Who do I ask for a reference after a layoff? - any advice?

I worry a reference will only confirm dates of employment. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I have one former client who liked my work. How do you ask politely?

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

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