If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
More than a Band. A Collective of New York’s Elite Performers.
Refrain creates curated musical experiences for your most important moments. Our roster is comprised of some of the best musicians in the country with backgrounds in touring, television, and live performance.
No two events are the same—your music shouldn’t be either.
Refrain is a modular band that offers a variety of configurations to match your vision. From the most intimate gatherings to festivities of up to 150 attendees we create a musical lineup that fits your event. Custom sizes, genre versatility, and seamless transitions ensure flexibility without compromising quality.
Founded by saxophonist Max Bessesen, Refrain has been serving happy clients for weddings, corporate events and social events for over a decade.
Overview
Hired 18 times
Serves Brooklyn, NY
Background checked
15 employees
14 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Venmo, and Zelle.
Services offered
Music types
Event type
Wedding reception
Wedding ceremony
Birthday party
Cocktail hour
Music genres
Jazz / Blues
Other
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and punctuality.
Exceptional 5.0
25 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Maria B.
Sep 13, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Amazing saxophonist! 🎷 He played beautifully at my son’s wedding and added such a special touch to the celebration. Professional, talented, and unforgettable. Highly recommend! Thank you Max!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Details: General event / party • 25 guests or fewer • 31 - 50 years old • Band • No preference • Jazz / Blues • Other • Outdoors
Music Entertainment
Charne v.
Nov 11, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Max and the trio were a great addition to our event. The quick turn around time from booking to the actual day of the event (about 24 hours) was a huge help and to top it off, they were great! Would definitely recommend hiring Ben for event.
Details: General event / party • 26 - 50 guests • 31 - 50 years old • Band • Jazz / Blues • Other
Music Entertainment
Rachel B.
Jun 6, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Max and band are amazing! They were so communicative and did a great job. We've had them back several times and I would HIGHLY recommend!
Details: Cocktail hour • 26 - 50 guests • 18 - 30 years old • 31 - 50 years old • Band • Other strings • 3 - 5 • Jazz / Blues • Other
Music Entertainment
Jennifer J.
Dec 7, 2017
Max and his trip were an absolute delight at a surprise birthday party at my home. The music quality was fantastic. The selection of pieces were very enjoyable and spot on. He was easy to work with and he guys were all very cordial and accommodating. Would recommend to anyone!
Joseph P.
Aug 3, 2017
I took lessons with Max in the summer of 2014 and 2015 and learning and hanging from Max has been one of the main reasons I decided to dedicate my life to working on music. He challenged me with life and music concepts that have been a big part of my life.
Max was extremely committed to our lessons. For example, I would pick a transcription for both of us to learn and we would play it together and he would help me with certain rough spots, break it down and talk about the history. I've never had a teacher do that for me before.
Max gave me essential information in a very open and informative way and was very down to earth and friendly in the way he taught. I flourish when the people I study with are open to work on what interests me and give me essential things to work on that I haven't been thinking about. If I wanted to work on Katy Perry songs, he would take me seriously and do whatever he could to help me play Katy Perry songs. Too often teachers assume I know things, but he was very thorough and made sure I had everything I needed. Max showed up on time to every lesson and was the type of teacher that was so invested in helping me that he wouldn't be looking at the clock every five minutes.
My brother was on the ultimate frisbee team at my high school as a freshman when Max was a Senior. My brother told me that Max was a role model and inspired him to be on the ultimate frisbee team at his college. That makes two of us! Max was one of the key people in my high school years who inspired me to pursue my passion. Studying with Max has made me a deeper, more creative, and more down to earth person and musician.
Credentials
Background Check
Maxwell Bessesen
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My rate varies depending on the number of musicians, and hours desired as well as the commute. I am willing to negotiate depending on your budget.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I take a sincere interest in the type of event you are trying to put on and crafting my entertainment accordingly. We can do pop, jazz, latin music and can tailor our performance for exactly the volume you are looking for. We love requests!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
MM Jazz Saxophone Performance--Manhattan School of Music
BM Jazz Saxophone Performance--Oberlin Conservatory
