videos by Eric Devine
Bill Logozzo, Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band
Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band – 3 sets – 14 pieces* (not all at the same time) – under the guidance of drummer / leader Bill Logozzo, a master at bringing the best local musicians together and without asking them, receiving a musical pouring out of their very souls, all the music they have in them. He has been given a gift and uses it to the benefit of all within earshot. And from the audiences reactions… they are well pleased. Lauren Humpage
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Bill Logozzo, leader/drums, Albie Bernard tuba, Ben Griffin trombone, Charlie Freeman piano, Shari Lucas piano, Gim Burton banjo, Skip Hughes trombone/vocals, Jeff Hughes cornet, Sherman Kahn sax/clarinet, John Clark clarinet/sax, Andy Sherwood sax/clarinet, Jane Campedelli vocals, and last, but certainly not least, Marshall Lytle bass.
They started out with special guest, Marshall Lytle, one of founders of Bill Haley and the Comets (1951). You’re The Greatest. With his happy-go-lucky demeanor, singing, smiling, and playing the acoustic bass, he quickly won over the crowd (many of whom, like me, were in High School at the time!) The 1954 hit record – Shake Rattle and Roll – sold over a million copies.
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Avalon – was HOT, HOT, HOT
fantastic clarinet duet with Sherman Kahn and John Clark!
Janie was everywhere all weekend, adding her congenial personality and rousing vocals to almost every band. We never get enough of hearing her when she’s back in New England!
Jane’s vocal on Who’s Sorry Now? with the Heartbeat JB concluded with wild scatting between Jane Campedelli, John Clark, Jeff Hughes, and Ben Griffin.
Jane’s vocal on Exactly Like you features a solo from one of our finest tuba players, Albie Bernard – and we finally get to see his face!
Skip Hughes has been mostly in the background, but is featured on a reverential Amazing Grace. Jeff Hughes featured on his long-model Conn cornet, it’s not a trumpet, with Glory, Glory Halleluiah, backed by Lytle on string bass.
Jane entices Skip into a duet on Goody Goody,
John Clark on alto sax engages trombonist Ben Griffin in a formidable duel.
Shari Lucas, listening carefully, backing the band, filling in the spaces, and playing just the right chords behind the soloists.
Bill Logozzo is like a magnet – he constantly attracts the finest musicians. You can catch the Heartbeat Jazz Band’s Jazz Lunch every Wednesday at the Yankee Clipper Restaurant, 157 West Main Street, Niantic, CT (860-739-9634). You never know who will show up!