Review Centre: Brass Musicians

"The event was a fantastic success and the feedback from the guests has been great. There were numerous compliments about Mark the music was absolutely perfect for the occasion. The seamless manner in which he integrated into the hotel event is testament to his professionalism and experience. (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow! Absolutely amazing! Mark was great on the sax I did book him with his friend rob on the percussions, which was brilliant together! Mark was great communicating with me throughout and was already set up and ready before I arrived on the night! (10 / 10) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"C'est bien d'avoir écouté quatre saxes qui jouent tout. Une ascension musicale du classique aux canons du jazz ... Je les ai aussi entendus autour de Bologne avec leur swing et les chansons de la Reine, les bandes sonores et les jeux vidéo (Super Mario) sont tout simplement bons."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

""Thanks for an incredible performance. You guys were everything we hoped for and more. I've already received lots of requests to have you back!""

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hello Maceo I would like to thank you for the work you did at Quinta Lago dos Cisnes this 16/08 for my wedding with Marlene I didn't have the opportunity to do this during the day. big hug"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Watched this musician at a birthday do last night. Absolutely amazing talent . Was nice to see /hear something different at a party . Got everyone dancing ! Would recommend. (10 / 10) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Stray Horns are an excellent addition to an event or celebration. They have a presence that just turns heads anywhere they go. If you’re looking for something that people will talk about after the event, book the Stray Horns!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jack Bowers The Rick Holland—Evan Dobbins Little Big Band Trilby RPO Productions Five years after a sensational opening act (In Time's Shadow, 2006), trumpeter Rick Holland and trombonist Evan Dobbins have returned for an encore, Trilby, marshaling as before their irrepressible Little Big Band. As was noted of that earlier recording, "the only thing small about [this band] is its numbers." Baritone saxophonist Dean Keller, who shared that chair with Kerry Strayer on Shadow, also returns. The rest of the lineup is brand new, with Evan Dobbins' dad, the well-known educator Bill Dobbins (Eastman School of Music), replacing the splendid pianist John Nyerges. Besides shining at the keyboard, Bill Dobbins wrote "My Darling Darlene" and arranged half of the album's other ten numbers. Although he doesn't play this time around, Strayer composed "Rich's Call" and arranged Sonny Stitt's "Eternal Triangle" and Oscar Pettiford's "Tricotism," while Brent Wallarab wrote "Trilby" and arranged Benny Golson's "Stablemates." Bill Dobbins' engaging charts brighten three originals by Hendrik Meurkens—"Slidin," "Second Waltz," "The Cottage"—as well as Hal Crook's "Fused" and Alec Wilder's lovely standard, "While We're Young" (a reprise from the band's earlier album). Holland, who plays flugelhorn exclusively, solos strongly on seven numbers, striking the ball with assurance and perception on every turn at bat. Bill Dobbins ("Slidin," "The Cottage," "Trilby," "Darlene," "Tricotism") amplifies the message, as do Evan Dobbins ("Slidin," "Fused"), Doug Stone (alto on "Stablemates," clarinet on "Second Waltz," soprano on "Trilby" and "While We're Young"), tenor Mike Pendowski ("Eternal Triangle," "Fused," "Rich's Call"), trombonist Nick Finzer ("Second Waltz," "Tricotism"), bassist David Baron ("The Cottage," "Tricotism") and blue-chip drummer Rich Thompson ("Eternal Triangle," "Fused," "Rich's Call"). When they're not having their say, the ensemble is front and center, giving each of the charts its single-minded attention. The result is music that flows easily without miscue. Trilby marks a second triumph by the Holland / Dobbins Little Big Band, which, as was noted after its debut album, "is more big than little, in every sense of the word." Those who appreciate a tight, swinging band, even if slightly undersized, are sure to admire Trilby."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a surprise! This band and musicians were unknown to me, but they are absolutely great! For listeners to hear musicians challenge themselves, and be taken along for the ride, records like this are a must! The musicians in the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band are all reaching the high musical standards realized by playing in this excellent Little Big Band! This music will be featured in my playlists for many months to come. Thank you again for sending this exceptional cd to me. Peter Kuller, Jazz Presenter, Radio 101.5 FM Adelaide, Australia"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Last evening, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting a group of carol music players for a private event outside our home, and it was nothing short of magical! The music players, dressed in stunning Victorian costumes, brought an air of classic elegance to the occasion. Their instruments were simply magnificent, harmonizing perfectly and filling the air with the spirit of the season. The selection of carols was excellent, ranging from timeless classics to delightful lesser-known pieces, all performed with great skill and emotion. The music players were not only talented but also incredibly professional and friendly, engaging with our guests in a warm and inviting manner. Their performance was the highlight of our evening, leaving everyone in attendance spellbound. The combination of their angelic music and the authentic costumes transported us back in time, creating an atmosphere that was both festive and nostalgically beautiful. We highly recommend these music players!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were over the moon with mark. We had a retro disco with the Sax was fantastic some of the feed back from our customers said could have listened to you all night. Amazing thank you for being part of our day and we definitely be re booking xx (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I find it very important in todays jazz environment that a player of Rick Holland talent gets heard and recognized because he carries on a tradition of swing and melodic playing that I consider most important in jazz. Hendrik Meurkens, Jazz Harmonicist, NYC"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Best live Sax Playing I ever heard. Brendan. Best money I ever spent ! Carol. Carol & Brendan. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Nottingham Huntington's Disease charity booked Cranberry Flicks to play at their charity casino dinner and dance. From the moment they took to the stage guests were up and dancing on the dance floor. The band played an assortment of music to suit all tastes. Communication from the band leading up to the event was good and any queries I had were answered promptly. I would highly recommend and would definitely book Cranberry Flicks for future events."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: