Between 1971 and
2005 the Galvanized Jazz Band played almost every Sunday evening at
the Millpond Taverne, with brief periods at Bill Miller's and the
Chowder Pot. Eventually we began celebrating anniversaries,
and our fifteenth was the biggest ever.
On March 8 9, 1986 we had the Les Paul Trio with our
good friend Wayne Wright and bassist Gary Mazzaroppi
as our guests, along with vocalist Jane Campedelli and
dueling trombonists Joel Helleny and Craig Grant.
(Tracks labeled "B" are by GJB, "LPR" stands for the Les Paul Trio,
"JC" stands for Jane Campedelli, and so on.) Some of the
material here was issued on cassette, but several items have
languished in the archives for 23 years.
For example you will hear Les Paul as he accidentally cuts his
finger while reminiscing about his time with Gene Autry, and Dr.
Allan Mermin bandaging it up; their remarks are priceless. On
our website there is a photo of Mr. Paul displaying his bandaged
finger.
Born in 1915 as Lester William Polfuss, he was 71
years old in 1986. He continued performing for another 23
years, passing away on Agusut 2, 2009 at the age of 94.
The ever-wisecracking left-handed Wayne Wright was the
rhythm guitarist for Judy Garland, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, George
Barnes, Les Paul and a host of others; he passed away on May 9,
2008. Joel Helleny worked with Dick Hyman, Buck Clayton,
Roy Eldridge, Frank Wess, Benny Goodman, and many other luminaries.
As Michael Steinman puts it, "he could do it all: purr, shout,
cajole, sweet-talk or say the nastiest things, all through his
trombone." Joel passed away on June 20, 2009. Although
we miss Joel, Les, and Wayne terribly, I am happy to report that the
rest of us are still playing. For more information about
GJB and its many recordings please visit our website,
www.galvanizedjazz.com.
Les Paul, Wayne Wright
guitars.... Gary Mazzaroppi bass... Jane Campedelli vocals... Joel
Helleny, Craig Grant trombones... Fred Vigorito cornet... Noel
Kaletsky clarinet/sax... Bill Sinclair piano.... Art Hovey
tuba/bass... Bob Bequillard drums... Joel Schiavone banjo.
Recorded in performances
March 8 & 9, 1986 at the Millpond Taverne in Northford, CT, USA
$15 includes postage,
To purchase, see
http://galvanizedjazz.com/
