Review Centre: Brass Musicians

"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:

"Great energy, amazing music and so much fun!!! You made the evening truly special!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Well where do I start??? Mark played sax at our wedding during the day and again in the evening. I’ve received so much amazing feedback and it was by far the best decision I made in booking mark. He made the evening atmosphere and there was never an empty dance floor. He knew exactly what songs to play. He was that good I want to organise another party just to book him!!!!!!!!! 100000000% recommend :) (10 / 10) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" 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 You get the feeling from Holland’s recordings, that Holland and his compatriots are not only talented musicians, but fully formed human beings with wit, style and elegance---folks whom you would enjoy sharing a fine dinner and stimulating conversation. Bill Barton, Green Mountain Jazz Messenger "Rick brought his quartet and the little big band to our wedding and reception. He was wonderful to work with, being both receptive to our requests and knowing where to fill in the gaps with his expertise. Not to mention I could call him anytime, and he worked around our schedule. They played a tasteful mix of songs great for just listening to and a few that got everyone up on the dance floor. In the end, everyone was raving about how great the band was. We couldn't be happier!" P.S. Lindsey was amazing, the two comments I heard most were "Wow, they are great!" and "That girl can sing!" Sam and Ellie Carrell I hired Rick Holland Productions for my wedding and I thank my lucky stars I did. They were just an absolute solid band. I live in Toronto so the 10 piece band crossed the border for my wedding - our wedding coordinator said she'd never heard a band that good over her decade long career. I like to think I'm a genius for finding them ?? Kian K., Toronto, ON, CA From the bride: "The music was wonderful! We could not have asked for a better band. Our guests were really impressed; the Uptown Society Orchestra really made our reception special.” From the groom: "What a professional group. Their exceptional musicianship brought a real element of class to the party. There is nothing like the sound of a live band, and this group made our reception better than we could have hoped for.” From the father of the bride: (Dennis Nowicki): "The band was fantastic -- they really exceeded our expectations." Anders Dahlberg and Stacy Nowicki, Wedding at the Chicago Art Museum The Uptown Society Orchestra may have had six members, but it sounded as if it had twice as many as members blew triumphantly throughout New Years' eve night. (Front page Kalamazoo Gazette, regarding the New Years Eve Festival 2004, Kalamazoo, Michigan) Bill Wood, Arts and Entertainment critic, Kalamazoo Gazette Amazing! Rick Holland Productions worked seamlessly with our wedding, where we had three separate "performances" that were adpated to by Rick's use of different members of the Little Big Band. We had a cocktail reception where a trio played, then a brass quartet accompanied our Wedding ceremony. After our guests were transported by horse-drawn carriage to a lake side reception site, the Little Little Big Band got things started and the full Little Big Band played the night away to the extreme pleasure of our entire party. They even let Joe Robinson jam with them in the chill of the autumn, fire-lit evening! Thank You so much Rick! Matthew Cooper, Bradford, PA Rick brought his quartet and the little big band to our wedding and reception. He was wonderful to work with, being both receptive to our requests and knowing where to fill in the gaps with his expertise. Not to mention I could call him anytime, and he worked around our schedule. They played a tasteful mix of songs great for just listening to and a few that got everyone up on the dance floor. In the end, everyone was raving about how great the band was. Lindsey Holland was amazing, the two comments I heard most were "Wow, they are great!" and "That girl can sing!"We couldn't be happier! Sam and Ellie Carrell When we heard the Uptown Society perform at a New Year's Eve concert we knew that we wanted them to play at our wedding. They had the perfect blend of jazz, swing and romantic ballads. They are excellent musicians and we were thrilled to find that they were available for our wedding. Our guests were thrilled that we hired them; we received so many compliments. Uptown Society provided a wonderful 'soundtrack' for our storybook wedding. Eric and Kim von Oeyen, Battle Creek, MI Rick Holland and his band played our wedding on August 28, 2010. Rick could not have been more accommodating to my husband and my wants and needs for music at the wedding. We communicated through email, over the phone, and met with each other once to go over the details. Rick was very thorough and always set our minds at ease. During our ceremony, his quartet played us up the aisle with a romantic song and down the aisle with ''Fireworks'' which set the mood for the festive evening to begin. The cocktail hour began immediately following the ceremony and Rick''s band did not miss a beat....the little big band entertained guests while they mingled and got a bite to eat. When the wedding party was ready to be announced, Rick took the microphone as we were all introduced. After the speeches were out of the way, Rick and the band let loose! With a full band and two singers, a male and a female, we partied for the next four hours! The guests were dancing, singing, and truly having a great time as did we! The band definitely made the night! The songs were exactly what we requested and the sound quality was superb. I would gladly book Rick and his band for another occasion as well as recommend them. Thanks again Rick! Erin and Mike Victor, New York"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Main Event Entertainment surpassed my expectations. The saxophone player they provided gave us great live music for my wedding. I will definitely use them again for any of my future events/parties."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Ambrassadors were the perfect soundtrack to PeerFest, an annual event celebrating mental health peer support. The band were really professional and accommodating, playing a series of sets throughout the day and being amenable to changes in the performance space. Highly recommend these guys!” "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was fantastic to have such reliable, classy performers when booking The Ambrassadors. Their playing is second to none and their passion for party is brilliant!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Love this young guys music he plays with so much passion"

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

" R.D.Skeates, Chairman, "Mole End" Fore Street, Aveton Gifford TQ7 4LN 9th November 2010 Dear Dennis, I must convey the grateful thanks of the branch and all those who attended the Service of Remembrance on Sunday lat following the dedication of the garden the previous week. Your rendition of the Last Post and Reveille, and not least the National Anthem stirred many a soul. With best wishes and again our thanks, Yours sincerely, R Skeates"

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:

"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:

"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:

"Whilst attending a surprise birthday party, the surprises kept coming as m-SAX was one of the surprises, which made the night even more fantastic. Having a saxophonist playing in the room, gave that buzz energy and people couldn't help but dance."

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:

"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: