Bay State Syncopators April 2015
Dave Whitney and Paul Monat cornet, Blair Bettencourt clarinet, Dan Gabel trombone, Robin Verdier piano, Eric Baldwin guitar, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Reid Jorgensen drums
The Bay State Syncopators were at Bemis Hall in Lincoln MA on May 27, 2015. It was a reunion band formed in the 80’s by Paul Monat to rekindle the two-cornet sound of Bob Connor’s Yankee Rhythm Kings of the 70’s which had Paul Monat and Dave Whitney on cornet and Blair Bettancourt on clarinet. Bill Doyle subbed today on guitar.
“Musically the Band sounded great! Despite lack of Rehearsal Time we surprised ourselves on most of the tunes. After 40 years, Blair, Paul and myself still remember most of the routines.
Highlights were Big bear Stomp—Too Late (from King Oliver 1930). Snake Rag, Cake Walkin’ Babies, Mabel’s Dream and Canal St. Blues.
Big Bear Stomp
Robin Verdier
Bill Doyle (file photo)
Us YRK veterans had a great time and it brought back happy memories of the Sticky Wicket and Sacramento Jazz Fest. Also a nice turnout of 60 or so people.”
The Bay-State Syncopators ended their concert in Lincoln with a rousing version of Lou Watter’s San Francisco favorite – Emperor Norton’s Hunch.
Harold McAleer