Review Centre: Brass Musicians

" 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"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked the Strayhorns for our wedding and we couldn't have made a better decision. They led our wedding party between venues and totally set the mood for the day. They are great people to deal with and their superb musicianship, fun and energy was a true highlight of our day. Thanks so much guys, J & E xx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks so much for an amazing night! We honestly had a blast, and it made the evening all the more special. We had so many compliments from people telling us this was the best wedding band they'd ever seen – and this is all down to The Ambrassadors. Thanks again!"

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:

"“The Ambrassadors were absolutely incredible, they went above and beyond to make our wedding so special. From making a surprise entrance through the back of the venue to dancing on the dancefloor with everyone. All the guests could not get over how amazing they were and are still talking about it now. They made it such a fun party and the dancefloor was jam-packed whilst they were playing. The band were so much fun and are a fantastic group of talented musicians, they honestly made the whole day!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Nottingham Huntington's Disease charity booked Cranberry Flicks to play at their charity casino dinner and dance. From the moment they took to the stage guests were up and dancing on the dance floor. The band played an assortment of music to suit all tastes. Communication from the band leading up to the event was good and any queries I had were answered promptly. I would highly recommend and would definitely book Cranberry Flicks for future events."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent! Very thorough and easy to communicate with and brought a lovely atmosphere that started our evening wedding party perfectly! "

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:

"Completely blown away by this talented saxophonist. Mark played throughout the evening, marrying in perfectly to all the tunes on the decks. Would definitely recommend. (10 / 10) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I could not recommend Mark enough - he has been super responsive and reliable from start to finish. He's insanely talented - we've hired a couple of sax players previously and I can say that Mark has been the best we've heard! Everyone had a great night. Thank you so much! I will definitely be in touch for any future events. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The event was a fantastic success and the feedback from the guests has been great. There were numerous compliments about Mark the music was absolutely perfect for the occasion. The seamless manner in which he integrated into the hotel event is testament to his professionalism and experience. (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You guys were brilliant – your playlist was perfect! The sound was fantastic and everyone loved your set. Thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark is a brilliant Sax player, and definitely one of the best I have worked with as a DJ! Would recommend to absolutely anybody! (10 / 10) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had Big Smoke Brass make a surprise entrance at our wedding just after our ceremony, and they nailed it perfectly, it was everything we imagined and more! All our guests loved it and have been raving about how great you were. We only wish we could have you back to do it all again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"“The Ambrassadors played at our wedding and we cannot recommend them enough. They learnt our first dance song and came in perfectly. Their outfits fit in so well with the festival vibe and our guests LOVED them. Every wedding should have the Ambrassadors. We already want to organise an event where they can play again. Thank you for making our wedding so special.” "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: