Review Centre: 1950s Era Musicians & Bands

"Thank you Ian and Debbie for making our night very special! "

Reply by Ian Andrews solo guitar / Combo
De Nada Gabriella - we enjoyed playing those bossas at your lovely party! Ian

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Jazz Central was very professional in every way. Their performance was great, they created the atmosphere at our wedding ceremony. As well as in terms of communication (request to handling), everything was perfect. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a jazz band."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Scott Nicholson and his trio were excellent! This was a corporate lunch event and they sent just the right tone, perfect song selection, very easy to work with, and would hire them again in a second! Everyone enjoyed the music - perfection! Thank you!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The voice (rich and nuanced and dramatic) belongs to Michael Calvoni... who makes us sink into our seats, confident that we are in good hands."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Nalis in trio played and sang at our wedding party, their level is very high and Annalisa, the singer, is really very good. The price is proportional to the quality given, we really appreciated the fact that Annalisa is ready to prepare 2 songs requested by the couple even outside her own repertoire, she sang at our request "Por una cabeza" an Argentine tango which is very catchy and made famous by a film with Al Pacino. Thank you guys for your very pleasant concert!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing. Professionals in every aspect of their work. Many thanks."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"“A fantastic jazz band that lifted our reception to a higher level! The Jazz Centrale made our reception unforgettable. They arrived well on time, were very friendly, and exceptionally good at what they do. The music created exactly the right atmosphere. Communication beforehand and during the event was smooth and professional. They were flexible and thought along with us, which made the collaboration very pleasant. In short, a wonderful experience and absolutely recommended!”"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent Saxophonist !!! It was an extreme pleasure to meet and work with Jeff. Our communication before the event was detailed and thorough as he aimed to know and understand my music selection and went an extra step and wanted to learn more about the event and organization. Jeff was prompt, Professional, and courteous. I would hire Jeff at any future event and would definitely recommend him to others."

Reply by Beacon Street Jazz - Jeff Moyer
Thanks so much for the kind words Michelle. Your organization is doing marvelous work and it was my pleasure to perform at your fundraiser. I look forward to working with you in the future. Regards, Jeff (Beacon Street Jazz)

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘Just wanted to drop you a line to say how impressed our family and friends were with Chris when he performed at our mum and dads joint 80th birthday celebrations yesterday! The quality of his singing was first class and his performance was exactly what we wanted for the day! He really did made this special occasion so memorable for everyone. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending him! Thanks so much to all involved in helping us and for suggesting Chris!' "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thoroughly enjoyed We and our guests thoroughly enjoyed your performance. I myself, but also the other musicians among our guests, were impressed with the quality of your playing, and your enthusiasm was very much appreciated. You responded beautifully to our needs and contributed significantly to the success of our celebration. We hope you can join us again next time! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Booked these guys for our wedding reception in Hinckley after seeing them in horncastle and they put on a great show, everyone up dancing all night perfect band for a 'do' ?"

Reply by The Ramrods
Thanks Alan, very nice review. We enjoyed ourselves though it was a shame I was still under the weather after the flu. Like I said to Carol, I didn't want to pull out and spoil your evening. Bryn

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:

"Five star performance Classy, bubbly, Confident, a great show to be seen again and again. Thank you so much for brightening up our Christmas party. Kai Bishop, Manager of the Grosvenor Centre"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Perfect Atmosphere for Our Luxury Event. We booked Jazz de Copas Quartet for a corporate gala in a high-end venue in Catalunya, and they delivered beyond expectations. Their setlist was exquisite, blending jazz classics with tasteful modern selections. The musicians were professional, stylish, and incredibly talented. An absolute must for luxury events!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"'Thanks so much Anna for Saturday night... You blew everyone away with your talent and breadth of song choices. Really got the party going, along with the Lychee Martinis... I can't recommend you enough. Thank you for making my wife's 50th such a great and memorable evening' Justin xx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: