Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band
Phil Person trumpet, Stan McDonald soprano sax, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Stu Gunn string bass, Jack Soref guitar, Rich Malcolm drums
The Blue Horizon Jazz Band revived the passionate style and exuberant melodies of the New Orleans musicians of the 20’s and 30’s with tightly arranged solos and fine ensemble. They played many Sidney Bechet compositions, brought to life by leader Stan McDonald on the instrument that Bechet made famous, the soprano saxophone.
They began with I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me, followed by a guitar intro to Georgia On My Mind, with fine ensemble and solid rhythm.
Phil Person
Phil Person played powerful trumpet on Blue Turning Gray Over You. He and McDonald took turns taking the lead. Phil is a true gentleman, listens carefully, and plays with a light touch – until the tune calls for a powerful trumpet, then look out!
My Gal Sal showcased the band’s fine ensemble. Some Sweet Day was a rabble rouser!
Gerry Gagnon growling trombone
Bechet’s Blues In The Air brought out Gerry Gagnon’s growling trombone. Gerry has been with this band for about 17 years. An essential part of the front line, his trombone also fills in the “holes” in a tune with extensive use of the slide.
Jack Soref plays the same round hole guitar with very high action as Django Reinhardt.
It was great to have Jack Soref back from his Colorado tour with the Future Rhythm Quartet.
Jack was featured on Ochi Chernye (Dark Eyes), a Russian Folk Song.
Our Birthday Girl, Tina Cass, 80 years old today, surprised the band with the lyrics in Russian.
Stan said that Irving Berlin summed up Life with All By Myself, and did the vocal. He was featured on Bechet’s Petite Fleur, ending it in a flourish!
Stan McDonald featured on Petite Fleur with Stu Gunn and Jack Soref
Stu Gunn also plays classical music in local Symphonies.
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Stu Gunn’s very deep, rich, “woody” sounding tone on string bass gives the music support and maintains that solid Traditional Jazz Beat. He played a superb solo on Dear Old Southland. His bass is always in sync with Rich Malcolm’s drum.
Rich Malcolm
Rich is the new drummer with The Blue Horizon Jazz Band, though he has played with the band in the past. He understands this music.
He gave Tijuana a sweet Latin beat. Steve Straus of the Riverboat Stompers says “You feel the rhythm rather than hear the drum beats by Rich Malcom”.
They played one of Malcom’s favorites, When I Leave The World Behind.
Stan’s soprano sax took the intro to Bechet’s I Remember When (Si Tu Vois Ma Mere). Beautiful!
There was a slow beginning on After You’ve Gone, then with a 4-bar drum pulse, the band went WILD! The distinctive front line and strong heartbeat of the bass and drums supported by Jack’s guitar prompted Jeannine, a ‘regular’, to say “This is the best I’ve ever heard this band play!”
The Blue Horizon Jazz Band plays at Primavera Ristorante on the first Thursday of every month; next one will be July 7th. Join us!