The Dave Whitney Trio kicked off 2016 at Bullfinch’s Jazz Brunch for the 22^nd consecutive year with swinging ensembles and brilliant solos.  It was standing room only, demonstrating the respect and affection that musicians and fans have for Dave Whitney.  He is known as New England’s Dean of Jazz, usually on trumpet, but today leading with melody and harmony on cornet.

Dave Whitney cornet, Jon Wheatley guitar, Mark Carlsen bass, and special guests Gray Sargent guitar, Jim Porcella and Mollie Malone vocals. What a fantastic way to start the New Year!

The Brunch began unusually early, at 10am, with just a few customers straggling in, but that soon changed.  The Trio began with a soft Moonglow; folks relaxing after a hectic New Year’s Eve.

 

 

These Foolish Things, featured Jon’s sweet and sultry guitar with bass backup, and Dave sounding like Bunny Berigan.

 

 

Dave sang several tunes, connecting with the mood of each song: Irving Berlin’s Blue Skies, The Gypsy, Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?  and more.

He added a Latin beat with Jobim’s Bossa Nova, Triste. ( Meaning sad)
By now the tables were filled.  They picked up the pace with a ‘good ol’ good one’, Found a New Baby with Mark cleverly slapping the bass.

Folks were getting reacquainted, (lots of talking).  Gray Sargent was here with his wife Pam and brother John; Betty Weaver and Paul DeMille have been present at these New Year’s Brunches since they started over 20 years ago.  There were many musicians in the room whose names we don’t know.  Jim Porcella, Peter Gerler, Mollie Malone were in the audience.  A Sticky Wicket ‘regular’, Ruth Schwab arrived with Joe Grasia.

 

 

You Took Advantage of Me.  Mark was bowing the string bass.
His rhythm moves!

The band took a well deserved break – this is a four-hour program.

 

 

 

 

They returned for a special request, a tune done by Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong, You’re Sensational.
You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To.

Dave played riveting cornet on Clyde McCoy’s Sugar Blues.

 

This band Swings from start to finish!  They moved upbeat with Back Home Again in Indiana.  Dave took the vocal on The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else, giving Mark a crowd pleasing string bass solo.

Tin Roof Blues, is always a favorite, with captivating cornet and guitar, Mark walking and bowing the bass.

 

 

Dave introduced Mollie Malone. Mollie sings in Billie Holiday style with I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, and a sweet I’ve Got a Crush On You.

 

 

 

 

 

Bombay Jim Porcella of the Swinging Saphires and Swinging Tenors was here. He was called up with It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing (of course!) and Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.

Special treat was seeing and hearing Gray Sargent again!  He once had his own Trio – now he and Marshall Wood are backing Tony Bennett all over the world.

 

 

Gray joined the Trio,  thrilling the crowd with sheer joy and mastery on 9:20 Special by Count Basie, and Isn’t It Romantic? 

 

 

 

The musical highlight of this afternoon was a breathtaking Lady Be Good, with two virtuoso guitars, Gray Sargent and Jon Wheatley playing together with real camaraderie and classic musicianship. The Quartet closed this four-hour afternoon with heartfelt, hot music.

This was a Joyful Affair from beginning to end, with many surprises!  We’re looking forward to hearing the Dave Whitney Trio at another Bullfinch Jazz Brunch in the near future.  We’ll keep an eye out for Gray Sargent and Tony Bennett.

We definitely plan on being here again next year celebrating New Year’s Day 2017 at Bullfinch’s Jazz Brunch, and for many years to come!

Marce