Review Centre: 1950s Era Musicians & Bands

"A great experience from start to finish. Thank you so much for providing the best entertainment for my party. They were flexible, prompt and communicated well. Everybody had a ball and this band was the extra special touch that it needed. I hope to hire them again soon. Hire them and you won’t be disappointed."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We did not get a chance to thank you in person for playing on our wedding day. Loved the ambiance that it created, it was perfect. Thanks again. Kind regards, Fiona & Jason"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great band and nice guys to work with. They played a French themed event and went down really well."

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:

"A VERY IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE ON THEIR DEBUT PERFORMANCE, Certainly left an impact, Plenty of happy dancing going on Everyone were well pleased with the choice of songs, not heavy rock, a band with a definite commitment to music, CONGRATULATIONS TO THEM, AND EVERYONE THAT MADE THE EVENING THE SUCCESS THAT IT WAS"

Reply by Move Over Dali
Thanks to all you folks at the Royal Oak. Look forward to seeing you all again in 2026.....Will stick our heads in at Christmas anyway!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"An unforgettable evening. The quartet created an elegant and intimate atmosphere that perfectly complemented our private dinner. Every guest commented on how exceptional the music was."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Honestly, this band is the best. Amazing musicians, brilliant vocals and they get any place they play absolutely jumping. They engage beautifully with their audience making everyone feel part of one big party. Add to that they are all lovely guys and you have a great night ahead if the Evil Trouser Monkeys are playing. Go and see them, you will not be disappointed . "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What Ferdie can do that nobody else does (to the extent that he does it) is sing his heart out, and then play his heart out-- his vocal and instrumental expressions are equally strong. It's not like he's trying to get a gig at the local Holiday Inn lounge, no!--he belongs in the concert hall! Larry Coryell (from the liner notes to "Look for the silver lining" album by Ferdinando Argenti"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much!! The performance was absolutely brilliant, exactly what we have been looking for, we really love it. Everything is just perfect!"

Reply by World Renowned Saxophonist
Thank you Leonard for letting me a part of your special day!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired a vinyl DJ for our party. We were very pleased with it. He brought exactly the music we like. He added a touch of ambiance with background music and lighting, and it was a definite success. Everyone could still chat happily without being drowned out by the music. But if anyone had wanted to dance, I certainly could have. We were very pleased!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful music and entertainment today. Totally made our afternoon. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Our friends and many others were applauding every song - they got two encores and they were rebooked for our party in December"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to be in touch to say thank you to Mr Swings Dance Orchestra for an excellent evening on Saturday night. How could anyone not be inspired to get up and have a dance to such great music! We feel, with your help, Gordon’s retirement has got off to a brilliant start!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Vintage Ruby created a lovely atmosphere at our 'leavers' garden party with songs to listen and dance to. Each song was beautifully performed and the warmth and professional approach throughout the booking process and the event itself were fantastic. Our group ranged from 22 - 70 and everyone commented on how much they enjoyed the music. Many thanks from us all."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent performance and very well tuned to the audience. The musicians knew exactly when to step forward and when to stay in the background. Highly recommended for professional events."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: