Ben Mauger’s Speakeasy Six Jazz Band

Bob Rawlins alto sax, Ben Maugher cornet, Bob Peruzzi trombone, Jason Roach bass sax

Ben Mauger’s Speakeasy Front Line

Ben Mauger – cornet, Bob Peruzzi – trombone, Bob Rawlins – clarinet/alto sax, soprano sax, Bob Kreitz – piano, Jason Roach – bass sax, Doug Kulp – drums
Ben Mauger’s Speakeasy Six Jazz Band from Pennsylvania is a real crowd pleaser, a New Orleans Dixieland/Traditional Jazz Band that plays music from the 1920’s-30’s.  “Music is therapeutic! It’s Jazz – we enjoy what we’re doing, and making it up as we go.”

Ain’t she sweet

Kansas City Man Blues

drummer Doug Kulp on Yamaha drum

Doug Kulp

 

 

 

Drummer Doug Kulp keeps impeccable two-beat time.

 

 

 
Honeysuckle Rose, My Honey’s Loving Arms, the classic Margie. Very danceable repertoire.

Take Your Tomorrows – with a different take:

 

Bob Peruzzi, trombone

Bob Petuzzi

 

 

 

Bob Peruzzi had the trombone talking in Somebody Stole My Gal, and was featured on Whispering.

 

 

 

This was Ben’s fourth appearance at the Hot Steamed Jazz Fest, The Speakeasy Six were a hit with Ben’s fluent and articulate cornet, their precise timing, and unusual bass saxophone.

Jason Roach, bass sax

Jason Roach

 

 

 

Jason Roach keeps everyone in time with the bass sax, and is featured on
Joe Avery’s Piece

Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
.

Bob Kreitz, piano

Bob Kreitz

Bob Kreitz learned piano from playing old piano rolls; is always mindful of the melody.

Ben Mauger, cornet

Ben Mauger

Ben says that when he was in the 11th grade, somebody told him to go out for sports, football, something that was important, not the Band!  Yet here he is, 56 years old, still playing and loving it.  Music really is Therapeutic!

Ben has a band for every occasion, including a 10 piece “Roaring 20′s Hot Jazz Band”. Check him out at  www.benmaugersvintagejazzband.com

Rawlins takes out the soprano sax, and Kulp is let loose on drums.
Star Wars Cantina Band

Ben Mauger’s web site:    Ben Mauger’s Vintage Jazz Band – Pennsylvania

Seacoast Stompers celebrate 5th Anniversary at the AJC

videos by Harold McAleer

Craig Ball, Albie Bernard, Scott Philbrick, Dave Whitney, Steve Piermarini

Craig Ball, Albie Bernard, Scott Philbrick, Dave Whitney, Steve Piermarini

Seacoast Stompers celebrated their 5th Anniversary at the Acton Jazz Cafe,  with special guest Steve Piermarini trombone

Scott Philbrick cornet/vocal, Dave Whitney trumpet/vocals, Craig Ball clarinet/soprano sax,  Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Frank Stadler piano, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bobby Reardon drums and Steve Piermarini on trombone

Many fans took advantage of the exciting Dixieland Jazz by the Seacoast Stompers, and the air conditioning at the Acton Jazz Café Saturday afternoon, while suffering through scorching heat on the 4th of July Holiday weekend.

Led by Frank Stadler, this is an  eight-piece band with Scott Philbrick on cornet playing innumerable notes, Dave Whitney’s trumpet playing Louis-style and interpolating innumerable songs.  Al Bernard drives the band on sousaphone, while Bobby Reardon keeps meticulous timing – and they  appreciate that.  Steve Piermarini  doing fine job filling in for Lee Prager on trombone.

The Jazz Band Ball, their theme, always begins this first Saturday of the month gig.
Take Your Tomorrows piano intro, with Dave’s vocal doing a takeoff on Frankie Trumbauer,

That’s Bob McHenry’s cap popping up at the end – it’s great to see him out walking again and listening to Jazz!

Dave remembered drummer Chuck Laire, now living in Florida, who always made up songs about Craig Ball.   “I’ve Got Craig’s Head on a String.”  (Chuck was the original drummer with The Gray Sargent Trio in the mid-70’s.)

Mama’s Gone, Goodbye – Jimmy had the vocal.  Spontaneity – instead of doing one-chorus solos, the front line cycled through the different instruments trading 2s; Fabulous!  Followed by piano, then tuba solo, then fine New Orleans ensemble.

Wolverine Blues, Whitney counting out the tempo, it was hot and heavy!

They slowed it down for  Sleepy Time Down South, another of Jimmy’s many heartfelt songs.  There’s only one Jimmy Mazzy in this world!

Jimmy singing, Albie sousaphone

The one and only Jimmy Mazzy!

Jazz Me Blues.  Frank playing on small Yamaha; it has a beautiful sound, especially in his hands.

Frank Stadler on Yamaha baby grand

Frank Stadler on Yamaha piano

Scotty always takes the vocal on Dance Around in Your Bones. Not a bad idea in this heat.

Elderly couple dancing up back.

Charlie and Evelyn dancing up back

 

Jimmy vocal  on Sweet Lorraine, backed by drum softly tapping cymbal.  Charlie & Evelyn can’t pass up a nice Fox Trot.

 

 

Frank asked Dave Whitney if he’d pick a Blues.  We expected Back O’ Town Blues, but he chose St. James Infirmary Blues.  Dave said, “Jack Teagarden said this was the oldest blues he’d ever heard.  It’s a Good ol’ good one.”   Nice choice.  We enjoyed Dave’s vocals, and Albie’s solo on sousaphone; he’s first call all over the New England Area.

Steve Piermarini on trombone

Special guest, Steve Piermarini

 

Steve Piermarini’s smouldering trombone was featured on Basin St. with the band backing him in stop-time.  Steve ended with a brilliant trombone flourish.
Craig suggested Curse of an Aching Heart, which was originally written as a waltz.  Not here – this was steamy Hot Dixie, with Jimmy substituting his own lyrics.   Scotty and Dave filled in the spaces in each other’s phrases.  Audience exclaimed  “That’s a good One!”

Craig Ball on clarinet

Craig Ball

Craig was asked to explain where Limehouse Blues originated.   This being a mixed audience, he completely fabricated its origin, and let it go at that.  He played one chorus straight, then second chorus in sweet low register clarinet, firing back up into the the stratosphere for the ending.

 

Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone, Whitney vocal, Craig moving to powerful soprano sax.  Scott was directing the solos:  reeds leading, then cornet, trombone, trumpet, piano, banjo, ensemble.

Jimmy played his unique banjo picking that mystifies all the other banjo players.  He is self-trained, and learned to hold the banjo his own way.  It has given him a reputation around the world, somewhat like Django; except that no-one can imitate Jimmy.  Believe me, they’ve tried.

Carrie Mazzy singing

Carrie Mazzy

 

 

Carrie Mazzy took a spirited romp through  What a Little Moonlight Can Do.

 

Paul Whitman recorded San, with Bix Beiderbecke in 1938.  Bobby had a chance to slam bang the drums, backed by Dave Whitney softly backing him on trumpet, quoting Swanee River.

Bobby Reardon, white shirt, bow tie hanging loosely around his neck, drumming

Bobby Reardon

I Want a Little Girl, cornet and trumpet setting sparks flying. Scotty plays countless fast notes up and down the register, challenging Dave’s trumpet, but Whitney’s technical virtuosity is invincible!

Scott on cornet, Dave trumpet

Scotty and Dave

Dave Whitney scatting

Dave Whitney scatting

 

After You’ve Gone,  Craig back on indomitable soprano sax, Dave Whitney scatting on the vocal.  Never gets dull here!

 

 

Next month, August 3rd, heading into their 6th year, Al Ehrenfried will be here on string bass,  Scotty will fill in on guitar/banjo for Jimmy while he’s away.

See you!

Marce

Novel Jazz Septet at Frontier Café Cinema

Novel Jazz Septet

Novel Jazz Septet 2013

The Novel Jazz Septet will be returning to the Frontier Café Cinema and Gallery, Fort Andross, Brunswick, ME, on Saturday, 6 July 2013 at 8:00PM for a special concert featuring the works of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, two pillars of the jazz world.

The band will highlight well-known tunes, plus rare, vintage gems, recently unearthed from original scores at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and re-interpreted for you at Frontier.

Aimsel Ponti of the Portland Press Herald hails Novel Jazz, “These are all seasoned jazz guys, and the result is a sound that made me sway, smile, groove, slow-dance with myself around the living room and play the air snare drums”.

Novel Jazz travels far and wide, keeping the spirit of Duke and ‘Sweet Pea alive and swinging! Go to www.explorefrontier.com/schedule/music for more information. Admission is $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Tickets are available at Frontier Café or by calling 207-725-5222. Seating is limited so advance ticket purchase is highly recommended.

More information and directions to the Frontier Café can be found at www.explorefrontier.com. Come to Frontier to celebrate some of America’s greatest music! (Photo by Peggy McKenna)

Dan Gabel and The Abletones at The Willows in Westborough

Dan Gabel and The Abeltones Big Band at The Willows, July 3, 2013

Dan Gabel and The Abeltones Big Band at The Willows, July 3, 2013

The Willows was opened in Westborough in 1987 by Danny and Dottie Salmon, who wanted to create a setting where active seniors could live life independently yet have the convenience and security of a familial, supportive atmosphere.  Judging by the atmosphere here on the patio on July 3rd  2013 the Salmon Family has succeeded admirably.

The residents, their family and friends, were here early, in high spirits, under umbrellas for protection from this fine sunny day.  They were celebrating an early 4th of July by singing many of our Patriotic songs, Yankee Doodle Dandy, It’s a Grand Old Flag, while waiting to hear Dan Gabel and the Abeltones Big Band.   Dan even invited them to sing up on the stage, but they were too modest.

Large crowd of Seniors in chairs and under umbrellas at the Willows patioThey heard the High Society Orchestra here last year, and  were eager to hear more of their treasured Big Band Music, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, Les Brown.  The Abletones were happy to oblige.

They began with a brief Whispering, checking out the sound system, then moved on to a rousing American Patrol, then Artie Shaw’s version of Cole Porter’s Begin The Beguine with John Clark featured on clarinet.  For Independence Day,  they played the Jerry Gray arrangement of Les Brown’s first theme song, Leap Frog.

Dan uses Abletones’ Jive to introduce each member of this 17-piece band:

Only 3 trumpets visible, with pianist Ross Petot

Four trumpets (one hidden) and Ross Petot piano

Trumpets: Kai Sandoval, Dan Fleury, Adam Mejaour, Don Clough

Five Saxophones, two tenor, two alto-one woman, one baritone

Five Saxophones, two tenor, two alto, one baritone

Saxes: Mike Caudill , John Clark, Lou Stamos, Emily Pecoraro, Tyler Birchfield

Four trombones, including leader Dan Gabel

Four trombones, including leader Dan Gabel

Trombones: Dan Gabel, Larry Meade, Joe Burke , Quinn Carson

Also: Ross Petot piano, Bill Doyle guitar, Ken Steiner string bass, and Steve Taddeo on a 1939 Slingerland drum set.

They played a melody written by Isham Jones in 1924, arranged by Dan, calling on his 1940’s best crooner voice on It Had To Be You.

My Old New Hampshire Home was a nice waltz for their lead  trumpet player  from New Hampshire.   It was the #1 song in the USA in 1899.  Pianist Ross Petot followed the original score at the beginning and end.

There was a request for some Glenn Miller.  Dan toured with the Glenn Miller Band for a year, and missed his New England.  That gave him the idea for a CD called Homesick for New England.  With assistance from vocalist Amanda Carr, the CD  will be released July 24th at Sculler’s Jazz Club.

Pennsylvania 6-5000 was the phone number for the Café Rouge in Pennsylvania.  It  was renowned for the performances by multiple artists including The Glenn Miller Orchestra.  Glenn Miller returned to Hotel Pennsylvania frequently, not just to play in the Café Rouge, but to stay there.  The Abletones were boosted by the audience’s whole-hearted response: “Pennsylvania 6 – 5 – Oh Oh Oh!!!”

With Gabel on trombone, the band played the Tommy Dorsey original 1935 arrangement of I’m Getting Sentimental Over You – twice.  Dan is a perfectionist – they’ll be working on it again until they get it perfect.  Do you think this is easy?

Everyone chimed in on vocal for a 1941 Vaughn Monroe old 78, Take It Jackson.  That was easy –  the only lyrics are repetitions of  “Take it, Jackson”.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFZIw4iJQWM   We’ll be hearing more about him.  The Vaughn Monroe Appreciation Society has asked Dan to write his biography.

Gabel on trombone, Bill Doyle on banjo

Dan Gabel and Bill Doyle in Dixieland Band

A band-within-a-band was created especially for this Fourth of July Holiday  – 7 pieces, with a Dixieland influence.   Dan Gabel trombone, Bill Doyle on banjo, Mike Caudill  tenor sax, John Clark clarinet, Ken Steiner string bass,  Steve Taddeo drums,  a rousing Battle Hymn of the Republic.

7 members stand to form a Dixieland Band

Dixieland Band plays Battle Hymn of The Republic

Steve Taddeo and John Clark were featured for the Finale on the 1938 Benny Goodman/Gene Krupa  Carnegie Hall Sing, Sing, Sing, with Clark taking a ten-minute BG solo to Taddeo’s electrifying tom tom drumming.

John Clark on clarinet

John Clark clarinet, duet with Steve Taddeo Drums on Sing, Sing, Sing

Steve Taddeo beating the drums

Steve Taddeo resurrects Gene Krupa on Sing, Sing, Sing, duet with John Clark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taddeo took his Krupa walk-around, drumming on the cymbal and anything else he could find amidst the residents, without losing a beat.  The Seniors loved it!  It was a fantastic Finale for Dan Gabel and The Abeltones Big Band at The Willows in Westborough.

The Salmons’ dedication to quality and excellence at The Willows is second to none. Part of it is featuring many local bands for their residents’ enjoyment on Wednesdays at 7:15pm – Public invited.   We’ll try to get the schedule and add it to our calendar.

Dan Gabel and the Abletones have an extensive schedule, including first Fridays at nearby Indian Meadows.  Check it out at www.theabletones.com.

Note:  The Jazz at Sunset Series in Worcester has been replaced by Swing at Sunset, thanks to The Big Band Preservation Society, WICN, and The Vets in Westborough.
The Abletones with vocalist Amanda Carr opened it this year on June 28th, as they did last year at the Ecotrium:  http://www.nejazz.com/oldsite/DanGabel15Jun12.htm.

 

New Jersey Jazz Society – Summer 2013

A VERY BUSY SUMMER
www.njjs.org

Tuesday, July 9 (Bickford) – Another chance to hear Emily Asher’s Garden Party, invited to both The Stomp and JazzFest multiple times.  Hot jazz played by youthful players drawn from the bubbling NYC traditional jazz rediscovery.  For this date Emily has recruited trumpeter Mike Davis, bassist Rob Adkins and banjo/guitar ace Nick Russo, all becoming familiar faces at this point.  Her new discoveries are drummer Jay Lepley, with her at The Stomp, and clarinet/sax player Tom Abbott, a new face to NJ fans.  Emily knows how to put players together who can really cook!  They’ll be exploring the musical legacy left to us by Bix’s pal Hoagy Carmichael.

Wednesday, July 10 (OCC) – Al Harrison’s Dixieland Band returns, confirmed with young trumpeter Geoff Gallante as a guest again.  Al switches effortlessly between cornet, trumpet and flugelhorn, surrounded by first class players.  You’ll hear Bob Rawlins on clarinet and Pete Reichlin on trombone filling out the front line, a promising combination.  The rhythm section has Dave Postmontier (here previously with the Midiri Brothers) at the grand piano, Jack Hegyl playing string bass and Lew Leabman at the drum set.  One of the best draws of the season, so you’ll want to get the most favorable reserved seats.

Wednesday, July 24 (OCC) – The Peter and Will Anderson Quartet has not been here before, but certainly the Anderson Twins’ reed talents have delighted this audience when they visited with other bands.  The pair thrilled with their self-produced Goodman, Dorsey and Shaw tributes   The pair were here in January with Dan Levinson, playing Goodman clarinet parts in three part harmony.  They are known for being both exceptional players and recruiters of outstanding supporting talent.  For this visit they’ll have Dave Baron on string bass and Luc Decker playing drums.  Reviewers love them because they “play with passion, unpredictability and a sense of discovery.”

Tuesday, July 30 (Bickford) – Five star players coming from five states, join together for a jam session you will never forget: Jeff Hughes (cornet — MA), Noel Kaletsky (reeds — CT), Joe Midiri (more reeds — NJ), Paul Midiri (drums, trombone — DE) and Herb Gardner (piano, trombone — NY).  Given the high level of talent involved, this could be a real eye-opener.  Those who travel in pursuit of jazz know Jeff and Noel as headliners in New England and across the nation on the festival circuit.  This concert will show you why they are in such demand.  The Midiri Brothers (thrilled at their June appearance with Neville Dickie) and Herb Gardner (a leader making annual appearances here for years) are already well known to NJ audiences, but this unusual combination will bring out the best from all of them.

Tuesday, August 6 (Bickford) – Dan Levinson brings his New Millenium All Stars here after they closed the show at the Pee Wee Russell Stomp to thunderous applause.  With talent drawn from his stable of hot young players, Dan adds his encyclopedic knowledge of vintage jazz to selections that you may not have heard before.  Dan has drafted Mike Davis (cornet – our Bix this year, but he’s proved he can play like a young Louis too!), Josh Holcomb (popular NYC trombonist – thrilled here recently with Gordon Webster), Dalton Ridenhour (young hot pianist for Bria Skonberg), plus veterans Mike Weatherly (bass) and Kevin Dorn (drums).   All top musicians, playing with high energy.

Monday, August 12 (Bickford) – The Vaché Brothers Band pays tribute to trumpeter Pee Wee Erwin’s centennial.  With Warren Vaché’s torrid horn, of course, along with Allan Vaché (clarinet), John Allred (trombone), Mark Shane (piano), Brian Nalepka (bass) and Kevin Dorn (drums).   Familiar names all, working well together.  It doesn’t get much better than this.

Wednesday, August 14 (Bickford) – Bassist Nicki Parrott, pianist Ted Rosenthal (replacing Rossano Sportiello) and tenorman Harry Allen combine their talents in trio format.  These are three of the most popular figures in jazz today, not often brought together on the same stage.  As the legendary Les Paul said of Nicki: “She has that special gift you cannot buy in a music store!”

Wednesday, August 14 (OCC) – The return of the Vaché Brothers Band, with this visit paying tribute to clarinetist Kenny Davern.  Allan (clarinet) and Warren Vaché (cornet) backed by an outstanding rhythm section, including Vinnie Corrao (guitar), Brian Nalepka (bass) and Kevin Dorn (drums).   They’ll delight as they did last year.

Tuesday, August 27 (Bickford) – Trumpeter Bria Skonberg is assembling a stellar group for this date, since she loves the acoustics here for both horn and voice.  On board are Dalton Ridenhour (piano, held over from New Millennium), Sean Cronin (bass, from her Shanghai Jazz appearance) and a new name to Bickford regulars, Darrian Douglas (drums).  She’s just added reed marvel Aurora Nealand to the roster, enticing her up from NOLA.  It’s getting difficult to catch Bria between out-of-town tours, so take advantage of this opportunity.

Wednesday, August 28 (OCC) – The commanding Jazz Lobsters, 18 pieces strong, are back to rock the room with a broad array of music from their extensive book.  It’s a powerhouse band that many feel is the best in the region.  Their repertoire runs from swing favorites to complex arrangements of more recent material, thus they provide an ideal way to close the summer.  They have broad appeal.  Good sound in this room.

Wednesday, September 25 (OCC) – The Midiri Brothers, always great favorites here, will present a program they call “Reed Masters of the Swing Era,” saluting clarinet and saxophone players both world famous (Goodman, Shaw, Dorsey, Bechet…) and less known but formidably skilled (Herman, Fazola, Hodges…).  Obviously this will showcase Joe Midiri’s clarinet and sax prowess, but Paul Midiri will be on hand in his usual multi-instrumental role.  The sidemen will be recruited from their usual array of talent, so you know the presentation will be first class.  A lot of research went into this program.

JAZZ FEAST IS BACK!    FREE!

Sunday,  September 15 (Princeton) – Palmer Square in Princeton is about halfway between Morristown and Toms River, so audiences from both series ought to be interested in an afternoon of mixed jazz, especially since the cost is zero.  A bandstand is set up in a grassy clearing, there are seats available and space to bring your own beach chair.  The Feast reference is to food stands set up by all the major restaurants in the area, cooking and serving their tasty offerings, some of it gourmet fare, for the jazz fans to buy and consume.  Ed Polcer has taken over the programming tasks from Jack Stine, and made the following musical selections for the 2013 edition:

Princeton University Jazztet

Alan Dale’s New Legacy Jazz Band

Mark Shane Trio, with Frank Tate, Kevin Dorn and featuring vocalist Holli Ross)

Bucky Pizzarelli Quartet, with Ed Laub, Jerry Bruno, Bob DeCaro

Bria Skonberg Sextet, with Jim Fryer, Adrian Cunningham,Darrian Douglas, Sean Cronin, Dalton Ridenhour

Music runs from noon to 6 PM in one hour sets, expected to be in the order listed above.  Arrive early to get the best seats.  Goes on rain or shine, but patrons are likely to get wet if it pours.  CDs by the performers are sold by NJJS.  Dine afterwards at one of the restaurants you sampled during the afternoon.  Palmer Square Management pays for the entertainment at this annual event, this being the 22nd year.  NJJS has been the co-sponsor throughout that time.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

At the end of the summer, Bruce M. Gast will “retire” from running jazz concerts.  All listings in Morristown and Toms River contained in this letter will be under his direction.  In the fall, Ricky Riccardi will take over booking and running concerts for MidWeek Jazz at Ocean County College.  Ray Richards will inherit the Bickford Jazz Showcase at the Morris Museum.  All have similar jazz tastes, so the concert series should continue to run in a seamless manner.  Please continue to support them with your patronage.

 WHERE TO FIND JAZZ

The Bickford Theatre/Morris Museum: On Columbia Turnpike/Road (County Road 510) at the corner of Normandy Heights Road, east of downtown Morristown. Near Interstate 287 and the Route 24 expressway. This is a 300-seat hall with generous parking on site. Wheelchair access. Weeknight concerts are one long set (8 to 9:30 PM). Tickets are generally $15 in advance, but $18 at the door. Tickets may be purchased via credit card over the phone by calling the box office at (973) 971-3706. The box office can also provide information, directions or a simple “jazz map.”

 New Jersey Jazz Society: Multi-band concerts and festivals are held at various locations several times each year. Information is available by calling (908)  273-7827. Tickets may be purchased at the gate (higher prices generally) or by mail with SASE. Checks payable to NJJS. Membership is inexpensive, and gets you significant event discounts plus the acclaimed Jersey Jazz monthly magazine. Membership information and ticket orders: www.njjs.org.

Ocean County College: Midweek Jazz concerts are held on Wednesday evenings (now back at their comfortable, newly refurbished Arts and Community Center). Concerts begin at 8 PM and run as one extended set until about 9:30 PM. Tickets are $15 for Seniors, $18 for others. RESERVED SEATS too! Call their Box Office at (732) 255-0500 for information, credit card purchases (no fee) or driving directions, which are also available from their web site: www.ocean.edu. The hall is at the end of College Drive, just off County Road 549, known locally as Hooper Avenue. There is a HUGE parking area just across from the building. Ramp entry, new elevator to the balcony.

The American Rag, a monthly publication with “news you can use” about traditional jazz and ragtime, should be on your subscription list. Learn about it at www.americanrag.com. Nationwide festival news.

 TELL YOUR JAZZ-LOVING FRIENDS ABOUT THIS E-MAIL REMINDER SERVICE. Send us an e-mail at Jazzevents@aol.com if you wish to unsubscribe. Make it clear you are not signing up again! Please also let us know of changes of e-mail address. There is no forwarding service, so we lose you when you move.

Listings are available on the internet, too. Consult the NJJS website at www.njjs.org 24 hours a day.

Thank you for supporting live jazz!

Riverboat Stompers at the Sherborn Inn

7-piece Dixieland Band

Riverboat Stompers

Steve Straus reeds, Larry Baxter cornet, Frank Batchelor trombone, Phil Hower piano, Jim Mazzy Banjo, Pierre Lemieux tuba, Rick Malcolm drums.

Riverboat Stompers played at the Sherborn Inn June 25th, 2013, featuring the music of Hoagie Carlichael, Gershwin, Cole Porter, and more. They began hot and heavy with That’s-a-Plenty.

Steve Straus clarinet, Larry Baxter cornet, Frank Bachelor trombone

Front Line: Steve Straus, Larry Baxter, Frank Batchelor

Steve Straus moves easily from clarinet to soprano sax on New Orleans.   Jimmy Mazzy had many of the vocals, but Larry Baxter took over for some tunes, Lady Be Good C’est Si Bon.  Steve Straus also did a fine vocal on Cottontown.

Pierre Lemieux on tuba

Pierre Lemieux

 

 

Pierre Lemieux thoughtfully supports the band and each musician without pushing.

 

 

They dedicated Blue Turning Gray Over You to their late trombone player, Tom Page, who died about 1 ½ years ago.   Ensemble vocal took the intro to Sophie Tucker’s Some of These Days, with Jimmy taking it over with soft backing by Baxter’s cornet.

Phil Hower at piano

Phil Hower

 

 

Pianist Phil Hower listens carefully; responds with delicate and resourceful phrases.

 

 

This is a fun band.   Medley for today, with audience participation,  Ain’t She Sweet, Five Foot Two, I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover.  Everyone gets into the vocal on Alabama Jubilee, and on kazoo.   They have a ‘name this tune’ contest.  Jimmy singing, scatting, carefully not giving away the title.  But this time no one came up with the tune “South”.   Maybe next time.

Rich Malcolm on drums

Rich Malcolm

 

 

Drummer Rich Malcolm is capable of slam banging with the best of them, but he’s unselfishly maintains the beat, letting loose on solos so that we sometimes hear the melody in his drums. He started with a Latin beat on Comes Love, with swinging bridges.

 

 

 

Jimmy Mazzy, banjo/vocals

Jimmy Mazzy

 

 

They slowed the pace for Why, a  little known tune played by Golden Gate Rhythm Machine on the West Coast, and the Riverboat Ramblers on the East Coast.  Mazzy putting his heart into the tune in his own unique Mazzy style.

 

 

 

They closed with ‘Till We Meet Again.  We might be able to catch them playing somewhere on the North Shore. Check out www.riverboatstompers.com for their schedule.

Tunes played today:
That’s a Plenty, New Orleans, Lady Be Good, Blue Turning Grey Over You, South, Alabama Jubilee, Why, Who’s Sorry Now, Home, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Cottontown, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Miss Otis Regrets, Medley, Comes Love, Lulu’s Back in Town, C’est Si Bon, Some of These Days, ‘Til We Meet Again.

 

Fiddler on the Roof at Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Scott Wahle

Scott Wahle as Tevye

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” IS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND AT
REAGLE MUSIC THEATRE JULY 11-21

 WALTHAM, MA – FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, one of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s top-five-selling shows of all time, is back by popular demand for two weeks only, July 11-21. With a book by Joseph Stein and a score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, this timeless musical is the winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical. Starring Boston television personality and IRNE Award winner Scott Wahle as the poor but indomitable dairyman Tevye, and IRNE Award winner Donna Sorbello as his steadfast wife, Golde, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is filled with beloved songs – “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” and “To Life.” Olivier Award nominee, IRNE Award winner and Broadway star Kirby Ward directs. IRNE nominee Susan M. Chebookjian will recreate Jerome Robbins’ iconic choreography. IRNE Award winner Dan Rodriguez is music director.

Tickets are $57, $49, $42 and $35 for adults. Seniors 60+ receive $3 off. Youths 5-18 are $25. Tickets are available by phone at 781-891-5600, in person at the Box Office, or online at www.reaglemusictheatre.org. A new dynamic ticketing system is now available online. Patrons may now choose their own seats using an interactive seating chart.

 Reagle Music Theatre is located at 617 Lexington Street, Waltham. Box Office hours are Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and performance days, 9 a.m. to curtain. For more information, visit Reagle Music Theatre on the web at www.reaglemusictheatre.org.

Hot Steamed Jazz 2013 – Gospel Sunday

The Sundary Revival Band

The Sunday Revival Band

Gospel Sunday, with the Reverent  Jeff Barnhart  (Rev. Josh Crowell couldn’t be here.)

Jeff Barnhart piano, Noel Kaletsky clarinet, Al Bernard sousaphone, Lou Bocciarelli string bass, Jamil Jorge trombone, Tom Palinko drums, Jane Campedelli vocals.  “Jazz knows no age.  Jamil  just graduated from college, and he’s playing fine trombone.”

Jeff started on piano with Just a Little While to Stay Here.  Before going into his homily, he thanked the appreciative audience for clapping in 2-4 time.  “Those that clap in 1-3 time are doing a polka.”

Sunday Band, Noel Kaletsky alto sax

Sunday Band, Noel Kaletsky alto sax

Down By The Riverside, with Noel on rip-roaring alto sax.   He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands,  Lead Me, a tune that came from Freddy’s  J.P.  Alessi Band.
Appropriate spirituals on this beautiful sunny Sunday!

Barnhart reading from script

Reverent Jeff Barnhart

Jeff’s sermon was a script he prepared appropriately for this Sunday, with the  Theme “Sharing Gifts”, which is what these musicians are all about.

Jeff said he was petrified when he learned he was leading the Gospel, so he Googled the internet, looking for a Jazz connection, and found  Psalm 150 was appropriate.  “Praise the Lord with lute, harps, cymbals, Praise the Lord with song.”

All clapping with hands in the air

Revival Meeting

 

Bob Seeley was helping him in the front row with his tambourine.
“I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.”  Just voices and drums – our own revival meeting.  Amen!!

 

Skip Hughes singing

Skip Hughes sings hymn

 

 

Skip Hughes stepped up with his formidable voice on Old Rugged Cross. It was a spontaneous epiphany.

 

 

 

Noel Kaletsky – Just a Closer Walk with Thee, in beautiful low-register clarinet, with Lou plucking string bass.  Palinko watched Noel carefully, nobody knows what he’ll do next.  His clarinet wrapped it up, rising way up to heaven.

Jane Campedelli  sang Amazing Grace,  with Noel Kaletsky backing her. They make a marvelous team, starting reverently and ending in a wild boogie.

Janie singing reveretnly

Jane Campedelli sings Amazing Grace

“Everybody’s going to have a wonderful time up there.”  She knows all the verses:
Everybody’s gonna have religion in glory,
Everbody’s gonna be singing that story,
Everybody’s gonna have a wonderful time up there,
(BASE) Oh, glory hallelujah!
Brother, there’s reckoning a coming in the morning,
Better get you ready cause I’m giving you warning,
Everbody’s gonna have a wonderful time up there.
This Little Light of Mine, Jane Skip and Jeff singing a capella.  (You had to be there!)

Skip, Jeff and Janie sing a capella

Skip, Jeff and Janie sing a capella

Bob Seeley also played an Amazing Grace on piano, first slowly, then with great drama,  moving into Boogie Woogie.
Video from Amazing Grace 2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz6d6XaR1hc

The tent really felt like a chapel.  Finale was The Saints, ladies with parasols marching up and down the aisles.  Shirley Bombaci was having a great time!

ladies marching with parasols, Shirley Bombaci clapping along beside them

Marching parasols

Bob Seeley was right in the middle of them, dancing around with his tambourine.

Bob Seeley, marching and slapping his tambourine

Bob Seeley, marching and slapping his tambourine

Great Job, Reverent Barnhart!!

On with the 2014 Traditional/Dixieland Jazz Festival!!

 

Hot Steamed Jazz Festival 2013 – Wolverine Jazz Band

videos by Eric Devine (some are only highlighted)

7-pc Dixieland Band

John Clark’s Wolverine Jazz Band

The Wolverine Jazz Band has finally become recognized as one of the top Traditional and Dixieland Jazz Bands.  It’s been a long time coming, since John Clark stepped in to fill in the reed section of the Paramount Jazz Band in 1994.

In his own words:
“I started at the Holiday Inn when Ray invited me to his 1994 Christmas party there – I thought it was an actual party and not a performance, so it was a good thing I thought to throw my bari in the car – it turned out to be an audition (I had played in a casual group with Ray the summer before). Apparently I passed, because I was put on the regular rotation after that (I believe the Christmas gig was the last local gig for both Gary Rodberg and Steve Wright – I think they both moved away within a week or so). That led to my subbing for Steve with the Paramount J.B. on the England tour in June, 1995.”

John continued his studies at Connecticut College, and soon formed the Wolverine Jazz Band, with its own ‘Bix’, Jeff Hughes on cornet and trumpet,Tom Boates trombone, Ross Petot piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums.

They have since been invited to the Bar Harbor Jazz Festival,  America’s Dixieland Festival, Olympia; Arizona Classic Jazz Festival, Summit Jazz Festival, Hot Steamed Jazz Festival.

They kicked off this session with a tune Santo Pecora, trombone, played with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings. Check out our own Santo Pecora! She’s Crying For Me,.

Jimmy starts a swinging 1920’s Dardanella,

Jimmy on banjo and vocals

Jimmy sings Yellow Dog Blues

 

 

The one and only Jimmy Mazzy singing in the 1919 W. C. Handy’s Yellow Dog Blues.

(People in New England don’t jump up out of their seats and holler like the West Coast Trad Jazz Fans on Yellow Dog Blues.)

 

 

Sweet Jenny Lee is on one of the Woverines’ many CDs.  Clark dug out the bari sax.

The Rhythm Boys keep the band jumping.

drummer Dave Didriksen

Dave Dickriksen

Rick MacWilliams tuba - file photo

Rick MacWilliams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They stole a tune from Clarence Williams – “You can never get enough from him.” Cushion Foot Stomp, with Jimmy vocal, Dave wrapped it up with a loud crash cymbal.

The Halfway House Orchestra did this old chestnut in the 1920’.  Wolverines updated it to 1925 style. Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Ross marvelous on stride piano.

trombone player Tom Boates sings vocal

Tom Boates

 

 

They moved to ‘western swing’ with a tune played by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, with Tom Boates’ captivating vocal.  Cherokee Maiden, backed by Dave’s Native American drum beat.

 

 

Ross was back in stride with a hard driving tempo on Duke’s Street Beat CD, Birmingham Breakdown.  Fabulous muted trombone and baritone sax.

Trumpet and banjo kicked off Irving Berlin’s 1929 Waiting at the End of the Road, featuring Jimmy; nice tight ensemble on Jimmy Blythe’s 1920’s Oriental Man.

The Wolverine Jazz Band plays at least once a month at the Sherborn Inn’s Tuesday Night Jazz, and always to a full-house.  For their schedule, best get on John’s email list at jazzbnd@aol.com

Dr. John Clark and his Wolverine Jazz Band have a bright future ahead of them!!
Wolverine Jazz Band – Massachusetts