Review Centre: Crooners

"Just a line to thank you for making my birthday party so much fun. Those golden oldies really hit the mark and it was amazing to see all my family and friends having such a good time. Fabulous memories, thank you x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From the first contact to the end of the evening, complete and excellent communication, clear expectations, and every promise fulfilled. And, last but not least: fantastic musicians. I highly recommend them!"

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 to say a BIG thank you for your performance last Tuesday!!! Everyone enjoyed it tremendously! I will be contacting you in the near future to book you again! Thank you Robert. Take care X"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ludo doesnt just sing Frank Sinatra - he channels him! From the moment he steps on stage, there is an undeniable presence: confident, charismatic, and completely in control. His voice carries that smooth, timeless quality that Sinatra made legendary. Ludo is not giving an performance, but an experience. A real performer. A real talent. And absolutely one to watch!"

Reply by Ludo Bone — Frank Sinatra Tribute
Patrick, what a wonderful thing to say — thank you! 'Channeling' Sinatra is exactly what I aim for. Not an imitation, but a genuine feeling. I'm glad you experienced that. Hope to see you at a show again soon!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mike Goudreau and his band were amazing! People could not stop talking about him and how wonderful his music was. Because people enjoyed him so much, I decided to organize another evening with him and his band and I know it will be as amazing as it was the first time."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"George was the entertainment at a Presidents Gala Dinner in Chichester. He was very good and set up early and then played and sung, while we danced and had a great time. The evening went so fast but everyone really enjoyed themselves. I would certainly recommend George in the future to others"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" John V. • July 3, 2019 What a wonderful show for us Johnny Cannella recently DJ'd and performed at the scholarship awards lunch for the Grumman-Northrop Grumman Retiree Club. Johnny was great. He prepared well, planning in advance with music for the audience we described to him. He had the audience, both young and old, dancing to the tunes they loved and enjoying his singing. He brought attendees, both retirees and the high school graduates and their families, into the fun of the event, but in an unembarrassing way. We've never seen so many attendees say how much they loved a DJ and asking for his card. We certainly hope to bring him back."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing night , we will remember this night forever ! Christine is truly amazing, she answer all my questions quickly and was always available to answer. I booked her for my mom 60th birthday and everybody had a wonderful time dancing and singing. She exceeded our expectations and we will definitely have her again at the next party we have. I really recommend her , you will not be disappointed!! Thank you Christine for everything!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you SO much! Everyone LOVED you! We are all a crazy bunch who love a dance, so you were absolutely perfect!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A brilliant singer song writer who brings joy to everyone This brilliant young jazz singer excellently brought joy to the audience with a great manner and etiquette. While songs were greatly presented, the best part was he accepted song requests from audiences (he doesn't even need to look at the music; professional). If you look for a jazz band with a great singer for corporate events or some special moments with live music, you won't regret calling John."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I found Sarah, by chance, looking for a soprano to sing at my mother's funeral in 2022. Sadly for me, the funerals of my husband and father happened in succession all to quickly over the next two years. Sarah provided all occasions with such grace. We worked together to create something very special. Nothing is too much trouble for Sarah, she was able to suggest music from repertoire but also took on music she did not know, and sang all beautifully. Her voice and presence was a rock to me and everyone commented on the beauty of her voice. I would highly recommend Sarah for all occasions - happy, sad, fun, solemn and she will deliver a bespoke service. I remain deeply grateful to know Sarah and now call her a friend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Facebook May 6 2018 and April 07 2018 I LOVE the amazing live Italian music à la accordion at Café Amore. It’s my favourite thing about it!! (He was my favourite thing about it!). Cafe Amore is top notch for Italian food and one my husband’s top picks! Out for supper with the love of my life! I get to eat normal food, connect with my sweetheart and listen to amazing accordion music. Life is amazing! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Where do I begin? In a nutshell, Mike Goudreau Trio put our event over the top. He communicated with me prior to the event to iron out the details, they arrived promptly to set up, and my guests are still commenting on how wonderful their music was! I used Gig Masters for the first time, and they delivered the best! Mike, you and your group made my parents anniversary party extra special. I told you in person, but once again you did an amazing job. Anyone looking for a talented, reliable, exceptional group for their event should look no further than Mike Goudreau!!! See you at our next family gathering. Your fan and very satisfied client, "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Paul Skerritt can work a room with the skill of a Las Vegas entertainer and he had those present in the palm of his hand. He sings, he swings, he ring-a-ding dings. Old Blue Eyes ain't dead - he just lives in the North East!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: