Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders
Joe Midiri clarinet and soprano sax, Paul Midiri vibes, trombone, and drums, Ian Frenkel piano, Jeff Hughes and Paul Monat cornet, John Clark clarinet and bari sax, Dan Gabel trombone, Bill Doyle guitar, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve Taddeo drums, and special guest vocalist Elise Roth.
Steve Taddeo finally assembled his “Dream Band”, with The Midiri Brothers, Ian Frenkel, and members of Taddeo’s Swing Senders. They blew the roof off a full house at the Sherborn Inn on Tuesday, August 12th. Many are leaders of their own bands. John Clark, impressive impresario, kept them (more or less) under control.
Harold McAleer’s videos give you a taste:
Midiri Brothers kicked it off Running Wild.
Special guest vocalist Elise Roth was featured on Johnny Mercer’s Jeepers Creepers, Milton Berle’s theme song Near You, and Am I Blue. Elise was gracious to sub for The Swing Senders’ vocalist, Caroline Griep, who was absent because of a death in the family. Elise Roth is the regular vocalist for Dan Gable and The Abletones.
Special guest vocalist, Elise Roth, with Dan Gabel, Justin Meyer , and Bill Doyle
Two masters of the cornet, Jeff Hughes and Paul Monat; Paul revived some of his Wild Bill spirit in their duet on Someday You’ll Be Sorry.
The Midiris had us in tears with Bechet’s Si Tu Vois Ma Mère.
Crucial members of the rhythm section, Bill Doyle and Justin Meyer kept the rhythmic fires burning, providing a solid foundation that let the others fly!
 Bill Doyle, guitar |
 Justin Meyer, string bass |
Joe sings some Blues, Paul moves to trombone. We love this music – you never know what will happen next!
Dan Gabel trombone, Elise sings Am I Blue?
This was indomitable pianist Ian Frenkel’s first appearance at the Inn, and we hope it won’t be the last. A true artist, Ian is well known and appreciated all over Connecticut.
Ian Frenkel, fingers flying across the keys.
John Clark, Ian Frenkel, Steve Taddeo: You Do Something To Me
Don’t Be That Way, Royal Garden Blues, After You’ve Gone, Big Bear Stomp, Wolverine Blues, all imaginative and swinging.
Taddeo was using a 1939 Slingerland Radio King drum set (identical to what Gene Krupa used) and the vintage cymbals (Avedis Zildjian) from the late Buddy Schutz. He was featured with his infamous 8-minute drum solo walk-around on Stomping at the Savoy, tapping on anything within reach!
Finale! Everybody lets go with Taddeo’s theme song, Dinah, with Paul Midiri and Steve Taddeo battling on drums,
That definitely was not rehearsed!
This was an incredible evening. Many of these amazing musicians will be BACK for a reprise, with the Swing Senders or with their own bands. The Midiri Brothers are heading for Oregon, Idaho, California, Clearwater Beach. But they’ll be back. Stay tuned.
Marce