Review Centre: Brass Musicians

"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:

"Having worked with and booked Harry on a number of musical projects and events, I only have the very highest praise for him. Not only is he one of the most accomplished musicians I’ve ever worked with (and I run a band of 48 members!), he is an astute professional with an excellent attitude and strong interpersonal skills. I couldn’t recommend him enough and you will only be “blown” away if you hire him!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"If you want a sax player, Mark is the one for any occasion. Had the pleasure of meeting Mark performing at a friends party and he was so good that we booked him for our own a few weeks later. Mark is professional, personal and just gets music, he’s super chilled and knows how to connect with his audience, creating a great vibe across any genre of music and people. Highly recommend. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gala Brass Quintet played an excellent concert recently which really showed off their musical ability and professionalism. They played a range of music including classical and modern which was very well received by the audience. The concert was well run and enjoyed by all. Thank you. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"“The Ambrassadors were fantastic at our wedding! They got everyone on the dance floor and kept the party going all night. Many guests told us how much they enjoyed the band. Their varied set list was delivered with flair and style. Highly recommended for any event!” "

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:

"Thank you Big Smoke Brass for making our wedding so special. We wanted to find a band who did something a bit different, and who could play to a wedding crowd without being too ‘cheesy’. I’m so glad they were able to make our wedding in Wales; they were incredible. From the start, they were flexible about what songs we wanted them to play and were quick to respond - all while being amazing musicians who I’d love to see play all over again. They really judged the mood of the evening and both of their sets were brilliant. Everyone left the evening wanting to know who the band were, how we found them...or wanted to pick up a tuba and start learning. Thank you, thank you! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Outstanding! Downright Saxy was very professional, arrived early for setup, music was great! We had nothing but great feedback from our guests!"

Reply by Downright Saxy
Thanks so much for having me!

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:

"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:

"Rain, sleet or snow The Locals Brass Band is ready to show out!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Cannot thank m-SAX enough. I had Mark to play sax at my husband's surprise 50th birthday party as its something he has always loved - music/ibiza/sax. This was an amazing night and everyone commented how good Mark was on sax. We would highly recommend to anyone and will definitely be having him again without a doubt. Thanks for making Dean's birthday and everyone's night one to remember you were truly amazing."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It has been brilliant to work with Harry on our last few events. Harry is professional and nails every single piece that we work on together! If you are looking for a trumpeter that will smash every performance give Harry a call! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

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

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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: