Review Centre: 1920s Era Musicians & Bands

"I would love to keep this band a secret so I can use them for every event we have, but I am also hoping that this review reaches someone who is looking for absolute magic for their own celebration. I would hire them a million times over. They absolutely made our event. Jim was on top of everything from the first conversation. I only wish I had more to hire them for. Spectacular!! 10 stars!!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stellar, professional, & swingin!!! We booked this trio for one of our larger institutional events that we host twice a semester. They were phenomenal! I cannot sing their praises enough. They added just enough ambience, swing, and mood to the dinner setting for our guests. We will definitely be booking the Simon Burke Trio again and again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I am from America and I have to say that when I first heard these beautiful ladies sing in Fara San Martino their music was magical and I went back to see them as many times as I could."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Michelle's Birthday Party - excellent jazz band, very classy, perfect for the event in question. It's nice to see a band which does things so simply and professionally, providing a full sound with the minimum of equipment. They were happy to play to the room when people were eating and talking, at a volume which still allowed conversation, but were friendly and engaging as and when people wanted to interact with them. The singer they provide (if required) has a great voice, well matched to their style, no over-acting or dramatic self indulgence, just confident, strong and pitch perfect. Great day, thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fleur sang a beautiful set for our wedding in August. She sang a gorgeous mix of dance numbers and slower romantic ones, and made our reception very special. She was a delight to have there with us and tailored her set to include our requests as well. I'm so glad we booked Fleur and can't recommend her enough for any occasion - she is relaxed, elegant and has such a beautiful voice, it set such a lovely tone for our evening. Thank you, Fleur!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Harry is a fantastic trumpet player and an asset to any band he is part of. With good reading skills, solid improvisation in solo passages and great energy on stage, I would happily book him again. He can play any genre of music with ease, from pop and rock through to more traditional styles and jazz. Easy to get along with, happy to fit in and a true professional in all aspects of his approach."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"So many guests commented on your beautiful voice and singing! You were amazing and we all enjoyed it so so much. Thank you again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Een eigen draai gegeven aan de swingklassiekers. Nog jong, maar al een stevige bende goede muzikanten."

Rating: 8 / 10 Share this review:

"Professionals to the core. It's always a pleasure to engage these ladies They are able to read the mood of the crowd and in their years of experience provide the perfect backdrop for events Dungarvan Chamber of commerce "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks for helping create such a brilliant atmosphere at our wedding reception - lots of people commented on how good the music was!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just wanted to get in touch again to thank you guys for the wonderful show you put on for our wedding on Saturday night! Everyone had such a great time, and absolutely loved your performance. You were a real highlight and we can't thank you enough"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Almaz have now played twice at the coachman in Hartford and have been fantastic both times, both staff and customers have praised there performances and we look forward to seeing you again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Doesn’t time fly by! Two weeks today since we got married and you came along to keep us entertained. It was an amazing day and you and your band contributed immensely. From the moment I contacted you I knew we had made the right choice. Your communication and understanding was excellent. Our 1930s theme fit right in with the venue and your style of music. We received lots of comments from our guests about how lovely it was to sit on the lawn drinking Pimms listening to you play whilst we were off having photos taken. It was so relaxing and elegant. Like being on a film set, one guest said. I think what made it for me was when all the guests had gone inside to sit down for the meal and we were passing some hotel guests sitting on the terrace enjoying the sun. As I walked passed one gentleman starting clapping and commented how beautiful I looked and thanked me for providing such wonderful music that he had enjoyed listening to; a real unexpected pleasure. In fact the venue told me the following day that quite a few hotel guests had commented on the great music. The evening was astounding. In the DJ sets you provided between Dr Jazz’s live sessions you managed to fit in all our guests’ special songs. This made it a lot more personal. And thank you so much for rearranging one of your songs to fit in with the routine we had learned for our first dance. This just shows how versatile and amenable you are. We would like to thank you for coming and making our wedding day most enjoyable, not just for us but for our guests. I have already been recommending you and will continue to do so."

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:

"Excellent performance from Hugh and Jack, perfect background music for celebrating my wife's birthday. Many of the guests complimented how good they were, thanks so much guys!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: