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."
Classic Swing Orchestras
The Uptown Swing Sextet (with Vocalists Nancy Kelly or Nancy Donnelly)
The Classic Uptown Swing Orchestra (10 piece Group) will be playing sets of Swing Music at the Lovin'''' Cup, starting Wednesday March 31st, from 8:30 to 10:30 pm. Please come and join us for some Vintage Swing Music, here in Rochester, NY!
CONCERT REVIEW: Rick Holland Uptown Orchestra at Lovin Cup By Frank De Blase ---- Sometimes it all just falls into place. The setting, the situation, the scene, the tone -- everything''''s 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 Holland''''s 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.
Thanks so much for your incredible band and performances! All the guests were raving about you guys! Definitely a highlight of our wedding. You helped to make our wedding so very special! Gianine and Jeff, Irondequoit Country Club,Rochester, NY
"There''''s nothing little about these guys--big sound and big talent. What a great show at Hi Fidelity with a special guest singer Nancy Donnelly. Dean Keller killed on bari--his solo on Nightlights was so beautiful that I had tears, and Evan Dobbins is a monster trombone player. I can''''t wait to hear these guys again." - Tracy Kroft “Rochester, Scene And Heard
"Just a short note to thank you ever so much for the great show and dance for us here at the HAG. I have waited until today to write this as we had a meeting on Wednesday and it confirmed everything that I told everyone about the upcoming show and dance. As you and the band said this was the first time you have played in a hanger and I must say, the acoustics were awesome and the sounds were great even where I was sitting. Midway through the dance you asked me for a favorite number. At the time I thought you had more than enough on your plate but how in hell did you save the song "At Last" for the very last number. It was the very song I would have requested and it took me back to my Junior and Senior days in high school. Nuf said about that. Yup, I might have had a small tear in my eye, hearing the music, you absolutely took over the song and I thank you so much for it. It made an old Marine so very happy. Again THANK YOU, Ms. KELLY, AND THE BAND SO VERY MUCH FOR A TERRIFIC EVENING. ---Bob ‘Sarge’ Biron, Chairman of the HAG Memories Show, 2009
" Rick--Your band did a fabulous job and were one of the highlights of our Monsoon Wedding!! We''''re off to Costa Rica this afternoon and will be humming ''''Fly Me To The Moon'''' and your many fabulous charts in the rainforest! I have told Glen Iris how awesome and fabulous your band was at our reception! Thanks for the great musical entertainment!! Andrew and Kim, NYC
Listen to Uptown''''s Version of Moten Swing
The uniquely orchestrated sextet can expand to as many as 8 pieces upon request. The group’s primary instrumentation is Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Bass and Drums can play over 250 arrangements of the American Song book, written by members of Smithsonian Jazz. Upon request Uptown adds one of the NY’s best vocalists in Nancy Kelly or Nancy Donnelly.
This group plays everything from wedding receptions, festivals to corporate and private events.
The Uptown Swing Orchestra (10 piece Little Big Band)
Some of my most memorable and favorite nights at Tasteology, is when Rick Holland brought his groups in to play! He is a marvelous musician and his groups are magnificent!-Tom Chappel, Owner of Tasteology, Rochester, NY
Like the Uptown Swing Sextet, this group also has the option of adding vocalist to any private or public event.
With a repertoire all its own, this group can play dances, corporate events, wedding receptions and ceremonies. This group was originally was an era ensemble, for it owns 60 Swing Classics, transcribed from some of the Swing Era’s best ensembles. (From Count Basie to Gene Kupra)
Listen to Uptown''''s version of Jumpin'''' at the Woodside
As the group expanded over the years, we now feature sets to feature vocalists Nancy Donnelly or Nancy Kelly.
The uniquely orchestrated tenet can expand to as many as 11 or 12 pieces upon request. This group''''s unique orchestration includes 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, 3 saxes, and rhythm section. Also upon request Uptown adds one of the NY’s best vocalists in Nancy Kelly or Nancy Donnelly.
This group plays everything from wedding receptions, festivals to corporate and private events.