Review Centre: 1940s Era Musicians & Bands

"Review of Trilby - The liner notes inform us that this ensemble started as a swinging dance band in 2005. Since then, they've evolved into a solid, well-arranged outfit with first rate solos played by intriguing, skilled jazz cats. The feeling I derived from the CD was similar to a classic Blue Note session. You know, several well-written originals that are melodically strong, and a few standards to test the players' chops on familiar material. The co-leaders play flugelhorn and trombone, respectively. Most of the arrangements come from pianist Bill Dobbins, who allows plenty of room for free-swinging solo work. The familiar vehicles here include Benny Golson's "Stablemates" and Sonny Stitt's "Eternal Triangle." I also spotted a tune called "Rich's Call" by Kerry Strayer, a baritone player of the highest stripe, and a skilled composer and arranger as well. It is interesting to note three compositions from jazz harmonica whiz, Hendrik Meurkens. Perhaps he has some connection to the band. Finally, it should be said that this session is directed straight down the middle of the bop highway. Simply an outstanding blowing session on songs that, amazingly enough, sound like songs!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A Musical Duo that Brings the Romance of Europe to You. Euro Cafe Duo played every second Monday at our venue, and we could not feel happier to host them! You can always be sure to be swept away by the lovely vocal melodies of Andrea Leyton, while Ted Leyton provides a smooth and fun accordion to truly transform any room you're in into a dreamy cafe in France or Italy. Be sure to go and see them!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fab singer, a lovely lady and a really enjoyable party, everyone commented on how unique and lovely it was x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Melissa, Apologies for the delay in sending a thank you for your wonderful singing at our Golden Wedding Anniversary ‘Do’. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed it and George and I had a fabulous time. The feedback we have received from our friends and family was truly amazing. Hope to see you soon. Thanks again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Annelise was perfect for our event, a welcoming drink on the terrace and an after dinner breakout. Really set the scene for a laid back enjoyable gathering. Annelise arrived on time set up with minimum fuss, was flexible and sang beautifully . Perfect."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I facilitated a get together event at my private property . I suggested jazz, swing music and we received much more . It was lovely , beautiful music and vocal and we all had a great time . Thank you Laura for creating great atmosphere. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I listened to the fjp several times and I really love their music genre their flawless executions and their kindness. My favourite band here around rome."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I invited Ted to play “Italian Bistro/ French Café” music during the cocktail hour of our wedding. His playing made the atmosphere very magical and jovial. It was exactly what I was hoping for and would recommend him highly. His playing and set list really added to the party without his sound overpowering. He was extremely professional and easy to communicate with. Ten stars! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"sam's performance was fantastic. From welcoming our guests, to her final song she was a joy for our audience to behold. I would highly recommend her to anyone wanting something a little different yet very special." Grant Atkins Samurai Brighton I am the French guy who talked to you at the break at your Piaf show at the latest on Sunday. I wanted to say how great it was. I have seen a few singers who do Piaf and don't get the French way of delivering those songs. But you were very good, felt the song, a mixture of pain and human hope that Piaf had. She means a lot to me. WELL DONE Sam Chara can really sing, I mean really. Forget the mp3, myspace, artist profile... Come, hear and see this truly magnificent artist. It will blow your mind... it did ours! - author Paul Chi Healthy Concerts- This is a beautifull singer, full of magic,she makes her costumes,songs,music,and gives her heart to every song she sings,I was so impressed by her that i would promess you that Miss Sam Chara is a new born Star! Congratulations and thanks for the wonderful experience . ThreeWeeks revieuw TW rating 5/5 Bal Masque Edinburgh Fringe 2009 One won't see a more eclectic show this month than this cabaret rollercoaster. With elaborate costumes, excellent musicianship and some deadpan gags. It bills itself as Victorian but it's as if the Tardis has been employed to bring them closer to the now. Competing with the pounding drums from downstairs, this quartet create a powerful show with odes to freedom, love and loss and it would be churlish not to recommend this with utmost vim. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Before I saw you at a friends wedding I hadn’t even thought of having any live music at my party. You read the room so well and brought the perfect atmosphere, thanks!"

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:

"Super nice band!!! We hired the full 5-piece and it was the best decision! Between the double bass, guitar, drums, and trumpet (along with Nadya's awesome voice) we had the best time. The band was dressed super nicely, and they were really nice to work with. They even brought their own sound system which made it so much easier! Would definitely recommend for any corporate/private event or wedding ! 10/10 "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Kars responded quickly and efficiently. He helped us find the perfect solution. We chose the vinyl DJ who perfectly suited our whisky event. The DJ was always on time and adapted his choice of records to the atmosphere of the event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Melissa sang for us at a Diamond Wedding Anniversary Garden Party and she was absolutely fantastic! A brilliant singer, with a lovely personality and music perfect for the event. Thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: