Blue Horizon Jazz Band
Stan McDonald soprano sax/clarinet/vocals, Jeff Stout trumpet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Ross Petot piano, Peter Gerler guitar/banjo, Al Ehrenfried string bass, Rich Malcolm Drums
The Blue Horizon returned to the Sherborn Inn on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, September 17th. McDonald welcomed Berklee Professor Jeff Stout back after a two-month hiatus. (The Jeff Stout/Debby Larkin Quintet just came from an appearance at Ryles Jazz Club, in Boston.)
The Blue Horizon had two Berklee Professors here tonight; Stout’s powerful trumpet strongly placed in melody, Rich Malcolm’s tasteful drumming, sensitive and smooth. Playing with Larry Zuk’s bands for ~20 years taught him the true Traditional Jazz Beat.
 Jeff Stout and Al Ehrenfried |
 Rich Malcolm |
Stan McDonald and Al Ehrenfried
Stan McDonald, leader, has the knack for hiring the very best musicians. Playing soprano sax and clarinet, he’s proud to be recognized as a Sidney Bechet devotee, and leads the band with exacting Trad Jazz standards.
They started with a lively Here Comes The Band. The front line interweaved in fantastic polyphonic ensemble, Jeff playing solid, steadfast trumpet on Georgia. The dancers were up very quickly! Peter Gerler moved to banjo for Roses of Tripoli, though his favorite instrument is guitar.
Bassist Al Ehrenfried guided Rich through the Blue Horizon stops, presenting a powerful rhythmic foundation on Squeeze Me.
Ross Petot piano, Peter Gerler banjo
Pianist Ross Petot, consistently tinkering in the background, seems to be the guiding force behind the band. He gives the soloists freedom to soar and makes it all look easy.
McDonald likes to sing, scatting on When You And I Were Young, Maggie, Yes We Have No Bananas, All By Myself. He reminded us that Fall was just around the corner, singing the September Song.
Gerry Gagnon trombone, with Rich and Al
Drum took the intro to Bechet’s Lotus Blossom, Stan on vocal and playing soprano sax with passion and intensity, holding a long sustained note.
Gerry Gagnon, formerly of the Boiler Makers based in Pennsylvania, has great style, played it on low muted trombone.
Stan brought it to a close with an intense soprano sax flourish.
Running Wild, Kansas City Man Blues, Dardanella, China Boy were blistering hot!
John and Gisela Brunaccini
It was John Brunaccini’s 86th birthday; he was dancing up a storm with his wife Gisela. They’re teaching the rest of us how to age gracefully – they have just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
The Band closed with Jelly Roll Morton’s Buddy Bolden’s Blues. Don’t miss a Blue Horizon reprise when they return next month on October 15th!
| 1st Set | 2nd Set | 3rd Set | |
| Strike Up The Band | When You And I Were Young Maggy | September Song | |
| Georgia On My Mind | Lotus Blossom | Yes, We Have No Bananas | |
| Roses of Picardie | Running Wild | Lastic | |
| Squeeze Me | Kansas City Man Blues | All By Myself inThe Morning | |
| Tijuana | Dardanella | Buddy Bolden’s Blues | |
| Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams | |||
| China Boy | |||