Review Centre: 1940s Era Musicians & Bands

"Jen helped to create a lovely atmosphere at our first Gin and Prosecco festival, guests loved the mix of old and new music all with a jazz twist, we would love to have her again at future events!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From start to finish Brian was nothing short of epic! We wanted a pianist for our wedding ceremony and from the moment we booked Brian he was very communicative, super friendly, listened to all of our slightly strange requests and made them all happen, down to the last detail. On the day, Brian arrived well in advance of the start this, and was playing his gorgeous music to the guests (and putting me at easy) well before the start of the ceremony. Yes his music is SUPERB, but for me, what made Brian most incredible, was he ability to read the room. We had a song mid-ceremony (which we thought could potentially be badly sang by guests) but not on Brian’s watch… he lead us all in, adding fun bits into the song, picking up the pace when needed and giving us all the confidence to “belt it out”. Just a true professional with a personal touch. Brilliant Brian!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Kevin, I just thought I would post a comment on your guestbook after your fabulous entertainment for our party. The music and singing was fantastic – as you know the dance floor was never empty! Keep on singing Kevin – you are great! Thank you. Veronica & Brian"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Beautiful Music! My wife and I played tourists in Kingston today and dinned and shopped at some of our favourite spots and also discovered some new ones. While enjoying our gelato by the Kingston tourism building, we had the pleasure of listening to Euro Café Duo perform. Let me tell you that I wish I could stay there all day long and listen to Ted and Andrea play... they are magnificent and extremely talented musicians. If you have an upcoming event, reach out to them and let your senses be marinated by their beautiful music!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had the pleasure of hiring the Hot Club du Nax for our event, and they completely exceeded our expectations! From the first note, they brought so much energy and joy — people couldn’t stop dancing and smiling. Their sound is authentic, their timing impeccable, and they really know how to engage with the crowd. If you're looking to add a unique and vibrant touch to your party, look no further. Highly recommended!"

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 Rick Holland and his band played our wedding on August 28, 2010. Rick could not have been more accommodating to my husband and my wants and needs for music at the wedding. We communicated through email, over the phone, and met with each other once to go over the details. Rick was very thorough and always set our minds at ease. During our ceremony, his quartet played us up the aisle with a romantic song and down the aisle with ''Fireworks'' which set the mood for the festive evening to begin. The cocktail hour began immediately following the ceremony and Rick''s band did not miss a beat....the little big band entertained guests while they mingled and got a bite to eat. When the wedding party was ready to be announced, Rick took the microphone as we were all introduced. After the speeches were out of the way, Rick and the band let loose! With a full band and two singers, a male and a female, we partied for the next four hours! The guests were dancing, singing, and truly having a great time as did we! The band definitely made the night! The songs were exactly what we requested and the sound quality was superb. I would gladly book Rick and his band for another occasion as well as recommend them. Thanks again Rick! Erin and Mike Victor, New York"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Will WOW!!!! We have had nothing but fantastic feedback about the band at our ‘Happily Ever Party'. Ian and I had the best time and NQBB definitely made the day for us. We just need another occasion to hire you again! A huge thank you to you all. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Paul to sing for two sets after our corporate dinner and our guests loved it! Amazing to see that our crowd knew most of the songs and sang along. I'll definately reccommend Paul Hudson and we'll book him again! "

Reply by "The Sounds of Sinatra" with Paul Hudson
Many thanks and much appreciated!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Very good mix of songs.The audience goes wild.The band were very patient "

Reply by Sven Erik Granholm Jazz Quartet
Thank you very much for the review Sven Erik the band

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fantastic wedding celebration Thanks in part to you, we enjoyed a fantastic wedding celebration. Thank you! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Katy smashed it! The energy was perfect She played all my favourites. Thank you. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for your performance at our wedding. Your delicious music created exactly the atmosphere we had in mind for our celebratory drinks party. It was absolutely right. We had a wonderful evening. We received many positive reactions from our guests on the pleasant evening and that can be translated into a compliment for you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Highly recommended Booking was friendly and smooth. The repertoire was excellent—highly recommended for a reception as we had planned. "

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:

" Noa played at a surprise party held on Saturday 28th June for my daughter's home coming from her travels through South America.We decided on a Latin Jazz theme which was a huge success. I would highly recommend Noa for the sense of the mood which she created and her vocals which were absolutely perfect for the evening 10 out of 10 for a great evening had by all!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: