FROM MUSICAL PEERS:

"You play your ass off and I loved hearing you! What a surprise!"
Billy Stritch
Composer, pianist, singer and musical director, Liza Minnelli

"You're the sh**!!!
I just wanna put you in my suitcase and take you everywhere with me."
Billy Porter
Broadway singing sensation, musical director, Upright Cabaret

"Joining us on Tuesday nights is Dave Bass (or as I call him "The Orchestra").
He plays, Sax, Flute And Guitar. If you haven't experienced him yet you're in for a treat;
He can play anything, so if you have something you've always wanted to hear with another instrument, bring it!"
Keri Kelsey, hostess, Gardenia Room Tuesday night Open Mic
(oldest cabaret in the country)
www.kerikelsey.com

"Dave Bass is the most 'musical' person I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
He not only knows what to do and when to do it, but he is totally, unselfishly into making the experience great for everyone involved.
His talents remind me of a quote from "Gone With the Wind" where Rhett tells Scarlett,
"I know exactly what you need - you need to be kissed, and often, and by someone who knows how!"
You need to hear Dave Bass!"
Gina Grate, singer
www.ginagrate.com

"Dave Bass plays the horn the way it's supposed to be played!"
Francine Reed, singer
www.angelfire.com/jazz/francinereed

"Dave Bass did a session with us doing a multi-tracked sax part, ('Sugarglass').
He was a consummate pro, played the parts effortlessly and with pure, gorgeous tone.
Being such a skilled musician, Dave can just as easily play it straight or get creative with a part.
It was clear that Dave wanted to compliment the song, not his ego; another indication of his experience.
Plus, he was a lot of fun to be around!"
Jesse Corry, The Soft Targets
www.softtargetsmusic.com

"Dave - you do it and you do it right!"
Dejie Johnson, singer
www.dejie.biz

"You are a wonderful musician, just a wonderful person all the way around.
Thanks for helping make my music beautiful in our past."
Jeannie Johnson, singer & writer
http://jeanpool1.home.mindspring.com/order.html

"I have used Dave on a number of occasions for both wind instruments as well as several times as a drummer.
His ability to rhythmically pick up and change from a soul feel to a jazz feel to a rock feel is astounding.
He is quite a dynamic rhythm player and does not overplay.
Not only is his playing incredible but his attitude and personal skills are great.
In an industry where it seems the higher the musical skill set the lower the people skill set,
Dave definitely sets himself apart. I would highly recommend using Dave Bass to anyone.
If you have any further questions, feel free to reach me
at grady_3769@yahoo.com or 770-883-4133
Grady Robinson, Band Director, The Midtown Bridge Church

FROM PRIVATE CLIENTS:

"Dave,
To say that we were THRILLED on Valentine's Day is a gross understatement!
You TRULY ROCKED THE HOUSE... and the rest of the neighborhood as well.
My wife (& son) enjoyed the serenade and vocals that you so adeptly provided.
I still have neighbors thanking me for the "gentle" 8:30 am wake up on Valentine's Day.
Suffice it to say that we look forward to seeing (& hearing) you again.
I'm sure we'll soon be purchasing tickets to venues lucky enough to have you headline.
Always Grateful,"
Tim Jones, Valentine's Day, 2009

"I wanted to tell you that we were so blessed to have you perform at our wedding.
The band was AMAZING!
We got so many positive comments from our guests, and we could not have had a better time.
You really saved the day for us and I wanted to thank you."
Amy and Dale Urban, Huntcliff River Club (11/18/06)

"Dear Dave,
Thank you for making our wedding day so memorable.
You and the entire band did a great job... everything went so perfectly well.
We hope you're doing well and will have much success in your future endeavors.
Michele and Ben Goodman, Villa Christina (6/18/06)

"Thank you so much for playing that wonderful music you play at our wedding!
We couldn't believe you were able to learn the song we chose for our 1st dance on such short notice -
it was a complete surprise.
Everyone loved the music and our dancing friends had a blast dancing...
people talked about the music for months after the wedding.
We really appreciate both your approach to these gigs and your professionalism.
We look forward to hearing your music on CD. Thanks!
Dena and Thomas Peake, wedding at their home (5/13/06)

"Dear Dave & Band,
You guys are OUSTANDING, we are so happy we chose you to play on our special day!
Even the ice storm didn't stop you from playing : )
[She is referring to the ice storm of Jan '05,
when I drove from Va-Highlands to Dunwoody to Acworth on ice.]
We had a blast at our reception... thanks for letting uncle Al play his sax too!
We are sorry we didn't get a chance to say good bye and to thank you in person.
We hope your future ventures bring you much success and happiness.
Thank you again!!!!"
Kimberly & John Mallen, Cedar Plantation (1/29/05)

"Eileen and I want to extend our sincerest thanks to you and the Quartet for helping to make our little celebration such a memorable event. Everyone thought you guys were great and we could not be more pleased with your performance and professionalism.
You guys rock."
Eileen Wright and Mark McCarthy (10/2/04)

"Dear Dave - We are so appreciative of your enthusiasm toward playing for our wedding.
It has been a pleasure getting to know you better and I (we) hope you'll be sure to keep in touch.
Please let us know where your journey leads.
We look forward to celebrating your success with you!
Wishing you the best in life, love, and its journey -"
Suzie and Mark (formerly Simmons), Event Coordinator, Cater Woolford Gardens, (5/16/04)

"I should tell you, we've received nothing but compliments from many of our guests about how great the band was. "Where did you find that band?" "What was the band's name?"
"That band was terrific!" we heard, again and again, and we were happy to tell them
who you were and anything else they wanted to know.
Second, you and the band did a splendid job: mixing up the music, dropping in the vocals,
and coping with the rather strange layout and all the short-notice stuff -
the processional and recessional,
the determination of the cantor to have certain music played,
and all the rest. You guys were professionals all the way."
Todd (and Sarah) Leopold, Entertainment Editor, CNN (12/21/03)

"I love what you've written about 'tunes we will not play.'
I would add no hokey pokey, electric slide, celebration, we are family...
but think with the DBQ, it needs not be said - and that's a great feeling!"
Jennie Rivlin (3/9/03)

"I hope you enjoy playing at the Carlos.
We like having you and the band. I will keep the wedding couples coming your way."
Leigh Burns, Manager of Visitor Services, Michael C. Carlos Museum (2/13/03)

"I wanted to thank you for making our celebration fantastic.
You guys are awesome!! Everyone was very impressed.
We'll spread the word! Thanks again."
Heather Colby (11/10/01)

"Everyone still talks about the Dave Bass band and how awesome your music was at our wedding.
We truly enjoyed all of your selections and are being asked for your CD.
Many of our family members and friends want to hear your band play.
Hopefully you will soon produce a CD; it is a guarantee that they will be purchased."
Lisa and Dave Dicaprio (8/4/01)

"I wanted to write you and let you know how pleased we were with the Dave Bass Ensemble.
Many of the guests asked, "Who is the music?" and really enjoyed the show.
I'd love to be on your mailing list so I could enjoy your music without the stress of being the bride."
Stephanie L. Garrison (7/3/01)

"How wonderful our song sounded - than you so much for learning that for us!
The ceremony music was just beautiful as well.
Everyone commented on how classy our reception was - we owe a lot of that to you!"
David and Holly Green (9/17/00)

"Richard and I wanted to send you a note to thank you, Tara,
and the band for all of your great work at our wedding reception.
From the point of asking you to send us information all the way through the reception,
you and Tara have been a pleasure to work with.
You are so well organized that you make it easy on your clients to plan the perfect music for the event.
You also did a beautiful job with the ceremony music;
we loved your combination of the traditional song selections
with the less often used sound of the flute and classical guitar.
And at the reception, you controlled the volume and pace perfectly.
Please do not hesitate to use us as a reference if the need should ever arise."
Jen and Richard Wike (6/17/00)

"From the first time I talked with Tara to the time Jim and I had our first dance,
all of you made us feel so special. Thank you."
Jim and Sharon Pierce (3/25/00)

"Your quartet was absolutely perfect for the space
and the music was exactly what Clay and I wanted.
WE were flooded with all kinds of compliments about you and your music
and we thank you for being a part of such a magical night for us."
Sarah and Clay Davies (12/4/99)

"Thanks so much for making our wedding even more wonderful!!!! Everyone loved you guys.
Andy and I had an amazing honeymoon and are back at work (YUCK!)"
Sandra Sack (11/11/99)

"It was great talking to you at a friend's wedding recently at Callanwolde.
Seeing you perform further reinforced that we made the right decision
to have you as our wedding band..."
Kevin Lee and Nancy Hughes (11/6/99)

"Thanks so much for making the reception memorable.
The 1st dance was perfect... thanks for the extra effort.
Brett and Stacy Chapman (10/2/99)

"Thanks for sharing in our special day. You guys are wonderful.
Kyle and Julie McNeal (9/4/99)

"Elizabeth and I really enjoyed your contribution to our wedding reception...
The Carlos Museum will never be the same..."
Bill and Elizabeth Borland (5/29/99)

"April and I wanted to get back with you just to say how pleased we were with our reception music.
The band was a big hit with all the guests."
Steven and April Gilbert (5/15/99)

"We had a wonderful time on our wedding night, and absolutely loved the band! You were fantastic to work with.
I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone I know. If I am ever in another situation where I would be in need of a band I would absolutely think of you first."
Kimberly Lusink (5/8/99)

"We are especially grateful that you learned our song on such short notice. It was great, and if you didn't notice, it made Kate cry. ...Thanks again for playing for us, and also for putting up with the sometimes frantic phone calls."
John and Kate Spillane (10/10/98)

"... everyone loved the music and we couldn't have asked for better!"
Patrick & Candace McCaffery (5/25/98)

"We really appreciate the time and effort you put into learning the Freylach and Israeli numbers. The circle and Israeli dancing was one of the high points of the day. And you guys sounded great!!! ...We will wholeheartedly recommend you and the quartet to our friends."
Allen & Michelle Sokoloff (4/5/98)

"I just wanted to let you know how impressed we were with your band! Everybody at our wedding had wonderful things to say about you. When people ate you played wonderful softer tunes and then, when we were ready to "rock 'n roll" you got everybody on the dance floor. Todd had never seen his family dancing that much ever! He could not believe it!!! We are looking back on our wedding reception with the fondest memories, thanks to you. In addition, we will not miss an opportunity to recommend your band."
Todd & Catherine Atwood (11/17/97)

"We truly enjoyed your music and especially appreciated the time you took to learn our first dance song. We also want to thank you for allowing my father and our good friend Nicole to sing a tune. That was above and beyond ..."
Elizabeth & Steve Murphy (9/20/97)

"You did an outstanding job! Thank you for all the attention to detail."
Lily & Jim Savage (6/22/97)

"All we can say is WOW. That was the most fun either of us has had at a wedding and fortunately for us, it was our wedding! We weren't sure if people would dance but you got people out on the dance floor. We got so many compliments from our guests about the band and how much fun they were having. Co-workers who went to our wedding are still raving about you. Needless to say, we will recommend you and the band to anyone who needs musicians for any party, reception, etc."
Chris & Kelly Adamson (10/27/96)

FROM BUSINESS CLIENTS:

"You are obviously a 'Class Act.' Thank you for working with us;
we are very excited about having you here. We will be planning something big around you!
You are a true angel and gentlemen."
Marsha Beck, Director of Catering
Polo Golf and Country Club (1/25/08)

"Thank you for being a part of the Fifth Anniversary of Fur Kids!
The evening was perfect! Your music provided the perfect mood for our guests."
Samantha Shelton, Founder
Fur Kids (3/24/07)

"I just wanted to send you a quick thank you for the music you provided at our Niketown event.
The music was great, the band professional, and everyone had a great time.
I would definitely recommend you and the guys for future event."
Jen Kiper, Store Manager
NIKETOWN Atlanta (2/6/06)

"In the summers of 2001 and 2002, 3D Life Adventures contracted with Dave to offer jazz workshops for our high school aged students. Dave developed a clear curriculum which included the history and development of Jazz in the United States, and he utilized his band to make the curriculum come to life. I recommend Dave's educational programming as a unique and significant way to reach young people and enhance their appreciation of music and jazz."
Annie Jonas, Executive Director
3D Life Adventures (10/21/04)

"I was so very pleased with the selection of music for the Reception...
Everyone loved the music and thought it was such a nice addition to the evening.
You helped make the evening memorable. I look forward to working with you in the future."
Kris Berliant, Meetings and Communications Manager
American Bar Association (8/5/04)

"As the band at 'Chocolate!', you helped to make this event what it is.
A fantastically delicious and entertaining time for all.
Without you and your quartet, this would never have come to fruition. Great job!"
Jennifer Hilimire, Director of Special Events
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (1/27/04)

"Many thanks, over and over again for helping create a wonderful evening.
We've gotten a lot of very positive feedback on the music, and I have given several people your web address..."
Lara Ferreira, Development Director
Seven Stages Theatre (Benefit 5/30/03)

"We are constantly being asked who we would recommend in the wedding biz.
After seeing you and your band perform at various parties and meeting you, we like both you and your music.
I've decided to create a page of links on our site and would like to include you on it.
Warmest Regards,"
Melissa, Manager
La Raine's Boutique (5/10/02)

"Thank you so much for helping us entertain the masses at our Annual Wedding Industry Party and Best of Atlanta Bridal Awards.
I really enjoyed listening to you, and have received many good reviews from our attendees!"
Jennifer Hines, Modern Bride Atlanta (8/2/01)

"Every client who comes in our office knows of you..."
Sandra Scott, Picture This! Photography

"FABULOUS!
"Thank you so much for making us look good!
The Dave bass Quartet was the perfect choice for our 1999 Client Gaga at the Biltmore Ballrooms last Tuesday!
Your style fit right in with the ambiance of the evening!
One of my guests made a point to tell me how wonderful your band was,
as they recalled last year's party when the music was too loud and the sound too much for our type of event.
Wish we had you then! You have such a wonderful reputation in the Atlanta special events industry,
and we're so glad we chose you for our very important event."
Regina Gulick, Market Sales Manager
Atlanta Bride Magazine (8/26/99)

"I just wanted to thank you for your services last Tuesday at the Biltmore.
The music was fabulous! I look forward to working with you all in the future!"
Quay Hargrove Project Coordinator, Member Services
Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce (8/16/99)

"There are two things I can always count on when we work with the Dave Bass Quartet.
The first is the great sound of the band, and the second is that Tara always makes sure that
all of the performance details are taken care of.
Tara is great to work with and makes my job as event coordinator a whole lot easier.
Because of her, the music is the one part of an event I never have to worry about.
I look forward to working with you and Tara on future events."
Randy Stone, Promotion Manager
Atlanta Magazine (7/7/99)

"I book entertainment throughout the year,
and was impressed with how professional and organized you and your office seemed to be.
I look forward to working with you more in the future.
Gary Lanneau, Jr. Clubhouse Manager
Piedmont Driving Club (5/99)

"It is always a pleasure to have you play for our guests.
Your music is of the highest caliber and your manner is always professional.
I will be sure to recommend you to anyone needing great entertainment."
John Kennedy, Food & Beverage Manager
Grand Hyatt Atlanta (6/5/98)

"We continually get calls from customers saying how impressed they are
with your talent and vast array of songs.
The Dave Bass Quartet is a huge asset to The Leopard Lounge
and has been instrumental in our successes so far."
Ken Rickenbaker, Owner
The Leopard Lounge (6/98)

"Thanks to the Dave Bass Quartet's exceptional performance,
Riverkeeper's Champagne Reception hosted by Ted Turner was a success!"
Clare S. Richie, Development Director
Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (5/18/99)

"Thanks Dave! You all were terrific.
We look forward to seeing you December 3rd if not before then."
Laura Seydel, Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (5/18/99)

"On behalf of Kimball Hall, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for being so accommodating each time you provide music for various events at Kimball Hall. Your enthusiasm, courtesy and promptness is beyond reproach.
Our clients are always very complimentary."
Cynthia Wilson, President
Kimball Hall in Roswell (10/29/97)

"Your music added just the right touch to our gathering.
I heard several conference attendees talk about spending a little time Friday evening
at Fernbank just to hear the quartet again!"
Sara Nell Langland, Chair, Local Arrangements Committee
8th National Urban Forest Conference (10/27/97)

"The Dave Bass Quartet was one of the highlights of the evening. As guests danced until late in the evening, it was evident the crowd truly enjoyed themselves. We had several phone calls the following week with people singing your praises. I will keep you in mind when planning our next function, and will recommend the band to others needing great entertainment. I hope to see you perform in Atlanta again soon."
Gail Habif, Coordinator of Public Services
Michael C. Carlos Museum (10/24/97)

AS A FESTIVAL MUSIC DIRECTOR & EMCEE:

"For the past three years, David has moved up from his initial role as a member of the Live Music Stage committee to his present role as our "Impresario". David spends long hours and many weeks reviewing tapes and CD's from aspiring local musicians who wish to appear at this annual, highly rated event. There is no doubt that the quality of the musicians selected and their music is part and parcel of the reason this festival is an unqualified success.
David is resourceful, intelligent, sensitive, kind, and very professional.
I could not ask for more from someone to fulfill our needs for an excellent music program."
Arnold Gross, Chairman, Virginia-Highland SUMMERFEST,
Annual festival in June attracting 50,000+ people over a 3 day weekend (7/26/98)

AS A TEACHER:

"We love your energy and inspiration you give to our students!"
Cornerstone Music Conservatory, Santa Monica (1/27/09)

"After trying out several saxophone instructors for my daughter over a period of months, I finally found one I am thrilled about in Dave Bass. What struck me first is his intimate knowledge of the instrument itself. He examined my daugther’s instrument carefully and pointed out areas in need repair or adjustment (and referred me to an excellent repair shop, with which I am very pleased). He observed how my daughter held the instrument and offered suggestions for improvement, such as adjusting the length of the neck strap and proper posture. He also suggested replacing the mouthpiece with one with characteristics more suited to her present size and ability. My daughter was delighted with the improvement in tone resulting from these various “tweaks” and the new ease with which the instrument now played.

When instructing my daughter, Dave communicates effectively, and is very tuned in to her level of comprehension. He has a warm and caring attitude that makes the lessons comfortable and enjoyable for her. He takes the time to search out musical pieces that help her advance and yet are fun. He has even recorded pieces that we can play back at home when she practices, to really hone her sound. His instrumental knowledge, superb musicianship, and pedagogical abilities make him a one-of-a-kind music instructor, whom I highly recommend."
Fred F. (6/10/09)

"My son and I have been taking Saxophone lessons with Dave Bass for the past 3 months. I met Dave through a mutual friend with whom he performs. My son just turned 9 and I know my time where he wants to hang with his father is limited, so we committed to a 6 months of lessons to learn our favorite instrument - the Saxophone!
We prepaid for 6-months to make sure we were truly committed.

Dave has been fantastic. He not only helped us purchase two saxophones (one at a local Music Store and one on eBay), he got the saxes repaired for us and purchased all of the accessories (mouthpieces, reeds, neck straps, music books, etc). Most importantly, he is a great teacher. He loves to play and he loves to teach. As you can imagine, teaching a 9 year old to play an instrument takes patience and understanding. Dave has both of these qualities."
Dan Y. (6/10/09)

As actors we believe that we can honestly portray any character. And we can…but sometimes we need a little bit of help in getting to that point. I was cast in a feature film that required me to know how to play the bass guitar. I had touched a bass guitar twice in my life before being cast. I somehow fooled casting into believing I was capable.

Once I got the part I went straight to Dave. He showed me quickly and efficiently how to hold the instrument and how to make it look honest and real. Through his own research of the era along with his vast knowledge of music, he helped shape my character and made me look like a Rockstar when it came time to shoot.
Robert Hardin (3/10)