Review Centre: Brass Musicians

"Frank De Blase, Roch City News 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 "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Mark, I hope you are well! We just wanted to say a huge thank you for playing at our wedding- we honestly had the best time, to the point where I didn’t leave the dance floor! We have had so many people compliment you guys, and the saxophonist in the day. Our first dance was absolutely beautiful, and we can’t believe it was the first time you had played it! Thanks again, and we will definitely be recommending you guys to our friends and family! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sure! Here's a review that's over 50 characters and highlights the sax performance, DJ skills, and great service: **Review:** Absolutely incredible performance! The DJ and live sax combo was amazing—such a unique and energetic vibe. The music selection was perfect all night, and the saxophone added a classy, soulful touch that really made the party unforgettable. Great sound quality and top-notch service. Highly recommend! "

Reply by LuiSax A power sax for your events
Thanks so much Sofia!!!

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:

"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:

"We were honestly blown away. Everyone loved the band – it’s all anyone was talking about! One of our friends who’s getting married next year has even cancelled the band she had booked so she could book The Ambrassadors instead! I may be biased, but I think it’s the best wedding band I’ve ever seen. We can’t thank you enough."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark was absolutely fantastic on Saturday 9th July for my best friends wedding reception. So glad I found him. Played 2 hours during the day and then 2 hours in the evening and absolutely smashed it, the choice of songs were perfect everyone loved it and danced all night long. Definitely recommend. Think I'll be using him again for my 40th 2023 (10 / 10) Zoe Hallas"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Trad. from Reverso.net A huge thank you to @chips&cheers for their service at our wedding! He was able to create a unique atmosphere during the entire reception, then enhance our entrance into the reception hall. From our first exchanges, he was attentive, responsive, caring and very professional. On the day, he perfectly knew how to adapt to the moments, while being both discreet and fully present. His musical style, rich and elegant, has conquered all our guests. He was able to customize his repertoire according to our wishes while keeping this touch that makes his signature. We were touched by his kindness, his talent, and his energy. An artist whom we recommend with our eyes closed for any event ✨ Thank you again 🎷 Un immense merci à @chips&chers pour sa prestation lors de notre mariage ! Il a su créer une ambiance unique pendant tout le vin d'honneur, puis sublimer notre entrée dans la salle de réception. Dès nos premiers échanges, il a été à l’écoute, réactif, bienveillant et très professionnel. Le jour J, il a parfaitement su s’adapter aux moments, tout en étant à la fois discret et pleinement présent. Son style musical, riche et élégant, a conquis tous nos invités. Il a su personnaliser son répertoire selon nos souhaits tout en gardant cette touche qui fait sa signature. Nous avons été touchés par sa gentillesse, son talent, et son énergie. Un artiste que nous recommandons les yeux fermés pour tout événement ✨ Encore merci 🙏🎷"

Reply by Chips and Cheers - Judikaël Mauffret
thanks

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"WOW! WOW! WOW! Bravo! This band was amazing! We hired them to perform at a venue in Geneva, Switzerland called 'Uptown Geneva' (a great venue I would recommend too!) Everyone at our event had a great time dancing and singing along. Mara's voice is astonishing and she is such a lovely person to talk with! 10/10 would hire again! Very easy to work with, very professional and accommodating. Their music catalogue is full of fun, popular songs everyone will know. If you are looking for a talented, fun group of musicians for your event - look no further - Mara and the Brass Cats is your band! Trust me :-) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Mark, I wanted to get in touch to thank you for the entertainment provided last night – it was amazing and the dance floor was full! I hope you enjoyed the evening and have a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas. Best Wishes Rebecca (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had our wedding on the 1st of May 2026 at the Earl of Doncaster. Mark was absolutely fantastic, really made the night & got everyone up dancing Looking forward to seeing him again at my friends 50th party in October 😁😁"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Having Chris at our event was wonderful!..such an elegant person and a superb musician, he added an extra touch of class to our event!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"So smooth, so classy, but also fun! He made our wedding feel alive. I’d book him again in a heartbeat."

Reply by De La Cruiz
Thank you so much 🙏 I really appreciate this! It was amazing being part of your event and creating that journey from romantic to high-energy vibes 🎷✨ Glad your guests enjoyed it too!

Rating: 8 / 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: