Jazz at Sunset is the premier outdoor Summer Concert series sponsored by The American Big Band Preservation Society and SAC Park.
“Hundreds of people enjoyed a remarkable performance by The Four Freshmen last night at SAC Park, backed up by Dan Gabel and the Abletones – and in memory of and dedication to Charlie Messier! Enjoy these delightful photos by Candace Imming!” https://www.flickr.com/photos/swimcsi/sets/72157644991636217/
Dan Gabel and the Abletones with the Four Freshmen at SAC Park
(I’m betting Charlie Messier and his friend Leo Curran were sitting near the Stan Kenton Band up there, and enjoying this too. Marce)
Compaq Big Band at Swing at Sunset, Friday, July 12, 2013
Director: Al Saloky, Vocalist: Rebecca Holtz, Sound Engineer: Jeff Hagan, Piano: Dennis Cecere, Bass: Gil Bristol, Drums: Rick Hansen, Guitar: Dave King From left to right: Saxes: Chris Hildebrand (1st tenor) John Finocchiaro (2nd alto) Scott Tringali (1st alto) Paul Peeirolo (2nd tenor) Ryan Brooks (bari); Trombones: Paul Cole (2nd) Scott Taylor (1st) Jeff Schiebe (3rd)
Leslie Havens (bass trombone); Trumpets: Bruce McLeod, Jeff Sawyer, Scott Beckman, Michael Peipman, Peter Sokolowski
The sky was threatening, causing some concern when The Compaq Big Band, directed by Al Saloky, played outside at the Vets Inc. in Shrewsbury. The band persevered, presenting a refreshing variety of Big Band styles, starting with Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, the title song of a 1966 album of Cannonball Adderley. Al introduced perky Rebecca Holtz, smiling, singing, and dancing all over the stage, I’ve Got a Lot of Living To Do.
Al announced they would do something different, then get into some some swing. There was space on both sides of the stage for dancing, but there’s no dancing to Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Big Band! Rebecca is comfortable singing in a variety of moods. She started with the Diane Reeves version of Big Phat Band’s Too Close For Comfort.
Rhapsody in Blue – Al called it the “The coolest American piece ever written”, with dynamic trumpet by Mike Peipman, and lead trombone, Scott Taylor.
Ryan Brooks and Leslie Havens
Ryan Brooks Baritone sax did the intro on Straighten Up and Fly Right, from Rebecca’s 2nd Album. They moved to Diane Schuur’s Traveling Light.
Deedle’s Blues, done by Diane Schuur and Count Basie Band, is definitely not a Blues!
Peter Sokolowski on flugel horn
Intricate trombone intro to Tom Kubis’ arrangement of a song that should really be our National Anthem, America The Beautiful.
Peter Sokolowski took out his flugelhorn for Straight, No Chaser.
Chris Hildebrand (1st tenor)
Rebecca returned for Almost Like Being I Love and an old standard, Cheek to Cheek with fantastic tenor sax, Chris Hildebrand.
One of her favorite albums is the Count Basie Orchestra led by Frank Foster, I Caught a Touch of Your Love.
Rick Hansen, drums
Al stepped aside for the Buddy Rich arrangement of Love for Sale, letting drummer Rick Hansen loose; nice solo trumpet by Bruce McLeod.
Rebecca is a treasure, she speaks in tunes: I’ve Just Found Out About Love and I Like It. Why Don’t You Do Right.
The clouds moved on and the rain held off! They wrapped it up with another Diane Shuur – Count Basie Band, You Can Have It with Rebecca scatting, trading 4s with Scott’s tenor sax. “You can have it if you really want it, you can have the music all night long. Tell the drummer that you like his playing, tell the singer if you like the song.” Great! Let’s do it!
The audience called for more, but it was time to close. We left anticipating the Hal McIntyre Orchestra next week at Swing at Sunset.
2006 Tour of Great Britain shirt
(Note – The Compaq Big Band’s shirt shows off their 2006 tour of Great Britain.)
Many thanks to Dan Gabel and The American Big Band Preservation Society, WICN, and Vets Inc. for presenting a great series this summer. Hope to see you again next year!!
The Vets – actually Veterans Inc. http://www.veteransinc.org/ provides homes and services for our veterans and their families. “They were there when we needed them. We must be there now that they need us.” Some actually reside here at 59 South St. in Shrewsbury, others at 69 Grove St. Worcester, MA.
