Blue Horizon Jazz Band with Paul Monat and Al Ehrenfried
The Blue Horizon Jazz Band presented a romping New Orleans take on Sidney Bechet’s jazz and blues, with the five-piece group working together in a true spirit of cooperation. We were surprised to find cornetist Paul Monat substituting for trumpeter Jeff Stout, who has had a death in the family. Al Ehrenfried, string bass, came out of retirement for this evening.
It was a five-piece band, with Stan McDonald and Paul Monat cornet, holding the front line with the superb backing of the rhythm section, pianist Ross Petot, Al Ehrenfried bass, and Steve Taddeo drums.
They kicked it off with the New Orleans sound with Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland, and continued with Ross Petot’s robust piano intro to What Is This Thing Called Love.
Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jelly Roll, Bechet’s I Remember When, Everybody Loves My Baby. The two were in sync, twining around each other. Stan started Lastic on clarinet, with Paul playing a long, sustained, note. The two make some powerful music together, drums and string bass maintaining the Traditional Jazz Beat.
When You and I Were Young Maggie. Bechet’s Blues In The Air, nice blues lead by Stan McDonald.
Ross was featured on Lucky Day, backed by string bass and drums.
Ross Petot Featured
It was Steve Taddeo’s birthday. Monida surprised him with a cake while the band played the Birthday Song.
Happy Birthday, Steve!
Stan and Paul in unison on Bechet’s Marchand de Poisson. Bechet’s Fantasy, Paul slipped in some of his mentor, Wild Bill Davison.
When I Leave The World Behind, had Stan on vocal, great soprano sax; continuing on Lonesome Road. Getting into overtime now with Bechet’s Dans Les Rues D’Antibes, with Al playing a superb bass solo, backed by Steve’s adept drumming.
It was an unforgettable evening. The Blue Horizon Jazz Band will return as usual on the 3rd Tuesday of month, August 19th with more surprises.
Paul Monat will be in New England until September, when he returns to Florida. Stay tuned.