Riverboat Stompers at the Sherborn Inn, July 8, 2014
Larry Baxter trumpet/vocals, Steve Straus clarinet/soprano sax/vocal, Frank Batchelor trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Phil Hower piano, Pierre Lemieux tuba, Rich Malcolm drums.
The Riverboat Stompers played some serious Dixieland Jazz at the Sherborn Inn; great front line with excellent rhythm section, feeling and loving the music. They hit it off hot and heavy with Dark Town Strutters Ball, Jimmy on vocal.
Jimmy sings most of the vocals – good reason to come hear this band! Jimmy was at his best after returning from the America’s Jazz Fest in Olympia Washington.
Exuberant front line; they love playing together, with lighthearted jesting. They all played kazoo on Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone.
Larry Baxter, Steve Straus (leader) Frank Batchelor
Larry Baxter’s trumpet carried the melodies, and some vocals. Heartfelt lyrics on St. James Infirmary and in perfect French he sang C’est Si Bon, with Jimmy responding. That was a first for us! Baxter added some of his own made-up stanzas, surprising even the band. There were many, but we only caught the words ‘strawberries and cream’.
Straus generally plays warm and vibrant clarinet, but took out the soprano sax on Blue Turning Gray Over You, His only vocal was Lulu’s Back in Town. Frank Batchelor’s euphonious trombone was especially prominent on Toot, Toot, Tootsie.
They continued with a harmonious medley with Jimmy supplying the lyrics, Five Foot Two, Four Leaf Clover, Toot, Toot, Tootsie, Baby Face.
Phil Hower mesmeric pianist, he listens intently, fills in the open spaces, and lays down a solid foundation for the soloist. Marvelous piano interludes complemented Jimmy’s vocal on Rosetta.
Bourbon St. Parade, Jazz Me Blues, Muscrat Ramble, Dr. Jazz, were HOT! Little known sweet song – Our Love Was Meant To Be – was written by Fats Waller. Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone, I’m Confessing That I Love You. All backed by top-notch base-line from Pierre Lemieux on tuba and a captivating beat by Rich Malcolm on drums.
Pierre Lemieux and Rich Malcolm
It was excellent Dixieland from beginning to end. They closed with a soulful vocal by Larry, We’ll Meet Again, starting in very slow waltz-time, ending in high-spirited, energetic polyphonic jazz!
Avid fan – piano player’s wife.
The most enthusiastic fan was Sue Hower, motivating the band from beginning to end, clapping to the beat and shouting out her support.
Hats off to all the musicians’ wives – they deserve a gold medal!! The men couldn’t do this without them.
The Riverboat Stompers now have a new web site created by Frank Batchelor that will have all their upcoming performances and booking info. Check it out! http://www.riverboatstompers.com/