Seacoast Stompers with Dave Whitney
video by Harold McAleer
Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball reeds, Lee Prager trombone, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Frank Stadler leader/piano, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bob Reardon drums, Maureen Benson vocals
The Seacoast Stompers had a rip-roaring afternoon with a Full House at Bemis Hall in Lincoln, MA. For six years, they played monthly at the Acton Jazz Café, with a repertoire of tunes from the 20’s and 30’s. Arrangements were spontaneous and ad lib with a variety of styles and tempos from smooth swing to groovy blues and hot driving Dixie.
Dave Whitney
Frank Stadler is leader of the band, but graciously let Dave Whitney rule the roost with his rousing trumpet. Dave is well known for his amazing Louis-type trumpet.
They began with a joyous romp on the Seacoast Stomper’s theme song, At The Jazz Band Ball,
Dave Whitney has some favorite tunes. Maureen Benson joined him on Back o’ Town Blues.
Maureen Benson was comfortable with the band, personalizing some of the lyrics, picking on Craig. She gave us As Long As I Live, I Don’t Know Enough About You, It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.
Jimmy Mazzy
Jimmy Mazzy was featured on Porter’s Love Song to a Chamber Maid; took the vocal on Clarence William’s Cake Walking Babies, scatted on How Can You Do That Thing To Me, Old Fashioned Love – he has a treasure trove of tunes.
Al Bernard on sousaphone
Al Bernard is a master of the tuba, listening to the soloists and backing them with many different chord phrasings wrapped in that monstrous sousaphone, as if it were easy!
Frank Stadler, Band Leader
The Seacoast Stompers played many favorites, Royal Garden Blues, Canal St. Blues, San.
Lee Prager
Lee Prager’s deep, burnished, trombone was reminiscent of Tommy Dorsey.
Craig Ball
Craig Ball was featured on The World is Waiting For The Sunshine.
Bob Reardon
Bob Reardon plays drums with marvelous precision, He keeps the band in time by tapping on the snare drum and ride cymbal, only letting loose on a couple of tunes. He picked the closing tune – always requesting the same one – Limehouse Blues.
The Seacoast Stompers keep the music fresh with their amazing creativity!
Check them out!