Hank Victor Trio: Hank Victor guitar Tom Ferrante reeds Mike Ball String Bass
Hank Victor delivers swing arrangements of compositions by Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter. Hank is a former guitarist with the Boston Pops and Boston Symphony Orchestras, as is multi-instrumental reed-man, Tom Ferrante. They work well together – backed by Mike Ball, string bass, who likes to scat along to his solos, like Slam Stewart.
How High The Moon, Sweet Georgia Brown Mr. Bojango Girl From Ipanema Killer Joe Moonlight in Vermont Green Dolphin St. (for St. Patrick’s Day) Lady Be Good Honeysuckle Rose Lady Be Good Mood Indigo
Ferrante plays sweet sax, straight from the heart.
Side trip to South America for Girl From Ipanema, Mike’s string bass lifting the band.
Tom was featured on clarinet with a an electrifying version of Fats Waller’sHoneysuckle Rose.
“The whole concert involved good old Jazz and Swing numbers with beautiful harmonies which were dessert for the ears!”
Betty Weaver
Bios: Hank Victor has been a professional guitarist and electric bassist for over fifty years. He has performed with the Boston Pops and Boston Symphony Orchestras and has recently been leading swing jazz groups at Bullfinch’s Restaurant and the Sherborn Inn. Currently, he teaches guitar and electric bass at Boston College.
Most of Tom Ferrante‘s performing career has been in the Colonial, Schubert and Wang Theaters of Boston. A retired Associate Professor of Saxophone at UMass-Lowell and former director of Bands at Waltham High School, Tom was also a member of the Herb Pomeroy and Greg Hopkins Jazz Orchestras. Tom has been a featured jazz clarinet soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra under John Williams and Keith Lockhart.
Michael Ball began his musical career in the midwest playing concerts and club dates with such Jazz greats as Jay McShan, Clark Terry, Jimmy Giuffre, George Russell, R&B legend Bo Diddley, The Coasters and many more. Michael is a New England Conservatory graduate and has received numerous awards.
Larry Baxter cornet, Steve Straus leader/soprano sax/clarinet, Frank Bachelor trombone, Phil Hower piano, Dave Macmillan banjo, Pierre Lemieux tuba, Rich Malcolm drums
This is a crowd-pleasing fun band, many vocalists, fine Dixieland Band peppered with a bit of Spike Jones. They gave an enlivening performance and the fans loved every minute of it.
They started right out with Macmillan vocal on Honeysuckle Rose nicely backed by muted cornet. “Be Sure It’s True When You Say I Love You” – with the whole band singing very resounding vocals on It’s a Sin To Tell a Lie
Big Butter & Egg Man, Steve Straus on clarinet and vocal, Phil tasty piano solo buoyed by the rhythm section.
They dedicated a song to Rush Limbaugh, The Lady is a Tramp. Steve on soprano sax with Rich rim tapping the drum. They ended this tune appropriately, on a sour note.
Next was a lovely ballad from their first CD, played in three different keys, drum intro marking the beat to Bourbon Street Parade. Fantastic! We don’t care how many keys they play in, when they get serious, they play flaming HOT Dixieland Jazz! But they aren’t serious for very long – there was a sudden blast from a Spike Jones’ Model T car horn that made everyone jump out of their seats. Rich’s blistering multiple drum tags tore the house down!
They play games – Stump The Band, and someone tries to win a CD by guessing the tune. They’re getting more difficult, picking a tune that Steve says was so little known it was never published, but the Paris Washboard plays it. Cornet took a break on this one while the piano did the intro to Fat’s Waller’s 1937 Our Love Was Meant To Be. The band stumped the audience.
From the unknown to the very known, with Dave Macmillan “featured on 18 string banjo” on a spirited Baby Face. Larry Says Dave was “pre-disposed to play banjo.”
Piano intro to Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gave to Me —The lyrics of this tune are extremely fast, with many choruses that would test even the best vocalist. The band stopped, leaving Larry on his own, with his razor sharp phrasing of all the testy lyrics. Bravo! The full band returned, Larry cornet, Steve soprano sax, Frank trombone, Phil piano. Pierre’s fine tuba solo was backed only by drums. Rich closed with a clever solo played only on the snare drum!
Steve counted out the beat for Putting On The Ritz. It was his vocal, and he enlisted the help of the audience, who responded with “Putting on the Ritz!” Frank’s impressive trombone solo was backed by Pierre’s tuba.
Pierre is always present, with his own exciting solos, driving the band, or in the background behind other solos, playing so softly you hardly know he’s there.
It was break time, so they chose to play a familiar tune a propos of the fine early spring weather New England has been experiencing. They called it ” ‘ave a lawn”. (Avalon) Cute. It was WILD, with Dave on vocal – he doesn’t need a megaphone! Rich tapping the top hat with with a trad one-beat, and finishing with a hard charging drum solo, leading into break time.
When they returned, Steve soberly announced that Dave would play some serious banjo. But after he started, Larry and Steve took out their kazoos.
The full band jumped back in, with a fine clarinet solo by Straus.
Dave showed them – playing incredible, charging, banjo, withThere’ll Be Some Changes Made.
Dave is the primary vocalist with the band, starting with the first tune, It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie, then , Bourbon Street Parade, Avalon, Chinatown, and the finale, Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams.
Steve said “Many of these old songs were colorful, and naughty. We’re not making any social commentary with a not very well known tune, but it’s that universal excuse,” in I’ve Been Floating Down That Old Green River
They have recorded a tune especially for March, a very special waltz, Take Me Out To The Ball Game!!
There was a request (from the band) for C’est Ci Bon, Larry on poignant vocal – in perfect French. Glorious to this Frenchwoman!
Chinatown, was rowdy, with Frank playing briskly on double mute trombone.
Rich hit everything he could reach on the drum set, even the cow bell.
Back Home Again in Indiana. Larry carrying the melody, soprano sax and trombone in counterpoint. Nice.
While the audience was focused on the front line’s melody – Rich got up from the drums and did a little dance on the side! Macmillan continued unaware, strumming a banjo solo with tuba backup. The band connected again, closing with a wonderful ensemble.
Stump the band again. “A tune we frequently use – we’ll play it until we get it right. It’s a genuine copy of a knock-off from our CD.” Phil looked puzzled, since nobody had told him what they were going to play.
Steve on sax, Rich taking a drum solo against the front line’s stop-time rhythm, they started nice and easy, then raised the tempo for a smoking Limehouse Blues, then moved into great New Orleans polyphonic sound. Somebody won a CD on this one.
Phil had the piano intro to Cole Porter’s Miss Otis Regrets, another fine vocal by Larry, Steve on low register clarinet.
Goody Goody.
While the front line concentrates on melody, Rich provides the beat tapping the rim with right hand and hitting the underside of the top hat for emphasis with the left hand.
We enjoy watching him – now he keeps the rhythm going by softly rim-tapping on opposite edges with both drumsticks, and hitting center snare for a resounding beat, then ending the number with a dynamic flourish!
Time’s up. It’s time for the Finale.
Piano intro to Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams, with Steve playing a full chorus on high register soprano sax, then a chorus on low register sax.
Marvelous!
Despite the clowning around, these are talented musicians who play flaming HOT Dixieland Jazz; they are absolute crowd pleasers!
1320 Boston Post Rd. Madison, CT 06443, (203) 318-8362 March 11, 5-8pm
by Jean Hadley, photos by Joan Boutelle
The 1917 Jazz Band
The 1917 Jazz Band Tom Sharp (leader, vocals) Bill Sinclair (piano) Noel Kaletsky (reeds)
Tom Palinko (drums)
Bobo Lavorgna (bass, vocals)
Noel Kaletsky Tom Sharpe
After 28 years at Bill’s Seafood, Tom Sharp’s 1917 Jazz Band has found a new home. And, what a home it is!
The owner, Chris Donahue was impressed to see so many 1917 Jazz Band fans and commented on his observation to me. Adding, that we were a very tightly knit group.
The evening got off to a roaring start with a packed house. In addition to Tom’s fans, many were enroute to their homes after watching the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New Haven. This afforded a wonderful opportunity for new people to get a taste of the band. The attendance consisted of all ages……from the very, very young to the Sr. audience.
As I watched the band assemble, I noticed they had a stage from which to work. Added to this was professional overhead lighting and off to the side, a sound-man. These added features made a huge difference in the band’s sound. In fact, I had never heard the band play so well.
The band’s opening number was “Just a Little While.” Tom on vocals really set the pace for the evening. Following this selection the band gave us Jelly Roll Morton’s “Give Me Doctor Jazz.” Again, Tom on vocals.
People were starting to fill the dance floor to such numbers at “Red Wing” – “It’s Only a Paper Moon” – “When We Danced to the Mardi Gras” and “Girl of MY Dreams.” When Bobo did his rock/swing number on bass and vocals, the entire dance floor was full and jumping!
Bill Sinclair and Bobo Lavorgna
Tom Palinko Sinclair, Sharpe, Kaletsky
During the break, four darling, very young girls exhibited their “Irish Step Dancing” in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. They were followed by two young adults who also exhibited their skill.
We are always well entertained by Noel, Tom Palinko, Bill Sinclair and Bobo. Tom Sharp has a band that works extremely well together.
In addition to fine music, Donahue’s offers a varied menu of fine cuisine, beautifully presented and served by their staff. The bar offers a huge selection of beer and other libation.
The 1917 Jazz Band will play again Sunday, April 29th 5-8pm. If you missed their first gig, try to make their second. You will not be disappointed.
Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Carol Moeller and Moishe Feldman piano, Gid Loring cornet, Frank Bachelor and Jack Martin trombone, Dave First washtub bass, Derek Lane-Smith English concertina, Carrie Mazzy vocals
Jimmy Mazzy has been playing Wednesdays at the Colonial Inn for as long as we can remember. Carol Moeller has been with him on piano for about 30 years. Today was a special birthday party to help the sprightly Carol celebrate her 90th birthday.
They started appropriately with My Buddy with Carol’s fingers flying, much as her father’s did during the silent film era.
Carol’s father was called “Flying Finger’s Bray”. During the depression, he did a radio show in exchange for advertising for piano lessons and performances.
He developed a method for teaching “stride piano” and his best student was Carol. He often sent her out to cover for him when she was still in her teens. She shared her love of jazz with many people, and was a major influence on Jimmy Mazzy. Carol generally plays the last set of the evening on Wednesdays.
Moishe took over on the piano for Back Home Again in Indiana. Why? from Call Me Madame – hot solo by Batchelor on trombone, and Derek Lane-Smith on concertina.
Carol showed off her birthday cards.
There isn’t much advance planning here. Jimmy decides to play something, and starts on a few notes. When the musicians recognize it, they slip in, one by one.
Jimmy sings many of his oldies but goodies, the rhythm section falling in behind him. Billie Holiday’s Riffin’ the Skotch, Pappy.
There’s a request for Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans. Jimmy sings it in his own unique, inimitable style. The place is starting to fill up – it’s a small venue.
Moishe, a Russian classically-trained pianist who loves jazz, has his own unique style too. Sometimes his huge hands caress the piano, sometimes they make it plead for mercy. When backing a soft solo or vocal, he only uses one finger. Less is more!
Gid Loring has been playing cornet with Jimmy for many years also.
Dave First on washtub bass has a steady beat, pushing out those chords, as good a bass man as you can find anywhere!
Walking My Baby Back Home. Carrie Mazzy comes up for a vocal, dedicating it to Carol, I Know a Little Bit About a Lot Of Things.
Then Carrie brings out the birthday cake with nine large, glowing candles.
Surrounded by dedicated friends and great jazz, it’s a great way to spend a 90th birthday, Happy Birthday, Carol!! And many, many, more!!
Vince Giordano with Peter Yarin, piano I. Cowern photo
Randy Reinhart, Trumpet
Michael Ponella, Trumpet
Jon-Erik Kellso, Trumpet
Jim Fryer, Trombone
Chuck Wilson, clarinet and sax
Andy Stein Violin, Baritone Sax,
Mark Lopeman, Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Soprano Sax
Dan Levinson, Alto Sax, Clarinet, Soprano Sax
Peter Yarin, Piano
Ken Salvo, Banjo, Guitar
Arnie Kinsella, Drums
Vince Giordano, string bass, tuba, bass sax
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Long Island, Vince Giordano began his long and illustrious music career at age five. At age 14, Vince joined the musicians union. As the years passed, he became enamored with every instrument available to him. As a result, he has become a music virtuoso and mastering the art of playing many instruments.
This afternoon was a wonderful example of his talent as a leader, musician, historian, crowd pleaser and friend to his fellow musicians and audience.
The beautiful auditorium was filled to capacity. The band looked strikingly handsome in their black tuxedos. Lights lowered, the music began. Music of the 1920’s filled the air and it was difficult to sit still.
One could imagine floating around a dance floor doing or watching the movement of the “Quick Step.” Those were the days when people danced together and often times in competition.
Ponella, Wilson. Lopeman, Stein I. Cowern photo
Here is a list of some beautifully arranged and familiar songs I am certain everyone in the audience knew.
Dipper Mouth Blues
Limehouse Blues
Deep Harlem
She’s a Great, Great Girl
The Mooch
Rhapsody in Blue
I Found a New Baby
Midnight, the Stars and You
East of the Sun
Maple Leaf Rag
Chinatown
Avalon
I Would Do Anything for You
Medley from “Little Rascals”
Okay Baby
Beautiful Changes
Tiger Rag
These Foolish Things
Nagasaki
(Encore) Good Old Days
Ed Ohr photo
Jim Fryer entertained us several times with his Euphonium expertise…..as did Andy Stein with his Violin and Baritone Sax.
Andy Stein
Arnie Kinsella Ed Ohr photos
Adding to the delight of everyone, Dan Levinson, Mark Lopeman and Chuck Wilson wowed us with their Megaphones (missing was Rudy Vallee); Peter Yarin (piano) and Arnie Kinsella (with his vintage drums) portraying unique artistic technique, playing with the band versus against it.
Megaphones Ed Ohr photo
And who could not appreciate the three guys “quietly” waiting for their turn to be heard. Our dear, Jim Fryer, Michael Ponella and Randy Reinhart. To the delight of those who love the Banjo, we were entertained by Ken Salvo.
Reinhart, Levinson, Ponella, Wilson, Fryer, Lopeman I. Cowern photo
Always, front and center, we had our dear leader, Vince, on his ever famous “Silver Bass,” Tuba, Bass Saxophone and vocals. Adding to his already endless talent, Vince gave us the history (with charm and wit) of each and every song played. He never seems to tire entertaining his audience.
When the audience returned after the break, Vince asked the audience for questions and requests. Some of the songs are listed here. Avalon is one….A bit of trivia about Avalon (1920) …. by Jolson, DeSylva and Rose. The Opening melody was taken from Puccini’s aria Elucevan le stella from the opera Tosca.
Levinson, Wilson, Lopeman I. Cowern photo
Levinson, Wilson, Lopeman, Stein Ed Ohr photo
For your music pleasure, the Nighthawks will always please you and never disappoint you.
The Wolverine Jazz Band played to a capacity crowd at the Sherborn Inn on Tuesday, February 28th, playing upbeat jazz the whole night, from beginning to end.
They started with a lively My Blue Heaven, and did it perfectly. Everything sparked, and it took off from there
Trombonist Tom Boates was in a playful mood all night long, with his raucus, growling trombone. The highlight was his scatting with Jimmy Mazzy. Didriksen was beside himself, smiling all the while, playing a solid beat.
John Clark announced Dave’s engagement to his lady friend Cathy. The band had planned a slow song, then an upbeat tune for the Finale, but reversed it to a sizzlingSwing That Music, then Trombonist Boates took over the drums for an emotional and warm Memories, so Dave and Cathy could dance.
It was a sparkling evening, from beginning to end.
Congratulations, Dave and Cathy! Live a long and happy life!
The Sherborn Inn had a double-header Mardi Gras celebration, beginning with the Wolverine Jazz Quartet, with Dave Whitney trumpet, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Jimmy Mazzy banjo, and John Clark clarinet/bass clarinet.
The 3-course luncheon was a choice of special Mardi Gras Shrimp Jambalaya or Bourbon Chicken. The band renamed Sunset Cafe Stomp with The Sherborn Inn Stomp.
In keeping with the New Orleans’ theme, a group of Red Hatters from Walpole (sans chapeau) livened up the afternoon with colorful costumes, complete with tiara and boa.
Donna Monteiro, Lee Normandin, Donna Kearney, Olga Cox, and Michelle Merriam enjoyed the Dave’s trumpet on Louis Armstrong’s Someday You’ll Be Sorry and Mable’s Dream.
When I Grow Too Old To Dream, Jimmy vocal; While We Danced At The Mardi Gras, he slipped in a touch of Ciri Biri Bin on his banjo. New Orleans was a natural, with Whitney ending in an impressive trumpet coda.
Instead of dipping into his vast collection of 20-s and 30’s songs, Jimmy chose Blues Before Sunrise for one vocal, done by B.B. King and Eric Clapton, and Dean Martin’s All I Do Is Dream of You.
Jimmy is self-taught, his playing is exceptionally unique. Every banjo player who tries to imitate him ends up saying “How does he do that???”
But he’s never boring, always adding something new, as in single-string picking of lower chords on his banjo solo of Louisian-I-A.
Adding another instrument to his arsenal, Clark brought in a bass clarinet to supplement his usual clarinet. (Only two instruments, no baritone sax.) None necessary – Clark’s expertise on reeds and Whitney’s trumpet carried the afternoon!
Louis Armstrong Hot 5’s Struttin’ With Some Barbecue was incredible on bass clarinet!
Rick MacWilliams’ tuba took the intro to the Burns and Allen theme song, Love Nest. That’s a Plenty was WILD, with Jimmy scatting through his chorus.
They closed the afternoon at 2pm with Stuff Smith’s You Showed Me The Way.
The second half of the Sherborn Inn’s Mardi Gras was at 7pm. with Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band, with Berklee Professor Jeff Stout on cornet.
The full Wolverine Jazz Band will be back at the Sherborn Inn on February 28th, 7 to 9:30pm.
From a concert in Boston on February 16, 2012, featuring all-star performers, from left to right: Bob Winter, Piano Jimmy Mazzy, Banjo and Vocals Eli Newberger, Tuba and Leader Randy Reinhart, Trumpet Ted Casher, Clarinet and Tenor Sax Herb Gardner, Trombone Live recording sound and video mixed by http://www.sagamoresongs.com Additional audio and video material may be enjoyed at http://www.elinewberger.com/music.html
