Review Centre: Brass Musicians

"Big Smoke Brass played at one of our Freshers’ events in September, and they were absolutely wonderful. The music was phenomenal, but equally their professionalism and efficiency were spot on. They made managing a very stressful event, considerably more enjoyable. I’ve already booked them for our Oktoberfest, and will be looking for other opportunities to employ them again. These boys are incredibly talented and deserve to go far. On behalf of Trinity Laban Students’ Union, thank you so so much for your brilliant performance!"

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:

"Arranged Mark for our daughters wedding, soooo amazing!! From guiding us through our music choice , rehearsals, and delivering fantastic music on the day I can’t recommend him highly enough thank you so much ! (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The guy knows what he’s doing. Reads the crowd, plays with feeling, and keeps things interesting the whole time."

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"C'est bien d'avoir écouté quatre saxes qui jouent tout. Une ascension musicale du classique aux canons du jazz ... Je les ai aussi entendus autour de Bologne avec leur swing et les chansons de la Reine, les bandes sonores et les jeux vidéo (Super Mario) sont tout simplement bons."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These guys are simply brilliant. Forget any notion you might have of boring brass bands, as these guys are vibrant and will get any crowd on their feet. If you need a band for that extra buzz, then I highly recommend these guys!” "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It began as a Swing Band project, in the winter of 2005, in Oswego, NY, where Rick met Evan Dobbins, and put together a ten-piece swing band, to play occasional concerts, and private parties. Evan was to contract and Rick would be in charge of music when, the band played five, or six-events, and Rick had the idea, they would not only play swing music, but play modern jazz. Thus, ''The Little Big Band'', and ''Uptown Society Orchestra'' were formed. In 2006, the band released their first disc, entitled “In Times Shadow”, which was a mainstream release on Blue Jazz. It received wide critical acclaim, prompting Ollie Bivins in LA to say: “Rick Holland (Trumpet) and Evan Dobbins (Trombone) lead a group of New York area musicians, who could give the more well-known big bands in New York and Los Angelas a run for their money, and as part of the the Blue jazz label, a label that promotes and distributes jazz musician’s albums. this big band is taking its destiny into it’s own hands rather than wait to be “discovered” by the major labels. More power to this label and all others who do the same. Lovers of Big Band music, especially, will like the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band’s refreshing recording.” Doug Collar in East Lansing, Mi said this....''I have just played “In Time’s Shadow” the new CD from the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band. What a disc! What a sound! What an ensemble! This disc is my top nomination for jazz ensemble release of the year. The arranging is nonpareil and the soloists masterful. The whole package is varied, listenable, and leaves the audience asking for more. Rick Holland and Evan Dobbins have created a musical experience that our listeners will absorb and enjoy.'' After the release of this disc, the band landed their first steady gig at Tasteology, every Monday night. The gig lasted 2 years, as the bands repertoire grew. The band then moved over to the Loving Cup, in Henrietta, New York. They played on Sunday nights, this gig lasted 3 years. This led to the band 2nd recording, “Trilby”, in 2011. Some of the review was just marvelous. For example: 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.-Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, The LA Times What a surprise! This band and musicians were unknown to me, but they are absolutely great! For listeners to hear musicians challenge themselves, and be taken along for the ride, records like this are a must! The musicians in the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band are all reaching the high musical standards realized by playing in this excellent Little Big Band! This music will be featured in my playlists for many months to come. Thank you again for sending this exceptional CD to me. Peter Kuller - Jazz Presenter Radio Adelaide 101.5 FM, and www.radio.adelaide.edu.au JPL "Jazz from Down Under". The liner notes inform us that this ensemble started as a swinging dance band in 2005. Since then, they've evolved into a solid, well-arranged outfit with first rate solos played by intriguing, skilled jazz cats. The feeling I derived from the CD was similar to a classic Blue Note session. You know, several well-written originals that are melodically strong, and a few standards to test the players' chops on familiar material. The co-leaders play flugelhorn and trombone, respectively. Most of the arrangements come from pianist Bill Dobbins, who allows plenty of room for free-swinging solo work. The familiar vehicles here include Benny Golson's "Stablemates" and Sonny Stitt's "Eternal Triangle." I also spotted a tune called "Rich's Call" by Kerry Strayer, a baritone player of the highest stripe, and a skilled composer and arranger as well. It is interesting to note three compositions from jazz harmonica whiz, Hendrik Meurkens. Perhaps, he has some connection to the band. Finally, it should be said that this session is directed straight down the middle of the bop highway. Simply an outstanding blowing session on songs that, amazingly enough, sound like songs! Wow! What a Surprise! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had Judikael play sax alongside our DJ at a very short notice and he did not dissapoint! He was amazing! We're a UK couple who got married in France and we were a little aprehensive due to the language barrier, but Judikeal absolutely smashed it! We couldnt thank him enough for saving the day when our previous sax player cancelled at such short notice. Judikael was stationary as well as walking and having a boogie on the dancefloor whilst playing sax along with the music. He really made some songs his own and made them sound even better. He was honestly absolutely brilliant! Thank you so much Judikael, you were amazing! 10/10 would recommend!!"

Reply by Chips and Cheers - Judikaël Mauffret
Hello Rhiannon, thank you for this great comment, it was a pleasure to play with your DJ in this beautiful chateau of the Loire and to play among you. you and your guests were very friendly.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The vibe was insane 🔥 Smooth, funky, chilled but still energetic. It just worked perfectly with the rooftop setting."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark was amazing at my sons wedding. He went above and beyond to prepare and work with the couple to get timings perfect. The music they played was faultless and led to a wonderful ambience. I couldn't recommend m-SAX anymore highly (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Residents at White farm Lodge enjoyed a lively afternoon as the Hounslow Community Brass Band visited to perform jazz and brass music. They played a range of musical genre including classical ,contemporary and original Brass Band composition. The hall were filled with energy, smile and toe-tapping rhythms."

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow! Absolutely amazing! Mark was great on the sax I did book him with his friend rob on the percussions, which was brilliant together! Mark was great communicating with me throughout and was already set up and ready before I arrived on the night! (10 / 10) "

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:

"What an incredible group! Deep Down Brass played in the evening of our wedding day. They were a fantastic addition to the day and we can't recommend them highly enough. They played a wide variety of music and styles, from folk to modern pop songs with their own twist. Any requests we had in advance were handled superbly. The group had everyone up and dancing and the day wouldn't have been the same without them. Not only are they fantastic musicians, they're also a lovely group of people. If you're considering booking Deep Down Brass - what are you waiting for?!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Since 2011, the band has a new focus. First, it is commissioning the legendary Bill Dobbins, to write sample arrangements from his famous “Evolution of Jazz Piano”, a series of movements based on the tune “All of Me”. Secondly, is breaking in it’s new vocalist, 19 year old sensation, Lindsey Holland. The band currently has over 60 arrangements for her to sing, including selections from Nancy Wilson’s disc with Cannonball Adderley. Furthermore, we have a Christmas Set now for her to sing, as well as many straight ahead jazz standards. The hope is for this group to record both of these projects sometime in the future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: