Review Centre: Brass Musicians

"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) "

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"Great band! Really transformed our festival into a merry event. Big Smoke got people dancing, and played a nice mix of Christmas songs and covers of Pop songs. We would book them again."

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"We recently had Dan for our wedding drinks reception, he created exactly the kind of atmosphere we asked for and met any requests we had beforehand, I would definitely recommend and use again for another occasion! "

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"TRILBY Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76 The Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band, which is based in Rochester, New York, was founded in 2005. Co-led by flugelhornist Holland and trombonist Dobbins, the 11 piece group has the sound of a big band despite having eight instead of the usual 11 or 12 horns. Its musicianship is top-notch, soloists are impeccable, and arrangements are both colorful and swinging. The 11 songs heard on Trilby consist of four standards, three originals by harmonica great Hendrik Meurkens, and a song apiece by Kerry Strayer, Hal Crook, Brent Wallarab and pianist Bill Dobbins. The father of Evan Dobbins, Bill Dobbins is the best known musician in the band, contributed six of the arrangements, and is a key soloist on five songs. But enough of the statistics. The Little Big Band swings hard and puts plenty of spirit into each performance. The opener, Benny Golson's “Stablemates,” has fine solos from Holland and the Phil Woods-inspired altoist Doug Stone, with the two battling it out near the tune's finish. Meurkens' “Slidin'” has an arrangement by Bill Dobbins that in its use of restrained tone colors is worthy of Thad Jones. A heated jam on “The Eternal Triangle” gives Holland and tenor-saxophonist Mike Pendowski an opportunity to jam, trade-off and interact with each other. Holland, Doug Stone (this time on clarinet) and trombonist Nick Finzer play lyrically on the melodic “Second Waltz.” David Baron's bass is featured prominently on “The Cottage,” a haunting tune particularly worthy of several listens. “Trilby,” a lengthy exploration of the chord structure of “Alone Together,” has some excellent hard bop flugelhorn from Holland, adventurous soprano from Stone and a memorable spot for Bill Dobbins' piano. Trombonist Dobbins, Pendowski and drummer Rich Thompson are not only well featured on “Fused” but at one point they play as a pianoless bassless trio. Rick Holland is heard at his best on the ballad “My Darling Darlene” and a jazz waltz version of “While We're Young.” David Baron is naturally in the spotlight during bassist Oscar Pettiford's “Tricotism” (along with Nick Finzer and Bill Dobbins) before Trilby closes with its most intense performance on “Rich's Call.” Throughout Trilby, the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band plays on the level of most better-known ensembles, performing music that is inventive, full of life and fun. Their CD is highly recommended."

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"Mark came and played for my wife's 60th birthday garden party and was fantastic. He is a really easy going guy who ensures everyone is enjoying his music and was great to deal with. He changed his play set to 3x30mins rather than the 2x45mins as we had to contend with the weather but that didn't stop a great sax performance. Many of our guests have asked for his details to book him in the future. Left the play list to him with some basic theme i.e Ibiza white party and he was spot on! If you book him you wont be disappointed!!!! "

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"Thank you so so much, you made the day! A total surprise for the bride and an explosion of joy."

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"Hired this excellent band for my wedding and they did not disappoint. They performed a great variety of songs that had people up on the dance floor all night. I would definitely hire these guys again if I were having a big enough party, or failing that see them perform in London would be great."

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"It has been brilliant to work with Harry on our last few events. Harry is professional and nails every single piece that we work on together! If you are looking for a trumpeter that will smash every performance give Harry a call! "

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"Great energy, amazing music and so much fun!!! You made the evening truly special!"

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"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 "

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"Mark was playing along side myself as I was the DJ for the event and all I can say is wow, unreal talent throughout the whole duration of the event and most important an amazing guy so friendly and down to earth. Would 110% recommend 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 (10 / 10) "

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"Review of Trilby - The liner notes inform us that this ensemble started as a swinging dance band in 2005. Since then, they've evolved into a solid, well-arranged outfit with first rate solos played by intriguing, skilled jazz cats. The feeling I derived from the CD was similar to a classic Blue Note session. You know, several well-written originals that are melodically strong, and a few standards to test the players' chops on familiar material. The co-leaders play flugelhorn and trombone, respectively. Most of the arrangements come from pianist Bill Dobbins, who allows plenty of room for free-swinging solo work. The familiar vehicles here include Benny Golson's "Stablemates" and Sonny Stitt's "Eternal Triangle." I also spotted a tune called "Rich's Call" by Kerry Strayer, a baritone player of the highest stripe, and a skilled composer and arranger as well. It is interesting to note three compositions from jazz harmonica whiz, Hendrik Meurkens. Perhaps he has some connection to the band. Finally, it should be said that this session is directed straight down the middle of the bop highway. Simply an outstanding blowing session on songs that, amazingly enough, sound like songs!"

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"Hello Dennis, A note to thank you so much for Saturday - you were absolutely fantastic and everyone thoroughly enjoyed your entertainment. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit. "

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"You guys were brilliant – your playlist was perfect! The sound was fantastic and everyone loved your set. Thank you!"

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"Absolutely incredible brass band. Their energy is amazing and they are highly recommended. Gold star!"

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