Despite the heavy rain Noreaster there was a sizable crowd anticipating Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders with Special Guest Dan Levinson, this fine afternoon. Featured were Jeff Hughes and Pat Stout trumpet, Dan Levinson, John Clark and Craig Ball reeds, Dan Gabel trombone, Justin Meyer bass, Bill Doyle guitar, Ross Petot piano and Steve Taddeo drums and Leader. Guest vocalist Debbie Nordyke.
It was a top notch dream band and the greatest musicians in New England.
For those of us who couldn’t make it, Harold McAleer took videos. Thank you, Harold!!
Debby Nordyke sings Blue skies. John Clark on bari sax goes toe-toe with Dan Levinson on tenor sax,
Don’t Be That Way – Starting with Dan on clarinet, all get to improvise a solo
Just The Way You Look Tonight
Steve Taddeo featured – even tried Tap Dancing with Found a New Baby- 11.4 minutes:
Dan Levinson winds up the concert in Bemis Hall on Oct 27, 2018
with a hot tune – Stomping at the Savoy
The audience was not disappointed! Steve Taddeo brought together a top-notch group of musicians this afternoon at Bemis Hall. Thank you, Harold McAleer for sharing.
Dan Levinson enjoyed playing along with them, and said he’d like to return next year with his family!! Steve will keep us informed. Stay tuned!
Joe Midiri clarinet, soprano & alto sax, Paul Midiri vibes, Jeff Barnhart piano, Steve Taddeo drums, Caroline Griep vocals videos by Harold McAleer
Jeff Barnhart
Jeff Barnhart was excited to appear with The Midiri Brothers at Bemis Hall.
They were brought together by Steve Taddeo, with Caroline Griep vocals.
The Big 5 started early, practicing Ding Dong Daddy even before the crowd arrived. They were prepared!
Joe Midiri
Joe Midiri was fantastic on clarinet (Nagasaki), soprano sax (Nuages) and alto sax.
Nagasaki
Paul Midiri Photo by Tina Cass
His identical twin brother Paul stayed with Vibraphone this evening, keeping a miraculously fast pace.
Don’t Be That Way
Caroline Griep
Caroline Griep was a match for them with her natural warmth and easy swing. She kept up with Barnhart’s jesting between songs; and when he called on her on the spur-of-the-moment, she was prepared.
Taddeo kept up the beat, playing brushes behind many of them. He let go in the finale, his theme song – Dinah.
Note: The Midiri Brothers and Jeff Barnhart may return sometime next June – stay tuned to our calendars.
The Big 5 at Bemis Halll Photo by Tina Cass
Excellent videos by Harold McAleer, who also had a birthday this week. Thank you, Harold – Happy Birthday!
Pat Stout trumpet, Craig Ball clarinet, Herb Gardner piano, John Turner string bass, Steve Taddeo drums, Billl Doyle rhythm guitar, Debbie Nordyke vocals, featuring Eric Baldwin guitar.
Taddeo kicked it off with an upbeat Don’t Be That Way with two guitars, trumpet and clarinet – great start to a fine afternoon of propulsive Rhythm and Swing!
Debbie Nordyke
Steve wasted no time Introducing former Broadway actress and vocalist Debbie Nordyke, singing Blue Skies, and from Brigadoon – It’s Almost Like Being In Love.
Bill Doyle on rhythm guitar
Bill Doyle’s guitar adds perfect rhythm to the band’s beat!
Craig Ball and Eric Baldwin teamed up for Count Basie’s Air Mail Special.
Eric Baldwin was featured on Seven Come Eleven, with help from bassist John Turner:
Debbie returned with Duke’s 1943 Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, and How About You.
Craig Ball
Craig Ball played a Memorial for a dear friend and drummer, Bobby Reardon, who passed recently, I Would Do Anything For You. Taddeo emphasizing drums.
Pat Stout
Debbie Nordyk actually worked on stage with Lorna Luft, Judy Garland’s daughter, bringing back memories with the ’39 Harold Arlen ballad, Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Pat Stout’s open bell trumpet soared!
Debbie continued with S’Wonderful and the Gerschwin’s tune from Funny Face, Our Love Is Here To Stay. It was the last musical composition George Gershwin completed before his death on July 11, 1937. His brother Ira published it later.
Herb Gardner
With a mood of creativity, Herb Gardner approaches tunes with a spirit essential to this kind of music.
A hot sextet tells us The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
Sextet
Found a New Baby was WILD, with Taddeo’s famous ten-minute drum solo and walk-around.
Debbie calmed everyone down with a tune from Gerschwin’s Porgy & Bess, reminding us it was finally Summertime! and Just in Time.
Craig Ball and Pat Stout
Honeysuckle Rose, with the Craig and Pat duet, was a barn-burner.
They closed with a WILD instrumental, Sweet Sue, with improvised solos pushed by the drum & bass.
Another version of the Swing Senders will be appearing at Primavera Ristorante at 7pm on Thursday, June 28th. 20 Pleasant St. Millis MA. Come join us for a fantastic evening of Rhythm and Swing!
Sarah Spencer returned from her home in England; stopped by at Disneyworld to catch up with friends, then settled in Connecticut, playing at Bill’s Seafood. We were fortunate to have her with us in Lincoln, MA, with her International All Stars. Our local musicians were thrilled to have Sarah here – that was obvious!
Jeff Hughes cornet, John Clark clarinet/soprano sax, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Herb Gardner piano, Justin Meyer bass, Bill Doyle guitar, Steve Taddeo drums, Sarah Spencer tenor sax/vocals/clarinet/alto sax.
They opened with Jimmy singing Exactly Like You. Sarah and The All Stars played New Orleans Traditional Jazz – it was refreshing to hear it again! She explained where the tunes came from, and what bands played them, like The Sam Morgan band, Papa Celestin, Billy & Dede Pierce, Kid Thomas, Ma Rainey’s Tiajuana Man.
John Clark and Sarah duet
John Clark took up soprano sax for Sweet Jenny Lee, a Cab Callaway tune.
Steve Taddeo has been studying Baby Dodds – surprising the members of the band on Traditional Jazz – his passion is playing drums! Sweet Jenny Lee
Sarah sang several songs, including Love, by Jabbo Smith.
Sarah sings Jabbo Smith’s Love
Sarah and Gerry sing
The band reveled in playing unusual pairings of musicians. Sarah played clarinet on Savoy Blues, persuaded by John Clark. Jerry Gagnon sang a duet with Sarah – that was a surprise!
Jimmy sings with Justin Meyer behind him
Jimmy Mazzy sang Sweetheart of TKO, from “Papa” Celastin’s Original Tuxedo Orchestra. Closer Walk With Thee had both Sarah and John playing clarinet, backed by the rhythm section. Justin Meyer was behind Jimmy with fluid intonation and flawless timing.
Herb Gardner learned and played many new songs this evening.
Herb Gardner enjoyed playing on Bemis’s antique grand piano showing his astonishing improvisational skills – he had never heard some of these Traditional Jazz tunes!
Bil Doyle and Gerry Gagnon
Gerry Gagnon is amazing on trombone, improvising harmony lines, playing lovely slow glissando.
It was impossible to get a clear picture of Bill Doyle, playing guitar in the rhythm section, making every note count – invaluable to the band.
They closed with an astounding Panama.
All agreed that they will do this again next year. The attentive and enthusiastic audience applauded wholeheartedly!
The following Wednesday, Sarah Spencer played at a private house party in Concord MA that was well attended by Jimmy Mazzy fans. She’s been driving from Connecticut to this party for years!
Thursday 26th she drove up to Primavera in Millis, Massachusetts and sat in with Jeff Hughes, Craig Ball, Jimmy Mazzy, Steve Taddeo and Ron L’Herault. She said it was the most magnificent send-off possible; last few hours of her trip with the very best of friends. Next morning she headed back home to England.
We look forward to her returning next year!! We all love you, Sarah!
An extension of Dave’s small bands, his fourteen piece orchestra was formed in 1989. The focus of this band was playing and preserving the classic sounds of the big band era.
Now an 18-piece band, members here were: Saxophones
Dave Jost
Art Bakopolus
Diane Heffner
Bob Drukman
Kathleen Howland
Trumpets
Dave Whitney, leader
Joe Musumeci
Jeff Hughes
Brittany Betts, vocals
Trombones
Scott Hill
Mike Strauss
Hikaru Sato
Guitar: Karen Quatromoni, vocals Piano Steve Dale, Bass Dave LeBleu, Drums Reid Jorgensen
This 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.
They greeted the full house with Dave’s theme song, When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful, and continued for an exhilarating afternoon of fine swing and Jazz.
Dave Whitney
Well known in New England for his work with the Yankee Rhythm Kings, White Heat Swing Orchestra, and Chris Powers Orchestra, Dave Whitney was influenced by Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Bobby Hackett and many other great trumpeters of the pre-bop era. Dave has been called “Premier early style trumpeter” of this area” and “Dean of swing trumpet”. He was featured on Boy Meets Horn, and sang several tune including Marie and Sam, You Made The Pants Too Long.
Steve Dale
Pianist Steve Dale was featured on Sunrise Serenade. Steve does many arrangements, and transcribed Louis Armstrong’s Back ‘o Town Blues.
An original member of the band, Reid Jorgensen’s drums pulsated on Louis Prima’s Sing, Sing, Sing.
Brittany Betts
Trumpeter Brittany Bett’s sang several songs, including And The Angels Sing,
Guitarist Karen Quatromoni sang Peggy Lee’s Let’s Do It and I’m Beginning To See The Light.
Jeff Hughes was featured on flugelhorn with Billy Strayhorn’s Lush Life.
Jeff Hughes and Steve Dale
Kathleen Howland
Jeff and Kathleen Howland blew the roof off on Count Basie’s 920 Special.
Art Bakopolus
Art Bakopolus, another one of the band’s originals, was featured on alto sax with All of Me.
Diane Heffner
Diane Heffner, clarinet, played in a medley of The Things I Love, Peaceful In The Country, and Something New.
There was even a touch of Dixieland, with a six-piece Band within a Band: Jeff Hughes & Dave Whitney trumpets, Dave Jost trombone, and Mike Strauss clarinet, Steve Dale piano, Dave LeBleu bass, playing Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Band within a Band playing Dixieland
Dave closed with everyone taking a fabulous solo on Mary Lou Williams’ Roll ’em.
The Dave Whitney Orchestra has entertained for numerous swing dance parties and has performed at Ryles, the Sherborn Inn, Rockingham Ballroom, Bridgwaye Inn, and bi-monthly at Angelica’s in Middleton, MA. The Band now has a compact disc titled “Swingin’ at the Wunderbar”. To get the CD email Dave davjazzer64@yahoo.com or write to Dave Whitney 33 Wyman rd.Bilerica,Ma. 01821. $15, add $2 for shipping.
Tunes:
Intro: When Somebody Thinks Your Wonderful
Big John Special
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Tenderly
920 Special
Marie
I’m Beginning To See The Light
Back o’ Town Blues
All of Me
Pedido
Lush Life
Let’s Do It
And The Angels Sing
Battle Him of the Republic
Dixie Band
Sing Sing Sing
Are You Having Any Fun?
I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love With Me
Too Little Time
Sam, You Made The Pants Too Long
Sunrise Serenade
Harlem Butterfly
Boogie Blues
The Music Makers
Back Home Again in Indiana
Medley:
The Things I Love
Peaceful In The Country
Something Now
Boy Meets Horn
Imagination
Roll ‘em
A full house greeted Jeff Barnhart and the Midiri Brothers at Bemis Hall in Lincoln MA. We were thrilled to have the Midiri Brothers back, and they were happy to return with Steve Taddeo.
This was Jeff Barnhart’s debut here; he enjoyed the antique Steinway piano and gave it a workout on High Society.
High society
Midiri Brothers were at their best with Jeff Barnhart singing My Gal Sal.
It’s the Talk of the Town
Caroline Griep joined them on vocals How About You,
“Regulars” enjoyed listening to a fabulous afternoon of Swing and Jazz presented by Harold McAleer and The Lincoln Council on Aging, and produced by Steve Taddeo.
Connie, Bob, Jeannine
Maryanne and Marie Mosiejczuk
Jeff Barnhart and The Midiri Brothers expressed their joy at playing here and said they would be back! We will definitely let you know!
Thank you, Eric Devine, for the videos, and Harold McAleer and the Lincoln Council on Aging for the presentation.
Eric Devine
Harold McAleer
Tune List:
Ding Dong Daddy From Dumas
My Gal Sal
It’s The Talk of The Town
How About You – Caroline
If I Had You “
Shimmy She Wobble
Honey Hush
High Society
Savoy
Dark Eyes
Song My Mother Taught to Me – Antonín Dvořák
Sheik of Araby
Jeepers Creepers – Caroline
Sunny Side of the Street
Crazy Rhythm
Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball reeds, Lee Prager trombone, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Frank Stadler leader/piano, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bob Reardon drums, Maureen Benson vocals
The Seacoast Stompers had a rip-roaring afternoon with a Full House at Bemis Hall in Lincoln, MA. For six years, they played monthly at the Acton Jazz Café, with a repertoire of tunes from the 20’s and 30’s. Arrangements were spontaneous and ad lib with a variety of styles and tempos from smooth swing to groovy blues and hot driving Dixie.
Dave Whitney
Frank Stadler is leader of the band, but graciously let Dave Whitney rule the roost with his rousing trumpet. Dave is well known for his amazing Louis-type trumpet.
They began with a joyous romp on the Seacoast Stomper’s theme song, At The Jazz Band Ball,
Dave Whitney has some favorite tunes. Maureen Benson joined him on Back o’ Town Blues.
Maureen Benson was comfortable with the band, personalizing some of the lyrics, picking on Craig. She gave us As Long As I Live, I Don’t Know Enough About You, It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.
Jimmy Mazzy
Jimmy Mazzy was featured on Porter’s Love Song to a Chamber Maid; took the vocal on Clarence William’s Cake Walking Babies, scatted on How Can You Do That Thing To Me, Old Fashioned Love – he has a treasure trove of tunes.
Al Bernard on sousaphone
Al Bernard is a master of the tuba, listening to the soloists and backing them with many different chord phrasings wrapped in that monstrous sousaphone, as if it were easy!
Frank Stadler, Band Leader
The Seacoast Stompers played many favorites, Royal Garden Blues, Canal St. Blues, San.
Lee Prager
Lee Prager’s deep, burnished, trombone was reminiscent of Tommy Dorsey.
Craig Ball
Craig Ball was featured on The World is Waiting For The Sunshine.
Bob Reardon
Bob Reardon plays drums with marvelous precision, He keeps the band in time by tapping on the snare drum and ride cymbal, only letting loose on a couple of tunes. He picked the closing tune – always requesting the same one – Limehouse Blues.
The Seacoast Stompers keep the music fresh with their amazing creativity! Check them out!
Trumpets: Larry Panzeri, Skip Gummoe, Bill Cable and Joe Hostetter. Trombones: Chris D’Senzo, Kurt Thaler, Rick Ongoing and Bob Sinclair. Saxes: Steve Gold, Maureen Ameral, Bob Tyler, Ben Petrucci and Dick Hieman. Piano: Dave James, Guitar: John Deardon, Bass: Paul Brann
with Caroline Griep vocals and Steve Taddeo Drums and Leader.
Steve Taddeo has had a big band off and on since 1978, as well as The Swing Senders. He brought this 18-piece Big Band to Bemis Hall to a good appreciative crowd on June 25, 2016.. They opened the concert with Don’t be that way. Great band!
Highlights were the give and take between Caroline Griep and Steve about the origins of the songs. Caroline sang many songs that afternoon including, I’ve got the world on a String, Massachusetts, from the Gene Krupa book, Tangerine, How ‘bout you, Orange Colored Sky.
Trumpeter Larry Panzeri reprises this Sinatra special Luck Be a Lady!
The band roared thru a Count Basie tune, Freckle Face, Orange Coast (Bill Holman chart).
Caroline Griep is dedicated to her music. The whole spirit of the room perks up perceptibly when she sings.
I’ve Got The World on a String
They closed with the 1939 Gene Krupa Classic Drumming Man which featured both Caroline and Steve.
Steve has plans for bringing more musicians to Bemis Hall – Midiri Brothers and Dan Levinson:
Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders with special Guests the Midiri Bros at Bemis hall Aug.13th, 2016. 2pm-5pm
Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders with special guest Dan Levinson,Sept.24th 2016 at Bemis hall 3pm-5pm.
Dave Whitney and Paul Monat cornet, Blair Bettencourt clarinet, Dan Gabel trombone, Robin Verdier piano, Eric Baldwin guitar, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Reid Jorgensen drums
picture and videos by Harold McAleer
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.
The band carries on the New Orleans sounds of Louis, King Oliver and Jelly Roll, reborn in the 50’s by Lou Watters, Turk Murphy and Bob Helm in San Francisco.
Dave Whitney tells about how it felt to have the band back:
“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.
Blair sang his specialty “Red Hot Mama” and I did Mississipi Mud, Cake Walkers and Memphis Blues.
Robin Verdier
Robin did a great Piano feature on Froggie Moore and Dan Gabel fit right in like he had been there in ’75.
Bill Doyle (file photo)
Also kudos to Bill Doyle who came in on short notice on guitar and banjo..
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.”
Paul Monat is Blue and Broken Hearted – Wait for the high note at the end of this tour-de-force by cornetist Paul Monat!
The Bay-State Syncopators ended their concert in Lincoln with a rousing version of Lou Watter’s San Francisco favorite – Emperor Norton’s Hunch.
Scott Philbrick cornet, Blair Bettencourt clarinet/soprano sax/vocals, Lee Prager trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Frank Stadler piano/leader, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bob Reardon drums
Daylight!! Afternoons of Dixieland Jazz are rare! It was a pleasure coming to Bemis Hall in Lincoln Massachusetts, even if it was raining, to hear the return of the Seacoast Stompers after a particularly brutal New England winter! The band had to cancel their February concert because of snow. We’ve missed them.
They began with At The Jazz Band Ball, always a barrel-house opener that sets the tone for an afternoon of uplifting, toe tapping, high energy music. Each of these musicians is a pro in his own right; nurtured and inspired by New Orleans music, they are phenomenal!
Frank has maintained a list of each song, where and when it was played.
They are also independent. Frank always brings in a list of tunes to play, but they generally ignore it. Tonight he brought in a complete listing of tunes that he has meticulously maintained since they first began in 2008. They checked out the list, looking for different styles, trying not to duplicate any melody. Each musician chose a tune.
Unfortunately, reed player Craig Ball fell down the previous day and hurt his right hand. He will be in a cast for some time. Blair Bettencourt graciously filled in for him. We’ve known Blair for over 40 years, so it was a pleasure to hear him again.
Scott Philbrick
Scott Philbrick is the ‘music leader’ of the band, letting them choose songs from the list, bringing them together as a team. His cornet generally establishes the melody, and the band sores with him making powerful music.
Everybody Loves My Baby, we love Lee’s trombone. Lee Prager joined the band in 2010 and has been a plus ever since. His deep, burnished, trombone is reminiscent of Tommy Dorsey. We don’t hear him often enough, he really makes a difference. He was also featured on I’ll Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plans.
Three Little Words, In My Dreams with Jim on sweet vocal. An old Basie tune: Things Ain’t What They Used To Be. The Front line had fun with shading on this one. Blair surprised everyone with a long, smearing gliss up the scale, Scott picked it up with some effort doing a slow gliss from low to high on cornet. It was much easier for Lee with that long, slow, slurring, slide on trombone! Nice touch.
Albie listens carefully and provides momentum for the ensembles, and also quietly backs many of the solos. Blair picked Tin Roof Blues, the musicians inspiring each other on this Trad Jazz chestnut. Lee called Mama’s Gone, Goodbye, giving Albie one of many sousaphone solos.
Elke and granddaughter Stella
Elke and Stella were having a ball dancing
in the back of the room.
There was a romping New Orleans take on Jelly Roll Blues, with ultra tight ensemble and great piano. It’s obvious that Frank loves playing piano; he says all Steinway pianos are individuals, handmade by specialized craftsmen. This one in Bemis Hall was built in 1870. Frank said “Playing it is a joy, even though I have a nine-foot Steinway at home”.
Frank Stadler loves playing piano.
Stealing Apples, Fats Waller’s tune made famous by Benny Goodman, was absolutely WILD, followed by a scorching Avalon. This never gets dull!
Bob Reardon posed for this one.
Bob Reardon listens carefully and gives the band just the bang it needs. He picked Limehouse Blues, with a tempo that was frightening-fast. (Forget the list, Bob always asks for Limehouse.)
Bob hit the drums with everything he had, using blue wire brushes. He knows his stuff – he has played for 27 years at the Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus.
Blair Bettencourt on bent soprano sax
Blair Bettencourt plays exciting clarinet. He has a particularly soft way of playing eloquent bent soprano sax. He also sang a couple of songs for us in a smooth, powerful voice.
Jimmy Enright and I were dancing to his clarinet at Bob Connors Yankee Rhythm Kings’ first performance in New England Life Hall in 1975.
Jimmy is extraordinary; he had just arrived from Florida this morning where he performed with the Williams Reunion Jazz Band.
Jimmy Mazzy
How Come You Do Me Like You Do? Sugar, In his own distinctive style, he pleads, cajoles, scats, sweet talks. He picked I Want a Little Girl, backed by Blair playing soft soprano sax, with Scott and Lee on muted cornet and trombone. Nice.
They closed with an upbeat Mandy, and sent us home with sunshine inside, if not outside. You can catch them LIVE at Bemis Hall every month. The Seacoast Stompers will return on April 11th, same time, same station, same fantastic group of musicians. Hope to see you there!
Craig Ball and his sky-writing stratospheric clarinet will be missed by his throng of fans and the many bands he plays in. We wish him a speedy recovery!!
