Review Centre: Big Bands

"Wedding October 14 2023 - University Club - Chicago, IL Hi Ron, I've been meaning to shoot you an email. Thank you guys so much, we had such a wonderful time and were so happy and impressed with the music. With everything going on, there were 2 things about the wedding that made it stand out: the food and the band. Our guests loved the music and it was everything that we could have ever wanted and more. I really meant what I said about how cool it is that you all play this music and hopefully more people my age appreciate the work that you all do. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. We visit Chicago pretty often so we'll keep tabs on when you play and will come say hello sometime soon. Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving! -Ryan & Angela"

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:

"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:

"Just wanted to say a huuuuge thank you to all of you at Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra. You made the wedding evening truly amazing and absolutely eeeveryone loved you guys! So many people have said to us since the wedding how amazing you guys were! Thank you so so much, we had an absolutely fab time, I’m so glad you could play for us! I think you’ve heard from my sister-in-law Faye and I hear you’ll be playing at her and Carl’s wedding next year! Yay. So we will see you all again then 🙂 Thanks again."

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:

"A huge thank-you for your fantastic performance at our wedding. Everyone thought you were brilliant and have been talking of nothing else! We had a perfect day and you were a big reason for that. The disco was spot on too; ’Not one dud’ as someone was heard to shriek!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We are passionate about Sinatra, and Giuliano's beautiful voice made our wedding truly unforgettable. His performance added a touch of class and elegance, creating a unique atmosphere. Giuliano is not only a great artist on stage but also an exquisite person. His kindness and friendliness made our encounter a true pleasure. The ensemble of musicians who accompanied him was top-notch, contributing to a perfect musical experience. In short, if you're looking for a top-level swing professional for your wedding, Giuliano is the perfect choice. He made our day truly special, and we can't thank him enough for the unforgettable performance."

Reply by Giuliano Ligabue
Thank you for your glowing review! It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of your special day. I'm thrilled my performance added class and elegance to your wedding, and that you enjoyed the music. Your kind words about my voice and demeanor mean a lot. Thank you for choosing me—I'm honored. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Swing Shift played at our wedding, a modest affair with 200 of our closest friends and family. After our wedding dance, a foxtrot, the band started into that great swing tune, "In the Mood". Everyone, and we do mean everyone, ran onto the dance floor and danced the night away. What a magical evening!!! Bob and Karen PS: I have attached one of our favourite photos from the evening. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Very professional. Sounded just like Sinatra, and with his charisma too! What an absolute treat! Can’t wait for the next time. Sensational!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow, what a show! You have a great voice and all of your musicians were just fabulous. The music was smart, fun and sophisticated – again, just what we wanted, and such a pleasure to dance to a band who really know how to play!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just to say a big thank you to you and your wonderful swing band for providing such wonderful music and entertainment for our evening reception. We both thought it was brilliant and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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:

"While I’m here, a quick word of thanks for Trip for Biscuits. The music at our wedding at Maunsel House was amazing as was the energy from the band. We have received so many compliments from our guests and everyone had a great time (as you can see from the videos now posted on the website!!!)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"If I didn’t say it enough to you last Saturday (or to any other member of the swing band I could find!), thank you so much for the amazing set Mr Swing did at our wedding! What a fabulous night! The swing band was something I was really looking forward to and you exceeded all expectations – it was amazing! From start to finish, we loved every second of it and the fact that you were able to play ‘Let There Be Love’ for our first dance made it even more special and meant a lot to both of us. Every one of our guests came and told us how much they loved the swing band and I’m not sure there was a single song you played when Phil and I weren’t up on the dance floor! I’ve never seen my dad and uncle as animated as when they were singing along to ‘Delilah’ and even my 87 year old grandma joined the conga line at the end of the night! It was everything that we imagined it would be and more; Mr Swing really did help to make it the best day of our lives. I know I managed to accost most members of the swing band on the night but can you please pass on our most heart-felt thanks to everyone involved – the band was truly fantastic! We’ve been singing ‘Ain’t that a kick in the head’ all week! I’ll email you any pictures that we get through from our photographer. From your most enthusiastic fans."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: