by Bill Falk

Paul Monat Cornet & Trombone; Dan Gabel Trombone, John Clark Reeds; Ross Petot Piano; Bill Doyle Guitar; Jon Dreyer Bass; Caroline Griep Vocals; Steve Taddeo Drums.

This was Steve Taddeo front and center. The outstanding drummer romped through the evening with great solo after great solo. He drove the band through lots of fast paced numbers featuring improvisation by the individual members.

 

 

 

John Clark held the band together with steady reed work. Plus, he soloed beautifully, especially on the Wabash Blues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don Gabel and Paul Monat were impressive on trombone duets – not something you see often.

 

 

I thought Bill Doyle on guitar paced the rhythm section while Jon Dreyer on bass was extremely consistent.

Bill Doyle

Jon Dreyer

Ross Petot blended in well on piano and soloed well later in the program.

 

 

Caroline Griep sang several old standards, but I thought she was somewhat overpowered by the power of the band – which nullified her effectiveness.

 

 

 

 

The band played driving versions of standards mostly, and they certainly shook the rafters with sound. However, I thought they produced a little too much noise which hurt the overall effectiveness of the group.

Steve Taddeo is marvelous and always puts on a great performance. This was no exception.  He is well worth the price of admission.

Avalon

 

 

 

Don Gabel told an interesting story about his valve trombone. The family of the late, great Vaughn Monroe presented it to him and told him to play it, not let it sit idle. Old timers may remember Monroe’s version of “Racing With The Moon.” It was a big hit nationally.

 

 

 

 

 

by Bill Falk

photos by Marce

For more about Dan Gabel and Vaughn Monroe, see the October 4-8 Calendar.