Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble at the Sherborn Inn, May 13, 2014

Posted on May 23, 2014 by admin

Bob MacInnis, Bill Reynolds (in back), Craig Ball, Al Bernard, Robin Verdier, John Clark

We were transported back to the the early 20s with the Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble playing the captivating dances of that Golden Age of Music. Leader Robin Verdier creates masterpieces by picking tunes from the early 1900’s and writing his own special arrangements. He blends together new ideas, constantly refreshing the material, providing charts for the musicians. Emphasis is on ensemble. He has his favorite composers, Irving Berlin, Isham Jones, Clarence Williams, Walter Donaldson, Tiny Parham.

His whole Ensemble was back, a powerhouse of accomplished musicians. On the front line were John Clark of the Wolverine Jazz Band on alto sax, Craig Ball, leader of the White Heat Swing Orchestra on clarinet, and Bob MacInnis, of the New Liberty Jazz Band, on cornet. Bob had just returned from Florida for the season, where he plays almost every night. He makes a big difference in the Monte Carlo sound. Bill Reynolds, drummer for the New Black Eagle Jazz Band, knows all the old tunes – he was raised with them by his Jazz Historian Father, Ed Reynolds. Last but not least, Al Bernard on various brass bass, tuba or sousaphone, is known all over New England. Generally they don’t have time to complete Robin’s full schedule, but they did very well this evening.

Bill Reynolds, Bob MacInnis, Al Bernard

They began with one of the earliest tunes 1927, marvelous ensemble on Miss Anabelle Lee. Irving Berlin wrote one even earlier, 1920, I’ll See You In C-U-B-A, MacInnis doing the intro in a Latin beat, Albie on oom-pah brass bass.
Leader of the White Heat Swing Orchestra, Craig Ball had several clarinet solos – he’s a true artist in all that he does. 1927 Alabamy Bound was a brand new one for the band, by Henderson, DeSylva, and Green who were well known back then. King Oliver had one of the best early Trad Jazz bands, even before Louis. The ensemble played his Mule Face Blues, with Robin in stride and solid right hand.

Albie got away from the oom-pah and played a masterful tuba solo on Isham Jones’ Down When The sun Goes Down, followed by a fast Morrocco Blues. They did well – Robin was all smiles.

Around 1938 Lu Watters was tired of playing the same sound over and over, so he recreated King Oliver’s 20’s tunes and started what we now call West Coast Jazz. Some said it was insane to build a bridge over San Francisco Bay – Watters used that as a theme for his Emperor Norton’s Hunch.

Robin Verdier

Fats Waller’s Crazy ‘Bout My Baby started Set 2. Robin always wanted to do Clarence Williams; he picked Candy Lips, slipping in a little bit of Alice Blue Gown.

A tune he’s played at weddings for over 50 years, Lena Queen of Palesteena. Lena played concertina with all her might – never got it right. They do. Robin opens it tapping on a tambourine.
Another composer who isn’t featured much, except by Monte Carlo, Tiny Parham. My Dreams.

Bob MacInnis, back from Floriday!!

Shake It And Break It, fine alto solo by MacInnis.

Sweet Man, Bill Reynolds rim tapping, occasionally tapping cymbal.

The melody, harmony and rhythm played by the Ensemble was exhilarating!

Who Wouldn’t Love You had Dave and Helene up dancing.

Happy Feet was featured in Paul Whitman’s movie, King of Jazz. And at the other emotional extreme, Fate, cornet, clarinet and sax all had solos.

Blame It On The Blues, How Am I To Know, Walter Donaldson’s Okay, Toots. He wrote many great tunes. Most of these you’ll never hear anywhere else. I think Variety Stomp was the only tune that didn’t make it. Con Conrad’s Moonlight ended an evening of fine, danceable tunes from the early 20’s. Tune list is at the bottom.

Marce

We caught some of the folks afterwards:

Roland Paquette between Dan and Bob MacInnis	Albie talking with fans
Robin and Toni Verdier

Set 1
Miss Annabelle Lee	1927	Sidney Clare & Le Pollack
Mule Face Blues	1928	Joe Oliver
C-U-B-A	1920	Irving Berlin
*Alabamy Bound	1924	Henderson, DeSylva, Green
Down Where The Sun Goes Down	1928	Isham Jones & Verne Buck
Morocco Blues	1926	J. Jordan & Clarence Williams
Lost	1936	Ohman, Mercer, Teetor
Emperor Norton’s Hunch	~1940	Lu Watters

Set 2
I’m Crazy About My Baby	1931	Hill & Waller
Candy Lips	1926	Clarence Williams
Come On and Stomp, Stomp, Stomp	1927	F. Waller, I. Smith, I Mills
Lena, Queen Of Palesteena	1920	J. R. Robinson & C. Conrad
My Dreams	1930	Tiny Parham
Shake It And Break It	1920	Frisco Lou Chiha & H. Qualli Clark
Sweet Man	r1925	R. Turk & M. Pinkard
Who Wouldn’t Love You?	1925	Benny Davis & Joe Burke

Set 3
Happy Feet	1929	Yellen & Ager, King of Jazz
Fate	1922	Byron Gay
Blame It On The Blues	1946	Chas. Cook & Sidney Bechet
Variety Stomp ?	1927	Waller & Trent
How Am I To Know	1929	D. Parker & J. King
Okay, Toots	1934	Walter Donaldson
Moonlight	1921	Con Conrad

*New arrangement

Carolyn Newberger exhibit at Danforth Art Museum wins Honorable Mention

Posted on May 21, 2014 by admin

Carolyn Newberger’s mixed media collage, “What are we Doing? Where are we Going?” will be in the exhibition, Off the Wall, at the Danforth Art Museum (123 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA). Information about the exhibition is below. She will be giving a gallery talk at the open house celebration at 3pm on Sunday, June 8. Hope you can see the show.

A Celebration of our Juried Exhibitions—All are welcome!
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Free admission \ 12–5pm
Gallery talks & Hands-on art-making \ 2–4pm
Carolyn’s talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzI0lNyxS24

Annual Juried Exhibitions 2014
June 8–August 3, 2014

Just Announced! Selected Artists and Works for 2014 Juried Exhibitions.

About Danforth Art’s Juried Exhibitions

Each year Danforth Art’s Juried Exhibitions Off the Wall and Community of Artists showcase new and exciting contemporary work created by emerging and established artists. Juried annually by a renowned, visiting curator, Off the Wall communicates a unique curatorial vision, and has been reviewed in Art New England, artscope, The Boston Globe, Boston Phoenix, among others. It also receives wide-spread attention from curators, gallery owners, and collectors.

Juror for Off the Wall

Jennifer Gross is the Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Prior to joining deCordova, Gross was Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Yale University Art Gallery, and has held curatorial positions at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Institute of Contemporary Art at the Maine College of Art, where she was also an Assistant Professor.

Over the Moon Open House

A Celebration of our Juried Exhibitions—All are welcome!
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Free admission \ 12–5pm
Gallery talks & Hands-on art-making \ 2–4pm

Wolverine Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, April 29, 2014

Posted on May 9, 2014 by admin

Wolverine Jazz Band

Jeff Hughes cornet, John Clark clarinet/bari sax, Tom Boates trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Ross Petot piano, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums

The Wolverines are busy – new CD out anytime soon, and preparing for their trips to Festivals and their regular summer venues. They’ve been invited to the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival in Essex, CT, America’s Dixieland Jazz Festival in Olympia, WA, Arizona Classic Jazz Fest.

They will be busy locally this summer: June 1, Melrose (noon-4); July 9 – Willows at Westboro; July 29 – Southgate at Shrewsbury; July 30 – Sherborn Center; August 20 – Norwood; August 21 – Natick Senior Center

All stellar Jazzmen who invoke the spirit of New Orleans Jazz, we are fortunate that they rehearse with us at the Sherborn Inn! They began with a new song that will be on the CD coming out the end of this month – Dear Old Girl – for the sentimental Irish.

Jeff Hughes

Savoy Blues, Jeff raucous on 1954 Long Model, “K-Modified” Selmer cornet, and being Bix Beiderbecke on There’ll Come a Time. He’s an expert on many famous cornetist and trumpeters, and is known for always wearing a hat.

Jimmy Mazzy

We have many Jimmy Mazzy vocals, Al Jolson’s California Hear I Come, T’Ain’t So, Jelly Roll Morton’s Sweet Substitute, with Jeff comping, more below.

Dave Didriksen

This was the 115th anniversary of Duke Ellington’s birthday, so naturally there were some Duke’s: Sweet Mama (they haven’t played before).

1929 Cotton Club, Duke’s, Digga Digga Do let Dave Didriksen go on drums.

Jimmy volcal on Al Jolson’s California Here I Come, backed by bari sax, drum rim-tapping behind him. Pre-Cotton Club Creole Love Call – Jimmy whistling the Adelaide Hall riff. A tune Paramount Jazz Band did, and always messed up the beginning: Who Wouldn’t Love You? The Wolverines don’t mess up.

Ory’s Creole Trombone

Tom was featured on Ory’s Creole Trombone. Magnificent!

Rick MacWilliams hidden behind tuba

King Oliver recorded Olga in 1930 on Victor, Rick recreating the tuba solo, great New Orleans polyphony by front line. This is a song that nobody ever plays.

Panama is one of our favorite Ragtime Marches, Jimmy Scatting, John Clark on that monster baritone saxophone.

Ross was featured with the Trio on a more modern tune, In a MellowTone, stride piano giving it a Ragtime feel, joined by Jeff on cornet at close.

A no-holds-barred rendition of Sunset Café Stomp had all the feet tapping. The first tune John Clark ever heard that captivated him and moved him toward Traditional Jazz was Mugsy Spanier^‘s I’m Sorry I Made You Cry. Mood Indigo, Clark on low register clarinet, Jim vocal, soft muted trombone and cornet. They hit all our favorites! They closed with a Spanish beat on Oriental Man.

Look above for all the places this marvelous Traditional Jazz Band will be playing this year. Also check our calendars, and get on John Clark’s email list: jazzbnd@aol.com He sends out email updates once a month to everyone on his list.

HOT STEAMED JAZZ FESTIVAL IN ESSEX JUNE 20, 21 AND 22

Posted on May 6, 2014 by admin

(Essex, CT) New Orleans style traditional jazz in Connecticut – The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival turned up the heat, during the weekend of June 20, 21 and 22 at the Essex Steam Train.

VIDEOS AND REVIEWS OF
2014 IN THE WORKS!

www.hotsteamedjazz.com

Proceeds from the festival benefit The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT, founded by the late Paul Newman.

More than 11 bands performed in the best New England Weather we’ve had yet. Great music, great jazz. Videos are in the works. Stay tuned.

THE BANDS

Bands scheduled to appear at the 2014 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival include:

– Connecticut’s own jazz pianist virtuoso, Jeff Barnhart

– Galvanized Jazz Band from Connecticut

– Dan Levinson’s New Millennium All Stars from New York

– Wolverine Jazz Band from Massachusetts

– Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band from Connecticut

– Ben Maugher’s Vintage Jazz Band from Pennsylvania

– Riverboat Ramblers led by local musician and entertainer John Banker

– A renowned ensemble of young musicians, Route 17 Stompers from Connecticut

– Festival All Stars

– Jazz Jesters from Massachusetts

– The Sunnyland Jazz Band with Bob Barta on banjo from Long Island

Hot Steamed Jazz Festival 2013

Seacoast Stompers Jazz Band last appearance at the Acton Jazz Café.

Posted on May 5, 2014 by admin

Seacoast Stompers

By Marce, April 26, 2014
Videos by Harold McAleer

Frank Stadler – piano and leader, Scott Philbrick – trumpet, Craig Ball – clarinet, Steve Piermarini – trombone, Jimmy Mazzy – banjo, Al Bernard – tuba, Bobby Reardon – drums

This Saturday was unique in more ways than one. This being the last Saturday of the month, Steve Piermarini filled in for Lee Prager on trombone. He’s been with us before – fine player. The Seacoast Stompers picked songs at random from their vast repertoire, and featured two new vocalists. This would be their last gig here at Nagog Park. The Acton Jazz Café was forced to close May 1^st.

Steve Piermarini

At The Jazz Band Ball, Everybody Loves My Baby, appropriate for this day – There’ll Be Some Changes Made, with Jimmy vocal, Craig on low register clarinet and Steve on growling trombone.

Frank introduced the first vocalist, Maureen Benson. Maureen sings with Jazzport, Frank is pianist, at the Cape Ann Brew Pub in Gloucester, MA. She started with I Don’t Know Enough About You.

Maureen Benson A Train – video speaks for itself!

Scott Philbrick had the vocal on From Monday On, the whole band playing fantastic New Orleans polyphony. Jimmy introduced Take Your Tomorrow and Give Me Today with banjo and a vocal, Scott backing him on silky cornet. Craig resurrected Artie Shaw with his clarinet on Blue Lou.

I Would Do Most Anything For You was a barn burner! Fast and Hot clarinet, Scott followed with quick multiple notes on cornet, wild trombone, finally ended with bang-up drumming by Bobby Reardon. WOW! They continued up-tempo with Undecided, smearing gliss on clarinet, piano flying high, bass drum pushing the band.

Carrie and Jimmy Mazzy

Carrie Mazzy crooned to husband Jimmy on Write Myself a Letter.

Sandy Cash

Sandy Cash, charming vocalist from New Orleans, sang a lively Basin St. Blues, and won over every heart in the Café.

Brunette in red sweater and blue and white scarf

Emily Shamieh

Makin’ Whoopee was sung by another fine vocalist, Emily Shamieh, of Jamaica Plain, Boston

Struttin’ With Some Barbecue, Jazz Me Blues. Maureen returned with As Long As I Live, making the song her own, and a lively I Cried For You. They closed with Bobby’s favorite, Limehouse Blues.

We were all feeling the Blues. The Seacost Stompers were three months short of six years at the Acton Jazz Café, presenting the highest level of entertainment. They gave us an extra tune with Swing That Music, before ending it for who knows how long.
Frank thanked Gwenn for her devotion to live jazz. She spent unbelievable hours featuring Live Jazz close to seven days a week at the Acton Jazz Cafe, sometimes two and three bands in one day. That’s pure devotion!! Thank you Gwenn. Be well, we hope to hear from you soon!

Seacoast Stompers at the AJC, 26 April 2014

Set 1
1   At The Jazz Band Ball
2   Everybody Loves My Baby
3   There’ll Be Some Changes Made
4    I Don’t Know Enough About You   (maureen-vocal)
5   Take the A-train        (maureen-vocal)
6    From Monday On
7   Take Your Tomorrow
8   Blue Lou
9   I Would Do Anything For You

Set 2
1   What Can I Say After I Say I’m Sorry
2   Undecided
3    I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write    (Carrie-vocal)
4   Stealin Apples
5   Makin Whoopee     (Emily-vocal)
6   Struttin With Some Barbecue

Set 3
1   Basin Street Blues    (Sandy Cash-vocal)
2   Jazz Me Blues
3   As Long As I Live    (Maureen-vocal)
4   I Cried For You        (Maureen-vocal)
5   Limehouse Blues
6   Swing That Music

Dan Gabel and the Abeltones at the Imperial Ballroom, April 25, 2014

Posted on April 30, 2014 by admin

Dan Gabel and The Abeltones on stage at the Imperial Ballroom in Mendon, MA

by Marce
Photos by C. S. Imming

Dancing and Dining to a Big Band is back at the Imperial Ballroom, 6 Nipmuc Drive, Mendon, Massachusetts. For the second month in a row, over 100 dancers from several generations delighted in dancing to the authentic Big Band of Dan Gabel and the Abletones. This is an 18-piece Big Band specializing in an the Big Band sound thanks to a high level of musicianship and a library of over 4,000 arrangements.

Dan Gabel in Blue Jacket with white shirt, Blue bow tie and buttonniere

Leader Dan Gabel

Many of the musicians are from the New England Conservatory of Music, and have never heard the original big bands, but thanks to the enthusiasm of their leader, Dan Gabel, they succeed in recreating the authentic sounds of the Big Bands from the 30’s to the 50’s like Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Les Brown, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and the Latin sounds of Tito Puente.

Swing has become the dance for many of the youth of today, who have been taking lessons and filling dance halls with their Swing and Lindy Hop. They had a whole weekend March 20-23 at the Newton Marriott Hotel in Boston recently. But Dan Gabel and the Abletones introduced dancers to much more – the Fox Trot, Waltz, Cha Cha, Tango, Mambo, Samba, Boogie Woogie.

Georgina and David Woodycheck knew every dance!

Marvelous dancers Georgina and Dan Woodyshek knew ALL of them, and could have given us all lessons!!

The Band played some of the songs of the era, Whispering, Song of India (Tommy Dorsey version), Abletone Jive (Gabel’s arrangement where he introduces the members of the band); East Side West Side, The Angels Sing, There’ll Be a Change in the Weather, April in Paris, Alice Blue Gown, Take it Jackson (with the whole band singing), Dipsy Doodle

Elise Roth has natural, clear delivery

Vocalist Elise Roth has natural, clear delivery and beautiful smile. She could be Anita O’Day without the hat, singing Bei Mir Bis Du Schoen, Moon River, Sentimental Journey, I Don’t Know Why I Love You Like I Do, and more.

Steve Taddeo, devotée of Gene Krupa

With the help of Steve Taddeo, his Slingerland drums and 1939 cymbal given to him by Jimmy Dorsey’s drummer, Buddy Schutz, they played a Gene Krupa feature of the song Massachusetts.

Greek pianist Nikolas Anadolis graduates this year

Nikolas Anadolis was on keyboard. He’ll be graduating from NEC this spring and is hoping to join the faculty at the University of Lausanne on Lake Geneva, Switzerland. We’ll miss him. He and Dan Gabel have been performing all over New England.

The dancers thoroughly enjoyed the Abletones Big Band.

Dancers enjoy Dan Gabel and the Abeltones

More C. S. Imming’s Photos…..

We came away with the happy feeling of an earlier, care-free time. At the end of May the Imperial Ballroom will feature the Tom Nutile Big Band on the last Friday of the month. The following week, Dan Gabel and the Abeltones will have everyone taking lessons and dancing at SAC Park in Shrewsbury. Check the calendars.

Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men in movie Tumbledown!

Posted on April 30, 2014 by admin

Jimmy Mazzy and The Last Minutemen

New Movie, Tumbledown, was being filmed in Massachusetts – March/April 2014
Watch for it!! Independent Movie Database

Some of the cast of the Independent Movie, Tumbledown, stopped in at the Colonial Inn in Concord, MA on a Wednesday night and discovered the marvelous pianist Moishe Feldman performing in the Forge Tavern. They were amazed at what they heard. Moishe said “If you think this is good, come back next week and hear Jimmy Mazzy”.

The following week, 40 members of the cast filled the Forge Tavern at the Colonial Inn and heard Jimmy Mazzy and The Last Minute Men. They were asked if they would like to be in the movie. Were they ever!! Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Craig Ball clarinet, Gid Loring cornet, Al Bernard tuba, Ron L’Herault trombone, Nick Ribush banjo, Derek Lane-Smith Britich concertina, were given a small part in the film.

TUMBLEDOWN: A young woman struggles to move on with her life after the death of her husband, an acclaimed folk singer, when a brash New York writer forces her to confront her loss and the ambiguous circumstances of his death.

Director: Sean Mewshaw
Writer: Desiree Van Til
Stars: Dianna Agron, Rebecca Hall, Jason Sudeikis | See full cast and crew »

Ron L’Herault and Ms. Danner

Complete cast:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2338424/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm

Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Sq. (Rt. 62) Concord MA 978-369-2373 http://www.concordscolonialinn.com/

Jeff’s Jazz Four at the Sherborn Inn, April 22, 2014

Posted on April 29, 2014 by admin

Eric Baldwin, Pete Tillotson, Jeff Hughes, Bill Duffy

Jeff Hughes flugelhorn/trumpet, Eric Baldwin guitar, Bill Duffy piano, Pete Tillotson string bass.

Jeff has an instinct for what people need – Jeff’s Jazz Four were a welcome relief from the hectic days of Easter, Passover, The Boston Marathon and Patriots’ Day all falling on the same weekend. They played what “Ray Smith would call Chamber Jazz”, calming everyone’s nerves with soothing melodies.

It was a committed ensemble – they didn’t need any other instrument. Jeff played from the heart, and they followed wherever he led. His main instrument of choice was a smooth, smokey Flugelhorn, alternating between classic Duke Ellington and Nat King Cole.

The opened with Duke’s In a Mellow Tone, Jeff on flugelhorn, then I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart on trumpet. Perdido was a hot one, with Jeff’s finger-snapping adding another instrument. Great 1930’s ballad, Sweet Lorraine, the piano gave it the beat, trumpet, guitar and bass in sync, accenting the rhythm; it ended with Jeff’s graceful, melodic flugelhorn.

Bill Duffy does Nat King Cole

Pianist Bill Duffy was new to us, but not to the Greater Boston Community. He had a seven-year residency at the Four Seasons in Boston, and played the Nat King Cole Songbook at Scullers Jazz Club. He has a warm and supportive style.

Duffy was featured on Nat’s Walking My Baby Back Home and on a Johnny Mandel tune, Emily, using notes sparingly, making every note count. The fans completely quiet, listening.
Nat King Cole was an extraordinary pianist of the 1950’s, then the world discovered he could sing. Just You Just Me, Bill’s fingers floated over the keyboard, string bass playing fine melody behind him.

Early 50’s Straighten Up and Fly Right, piano intro, Jeff on open bell trumpet, trio in unison behind him.

Pete Tillotson string bass

Back to Duke to take out the first set with the Hot Club Days, Caravan. No drums – not necessary, Pete’s string bass took over the drum beat.

It ended with a thundering piano, and Jeff’s lively muted trumpet. Feet were tapping, heads were bobbing, even the band couldn’t stay still, guys moving from side to side, Duffy bouncing on the piano bench.

Flugelhorn opened Set 2 with It Might As Well Be Spring, piano picking up riff and running with it. Lovely! Chet Baker also played trumpet and flugelhorn, he liked Let’s Get Lost.

Music pours out of Jeff Hughes.

This music was just what the Doctor ordered! Jeff kept the musicians on their toes with all kinds of extraordinary endings.

Another Duke, Prelude To a Kiss, Sweet muted trumpet. Bill on piano watching Jeff every minute. Crowd enthralled, perfectly quiet, listening to masters at work. Soft low register ending on trumpet.

Eric Baldwin on Eastman arch-top guitar

Eric Baldwin was featured with Nat’s tune about Love,

Eric Baldwin plays with various groups in the area and is now teaching at Haverhill Public School.

He was both front line and rhythm; took an explosive solo on Dick McDonough’s 1930’s depression song, Chasin’ A Buck.

Next tune was a different kind of love, definitely not the sweet kind, Cole Porter’s Love For Sale. Jeff picked up the beat, loud open bell trumpet and piano, Jeff interjecting a quick, loud blast into all the solos. He threw a blaring note at bass and the bass took off.

Flugelhorn feature, Quiet Nights and Quiet Stars, sweet. Musicians watched Jeff intently and followed him. They stayed in that mood with Antonio Carlo Jobin’s One Note Samba – Jeff demonstrating Samba, dancing around the mic. Piano arpeggio, fingers flying up and down the piano. Jeff stopped on a dime, surprising everyone. They also stopped abruptly. Not one extra note.

There was something for everyone. Fats Waller’s Jitterbug Waltz, trumpet playing beautiful waltz, piano tinkering behind him.

Count Basie’s Topsy, hot ensemble intro, open bell trumpet, miraculous sounds coming out of Eric’s guitar. String bass took the chords, trumpet interacting with each instrument. Stunning!

Piano feature on Slow Boat to China, sterling piano, guitar and bass in sync behind him.

Bill Duffy rapt at the piano playing Slow Boat to China

Hoagie Carmichael and Bix Beiderbecke were great friends. Hoagie ‘appropriated’ some of Bix’s sounds in his tunes – you could hear it in Sky Lark.

Bronislau Kaper wrote Invitation. It became the theme music for 1952 film “Invitation” from which it derived its popularity and became a jazz standard. “Bad things happen in the city”. Latin beat background, open bell trumpet, rapid string bass. “Cops & Robbers to the max.” It’s a great tune to play at any tempo, latin, straight-eighth, or swing and it lends itself to many interpretations.

A little bit different finale, Horace Silver’s Song For My Father. Great open bell trumpet, Duffy coaxing all kinds of music out of the piano.

Jeff wished us all a great Spring and Summer. He’ll return with the Wolverine Jazz Band April 29^th, and Swing Times Five on May 27^th, and probably as a side man with many others in between. You never know what he’ll come up with next. Watch our calendars.

Dave Whitney Big Band at the Sherborn Inn April 8, 2014

Posted on April 24, 2014 by admin

Dave Whitney Big Band Videos by Harold McAleer

An extension of Dave’s small bands, this fourteen piece orchestra was formed in 1989. The focus of this band is playing and preserving the classic sounds of the big band era. The orchestra is comfortable playing for the listener and is equally at ease playing for dancers. Besides saluting the big name bands such as Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Harry James, the Whitney Orchestra also plays the music of other fine bands such as Tony Pastor, Vaughn Monroe, Frankie Carle, Scat Davis and Red Nichols. Dave was with the Chris Powers band, and some of his musicians have stayed on with him. Dave LeBleu bass is a charter member of the band. Some members of the band came from Lucinda Ellert’s Happy Feet Orchestra. Blair Bettencourt played with Dave in the Yankee Rhythm Kings. Mike Strauss has filled in with the band since Angelica’s. An invaluable addition to the band has been vocalist and trumpeter Christine Fawson.

Reeds
Ted Casher
Bob Drunkman
Blair Bettencourt
Art Bakopolus

Trumpets
Dave Whitney
Joe Musumeci
Mel Deveau
Jeff Hughes
Christine Fawson

Trombones
Mike Strauss
Scott Hills

Rhythm
Steve Dale piano, arrangements
Reid Jorgensen drums
Dave LeBleu string Bass

Dave Whitney is a beacon of swing. He opened with Harry James’ Music Makers, What a fabulous Big Band sound! Charlie Spivacks Star Dreams got John and Gisela Brunecini up dancing quickly. Dave’s theme song, a Roy D’Innocenzo arrangement, When Somebody Thinks Your Wonderful – Dave vocal with whole band in harmony behind him. This moves right along very quickly!

One O’Clock Jump came from Count Basie’s Kansas City Swing Band; Dave played with the Chris Powers band and has many of his arrangements that had Ted on tenor sax, Mike Strauss trombone, with Dave LeBleu really Jumping!

Christine Fawson has it all, congenial and fun, fantastic trumpeter and vocalist

Special guest Christine Fawson has played with Whitney’s smaller bands, but this was her first time with the Big Band, wishing she could do this every night! She picked a tune by Lerner and Lowe-arranged by Lenny Niehaus, Almost Like Being in Love. Her favorite composers were the Gershwins – Our Love Is Here To Stay. She turned to scatting on a Cole Porter arrangement, of Let’s Do It.

Art Bakopolus has been with the band almost since its inception

Art Bakopolis on alto sax for a tune Johnny Hodges did, I Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good.

A 1945 Eddy Howard tune – the ‘Boy Singer’ Dave Whitney took the vocal on My Adobe Hacienda. Kay Kyser’s College of Musical Knowledge, Swing Era, 1942 Pushin’ Sand was recorded in 1942 but wasn’t released until a year after because of the AFM recording ban. Dave does an imitation of Lawrence Welk calling out Guy Lombardo’s Everywhere You Go.

Mike Strauss, featured trombonist.

Mike Strauss featured on trombone with Night Train, made famous by Buddy Morrow, and also Rose of The Rio Grande.

Jeff Hughes featured on trumpet for Bunny Berigan’s classic 1937 I Can’t Get Started – the dancers’ version. Christine returned to the party for Bobby Troup’s Daddy.

Ted Casher, a New England Treasurer!

Our other treasure, Ted Casher on tenor sax with Billy Strayhorn’s B.P. was Awe inspiring!

Duke’s swing classic, Stomping At The Savoy and Neal Hallett’s Boston Tea Party were the set closers.

For the Dixielanders in the audience, Dave began set two with a “little band within a big band”, using Bob Crosby’s March of the Bob Cats with “Dave Cats”, Blair tenor sax, Jeff and Dave trumpets, Ted clarinet, Mike Strauss trombone, Steve Dale piano, Dave LeBleu bass. Check the interaction between Jeff and Dave trumpets, plus swinging sax, clarinet and trombone.

Louis’ 1925 Struttin’ With Some Barbecue is always a favorite. In 1938 Louis did it with his Big Band. Tiny Hill’s Skirts was a tune they often did at Angelica’s, Dave loves to sing this one.

Christine sang All of Me – a Lenny Niehaus arrangement, for our dearly departed Lynn Sickle.

Christine praised the rhythm section, the backbone of this band.

Dave LeBleu

Reid Jorgensen

Steve Dale

Joe Musemeci

Trumpeter Joe Musemici, Chris vocal Ted on clarinet for a tune Duke did with the Be Bop trumpets Nearness of You, a Steve Dale arrangement. Ted was featured on clarinet on Honeysuckle Rose with the Bebop trumpets.

Another Duke – there’s always room for him – Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me. Duke did this as a Concerto for Cootie (Williams)

From The Gene Krupa Band, Christine sang a favorite tune of the swing era with Anita O’Day, Boogie Blues – Karpopolis making use of the complete alto sax register, Strauss trombone, rhythm backup, Christine scatting on a 240° Hot One!

Bettencourt followed it with a fine baritone vocal on Ray Eberly’s Blue Champagne. We never knew Blair could sing!! He’s great!

In 1985 Dave recorded Pie Face with the Chris Powers Band. They made room for Christine in the trumpet section for a fun 3-piece trumpet tuning, Christine, Jeff, and Dave.

Christine in back with Jeff Hughes , Dave back to the audience, all playing trumpet

Three-Trumpet Tuning

Dick Cathcart was the jazz trumpeter behind actor Jack Webb’s portrayal of the legendary Pete Kelly in the 1955 film Pete Kelly’s Blues. Dave and Christine on trumpet, closed this marvelous evening.

It was a pleasure to see Ruth Schwab back. She always opens her home for this band’s rehearsals.

Ruth Schwab, Joe Grassi, and Elke

We’ve been listening to Dave Whitney’s Big Band playing and preserving the classic sounds of the big band era. ever since it’s inception. This was an outstanding performance. Dave said “This is the best edition of my Big Band since I started it in 1989”. We have no argument with that!!

Watch for them at Canobie Lake Park. June 8th, 1pm in the Ballroom. Free admission for age 60 plus.

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Café, April 5, 2014

Posted on April 19, 2014 by admin

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Cafe

Frank Stadler, piano and leader, Craig Ball – clarinet, Jimmy Mazzy – banjo and vocals, Scott Philbrick – trumpet, Lee Prager – trombone, Al Bernard – sousaphone, Bobby Reardon – drums.

by Marce
Videos by Harold McAleer

This was the Seacoast Stompers’ 6^th year at the Acton Jazz Café; they play the 1st Saturday of every month. Their music warmed our hearts and melted the snow! They started with their theme At The Jazz Band Ball without reed-man Craig Ball, who had been delayed.

Leader, Frank Stadler

Leader Frank Stadler announced there would be a different format this month – three 50-minute sets with 15-minute breaks. He also wanted to involve the audience.

He sorted through their past 285 tunes and distributed a list of the most popular ones to the audience so they could pick what they wanted to hear. (Live music is a social experience, it makes people happier.) When all the lists were returned, all the tunes had been picked! So Frank turned the lists over to Scott Philbrick.

Scott is their “music leader” – he let the musicians choose from the lists. Jimmy began with Oh Baby, banjo and vocal – good choice. Someone hollered “Better than New Orleans!” We have no argument with that.

Lady Be Good, Prager grinning ear to ear – he enjoys being with this group, keeping up with Scotty’s multiple notes. There’ll Be Some Changes Made was Frank’s call.

I’ve Got The World On a String, Jimmy vocal, with Lee’s muted trombone in rippling vibrato. Albie’s choice of tunes – ‘Deed I Do. Jimmy’s interchange with Albie was fabulous. Craig arrived; his clarinet does make a difference! Found a New Baby, drum intro with Craig Ball reaching for the sky on clarinet. WILD! The set closer was delectable hot jazz, Sweet Georgia Brown.

The audience insisted on Limehouse Blues starting the 2^nd set.

Prager began the trombone intro to I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plans.
Especially for Lynn Sickle – they played a sweet All of Me.

Jimmy Mazzy is revered in Europe.

Dr. Jazz – Jim scatting, not quite into his infamous holler. We are privileged to have him here with us, singing and scatting to many tunes. Rosetta was sweet. Albie requested Dinah. Jimmy went wild – he can be a tiger too.

Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby – the interaction between cornet and trombone is unbelievable!

Tin Roof Blues, soft tuba intro to this New Orleans jazz standard – one of the most often played early New Orleans jazz pieces. The Stompers did it justice in slow, N.O. tempo.

Jack Phelan,Trad Jazz afficionado, requested Ain’t She Sweet. He was here with his family and the Charlie Hoar family. Some history: Jack and Eleanor Phelan, Charlie and Margaret Hoar and the Enrights, traveled all over New England and Canada in the late 60’s and early 70’s, hearing all the best Traditional Jazz Bands of the day: East Bay City, New Black Eagle Jazz Band, Kid Sheik, Barry Martyn (here from England.) Their kids grew up with this music.

Jack Phelan with his adult kids, some his, some nephews and nieces.

Jack is in the back on the right, with the Red Rock sweatshirt.

Carrie Mazzy

Carrie Mazzy sang her own poignant interpretation of Just Because.

Blue Lou was uptempo with inspired solo work. Three Little Worlds was also in blazing tempo, clarinet & trumpet leading, trombone playing counter melody. Their performance is awe inspiring!

The Rhythm Boys, Al Bernard and Bob Reardon

Al Bernard pushes the band playing chords on tuba; Bob Reardon keeps them in proper time. They keep the rhythmic fires burning bright.

The finale was imaginative and swinging – Swing That Music. It raised goose bumps!

Then Gwenn Vivian dropped a bombshell: The AJC must move out by May 1^st – a new tenant with more $$ moving into their corner of the Nagog Park Mall.

But this is the Jazz Club you can’t crush! She has a new partner Josely Nogueira which gives them more strength and chutzpa – they will reopen when they find the perfect spot, and this band WILL be there, and so will we. “You’ve been a great audience – loved us and the band – don’t disappear.” She hopes to reopen the Acton Jazz Café somewhere in June.

Meanwhile, The Seacoast Stompers Jazz Band have been given an extra day on April 26^th to play here in Acton before they close the doors. See you there? Guaranteed, this music will make you happy!

Seacoast Stompers
Tunes played on April 5, 2014
Set 1
1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 Oh Baby
3 Lady Be Good
4 There’ll Be Some Changes Made
5 I’ve Got the World on a String
6 Deed I Do
7 I Found A New Baby
8 Sweet Georgia Brown
Set 2
1 Limehouse Blues
2 I guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan
3 All of Me
4 Doctor Jazz
5 Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby
6 Tin Roof Blues
7 Dinah
Set 3
1 Ain’t She Sweet
2 Blue Lou
3 Just Because
4 Rosetta
5 Three Little Words
6 Swing That Music

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

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