear real instruments and you got all of us up dancing, even me, and my feet still hurt."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you, we thoroughly enjoyed your music and it made our party. Will look out for your dates next year Best wishes Susan x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: