Review Centre: Crooners

"I have been meaning to message you directly also to thank you. What you produced the night of our wedding was nothing short of magical - and I do not say this lightly. I am very happy to hear the band enjoyed the evening - I think their enjoyment and energy showed through their music. The feedback we have had from guests is overwhelming, particularly that the band and the singer (I don't remember his name) was the best they have ever heard at a wedding. You guys nailed the performance. I am so happy that we decided to do a live version, you could not have gotten the same energy and vibe with just a recording / original version. Your two sets were also perfect. There were a few times that we all stopped in the marquee to listen and appreciate the music, particularly My Way - I remember looking around and quite a few people were singing along! I think another sign of a success of a wedding is the number of people on the dance floor, and there was not an empty space during the second set. The amount of people of all ages dancing was a true highlight for me as we wanted this to be a wedding that everyone would enjoy - not just us. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Bruddah Vince is a dream! I contacted Bruddah Vince just a few days before our retirement party at a large estate in Beverly Hills, when another performer I had originally hired dropped out at the last minute. What could have been a disaster turned out to be a blessing, as Bruddah Vince was extremely easy, professional, and pleasant to work with, and he provided the perfect vibes we were seeking. His dreamy voice, expert ukulele playing, and great song selection added so much beauty to our night. We all felt transported to the islands for a few hours, and the party would not have been the same without him. He was very agreeable to every request, including taking a Covid test upon arrival, which we really appreciated since some of our guests are high risk."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you for performing at our event on Saturday, you were a pleasure to work with and your set list and delivery were right on the money. I've had no end of compliments on our choice of performers! We would not hesitate to have you back anytime!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Scott was very easy to work with and offered great ideas about how we could best use him. I am looking forward to seeing him again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Annelise did a wonderful job! She is a brilliant jazz singer and made our anniversary party very special. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I hired Fine Whines to play at our 25th Wedding Anniversary garden party last summer. Their fab music really made the party go with a swing. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the music and event. Fine Whines are extremely professional and friendly. Highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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 "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing entertainer from start to finish! We booked Ed as our Crooner for my mom’s 80th birthday/retirement party. He was friendly, professional, and responsive from the start. Whether we needed help with last minute details or announcement we asked to add, Ed was very accommodating during the event. This made us feel at ease knowing that our event was in capable hands. He exceeded our expectations, ensuring everyone was entertained, from the grand entrance to the end of the event. Ed was also fantastic at reading the room and tailoring the tunes to cater to the guests. He kept our guests entertained and the dance floor lively. He truly went above and beyond to make our special day memorable. If you're looking for a Crooner for your event, I can't recommend Ed highly enough! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I have worked with Tom for a while now, both as a crooner, recording covers (sometimes better than the original) and a solo original artist recording his own music. His voice blew us away the very first time we heard it. With a fantastic talent and a firm, 'head screwed on' type manner that he brings to all aspects of his work, he really is a treat to work with. He is professional, always smartly dressed, talented, but above all, a fantastic character to work with. A genuinely nice guy. I look forward to seeing what the future brings for the fantastic Tom Fitzpatrick."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"WOW, is all I can say! I had booked the Serenading Servers as a total surprise, I was the only person on the day that knew they would be there, not even the groom knew. Their singing was phenomenal and they got every single person up and dancing. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more. So many people commented on how amazing they were and said they were the highlight! Thank you so so much 🥰"

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:

" 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:

"Thank you Darren for a great evening we hope to see you again soon Had great feedback from customers brilliant voice. Thank you (10 / 10) Diane ( Anchor In Tideswell ) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Barry, You are one in a million and most likely a billion or a trillion!!! Without YOU, our wedding would have NEVER been the fabulous event it was, which has everyone who participated in or attended it, including the staff at the Valley Hunt Club commenting that it was the best wedding EVER!!!! What you provide is transcendental, and definitely a cut above the rest of the countless and mundane assortment of the Southern California wedding DJ's. Your music selections had appeal for ALL ages, even the hard to please teenagers among our guests without annoying or insulting our seniors. This seems like an impossible feat and yet you achieved it flawlessly. And, most of all, you have a huge component of COOL which gratifies the needs of all of us want-a-be cool people!!! U R Awesome!!!! Thank you soooooooooooooo much!!!!!!!” w/luv"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I’m Anita Pruse- the chief of culture department of Jelgava’s Agricultural University. I organize the biggest Christmas ball in Baltic states. This event involves at least 7 orchestras with about 100 artists involved, witch perform in several places. Janis have played two times in this ball. Janis always plays professionally irreproachable and emotionally fulfilled. His music matches well the current situation. Janis respects timing, dress code. He delivers his piano and sound system. If needed Janis performs with other musicians- singers, sax players, guitar players etc. if needed Janis can talk to audience in an attractive way with a good taste. That’s why us und public loves him, and we are looking forward to invite him again. Anita Pruse"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: