Review Centre: Brass Musicians

"@Rio Brass - You were amazing! Thank you for making mine and Simon's wedding day exactly how we had hoped- if you are thinking about booking these guys, make sure you do- they are great, spread the word!!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"“The Ambrassadors made our wedding an even more unforgettable day. They knew exactly how to get everyone up dancing, with an incredible set list and amazing energy our guests are still talking about how amazing the band at our wedding were. Thank you so much!” "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jaile sax is a real talent that you can't miss for your events ,we were very surprised that besides his beautiful sound on the saxophone he also sings and that was a real plus .all I have to say about his performance is perfection talent and seriousness .highly recommended !!! !!!"

Reply by Jaile Sax
Thank you so much !

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had the pleasure of having Emmanuel perform at our recent event, and it was nothing short of fantastic! His talent and energy brought an incredible atmosphere, making the event truly memorable. The music was beautifully played, adding a touch of elegance and excitement to the celebration. My dad absolutely loved it, and all our guests enjoyed the performance. Highly recommend Emmanuel for any event—professional, engaging, and a true musical talent. Thank you for making the night special! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had m-SAX perform at my 30th birthday party and he absolutely made the night. From the moment he started playing, the vibe was incredible, classy, fun, and energetic all at once. He knew exactly how to read the room, mixing feel good tunes with party favourite’s that kept everyone engaged and dancing. Professional, talented, and a total crowd pleaser I couldn’t have asked for a better addition to such a special celebration. Highly recommend for any event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Saxophonist was incredibly professional and easy to work with. Communication was smooth, setup was quick, and everything ran seamlessly. He made the whole process stress-free, which we really appreciated."

Reply by De La Cruiz
Thank you so much 🙏 I’m really glad everything felt smooth and stress-free for you ... that’s always my goal .... Appreciate the kind words! - Cruiziq

Rating: 8 / 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:

"Thank you again for bringing your energy and tunes to our day. Your presence was the best surprise, thanks to friends, and brought us so much joy, as well as memories "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Planner here leaving review- Steven was amazing! He heard what the clients wanted and did exactly that! He went above and beyond - dressing to their theme, arriving early for setup and sound check, creating a list for each hours buildup to the DJ and then connected with the guests on the dance floor! Highly recommend for your next event! He does the extra mile without being asked and that is so appreciated in the event world!!! "

Reply by Saxtherapy
What a way to end the year such a great crowd. You did such a great job for the clients and all of your planning. I saw you taking care of the guests and clients.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Superb band, who entertained all the attendees at our event last weekend. Knew just exactly what to do to get everyone up dancing and enjoying themselves with a variety of music that everyone thoroughly enjoyed. lots of requests to get them back in at another event later in the year. Highly recommend!"

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:

"Performing at "Revolucion de Cuba" in Norwich ,enhancing the venue's Latin Music Scene with dynamic trumpet performances."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" 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 I have had the pleasure to do some arranging and writing for Rick's groups and I have to say that his groups are always chocked full of the best musicians around. It's a pleasure to have music played with precision and integrity - no matter what the style or genre. I would highly recommend any or Rick's groups for a jazz or commercial setting. Jim Martin, Grand Rapids, MI 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 Sometimes it all just falls into place. The setting, the situation, the scene, the tone -- everything is going your way. That describes last night for me. And at the heart of this mid-week Xanadu was the Rick Holland Uptown Orchestra, a modest, brass-centric outfit led by the trumpet-blowing Holland that swung with equal parts effervescence and laid-back cool at Lovin Cup. And come to find out, five of his Hollands regular guys were sidelined, and the holes on the bandstand were plugged with subs --- hired music muscle like Po’ Boy Erik Jacobs on the slide trombone. By the time the Orchestra heaped on a helping of Count Basie, there was nowhere else I wanted to be. I dragged my mom out in the cold for this show and she was thrilled when they stomped on the Savoy. Holland led the affair with a relaxed air, coaxing more than conducting under his porkpie lid. He went around the bandstand numerous times so every cat there got his fair shake, including pianist extraordinaire Bill Dobbins. This is one sweet band, yes, yes. Frank De Blase, Roch City News 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 You get the feeling from Holland’s recordings, that Holland and his compatriots are not only talented musicians, but fully formed human beings with wit, style and elegance---folks whom you would enjoy sharing a fine dinner and stimulating conversation. Bill Barton, Green Mountain Jazz Messenger "Rick brought his quartet and the little big band to our wedding and reception. He was wonderful to work with, being both receptive to our requests and knowing where to fill in the gaps with his expertise. Not to mention I could call him anytime, and he worked around our schedule. They played a tasteful mix of songs great for just listening to and a few that got everyone up on the dance floor. In the end, everyone was raving about how great the band was. We couldn't be happier!" P.S. Lindsey was amazing, the two comments I heard most were "Wow, they are great!" and "That girl can sing!" Sam and Ellie Carrell I hired Rick Holland Productions for my wedding and I thank my lucky stars I did. They were just an absolute solid band. I live in Toronto so the 10 piece band crossed the border for my wedding - our wedding coordinator said she'd never heard a band that good over her decade long career. I like to think I'm a genius for finding them ?? Kian K., Toronto, ON, CA From the bride: "The music was wonderful! We could not have asked for a better band. Our guests were really impressed; the Uptown Society Orchestra really made our reception special.” From the groom: "What a professional group. Their exceptional musicianship brought a real element of class to the party. There is nothing like the sound of a live band, and this group made our reception better than we could have hoped for.” From the father of the bride: (Dennis Nowicki): "The band was fantastic -- they really exceeded our expectations." Anders Dahlberg and Stacy Nowicki, Wedding at the Chicago Art Museum The Uptown Society Orchestra may have had six members, but it sounded as if it had twice as many as members blew triumphantly throughout New Years' eve night. (Front page Kalamazoo Gazette, regarding the New Years Eve Festival 2004, Kalamazoo, Michigan) Bill Wood, Arts and Entertainment critic, Kalamazoo Gazette Amazing! Rick Holland Productions worked seamlessly with our wedding, where we had three separate "performances" that were adpated to by Rick's use of different members of the Little Big Band. We had a cocktail reception where a trio played, then a brass quartet accompanied our Wedding ceremony. After our guests were transported by horse-drawn carriage to a lake side reception site, the Little Little Big Band got things started and the full Little Big Band played the night away to the extreme pleasure of our entire party. They even let Joe Robinson jam with them in the chill of the autumn, fire-lit evening! Thank You so much Rick! Matthew Cooper, Bradford, PA Rick brought his quartet and the little big band to our wedding and reception. He was wonderful to work with, being both receptive to our requests and knowing where to fill in the gaps with his expertise. Not to mention I could call him anytime, and he worked around our schedule. They played a tasteful mix of songs great for just listening to and a few that got everyone up on the dance floor. In the end, everyone was raving about how great the band was. Lindsey Holland was amazing, the two comments I heard most were "Wow, they are great!" and "That girl can sing!"We couldn't be happier! Sam and Ellie Carrell When we heard the Uptown Society perform at a New Year's Eve concert we knew that we wanted them to play at our wedding. They had the perfect blend of jazz, swing and romantic ballads. They are excellent musicians and we were thrilled to find that they were available for our wedding. Our guests were thrilled that we hired them; we received so many compliments. Uptown Society provided a wonderful 'soundtrack' for our storybook wedding. Eric and Kim von Oeyen, Battle Creek, MI 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: