videos by Eric Devine
Ed Wise bass, Jim Lawlor drums, Pat Mercuri guitar, Joe Midiri clarinet, Paul Midiri vibes
The Midiri Brothers – 3 sets – 5 pieces – Always the outstanding performers advancing perfection. The more they perform the better they get. I’m continually overwhelmed by the length, beauty and variety of ideas in their innovative choruses, never mind their superior ensemble work. Even the tunes that we anticipate will be played in their basic program, always have something new added to them. Performing this time as a septet sans trumpet for whatever reason were Joe and Paul, Pat Mercuri-guitar, Ed Wise-bass and Jim Lawler-drums. Lauren Humpage
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They started with Just You, Just Me, Ed Wise expertly bowing and humming the tune, as Slam Stewart did in the late ’30s.
An educator, he sometimes lectures on the early history of jazz in turn-of-the-century New Orleans
When he’s not traveling with the Midiri Brothers or other bands, Ed has his own band that plays extensively in the Pennsylvania environs, Ed Wise and His New Orleans Band.
Nice clarinet intro to Poor Butterfly, fabulous vibes. Runnin’ Wild has Pat Mercuri’s and Ed Wise’s fingers running wild!
Pat Mercuri is one of the Philadelphia area’s most active free-lance musicians playing jazz, pop and classical music. He teaches music in N.J. and performs with the Midiri Brothers in concerts, private events and in appearances at hotels and casinos at the New Jersey shore.
Jim Lawlor started playing drums at 20, He has been mainly with the Midiri Brothers small groups and big band since 1989.
And he sings also – on their 2nd set, fine rendition of Choo Choo Choo ch’ Boogie.
Paul brings reminiscences of Lionel Hampton – he tortures those vibes! He is multi-intrumental, also playing trombone on On The Sunny Side Of The Street, and challenging Lawlor on drums onLimehouse Blues. He composed Lapis Lazuli, where Joe’s clarinet and Ed’s string bass play a beautifully synchronized duet. Paul goes wild on vibes, while Joe holds a really long, extended note on clarinet.
Joe acts as interlocutor, comedian, and sometimes a one-man front line. Irving Berlin’s Russian Lullaby has the sweetest soprano sax you’ll ever hear, softly backed by guitar. He gives his own extraordinary spin to Bechet’s Si Tu Vois Ma Mere.
He has Louis Armstrong down perfectly, with his scatting and that perpetual smile on Wonderful World.
In New Orleans tradition, they added a spiritual, What A Friend We have in Jesus.
This exciting band is invited to every festival, and travels extensively – especially the twin brothers. Find them here: http://www.midiribros.com/main.php