By: Jean Hadley
Photos by Ed Ohr
Videos by CineDevine

The music of THOMAS “FATS” WALLER
John Winthrop Middle School – Deep River, Connecticut,   March 2, 2014

Although the weather report was predicting threatening weather, people came out in droves to hear Jeff and his ensemble of fine musicians.  From the beginning to the end, it was an afternoon of delightful entertainment.

 

 

Jeff, a piano virtuoso, opened (solo) playing Waller’s most well known HONEYSUCKLE ROSE/1929. From then on, it was non-stop.

 

Following this solo, the band members assembled and set the pace for an unforgettable performance. Each musician, highly skilled in his music artistry,  are men who have a plethora of credits and a dossier that has no end.

Some people think OKOM (our kind of music) is passé  or some say outmoded….not so!  Before us, on stage, one could see two very young musicians (30 years old) who have already made a huge name for themselves and an impact on the younger generation of musicians and fans.

To hear young Gordon Au (trumpet) you might think he has been playing for a very long time. He may be young but his music talent, repertoire and credentials are outstanding.  Next, Kevin Dorn (drums) another young and talented musician on the scene, has been delighting audiences for several years here in Connecticut, New York City and Europe.

 

The band came to full circle with three greats, in the music industry, Vince Giordano, Dan Levinson and Bob Barta all well known in the USA and abroad. These three wonderful musicians need no introduction.

Dan Levinson

Bob Barta and Vince Giordano

Now begins the music, for which the members of the audience were patiently waiting.

After Jeff finished his fantastic rendition of HONEYSUCKLE ROSE (and brought down the house) Jeff proceeded to spend time entertaining us with wonderful stories about Fats and his brilliance on the piano and his composing ability and, all this in his too short life of 39 years. However, what he left behind has and will last forever.

Jeff talks about Fats Waller – At Twilight

Jeff Barnhart – Handfull of Keys

You’re Feets Too Big

I am writing this, without giving you details of everything that occurred on stage, but rather to encourage you to make every effort to hear this band when they do a repeat of this concert. You will be surprised how many Fats Waller numbers you will recall, and hear some you never knew he wrote.

Here are several numbers that were played and introduced to many of us for the first time…..HOLD MY HAND, AT TWILIGHT, HANDFUL OF KEYS, THE MINOR DRAG, MOPPIN & BOPPIN AND RUMPSTEAK SERENADE and, some well- known to the audience, I’M CRAZY ‘BOUT MY BABY, THE JOINT is JUMPIN’, WHAT DID I DO TO BE SO BLACK AND BLUE, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’.

Thank you Jeff, Vince, Dan, Bob, Gordon and Kevin.

Jan Hadley
Videos by CineDevine
Photos by Ed Ohr

More Videos:
I’m Crazy ‘Bout my Baby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iL6_rPspfM

Hold My Hand
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgDcKBuuh3M

Handful of Keys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq9Lz7S1TRE

Keepin Out of Mischief Now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RA8nWAO9EZY

You Must Be Losing Your Mind
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=592mL8HEHTA

Minor Dag
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOEVhOVN4h4

The 12th Street Rag:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBoG1Gsigjs

I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pnDOF3NhMQ

When The Saints Go Marching In
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZVdRAKjMTs

Keeping Out of Mischief Now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RA8nWAO9EZY

Moppin’ and Boppin’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbN1bmceqKU#t=146

You Must Be Losing Your Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=592mL8HEHTA#t=11

Rumpsteak Serenade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ_g7jm0Y0g