Who do I ask for a reference after a layoff? - 11 months and counting

My manager was laid off too and I am unsure who to use as a reference. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. HR only confirms titles and dates. Is a client acceptable?

Ask former colleagues and supervisors in a short message and give them a summary of the job you are applying for.

I kept a note of my results so my references could be specific. They appreciated it.