videos by Harold McAleer

Seacoast Stompers celebrated their 5^th Anniversary at the Acton Jazz Cafe,  with special guest Steve Piermarini trombone

Scott Philbrick cornet/vocal, Dave Whitney trumpet/vocals, Craig Ball clarinet/soprano sax,  Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Frank Stadler piano, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bobby Reardon drums and Steve Piermarini on trombone

Many fans took advantage of the exciting Dixieland Jazz by the Seacoast Stompers, and the air conditioning at the Acton Jazz Café Saturday afternoon, while suffering through scorching heat on the 4^th of July Holiday weekend.

Led by Frank Stadler, this is an  eight-piece band with Scott Philbrick on cornet playing innumerable notes, Dave Whitney’s trumpet playing Louis-style and interpolating innumerable songs.  Al Bernard drives the band on sousaphone, while Bobby Reardon keeps meticulous timing – and they  appreciate that.  Steve Piermarini  doing fine job filling in for Lee Prager on trombone.

The Jazz Band Ball, their theme, always begins this first Saturday of the month gig.
Take Your Tomorrows piano intro, with Dave’s vocal doing a takeoff on Frankie Trumbauer,

That’s Bob McHenry’s cap popping up at the end – it’s great to see him out walking again and listening to Jazz!

Dave remembered drummer Chuck Laire, now living in Florida, who always made up songs about Craig Ball.   “I’ve Got Craig’s Head on a String.”  (Chuck was the original drummer with The Gray Sargent Trio in the mid-70’s.)

Mama’s Gone, Goodbye – Jimmy had the vocal.  Spontaneity – instead of doing one-chorus solos, the front line cycled through the different instruments trading 2s; Fabulous!  Followed by piano, then tuba solo, then fine New Orleans ensemble.

Wolverine Blues, Whitney counting out the tempo, it was hot and heavy!

They slowed it down for  Sleepy Time Down South, another of Jimmy’s many heartfelt songs.  There’s only one Jimmy Mazzy in this world!

Jazz Me Blues.  Frank playing on small Yamaha; it has a beautiful sound, especially in his hands.

Scotty always takes the vocal on Dance Around in Your Bones. Not a bad idea in this heat.

 

Jimmy vocal  on Sweet Lorraine, backed by drum softly tapping cymbal.  Charlie & Evelyn can’t pass up a nice Fox Trot.

 

 

Frank asked Dave Whitney if he’d pick a Blues.  We expected Back O’ Town Blues, but he chose St. James Infirmary Blues.  Dave said, “Jack Teagarden said this was the oldest blues he’d ever heard.  It’s a Good ol’ good one.”   Nice choice.  We enjoyed Dave’s vocals, and Albie’s solo on sousaphone; he’s first call all over the New England Area.

 

Steve Piermarini’s smouldering trombone was featured on Basin St. with the band backing him in stop-time.  Steve ended with a brilliant trombone flourish.
Craig suggested Curse of an Aching Heart, which was originally written as a waltz.  Not here – this was steamy Hot Dixie, with Jimmy substituting his own lyrics.   Scotty and Dave filled in the spaces in each other’s phrases.  Audience exclaimed  “That’s a good One!”

Craig was asked to explain where Limehouse Blues originated.   This being a mixed audience, he completely fabricated its origin, and let it go at that.  He played one chorus straight, then second chorus in sweet low register clarinet, firing back up into the the stratosphere for the ending.

 

Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone, Whitney vocal, Craig moving to powerful soprano sax.  Scott was directing the solos:  reeds leading, then cornet, trombone, trumpet, piano, banjo, ensemble.

Jimmy played his unique banjo picking that mystifies all the other banjo players.  He is self-trained, and learned to hold the banjo his own way.  It has given him a reputation around the world, somewhat like Django; except that no-one can imitate Jimmy.  Believe me, they’ve tried.

 

 

Carrie Mazzy took a spirited romp through  What a Little Moonlight Can Do.

 

Paul Whitman recorded San, with Bix Beiderbecke in 1938.  Bobby had a chance to slam bang the drums, backed by Dave Whitney softly backing him on trumpet, quoting Swanee River.

I Want a Little Girl, cornet and trumpet setting sparks flying. Scotty plays countless fast notes up and down the register, challenging Dave’s trumpet, but Whitney’s technical virtuosity is invincible!

 

After You’ve Gone,  Craig back on indomitable soprano sax, Dave Whitney scatting on the vocal.  Never gets dull here!

 

 

Next month, August 3rd, heading into their 6^th year, Al Ehrenfried will be here on string bass,  Scotty will fill in on guitar/banjo for Jimmy while he’s away.

See you!

Marce