Review Centre: Brass Musicians

"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"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"10/10 - Excellent! As a wedding manager, it is always such a joy to work with suppliers who not only excel in their role but who are also genuinely wonderful people. Mark was an absolute pleasure to have at the wedding yesterday, he was professional, calm, and incredibly positive throughout the entire evening. His presence made a real difference to the atmosphere, not only due to his incredible saxophone playing, but his equally incredible persona, energy and vibe. I cannot recommend him highly enough!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can honestly say that it was fabulous entertainment. In all the years of the awards the dance floor has never been so full and for so long!! You made our Awards just a fabulous experience and everyone I have seen since has raved about you all! Thank you so much for an unforgettable night!!"

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:

"Thank you Mark for playing at our Summer Solstice Lido event. Your set was amazing, so many members and guests commented on how much they enjoyed the day and it was topped off with your incredible performance. Cant wait to have you back again for our next event. Would highly recommend. Many thanks Louise M🤩🎷🏊‍♂️"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We couldn't have been more delighted with Hot Shoes performance, the dance floor was packed from the moment they started and stayed that way for the whole set!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Muy apreciado por todos los invitados La música era una de las cosas más importantes el día de nuestra boda. Era fundamental contar con buenos músicos profesionales. El trabajo de Rubén, junto con su compañero a la guitarra en el cocktail, así como las intervenciones entre plato y plato y la apertura del baile fueron un regalo para los oídos. Dieron el toque que queríamos al cocktail en una boda con mucha mezcla cultural. A la gente le encantó y a nosotros también. ¡Un gran trabajo!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Joe was great! He was organized, planned ahead and kept the music flowing nicely during our cocktail hour! Great work."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Big Smoke Brass transformed our party and really got the atmosphere going. Really amazing band, thank you! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"he was Making collaboration in Mariachis Band providing lively,energetic performances for large audience."

Rating: 9 / 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:

"Great atmosphere created! He added just that right amount of extra touch for our special day! Would definitely recommend 🍾"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had MK & The Misters at our wedding which took place at the beginning of June and they were incredible. We wanted our first dance sung by them and not only did the undertake that they also learnt a 'surprise' song that my other half had requested as a surprise! Everyone commented on how good the band was and it was a perfect way to end our perfect day. Would highly recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked the DJ, saxophonist and violinist for both our welcome pizza party and our wedding day, and they helped create such a fun atmosphere across the whole weekend. Communication throughout the planning process was good and everything was managed through the saxophonist. There were a few small things that got a little lost in translation while planning from overseas, but whenever needed our planner was able to step in and everything was sorted. The violin during our ceremony was absolutely perfect and exactly what we had envisioned. The DJ was fantastic across both events, played all of the songs we had requested and really understood the vibe we were hoping to create. The saxophonist also brought great energy throughout the day. Looking back, I think we could have provided a little more direction around exactly which moments we wanted the saxophone to feature, particularly as Chris and I were away having photos during one of the longer sets. The only slight disappointment was that the saxophone wasn't played during our fireworks as originally planned, but the music still made it a really special moment. Our wedding had lots of different elements happening throughout the evening—from the outdoor bar, to the gelato cart, champagne tower and fireworks—so guests naturally moved between them rather than staying on the dance floor all night. The music suited the atmosphere perfectly, and we had an amazing time celebrating with our family and friends. We'd happily recommend them to couples looking for talented musicians who can create a relaxed, fun atmosphere throughout an entire wedding weekend."

Rating: 8 / 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: