Review Centre: 1920s Era Musicians & Bands

"The Beauty Shop Dolls were absolutely stunning! Not only are they beautiful, but their voices were also amazing. From the very beginning, they were very professional, detail-oriented, and accommodating. Their voices carried so well in our venue and many mentioned their voices were angelic! Highly recommended, we will most definitely use them again for our future events! Thank you BSD, you were more than amazing!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a treat to have The Texas Gypsies play our wedding. We wanted classic music and styles that people of all ages could dance to. They did a fantastic job, and we heard so many compliments from our guests--many of whom were musicians as well. Several people liked the band enough that they bought CDs, too. The Texas Gypsies even let my Dad play a little number. Very sweet. You can't go wrong with this band!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hosted a pie & mash night in our restaurant & we wanted something authentic but at the same time not too loud. Harmonica lewinsky was PERFECT for what we wanted. He got everyone up & singing, provided singing sheets so everyone could join in. He looked the part, sounded the part. We couldn't of asked for anything more- So much so we have booked in another pie & mash night along with Harmonica Lewinsky again as it was one of the best evenings we have held in our pub."

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:

"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:

"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:

"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:

"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:

"A beautiful performance in the Lisettezaal of cultural center De Brink in Obdam on Sunday December 15th. A beautiful interplay of 4 musical friends, who played alternating gypsy swings. With personal stories told by Marcia , it was a true theater performance. The audience enjoyed the musicians and their playing. Recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I recently had the pleasure of hiring this group for a corporate event, and from the moment they took the stage, they created a very elegant and refined atmosphere providing the perfect background music for our dinner. Their energy was incisive but never aggressive, allowing all the guests to enjoy the conversation. Each band member was not only talented but also very kind and flexible. Their professionalism throughout the planning process and during the event was top-notch. I highly recommend them for any event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We would both like to say to you and Alex how utterly charmed we and our guests were by your presence and by your music. We felt as carefree as if we were on an idyllic summer holiday surrounded by all our dearest friends and family - you both looked wonderful and the musical tone was absolutely perfect and delivered exactly as we wished. The addition to your repertoire of Twinkle Twinkle and the ‘Can Can’ was a stroke of genius! We can’t thank you enough for helping to make our day perfect. We have no hesitation in recommending you should we know of anyone wishing to organise a special occasion. Thank you again and ‘Bravo’!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Darren Lloyd Dixieland band were absolutely fantastic. They played a huge part in making our evening a success and in creating an incredible atmosphere! All of our guests had a great time and loved the band! We were so impressed and would love to work with Darren and the rest of the band again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Please come again – really enjoyed your repertoire,bhearing my favourite old songs sang and played so well "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Euro Café Duo were invited to entertain guests at my 80th birthday event held at the beautiful Rockport Barn venue at Rockport, Ontario on June 8, 2024. I had asked for a blend of nostalgic easy-listening and European/Parisian music as social-background and then more watchable treatments. Andrea and Edward delightfully exceeded my expectation. Our mixed age gathering thoroughly enjoyed the music and the duo’s showmanship. My wife and I loved dancing to some of our requests such as, La Vie en rose and As Time Goes By. Thank you, Andrea and Ted, for adding such a magical touch to my special day. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had Jen sign at our afternoon tea babyshower - she was fabulous, will definitely use again at our next event"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: