Review Centre: Brass Musicians

" All Music Review Thom Jurek The title of this set is an apt one. While much of the music presented by the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band, it hearkens back -- in terms of its sophistication, confidence and outright jazz literacy, not nostalgically -- to an era when progressive jazz, and big bands (this one numbering 10 pieces) flourished on the scene. This is one sophisticated outfit. Featuring the arrangement and compositional skills of Brent Wallarab, Jim Martin, Bill Dobbins and Kerry Strayer, this band struts out the tradition and make some joyous, complex, and elegant music that reflects its own unique identity. The résumés of all these players are impressive and reflected in the confidence of the date. It opens with "SUNY-Triangle," a Martin composition that works its artful sleight-of-hand over Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Triste." Martin uses the rhythmically complex samba and drapes some tough, knotty twists and turns over it. The intro is a beautiful and raucous wake-up call, while the head of the tune, with its staggered entrances and exits -- including some fine soloing by John Viavattine on tenor and John Nyerges on piano -- give this tune a unique identity. "Creature Comfort" is a beautiful mid-tempo ballad by Wallarab with edgeless yet multi-dimensional dissonances written into its harmonics. It swings beautifully and includes a fine, punchy solo by tenorman Glenn Cashman. Besides the originals, there are some fine readings here as well. There's Wallarab's arrangement of Duke Ellington's "Black and Tan Fantasy" that's a thoroughly modern exercise losing none of Ellington's humor or rhythmic complexity. Likewise, Gerry Mulligan's haunting, wee-hours, "Night Lights," is given expert treatment here by Strayer, and Dean Keller's baritone saxophone playing combines Mulligan's sense of lyric and Ben Webster's sense of time. In Time's Shadow reveals that innovation need not sacrifice accessibility or swing. It is convincing evidence that the big band form is alive, well and full of surprises."

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"Dan was amazing from start to finish, We asked Dan the special request of playing our First Dance for us and he literally made me cry at the start of the Dance, I sent him the song we wanted and he played it exactly like we wanted, All of our Guests were blown away with Dan and he filled the dancefloor everytime he came on. Thankyou again Dan for such an amazing night, you definitely made the night for us "

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"Dear Big Smoke Brass, I would like to thank you so so much for performing as the warm-up act for our production of Cabaret. It was absolutely fantastic to have such an exciting welcome for our audience members and everyone was buzzing! It was the perfect way to kick off the evening's entertainment! In fact many people said it was a shame that you only played for 15minutes and would have happily listened to you for hours! You were absolutely professional in your presentation and the music was absolutely stunning. I will certainly be recommending you to my friends and family - and indeed anyone who is looking for musical entertainment! Thank you once again, King's College London Medsoc Musical Theatre"

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"“The Ambrassadors truly electrified the evening, infusing it with an incredible energy. The dance floor was packed, and everyone had an absolute blast. We've received numerous compliments from guests who loved their performance and are eager to know more about them. Thank you!"

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"This letter will confirm that the Gabriel Rosati Group led by Mr. Gabriel Rosati played at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka from May 23rd to August 22nd 1997. Mr. Rosati, the band leader, performed nightly with the trumpet and vocals superbly played Jazz, Latin, Brazilian and Pop music. He was always a true professional, reacted to the comfort of all the Japanese and foreign guests, and was as well received by all. Many guests returned several times to hear the groups performances. I have no problem recommending Mr. Rosati to any future employers."

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

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"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"

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"Mark played at our "end of summer" event and was absolutely fantastic. We had some excellent feedback and I must also say that his rates were very good. (10 / 10) "

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"We were lucky enough to hire the Party Band with Singer to perform at our wedding, and they were brilliant. From the initial enquiry, to the booking, to the actual day, it was all easy and stress free. All our guests were so complimentary and thoroughly enjoyed the performance, and the band fully vindicated our decision to not have a DJ. Gabriel was very considerate to ask if there were any songs from the set list we definitely wanted to be played, or avoided, and also kind enough to play our own playlist through their speakers between sets. I wouldn't hesitate to hire the band in the future for any other special occasion/event, and would recommend them to everyone"

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"Espectacular, los invitados cantaron y gozaron de lo lindo con un repertorio super cuidado y acomodado al evento."

Reply by Pipo Trumpet
Muchas gracias!! fue espectacular

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"Mark played a 2 hour set for our hen party and the performance was great from start to finish. He kept the party going and kept us dancing all night long! Would highly recommend Mark for any parties/events. Very friendly and great communication throughout the booking process. (10 / 10) "

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"Amazing saxophonist! Guests were really happy with the ambiance and he was very professional."

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"What an incredible experience. We hired Brandon and his team for our wedding surprise and was worth every penny! Not only did they bring such great energy, but they also played a ton of more modern-day songs in a brass band format. It was epic and would highly recommend!"

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"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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!"

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"The Käse Chiefs performed at our Oktoberfest party and were extremely well received playing to a packed crowd. They kept everyone engaged through the music and games all night. They were extremely professional throughout the booking process with a fast response time. Feedback from customers from the night has been great and we'd happily have them back again. Read less"

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