by Marce

You could tell as soon as you walked into the room – Pam was back!  He inspires the band; it was as if it they had just stepped out of 1920’s New Orleans.

Tony Pringle cornet, Stan Vincent trombone, Billy Novick clarinet and alto sax, Bob Pilsbury piano, Peter Bullis banjo, Jesse Williams string bass, and  C. H. (Pam) Pamejier drums.

The New Black Eagle Jazz Band is going to Sacramento in May, so they wanted to practice/resurrect some of their old tunes.   They’ve been practicing on us for 40 years.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, Pilsbury was featured on piano and vocal backed by Pam’s drumming, and Jesse flamboyantly slapping that bass.  Sweet Peter was dedicated to Jelly Roll Morton from New Orleans, who had many great recordings.  Banjo and string bass emphasizing the Trad beat together.   Peter’s calm, steady beat on banjo never swerves. 

Stevedore Stomp – Duke Ellington, eliciting memories of classic Traditional Jazz at the Sticky Wicket. That’s what Pam does, with Tony and his derby mute, Stan Vincent’s tailgate trombone, Bob prodding the piano.  There were five of the original seven members.  (Billy doesn’t count – he’s only been with them about 27 years.)

Four from original band. Pam, Tony, Peter and Bob.

Texas Moaning – a Blues that Sidney Bechet did with Louis Armstrong.  Second Line, a New Orleans number written by drummer Paul Barbarin, who played with Louis in the 30’s.  Billy’s alto sax added some swing to it.

My Mother’s Eyes – 1890, Tony on vocal for this sentimental tune.  Marvelous ensemble, Jesse’s bass in sync with Pam’s drums.

In A Sentimental Mood – Billy Novick clarinet featured with only Jesse to back him. Billy started  slow and sweet, Jesse backing on chords.  As they picked up tempo, Jesse seemed clairvoyant, connecting with Billy, playing that monstrous string bass like a front line instrument.   Freed from the constricts of Trad Jazz, they soared with abandon, and even surprised themselves!

Going Home, Tony on vocal, backed by an excellent young acoustic bass player, Johnny Gilmore, 16 years old; our next generation of Jazz Musicians.  Johnny is a music fanatic, and student of Jesse’s. He played a magnificent solo, and proper bass lines, as if he’d been there for years!  Bravo, Johnny!  Thank you Jesse, for passing your dedication and love of this jazz on to another generation!

Time for the Finale, one of our old favorites from the Sticky Wicket, Panama. (Peter finally had his banjo solo.)   Pam on snare drum, and Jesse’s relentless pulse on string bass drove the front line into a climactic high finish. 

The closing song was not their theme song, but an ominous tune, If We Never Meet Again. But we will, next month, right here at the Sherborn Inn.  And at the luncheon on March 28th.  And they’re ready for Sacramento.

Check  http://www.blackeagles.com for the growing list of their performances.