Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders were enriched by the presence of The Midiri Brothers at this year’s final performance of Classic Jazz at Lincoln Library in Lincoln, Massachusetts, on May 22, 2013.

Personnel: Midiri Brothers, Joe reeds, Paul vibes, trombone and drums; John Clark reeds, Jeff Hughes trumpet, Scott Philbrick cornet/guitar, Bill Doyle guitar, Dan Gabel trombone, Ross Petot piano, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve Taddeo drums, Caroline Griep vocals. They looked and sounded like a Big Band – ten pieces of the finest Swing you would ever want to hear!

 

Charismatic vocalist Caroline Griep flashed a gleaming smile and regaled us with Just You, Just Me, Jeepers Creepers, All of Me,  improvising and scatting with Bill Doyle on guitar on Don’t Get Around Much Anymore. 

She enjoys singing, and her pleasure comes through.

 

 

Consummate entertainers, the Midiri Brothers drove from New Jersey to Massachusetts to be here with the SteveTaddeo’s Swing Senders.  Joe is a monster on reeds, whether on alto or soprano sax, or clarinet, had us on the edge of our seats when he hit D above high C and held it for a long note.

Lionel Hampton’s Flying Home, 1939-41,  Paul flying on vibes.  Steve closed it with the drum walk-around that is his specialty. “Got that Harold?”

 

Ross was featured on Crazy Rhythm, with Bill Doyle on guitar and Scott cornet and Paul Midiri playing drums.

A trio, band within a band, had Clark on clarinet, Steve drums, Ross’s marvelous stride piano, You Do Something To Me.

 

 

Stomping at the Savoy piano did the intro with the two fabulous guitars of Bill Doyle and Scott Philbrick, John on bari sax,  Dan trombone, Jeff on trumpet, Joe clarinet, Paul vibes, Steve drums.   A scorcher!

Joe was on alto sax for his infamous version of Sunny Side of the Street, singing in the Louis voice he does so well.

Midiri Brothers were featured on Avalon.  ’nuff said!!

 

 

Dan Gabel and Jeff were featured in a mellow Day Dream, a beautiful instrumental written by Billy Strayhorn and Duke.

 

 

 

 

Fred Waring’s Sleep is usually a Midiri’s full band feature, and it was marvelous with all the instruments, with drum intro, hot clarinet at each end.

They closed with the Swing Senders theme song, Dinah – video below in two parts, with hard driving tempo, Midiri on clarinet, Gabel trombone, ending with Paul and Steve battling it out on the drums.  Videos by Harold McAleer.

Dinah Part 1, Dan Gabel takes off on trombone.

The sticks vie for dominance on this closing number of the Swing Senders at Bemis Hall — Harold McAleer videos.

Dinah Part 2

WOW!

 

Can’t tell you how great it was to see another set of brothers here –  Bob and Dan MacInnis.  Welcome back!!

 

 

 

 

Charlie and Evelyn find a space to dance no matter how crowded it is!

 

 

This was an impressive  evening of solid, hard driving Swing, with the Midiri Brothers joining the Swing Senders.  Steve Taddeo assures us there will be more to come this summer.

Meantime, the Midiri Brothers left at midnight for that long ride home.  They are seasoned musicians and inveterate entertainers!