Review Centre: Brass Musicians

"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:

"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:

"You made our event go with a real swing and added to the sunshine of everyone’s day! Your musical skill brought so much pleasure, especially because you played the trumpet as well as singing all our favourites. You had a lovely way with the residents and were so inclusive that everyone wanted to get up and join in. It’s a good job you brought a second microphone and some instruments for us to play! Staff, residents and visitors were all up dancing and we have the photographs to prove it! We are all looking forward to your next visit and know that you will be a regular feature on our activities calendar. Laura Duncan. Activities Coordinator. Glendon House, Overstrand. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Stray Horns are an excellent addition to an event or celebration. They have a presence that just turns heads anywhere they go. If you’re looking for something that people will talk about after the event, book the Stray Horns!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark was absolutely fantastic on Saturday 9th July for my best friends wedding reception. So glad I found him. Played 2 hours during the day and then 2 hours in the evening and absolutely smashed it, the choice of songs were perfect everyone loved it and danced all night long. Definitely recommend. Think I'll be using him again for my 40th 2023 (10 / 10) Zoe Hallas"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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"

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:

"Absolutely amazing!!!! If anyone’s looking for a sax player for an occasion m-sax is the one! Played at our engagement party and we were absolutely made up. Absolutely makes the vibe! Don’t think twice about it. Thanks again!! "

Rating: 10 / 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:

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

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:

"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:

"Review of Trilby - 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!"

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:

"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: