Review Centre: Big Bands

"Saxophones, a rhythm section and vocals, swinging like crazy – that’s the aptly named FIVE STAR SWING ! As saxophone section in any band, they would take some beating. Beautiful tones and well-rehearsed by their leader, Chris Smith (Jnr), who has the singular talent of playing the trumpet with his right hand and the piano with his left at one and the same time ! He also happens to be a very experienced music writer having learnt his trade with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and Glenn Miller’s Brother, Herb. Add to the fact that he can also well handle a vocal, as can his wife, lead alto Simone Smith and tenor man Stephen Davies, who’s clarinet playing on “Sing, Sing, Sing” was superb – and it will give you some idea of the breadth of talent in this line-up. This is a band crying out to be danced to and it wasn’t long before the jivers took to the dance floor. Five Star Swing –a “must” for every dance club in the country."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hired a jazz trio with Dan for my wedding - which was themed around an outdoor garden party. Dan was fantastic at keeping in touch and booking couldn't have been easier. The guys were there and ready for when they said they would be, and they were absolutely brilliant! Provided the perfect backdrop to our event, excellent musicians too. I would have no hesitation in recommending these guys, and should I have any events in future that would suit some smooth jazz then these guys would be top of the list! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired Good Co to play at our home for a company party of 50 guests. They were on time, polite, fun and every one had a wonderful time. They paid attention to the wants of the crowd and catered to their likes. They were by far the highlight of our party. Next time we have a bigger party we'll hire the whole band (we only hired 3 band members due to the small crowd). Book this band - they are a sure bet from a small house party to a huge soiree."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. We had so many people comment on how great you were. It really was the perfect day! You were brilliant!’ "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing band that played at our pub recently. Would 100% recommend, we've already got the regulars asking for them back!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"thank you francis for a brilliant night,i will def recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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 "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing band great music! Really something different, welcome back at my pub any time."

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:

"You were great and I’ve had some lovely comments about the music, people were impressed. Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for making our event so very special. We'll never forget our day."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"“Powerful and polished, , you don’t see bands with this sort of diversity in their song choices, almost every song feels like a showstopper .” Michael Cruz, Boston,Ma "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘I just wanted to say thank you again for yesterday - everyone loved your sets and kept telling me how much they enjoyed it! Would be happy to recommend you to others!’ "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"One Size Fits All is a party band that knows how to get a crowd moving. With two vocalists and a 4 piece horn section, they played a 50th birthday party and had everyone on their feet. The band is tight and energetic, and their repertoire spans a wide range of genres. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: