Review Centre: Swing Bands

"Blue Moon Italian Jazz Band Made our wedding in Florence so special! They are excellent musicians and were very professional and accommodating. Even with the rain and our wedding being delayed they continued playing music for our guests and through dinner making the evening so special! I highly recommend them!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a fantastic evening this was, our second French night at Lock & Quay. This one well topped it and every single customers happy with the food and all entertainment. Muriele's voice was one of the best we've had at our venue and we can't wait to have her back here to sing for us and all our customers. Very talented performance and we wish you the very best with all your future gigs. Best wishes and thank you ( June 2023)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Had a fantastic time listening to this group with a diverse type of music and songs . Would highly recommend them to other venues . "

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:

"Stefano and the band was really amazing! All of our guests enjoyed the music everyone was dancing and they really accommodated with all the requests we had! The whole band is just so good, very talented musicians. They played songs even for our ceremony and it was just a dream come true. We can’t thank them enough to help make our day perfect. I would definitely recommend them! Ana & Paulo"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"James Anthony was amazing when he performed for the United States Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. He arrived early to rehearse with a 20 piece group of musicians and was a huge hit. The Congress Members and Senators were asking where I found him and we at the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce absolutely recommend him. Due to popular demand, we brought him back the next year to perform for the US Senate for their annual gala."

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:

"You were great and I’ve had some lovely comments about the music, people were impressed. Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Biaggio and the band were on point. From the professionalism perspective: they were communicative in the run up, with good discussion about songs. They were open to learning any requests prior to the event. they showed up on time and ticked all the boxes. Musically: We went with the quartet version. They all had really good chops. they can play the tunes, but they were also adept enough to jam through the middle of the tune. They seemed comfortable with the bop, post-bop, swing, and pop/r&b vibes we asked for."

Reply by SAX - JAZZ Standards & Beyond
Hi David, thanks so much for taking time to review our performance. I’m happy that you enjoy that, and sure that your wife and guest have too. It was a really pleasant event and honor to be part of it. In my experience, it’s not often you get such a musically competent audience like you and your wife at a wedding party. Thank you for choosing me and my jazz quartet Let us know what we have to do next time for your 10th anniversary 😉. BIAGIO

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Romantic trio, heavenly tunes for our reception! Loved them"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a night! I booked Noa as a surprise for my partner’s birthday. The organisation was easy, the event was amazing and everything was seamless. Noa is an incredibly talented singer and the backing musicians that joined Noa were amazing and all joined in the spirit of the party. I will definitely book Noa again and would recommend her without reservation."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We needed some background music for our drinks reception and dinner for c140 people at the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam.. These guys were perfect - fantastic sound, very professional and punctual, really added a special something to our event. Would certainly book again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"WE were so glad we found Andrew Thielen Big Band. They are a real band that has been together for over twenty years perfecting their music, showmanship and dazzling variety of music that kept our dance floor jammed. WE almost got swayed into one of these chain bands called Empire something where they throw together bands for one night until we figured out you cannot be a 3 piece band one week and a 12 piece band the next. WE wanted a real band where the band leader has had repeat performances for the most discriminating buyers for years. Every age, everyones taste in music and our twenty something wedding party had the time of our life. Call them now for sensational singers, instrumentalists and organization. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It is said that the largest portion of a bride’s budget should be directed towards entertainment. I am a living witness that investing in your entertainment is crucial. Even more so, the RIGHT type of entertainment. Andrew Thielen Big Band band was the right choice for my Thanksgiving eve wedding. Let’s be honest, in this day and age it’s a challenge to find professional entertainment that soothes the soul and inspires. Andrew Thielen Big Band did that and then some. Hear me when I tell you, this band ROCKED the house. They added the air of class and sophistication that I so desired. Not only were they amazing to engage, the quality of music was second to none. Their sound is PHENOMENAL. I almost shied away from hiring them because I only had 75 invited guests. I was concerned that their larger than life sound would overtake us. My Gosh was I was wrong. Their larger than life sound brought the funk, soul, jazz and pizazz that kept my guests on the dance floor until the very end. We laughed, we cried and bonded with the band in a way that brought us together as family. Every time that I reflect on them playing, You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me (Gladys Knight) I tear up. Andrew went out of his way to make our wedding reception a night to remember. Thank you! ♥️??? The soloist we’re incredible! And y’all, let’s just say, COME THROUGH HORNS! Readers, if you’re harboring ANY doubt, release it and hire this band. It is my desire and promise to bring them in for all of my future events. Many blessings to the Andrew Thielen Big Band! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely fantastic from the very first communication to the wedding day! Stefano and his band performed some beautiful songs during our cocktail hour, helping create fun and warm atmosphere filled with Motown and soul! Stefano was so kind to let us use his mic and speaker during the ceremony and even set a mic up and guitar for my friends to sing a song during the ceremony. They gave us a 100% and I really couldn’t recommend them more. Our favourite vendors we worked with for sure ❤️❤️❤️"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: