Review Centre: Jazz Bands

"The trio’s music set the perfect tone for our cocktail hour, and all our guests were completely enchanted by the vocals, piano, and saxophone."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A true genius in every sense, Arturo Cruz is a masterful composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist who effortlessly blends cultures and colors into his music. His work transcends boundaries, bringing an electrifying energy to his performances. Arturo is a rare talent who continues to redefine musical excellence. I have had the pleasure to enjoy not only his performances but his arrangements and recordings, all I have to say is he is a must known artist of this generation!"

Reply by Arturo Cruz & Ashe Okun
Thanks Ana, it was a wonderful show in Porto, I enjoy everything about you

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 wedding was well enriched by the beatifull performance of Duo Voyage!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We chose the solo Jazz guitar option for our wedding. Giuseppe was fantastic, We were able to communicate plenty before the event about what we wanted. He showed up early to set up and ended up playing past the time we had booked as we were all enjoying the music and he was happy to play longer. Genuinely lovely guy and talented musician. Highly recommended "

Reply by The Wimbledon Jazz Duo
Thank you so much, Bruno — and no worries about the timing! Even a year later, I still remember your wedding really well. It was such a lovely day, and I’m so glad the music added to the atmosphere. I truly appreciate your kind words — wishing you both all the very best! – Giuseppe

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Best Money We Ever Spent Stuart went above and beyond our wildest expectations. He worked with our every request and made sure we had all the bang for our buck. Would highly highly recommend Stuart for any of your events!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"OMG, Patty Rose, tell everyone to bring their dancing shoes!!!! CJ performed at my wedding last November at Avalon Country Club!!!, he was the ultimate entertainer!!! Encouraging people to come dance ( not that any encouragement was needed)!!! WOW, he not only played the best music, he took requests, interacted with the guests. Everyone loved him, and I knew he would be a huge hit from the moment I saw him perform at another venue earlier in the year!! Love this man, anyone who hasn’t seen him perform, you owe to yourself to come out and experience the magic that is CJ!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Vibrant Jazz played as a trio for our daughters 21st birthday - they were fabulous, great sets which really set the right atmosphere. The guests loved them. A great service - very reliable. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Igor played at our wedding in December and he was amazing! We had sax and keyboard and he kept everyone dancing throughout all of cocktail hour. He curated the perfect jazzy Christmas vibe with a modern twist - just amazing!!!"

Reply by Ontario saxophonist Igor Babich
Thank you, Olivia! I really appreciate it.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"D'Aiello has a highly dramatic manner of playing and a willingness to take risks which can make it seem as if he is overstretching himself; thus when he launched into Ellington's In a Sentimental Mood in the second set he placed himself on the critical block. The result was a breathtaking performance in which he displayed a stunning range of expression, infallible control over the instrument and a true feeling for the melody itself. He is a restless attacking player who uses not only the full, extended, range of the instrument but also a much wider dynamic variety than many other saxophonists. Linked with a technique that allows him to play at scorching speed and accuracy, the result was jazz of outstanding colour and excitement....."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"“Non potevamo scegliere di meglio! Luigi è arrivato da Bologna fino a Cortona (AR) con una puntualità impeccabile, dimostrando fin da subito grande professionalità e passione per il proprio lavoro. Luigi è stato estremamente disponibile in ogni fase dell’organizzazione: ci ha guidati nella scelta del repertorio, ha ascoltato le nostre esigenze e ha saputo proporre soluzioni perfette per ogni momento della giornata. Durante il matrimonio ha creato un’atmosfera magica, coinvolgente e mai invadente, riuscendo a far ballare e divertire tutti gli invitati. Il suo talento e l’energia che trasmettono dal vivo sono davvero rari. Lo consigliamo di cuore a chiunque voglia un accompagnamento musicale di altissimo livello, affidabile e capace di far vivere emozioni indimenticabili."

Reply by LuiSax A power sax for your events
È stato un grande piacere!!!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sounded amazing We thoroughly enjoyed the Jazz Quartet! It sounded fantastic! Everything went according to our wishes, and given the many positive reactions, the guests agreed. Many thanks for everything, and we wish you much jazz-pleasure and success in the future! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"After hearing these guys play at a friend's wedding it was clear we had to have them come and play at ours too! The booking process was very straight forward with timely communication giving me confidence they were a well organised group. Their music really made the reception drinks, it set a very happy and relaxed mood, countless number of guests came up and commented on how much they enjoyed the music. Wouldn't hesitate to use at another event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

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

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: