Tony Pringle cornet, Billy Novick clarinet/alto sax, Stan Vincent trombone, Herb Gardner keyboard, Peter Bullis banjo/manager, John Turner string bass, Bill Reynolds drums, special guest Mark Endresen guitar
This was the first time the New Black Eagle Jazz Band has appeared at the new Jazz venue, Primavera Ristorante, and also the first time there’s been a full house – probably around 50 people. Pimavera is very happy with having Jazz here, and it will continue indefinitely.
The Black Eagles are a popular Traditional Jazz Band now in their 43rd year. Fans came from as far as Albany NY and Fairbanks, Alaska! No doubt, abundant sunshine and clear roads were motivating.
The band began with something we are all feeling, When I Grow Too Old To Dream. Their authentic Trad Jazz was exhilarating. Very few bands today maintain that special beat, and the Eagles elevate it to a real Art, in fact, the only Art that originated in America.
Lake Ponchartrain Blues – Tony’s clipped cornet is the sound that immediately identifies this band. My Memphis Baby, Billy on alto sax, Stan Vincent playing Big Jim Robinson tailgate trombone, on a tune by Narvin Kimball. Kimball was a 1920’s New Orleans banjo player who dazzled audiences with his left-handed single-string technique.
Herb Gardner
Herb Gardner took a solo and vocal on Crazy ‘Bout My Baby. Herb has been playing keyboard at Primavera for many different bands. He normally plays trombone.
(Bob Pilsbury, missed by his many fans, sends greetings from his home in Sudbury and would certainly like to hear from friends and fans. Address: Bob Pilsbury, 11 Barton St. Sudbury MA 01776.)
Bouncing Around is a 1920’s tune that was recorded by Armand J. Piron. Willie ‘the Lion’ Smith and his Cubs recorded The Old Stamping Grounds. The Black Eagles continued with many tunes played by these marvelous musicians. There aren’t many bands that can do them justice! Sam Morgan’s Bogalusa Strut. Louis Russell’s Saratoga Shout.
Rhythm Section, Bill Reynolds drums, Peter Bulllis banjo, John Turner bass
The rhythm section is laid back on ballads, but on a hot tune…look out!
Peter Bullis, still wearing his red sox, has been playing that Trad Beat for over 50 years.
Stan Vincen’ts nephew, Mark Endresen, a fine Calypso guitarist, sat in for Pete Bullis on Tomorrow Night, and a spiritual, In The Sweet Bye and Bye. They let Mark go on guitar – marvelous! Mark founded and is featured vocalist of Calypso Hurricane, an exciting, high spirited and internationally known group playing music of the Caribbean Islands. See http://calypsohurricane.com/ .
Joseph Tremitiere was definitely enjoying the music. He was here with his family, celebrating his 100th birthday.
Joseph Tremitiere enjoying himself at 100! He’s sharp as a tack.
Billy Novick was featured on alto sax with Mark Endresen backing, and dedicated the next tune to Joseph: A Hundred Years From Today.
Mark Endresen feels the music as he backs Billy Novick
Peter returned for a number played in the 1920’s by trumpeter Henry ‘Red’ Allen with The Luis Russell Band, Roamin’; Tony’s moaning, muted cornet just went right through you!
Bob Kaelin drove all the way from Albany NY – said he was having withdrawal symptoms since he last saw the band in October. His request was Panama. (Billy Novick had just returned from there.) Bill Reynolds added a monster drum solo, including the drum roll he performs so eloquently. With camaraderie and classic musicianship, this band gives you music that you won’t hear anywhere else!
They closed with an old favorite, Brahms Lullaby, with Tony introducing the musicians who make this band renowned.
They liked the new Primavera venue, and will return here on May 28th.
You can also hear them at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on April 8, Regattabar in Cambridge on April 17th, and Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham on April 24th. Check their web site at www.blackeagles.com.