Stan Vincent trombone, Bill Reynolds drums, Peter Bullis banjo, Jesse Williams string bass, Tony Pringle cornet, Bob Pilsbury piano, Billy Novick reeds
The New Black Eagle Jazz Band, with four of the originals, Tony, Peter, Bob and Stan, have been playing for over 42+ years. They are one of the few bands still playing authentic Trad Jazz, (“Don’t call it Traditional/Dixieland!) Their sound is still fresh and exciting.
Weathermen had predicted snow (that never developed). Stalwart fans of the New Black Eagle Jazz Band ignored them to attend the first of the Sherborn Inn’s afternoon luncheons this year, and were glad they did. It was warm inside the Sherborn Inn, with Hot New Orleans Traditional Jazz and two fireplaces blazing.
This luncheon consisted of a 3-course meal with salad, choice of beef brisket or stuffed salmon in Alfredo sauce, carrot cake desert, and coffee. Delicious!
Tony Pringle and Bob Pilsbury
Tony Pringle, still in British accent, announced the first New Orleans tune, Moose March. It was one of the tunes often recorded by the George Lewis Band from New Orleans.
The Eagles recently added a new tune to their repertoire of 1000+ tunes, an old Pop tune of the 30’s done by the Brox Sisters, Tie Me to Your Apron Strings Again. (They came before the Boswell and Andrew Sisters!)
The band picked up the pace with Once in a While – not the one you’re thinking of. This one was done by Louis A. in the 1920’s. It’s still thrilling, with Tony’s clipped cornet defining the New Black Eagle Sound.
Tony’s Getzen Eterna cornet had just been repaired at great expense. Apparently while Tony had been taking a break, someone checked out the cornet and dropped it on the floor. (Folks, please don’t touch the instruments!)
Bob Pilsbury answered a request for Jelly Roll Morton’s The Pearls, giving it a New Orleans Spanish tinge. There were many requests from this crowd; some have been following the band since 1971. Another request for a spiritual, He’ll Understand And Say “Well Done”. We love Stan Vincent’s deep, wide-toned, robust “tailgate” style, reminiscent of George Brunies.
Stan Vincent on tailgate trombone
Tony explained where the next song came from, Ken Colyer, 1928-1988, an English trumpet player who is still in the heart of many Trad Jazz players. He had joined the British Navy, and jumped ship here in the U.S. When he was arrested, fans bailed him out. That’s when he wrote Going Home. He returned to England to find The Chris Barber Band still waiting for him. Nice vocal by Tony. (It came from the heart.)
Another request, it was a Gospel Hit in the 1950’s, but was first recorded in the 1920’s, I Wasn’t Gonna Tell Nobody. Drum and bass completely synchronized, Billy with sticks on snare drum and choke cymbal.
Bill Reynolds drums, Jesse Williams string bass
Another request – West End Blues. Jesse on solo, gently caressing the bass, easing beautiful sounds out of it. The whole room was so silent you could have heard a pin drop!
Wingy Manone (1900-1982) originally did Old Fashion Swing. He lost an arm in a streetcar accident, in N.O. which resulted in his nickname of “Wingy”. This isn’t the dancing kind of swing – this is the one folks had on their porches in the “good old days”, before Ipods and Iphones.
Billy Novick on alto sax
Billy Novick was featured on alto sax with Body & Soul. Not Coleman Hawkins’ classic – Billy has his own magnificent, emotive command of the jazz language.
We were fast approaching overtime – 2pm is the luncheon cutoff. Peter Bullis gets his only banjo solo on Louisian-I-A.
Peter still in his red sox, playing Louisian-I-A
They sent us home with one of their nostalgic closing songs, Rose of Cairo.
The band is scheduled for several more afternoon luncheons, popular with folks who don’t want to drive at night. They also have a regular appearance at the Sherborn Inn on the 2nd Thursday of the month 7-9:30pm.
To keep informed of their other performances, sign up for the New Black Eagle Jazz Band NEWS and Schedule by joining Tony’s e-newsletter tony@blackeagles.com.