Review Centre: Big Bands

"thank you francis for a brilliant night,i will def recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A fantastic professional performance. I must say that you now are the Number One swing band in my estimation. By far the best sets I have had the privilege of enjoying. I highly recommend you and your swing band to everyone. It made the wedding day perfect. Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow! You were wonderful. We have had so many messages saying how excellent the evening was – so many people loved the band, and we can’t thank you enough. The music, as you know full well, is such an important part of the evening and we could not have hoped for anything better. "

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"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We would like to thank you and the swing band for making our silver wedding anniversary so special and such a memorable occasion for us. We had such a perfect evening and we are sure all our family and friends enjoyed themselves as much as we did. We would like to think if in the future we have another occasion to celebrate that Mr Swing would be there!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We are passionate about Sinatra, and Giuliano's beautiful voice made our wedding truly unforgettable. His performance added a touch of class and elegance, creating a unique atmosphere. Giuliano is not only a great artist on stage but also an exquisite person. His kindness and friendliness made our encounter a true pleasure. The ensemble of musicians who accompanied him was top-notch, contributing to a perfect musical experience. In short, if you're looking for a top-level swing professional for your wedding, Giuliano is the perfect choice. He made our day truly special, and we can't thank him enough for the unforgettable performance."

Reply by Giuliano Ligabue
Thank you for your glowing review! It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of your special day. I'm thrilled my performance added class and elegance to your wedding, and that you enjoyed the music. Your kind words about my voice and demeanor mean a lot. Thank you for choosing me—I'm honored. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘Unbelievable natural talent, effortless performance' "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Please can you tell everyone that performed at my birthday party that I have had 100% positive feedback. I have had loads of messages today to say how much they enjoyed the band and felt like they were in the 1920s at a night club. Thank you all for making my birthday so special"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"‘On behalf of myself, my husband and our family and friends, you were truly brilliant! The amount of people that complimented you throughout the day/evening, you really added a special touch to our wedding day. On behalf of everyone thank you so, so much, I will definitely be recommended you!’ "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had the pleasure of hiring Rich on the 5th of August 2023 to sing solo at our wedding. This consisted of two sets of various songs all within the swing theme. We had the option to choose from an extensive song list to suit our special day. Rich sang to our guests as they arrived and followed on after the ceremony. Wow, what more can we say all our guests during the time of the performance really enjoyed listening to Rich sing. Most of all in our opinion he was great. If you were to compare his prices for what he does, both myself and my husband would highly recommend having Rich to sing at any event you may be hosting. Our guests ranged from teenagers to the elderly and each and every one of them were either singing along or tapping along to Rich as he sang. If we'd of had Rich singing at night, 100% our guests would of been up and dancing. Taken from Google, verified. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Spectacular musicians! They were perfect for my wedding reception! I'd recommend them to anyone! Event Date: May 10th, 2015 Services Provided: Jazz Band"

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:

"Awesome band! So much fun! What a great mix of old and new. Love it."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Giuliano is fantastic, the Italian Sinatra! An exceptional artist accompanied by top-notch musicians. A kind and accommodating person, he made our wedding unforgettable with his music. Simply the best we could have hoped for."

Reply by Giuliano Ligabue
Thank you very much for your kind words Stefanie!!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We have loved having you at The Square and hearing your unique style at Claire and Andy's wedding on the 28th December. Your duo was so fun and went down so well with all the guests and ourselves!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: