Review Centre: 1920s Era Musicians & Bands

"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 booked Ruby to sing at the start of my daughters 18th birthday party in August 2015. She did the opening couple of hours before the DJ started. I was so pleased with my choice. She was exactly what was needed, excellent voice, good choice of songs. Nice jazzy, chilled vibe at the beginning and gradually getting everyone into the party mood before handing over to the DJ. Ruby went down well with all ages at the party, was friendly and approachable and flexible with arrangements. Also, very good value for money. I will definitely book her again for my next event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band were the perfect band for our wedding and many guests commented on how great they were! Their choice of music was exactly what we wanted and their interaction with myself and my husband on the day was great, checking that the volume of the music was ok and asking if we were happy with everything. Sarah-Jane was so efficient in organising the band for us and we found the booking process very smooth. We couldn't have been happier with everything."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Melissa, Thank you for Saturday afternoon. We all had a wonderful time and we all thought that your singing was perfect. Song choice was excellent, my parents loved it. The hotel were also extremely complimentary. Again many thanks. It was perfect. Regards, Jan"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"cocktailmusic furuns the partystart. Very apreciated of the guests"

Reply by Sven Erik Granholm Jazz Quartet
Thank you very much for your review Best Regards Sven Erik

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Following a huge achievement of winning a prestigious industry award, we arranged for a secret day of celebrations for our 100 employees at our offices. We arranged for the LA Jazz Band to kick off the celebrations by entering our office playing the most energetic and uplifting music which was a wonderful surprise to staff who eagerly jumped up out of their seats to follow the marching band and dance their way around the office. The place was 'buzzing' everyone LOVED it. We had numerous surprises for everyone but the LA Jazz band was by far the highlight and what people remember the most about the day. They are fantastic. You can't help but get up on your feet and dance along. We will definitely be hiring them again for future events - we can't wait for them to play for us again! (10 / 10) "

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:

"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:

"I highly recommend Vincent Cassotta and this band for any event. We had this incredible band play for our Housewarming party at the end of September, 2023. Each member of the band was professional, dressed professionally, and arrived early with plenty of time to prepare. We have attended many concerts, as we love music, and this band plays the best jazz we have heard. In our home, they were very conscientious to choose the correct space for acoustics and assisted to make our visitors feel welcome. Many of those in attendance still speak about the “smooth” jazz and how they could have sat and listened to them for hours.Thank you to this talented group of musicians for making our event and the evening extra special. Warmly, Angela And Jeffery Foss "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was a great night and everyone enjoyed it immensely. I'm sure those that came will do it again. So we must plan another one for the New Year!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Tri Tones played at our family party last week and were absolutely great. The age range of our guests was from 1 - 90+ and, without exception, everyone loved the music. The band arrived in good time, were cheerful, flexible and played beautifully. I would highly recommend them. Apart from sharp renditions of traditional favourites, they had taken the time to learn a Springsteen classic (requested) - which was fantastic. Our party was in a church hall with doors open on to a garden - people commented how well the band modulated their performance so that it was always significant but never too loud. Thanks Tri Tones - we will definitely be in touch for the next big event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Swiss Chalet [where Joie de Vivre played a concert on Bastille Day] is a very rare “trophy property” designed and restored exclusively for Private Members only. The Chalet is one of the most famous secret landmarks used by some of the most discerning personalities in the World. From King Edward VII right through to Charlie Chaplin, Fred Astaire, Marlin Monroe to mention but a few. Today only the most exclusive guests are privy to be entertained at this amazing private residence.​For this precise reason we have carefully selected what I would call rising stars. I just wanted to say how thrilled we were with your performance at our private function. Everyone commented on how amazing [Muriele's} voice was. I have had so many people ask for your names! [Joie de Vivre were] just amazing and I can’t tell you how delighted I was! You blew our guests away with such unexpected talent. I’d highly recommend you to anyone especially anyone seeking music and performance to enhance any exquisite occasion!! You score very high in my preferred Jazz music performance !! All the best"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to write to thank you guys for doing such an incredible job at our event last Saturday; you really blew people away! The fact that people were having such a good time, and up dancing throughout the evening was unusual, and evidence of people really having a good time! I heard *many* comments about how amazing you were, and the Manor as well were very impressed and keen to share your information with others booking events with them. So, yay, well done, and THANK YOU!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks so much for the absolutely amazing performance you put on at our wedding! You all did a great job and made us so happy. Plus we’ve received so many compliments from our guests!! You added so much to our special day!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"As Director of Wheathill Music, I've booked Marcella for many events over the years, including weddings, Christmas parties, corporate launches and special occasions at London's five star hotels and restaurants. She's a delight to work with, and feedback is always highly complimentary. A formidable artist with a wonderful voice and fabulous style. Marcella's a perfectionist who genuinely puts her heart and soul into every event. It's amazing to have a multi-instrumentalist singer who is also a top notch DJ. She's the complete entertainment package! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: