Review Centre: Swing Bands

"Thank you so much for an incredible set. You made our night!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"“Just a quick email to thank you for the wonderful performance you gave at Joy’s graduation party. Your band was one element of a great night, but Blue Velvet more than anything added a sophisticated atmosphere. Your repertoire was great and you always played at an appropriate level. You were punctual, reliable and did exactly what what we agreed. Very professional all round and most importantly, enjoyable. We couldn’t be more pleased. Please pass our thanks on to the other members of the band. If you ever need a good word from a satisfied client to get a gig, feel free to let me know. I’d be happy to oblige.” — Daniel K"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Tasteful, upbeat jazz for our summer wedding. Flexible band setup options, very good players, 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:

"We booked Pink Champagne to provide background music for my husband’s 60 th . I’m so pleased we did . Lots of guests asked who they were and how we’d found them .,Laura is really warm and friendly . The arrangements were all made without any stress. The music was fantastic . We would definitely book them again . "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Giampiero , ( the piano and synthesizer player) I listened to your beautiful C.D. and I wouldn't write to you unless I truly enjoyed it. Your very personal style and personality really shines in this musical world. Your harmonic reinterpretations are gorgeous, the joyous flights of the well composed scores for the synthesizer are marvelous , and its desperate dives are thrilling. I'm really pleased to tell you what I think . Last but not least I enjoy the wonderful singer who follows you marvelously. Thank you ."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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:

" 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:

"Thank you Bradley Cohen 🎶 you made our celebration extra special. I appreciate your professionalism and dedication. I couldn't have done this without you. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to thank you and the band for the incredible music at our wedding. We loved it, it brought so much joy and such a great atmosphere. The band truly are the best in the business. Thank you also to them for allowing me to play my song. I very much appreciate it. We, along with our guests thoroughly enjoyed the jazz and the dance floor hits."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great communications. A splendid group, friendly, super music, all my members enjoyed the evening."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ho avuto il piacere di ascoltare i ragazzi suonare e sono stati al di sopra delle aspettative. Bravissimi e professionali, hanno entusiasmato tutti gli ospiti. Assolutamente consigliatissimi!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Performing aboard paddle steamer Waverley is always a challenging experience and requires artists of great skill and initiative to grapple with the small performance space and access limitations. The Bel Canto Vintage Sisters proved perfect for our 1940's themed cruises, entertaining our passengers with a great range of wartime and big band standards, with frequent changes of costumes and great audience interaction. A delightful trio of ladies who were more than happy to change set lists and performance times throughout the day according to the needs of the ship. Their day with us ended in passengers dancing and joining in a full throated sing- a - long to much acclaim. One of the most entertaining and versatile groups I have used in 40 years of running cruises, we have received strong positive feedback from our passengers, and will be booking Angie and her trio again in 2025 for another 40s themed cruises. I recommend this group for any occasion, cruise or function. You will not be disappointed!. Tim Wardley. Waverley Excursions Thames Liaison Officer."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"They were really an impactful band. The Lead singer, Gaetano The Crooner, really knows how to entertain. Their music is really dynamic and can vary based on people reaction. Super recommended!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Your performance was perfect. Good response from the organization. Lots of good reactions from the audience. Thank you guys and see you soon. Rob"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: