Review Centre: Brass Musicians

"With all the hype going to Wynton Marsalis, you might not guess that there are other, lesser-known, straight-ahead trumpet players out there who are consistently ripping the hide off the ball. This, Rick Holland's auspicious debut, is an impressive effort. The trumpeter leads his quartet, backed by a solid Michigan-based rhythm section: pianist Terry Lower, bassist Ed Fedewwa, and drummer Larry Ochiltree, through a fiery trail of originals and standards, interspersed with some fine balladry. Holland's sensitive ear translates to some tight arrangements and a well-organized program. On flugelhorn, he boasts a rich, full tone that purrs with warmth. On the faster tunes, he steams. This is the kind of jazz that feels just right on a wintry day, with the fireplace in full throttle, and the feet resting on a cushion: it hits the spot perfectly, drenched with emotional power and skillful fortitude. Steve Loewy, All Music Guide"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A simply fantastic event for my husbands surprise 50th- m -SAX played numerous sets both solo and with our DJ. The crowd loved it , everyone up dancing and enjoying the evening to fabulous music and entertainment. Would HIGHLY recommend for any event whether it’s big or an intimate event :)))) (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Big City Dixieland was a HUGE hit in our City Parade! Audiences from all ages were singing along, clapping and even dancing in the grass! Big City Dixieland sounded great! From what we (the organizers) could hear, they played a good variety of lively, well-known Dixieland Music, including a patriotic song. It was very easy to work with Maureen and Michael, their band arrived early, and everyone was very professional. We will definitely be hiring Big City Dixieland band for our next event in 2025! "

Reply by Big City Dixieland Band
Big City Dixieland appreciates this feedback. We're glad to hear you were so pleased, and appreciate you for choosing us to provide New Orleans Dixieland music to the parade!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Met Roan at event @ Lockside Camden on a Wed for a jubel beer takeover where they booked me to DJ and Roan to play Sax. Never played together before but somehow we gelled pretty well together as he is a very accomplished player. Got him down a 2nd time when I was playing on a Saturday afternoon and he really enhanced the set and the people on the terrace loved the live interaction. Definitely would recommend if you are into quality saxophone music "

Reply by Session saxophone
Thanks so much DJ Roachman. Your warm, positive vibes were great, very accommodating. Fantastic unique & inspiring DJ. An absolute pleasure to get the opportunity to perform with! Looking forward to performing with you again in the future!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"There was one helluva great set of jazz this evening, when band leader and trumpet player Rick Holland brought nine fabulous musicians to the Pausa Art House including alto sax giant Bobby Militello, tenor sax wizard Andy Weinzler and baritone sax player Dean Keller, along with trumpet players Ron D’Angelo and Mark Filsinger, with trombonists Ken Crane and Brendan Lanighan, with Tom Kasperick on drums and bass player Emiliano Lansky, and with the very young, but very cool Harry Graser on piano. The great, blended horn sound provided a rock-solid ground for the wide-ranging, but sweetly swinging vocals of the young, very gifted Lindsey Holland. Do not ever miss a chance to hear this group in the future!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent musician, had the pleasure to hear him play a wonderful range of music at my nieces wedding. Highly recommended. (10 / 10) Andrew Barr"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rick Holland and his band played our wedding on August 28, 2010. Rick could not have been more accommodating to my husband and my wants and needs for music at the wedding. We communicated through email, over the phone, and met with each other once to go over the details. Rick was very thorough and always set our minds at ease. During our ceremony, his quartet played us up the aisle with a romantic song and down the aisle with ''Fireworks'' which set the mood for the festive evening to begin. The cocktail hour began immediately following the ceremony and Rick''s band did not miss a beat....the little big band entertained guests while they mingled and got a bite to eat. When the wedding party was ready to be announced, Rick took the microphone as we were all introduced. After the speeches were out of the way, Rick and the band let loose! With a full band and two singers, a male and a female, we partied for the next four hours! The guests were dancing, singing, and truly having a great time as did we! The band definitely made the night! The songs were exactly what we requested and the sound quality was superb. I would gladly book Rick and his band for another occasion as well as recommend them. Thanks again Rick! Erin and Mike Victor, New York"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I was having a dinner with friends at Halloween and this group was playing at the restaurant in Meyrin, Geneve. The music was great and people started dancing. The group really brought a great atmosphere to the venue. I was really impressed by the quality, professionality and repertoire of this group. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"“The Ambrassadors made our wedding celebrations! Every single attendee has praised them - they create the perfect atmosphere! Their musical talent is second to none and you should book them for your event/wedding - you will not be disappointed!” "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Well where do I start??? Mark played sax at our wedding during the day and again in the evening. I’ve received so much amazing feedback and it was by far the best decision I made in booking mark. He made the evening atmosphere and there was never an empty dance floor. He knew exactly what songs to play. He was that good I want to organise another party just to book him!!!!!!!!! 100000000% recommend :) (10 / 10) "

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:

"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!!!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark is simply a legend....! I'm so glad that I found his advert and decided to hire him to play at my Wife's 50th Birthday. An intimate gig to around 40 people, in a private section of a cocktail bar in Warrington, Cheshire. Great comms before the event and turned up early to set up, ahead of guests arriving. Mark started with a couple of smooth soul/jazz/funk sets before upping the tempo in later sets and literally had our party revellers dancing on the tables! A really nice guy, very professional, great sound system and a skilled saxophonist, who was willing to play anything for us! 100% Mark made the party a very memorable occasion for us. We have hundreds of pictures and videos of people dancing away, it was awesome! If you're thinking of complimenting your party, gathering or celebration with a Saxophonist, Mark is certainly your guy! We are going to book him again for our Daughter's 21st. Thanks again Mark and see you soon! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sunday afternoon brunch with live music, or Saturday night music matters series at Liberty & Plenty distillery. A great demographic of patrons. Indoor and outdoor seating and performance area. Very low pressure environment for musicians. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: