Dan Gabel’s High Society Orchestra at Primavera Ristorante, August 25, 2016

10 pieces

Dan Gabel’s High Society Orchestra

Personnel:

Trombone
Leader Dan Gabel, also vocals & megaphone

Saxes/Clarinet
Austin Yancey tenor sax
John Clark alto
Richard Garcia alto

Trumpets
Adam Mejaour
Kai Sandoval

Keyboard 
Herb Gardner

Rhythm:
Bill Doyle guitar/banjo
Rick MacWilliams tuba
Steve Taddeo drums

Dan Gabel brought his upligting Ten-piece High Society Orchestra to Primavera Ristorante for a rehearsal on Thursday, relaxed, without the usual mandatory suits and ties.  They were challenged by Dan, though, with the sight-reading of charts and arrangements they have never seen before.  They read charts like we read books – they were amazing!  It was a wonderful evening of dance music played during the depression of the 20’s and 30’s; way before their time!

In a 1927 tune that Bix did with Whitman, From Monday On, John Clark’s alto sax traded fours with Dan Gabel’s trombone .  Marvelous! They sounded just like the Paul Whitman Band!

Rolling Along With The Breeze was breathtaking with the three clarinets

3 clarinets up front

Three clarinets, Austin Yancey, John Clark, Richard Garcia

The orchestra played a lovely Irving Berlin medley,  all doing second endings on a nice waltz, Marie and Coquette.  Gabel says he’s known as “The Waltz King”.  We agree.

Tuba and trombone were in sync for Frank Skinner’s Big City Blues.

on banjo

Bill Doyle

 

 

There was a dance craze in the 1920’s, called The Baltimore,  with a tune by the same name.

Rhythm guitarist Bill Doyle was great on banjo.

 

 

 

 

Clark likes arranger Archie Bleyer.  They played both up and down parts on Up a Lazy River, with none of the usual stops – georgeous!

Dan on megaphone.

Dan on megaphone.

 

Dan took out the megaphone for a rousing vocal on an early Bing Crosby tune, Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella.
Upbeat – especially great banjo!

He also sang ‘Leven Thirty Saturday Night.

 

 

 

The saxes were featured on Sax Appeal.
Fletcher Henderson’s Sugar – I Call My Baby My Sugar, was crisp and very fast,  John Clark featured on alto sax.

John standing on alto

Austin Yancey tenor, John Clark alto, Richard Garcia alto

I Surrender Dear (Bing Crosby) featured Adam Mejaour’s open, expressive trumpet, with Dan pushing out high notes on fine trombone.
Dan and Adam

The trombone and trumpets really got into the Big Band feeling, swaying back and forth, on Please.

sittimg. trumpets

Kai Sandoval and Adam Mejaour on trumpet

There was a request for Take The A Train, piano intro, featuring Richard Garcia on alto sax.

Dan Gabel is President of the American Big Band Preservation Society, which gives him access to about 1500 arrangements.  He gave them a medley of really old tunes:

The Bowery, Sidewalks of New York, Little Girls in Blue, Maizie, Daisie Bell, Comrades, Little Annie Rooney, She May Have Seen Better Days, The Band Played On, After The Ball is Over.   We couldn’t believe our music coming out of young musicians, some still in Berklee and The Conservatory!  Dan says he did this because he loves this music.  So do we, Thank You, Dan!!

They closed with a WILD Archie Bleyer arrangement of China Boy.

There were three familiar faces on rhythm, newcomers to this orchestra:

on keyboard, smiling

Herb Gardner

Rick MacWilliams tuba

Rick MacWilliams

on drums

Steve Taddeo

Dan Gabel’s High Society Orchestra was very busy this summer, handsome in their fine crisp uniforms, consistently playing for sell-out crowds, especially for young people and dancers.   This kind of music is in good hands with them!

Check them out just below The Abletones schedule at http://www.theabletones.com/Dan_Gabel_and_The_Abletones/Upcoming_Events.html

Marce

High Society Orchestra at Ken’s Steak House August 18, 2015

11-pc swing band with vocalist

Dan Gabel’s High Society Orchestra

Dan Gabel’s High Society Orchestra roared into Ken’s Steakhouse on Tuesday August 18 after a busy summer playing the town gazebo circuit throughout New England. The 11-piece band was “hotter than ever” said one patron, and “Dan Gabel and his bands never disappoint!”

Gabel’s 11-piece outfit featured Elise Roth on vocals presenting favorites and rarities of the 1920s including some rarely-heard verses and patters to some old unpublished songs. Liz of Millbury said “Elise’s voice is the absolute best, and her wardrobe is tops, bar none!”

An enthusiastic crowd came early and stayed late, filling half of the expansive room at the steakhouse. Several couples danced, and the band was extremely well-received by the mixed-age audience. A couple in their mid-20s and one in their late 70’s danced to the band’s catchy dance rhythms. Some first-time listeners were in the audience as well who came for dinner, but were all thrilled to enjoy some live music as well, and even purchase several CDs.
“This is a fantastic space” said Bill Doyle, banjo, guitar, and band manager. “The room has a great, warm, sound, and a nice audience to band connection.” The band concurred.

“Playing here was particularly special for me” said bandleader Dan Gabel. “As the President of the American Big Band Preservation Society, and working on a biography of my hero Vaughn Monroe, it was great to be able to play right next to where Monroe’s Meadows club was, and at Ken’s, a historic venue itself. Also, it’s right here in Framingham where I call home, and a great location. We’re looking forward to next time!”

Dan Gabel

Dan Gabel

Everyone agreed: there should be a next time.  Ken’s Steakhouse is negotiating to bring in more bands, either on a Sunday afternoon or Tuesday evening.

For more information about this band, recordings, and upcoming dates, visit: www.highsocietyorchestra.org
For more on Dan Gabel, visit: www.theabletones.com

Band personnel for Tuesday August 18:
John Clark, Tyler Burchfield, Maureen Amaral: sax and clarinet
Adam Mejaour and Dan Gabel: trumpet and cornet
Steve Piermarini: trombone
Bill Doyle: banjo and archtop guitar
Rick MacWilliams: tuba
Ross Petot: piano
Steve Taddeo: drums
Elise Roth: vocals

Swing Senders Dream Team at Bemis Hall June 10, 2015

9 piece Swing Band

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders Dream Team

Paul Monat cornet, John Clark tenor sax/clarinet, Craig Ball clarinet, Gerry Gagnon tuba, Bill Doyle guitar, Ross Petot piano, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve Taddeo Drums, Caroline Griep vocals, and special guest Jack Soref, guitar.

Harold McAleer videos,
Marce photos

Steve Taddeo presented his Swing Senders at Bemis Hall on June 10th, with an amalgamation of New England’s finest musicians, and special guest, Jack Soref on guitar.  With a great four-piece front line and two guitars, we were guaranteed an evening of outstanding Swing!

They began with Steve’s explosive drum intro into Savoy.  Paul Monat  said It was like being in a Gene Krupa concert!

Caroline singing

Caroline Griep does it all with style.

 

 

Caroline Griep puts heart and soul into  I Can’t Give You  Anything but Love, with the Quintet of John Clark on tenor sax, Craig Ball clarinet, Soref playing Django style guitar, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve drums.

Paul on cornet

Paul Monat Wishing Upon a Star

 

 

 

Paul Monat was featured on When You Wish Upon a Star, citing his idol, Wild Bill Davison.  The high ceiling of this large hall provided a beautiful echo enhancing Paul’s excellent cornet.

Caroline was back for Slow Boat to China.  Her voice is rich, with a great range and many layers.

Justin was featured on Just You, Just Me, bowing the base in rich harmony, bolstered by intricate improvised solos.

On one tune, Taddeo joined him with their own version of “Big Noise From Winnetca”

Justin playing string bass while Steve taps on strings with drum sticks

Justin and Steve mimic Ray Bauduc and Bob Haggart

Harold filmed an impressive video of the Swing Sender’s Theme Song, Dinah.

There was an innovative interchange between the two guitars on Everybody Loves My Baby, backed by two clarinets.  They all love making music!

Jack on lead, Bill on rhythm guitar

Jack Soref, Bill Doyle

Dave Didriksent at drums

Dave Didriksen sits in.

 

Steve asked Dave Didriksen to sit in on Flat Foot Floogie.  Dave is a fine drummer, and manager of the group Swing Times Five with Debby Larkin.

Dave took over the drums. He said it was worth it to give Steve Taddeo a rare chance to sing. Who knew Steve could sing?

Caroline returned with a soaring vocal on Jeeper Creepers.

The band broke into quartets; the first featuring Jack Soref on a tune we had been anticipating, Django’s Minor Swing,  with Bill Doyle adding rhythm guitar, Justin on string bass, and Steve drums. Judge for yourself:

 

John Clark on tenor sax

John Clark on tenor sax

 

 

Can’t We Be Friends was led by John Clark with a brilliant interchange between tenor sax and string bass.

 

 

 

 

 

Ross on piano

Ross Petot makes sure there are no blank spaces.

 

 

Moonlight in Vermont captivated the audience with only Ross Petot backing Caroline Griep – just the two of them, letting the song shine through.  Beautiful!

 

 

 

Djangology gave Soref another chance to feature his expertise on Django Rheinhardt.  For half of 2011, Jack studied the music of Django Reinhardt at its source by moving to Paris, France.   We hope to hear more from him in the future.

Finale, with a drum intro into Stomping at the Savoy.  Wonderful solos… concluding with  Steve Taddeo’s extended solo on his Antique 1939 Slingerland Drums, in high energetic and buoyant style, crossing cymbals, using press rolls and cymbal techniques.  The room exploded!
.

This really was a Dream Team!  The musicians and audience were high from this fantastic Swing music and didn’t want it to stop.   John Clark continued with I Got Rhythm, fine trombone by Gerry Gagnon and classic interchange between Craig Ball clarinet and Jack Soref.  They hadn’t discussed how to end this, so Taddeo made it a wrap!

Steve Taddeo always come through with the finest musicians and amazing Swing. Save the date: Wednesday, August 12th.  Steve is bringing back the marvelous Midiri Brothers to Bemis Hall.  Details to follow.

Marce

Dan Gabel and The High Society Jazz Orchestra  at Primavera Ristorante, January 29, 2015

10 pc orchestra with vocalist

Dan Gabel and The High Society Jazz Orchestra

The High Society Jazz Orchestra played to a small but appreciative audience at Primavera Ristorante on Thursday.  Sounding way beyond their numbers, the 11-piece band reached deep down and created beautiful music that enlivened our spirits.

Dan under High Society banner playing trombone

Leader, Dan Gabel

They led with their theme song Whispering, and continued with arrangements by Dan Gabel and John Clark, revoicing tunes from the 20’s and 30’s.  They kept this memorable music flowing, giving the musicians a chance to show off their fine solos as well as ensemble.

The weathermen scared people away, but with a smaller crowd the atmosphere was more intimate, with the members of the band exchanging banter with the audience and taking requests.

Brass and Reeds

Trumpets: Mike Peipman, lead: Adam Mejaour
Saxes Tyler Burchfield on tenor, John Clark on bari, Richard Garcia on alto,

The energetic instrumentals made the band feel twice its size, rekindling this enduring music associated with a bygone era.  This is as good as it gets!  They practiced new arrangements swinging so hard you’d never know it was the first time they saw the chart.

Elise Roth sings refrains for the first time.

Elise Roth sings Irving Berlin’s refrains for the first time.

 

 

Vocalist Elise Roth’s warm sweet voice seemed effortless.  She even sang three refrains using Irving Berlin’s original 1927 lyrics of Am I Blue, made famous in the 20’s by vocalist Annette Henshaw.

 

 

 

Mike on trumpet

Mike Peipman

 

 

Mike Peipman was on trumpet for their inventive reimagining of the Artie Shaw theme Nightmare.

 

 

 

Herb on keyboard.  We don't have a piano - yet.

Herb Gardner plays Earl ‘Fatha’ Hynes’ Cavernism

 

We had our own ‘Fatha’ Hines in Herb Gardner, playing his1933 Cavernism.
(He and daughters Abbie and Sarah are performing at the Bickford Theatre in Morristown New Jersey on Groundhog Day, February 2nd.)

 

 

There was a new arrangement of Stormy Weather, appropriate for the Nor’Easter that just left us with three feet of snow. One of our favorites was John Clark’s arrangement of Chicago Rhythm.

Tuba, guitar, keyboard, drums

The Rhythm Boys, Herb Gardner, Bill Reynolds, Bill Doyl, Rick MacWilliams

Dan had an arrangement of Rogers and Hart’s Thou Swell, with Clark playing solo on baritone sax and Elise singing Lorenz Hart’s beautiful lyrics.

Bill Doyle moves to 1928 banjo

Bill Doyle moves to 1928 banjo

 

Bill took out a 1928 banjo for Fats Waller’s St. Louis Shuffle, with the ensemble playing a rarely heard verse, and drummer Reynolds playing the breaks on choke cymbal.  Bill regularly plays Benedetto guitar.

 

 

Tubist Rick MacWilliams had a chance to show his stuff on a solo on You Belong To Me – a request from Tom James in the audience, with Dan taking the vocal.

There were two altos and a tenor sax on King Oliver’s Mule Face Blues.  We heard Duke’s Cotton Club Stomp, Who’s Sorry Now vocal by Dan Gabel.  One tune we never heard before, Maori, (A Samoan dance) was arranged by John Clark, composed in 1919 by William H. Tyres and Henry S. Creamer.

They closed with Elise singing Dan’s arrangement of There’ll Be Some Changes Made, with new strains we’ve never heard before.  It was an exhilarating evening of melliflous music.  We were glad that we ignored the weathermen!

Members of the band were:
Trumpets: Mike Peipman, Adam Mejaour
Saxes: Tyler Burchfield on tenor, John Clark on bari, Richard Garcia on alto, and all played clarinet.
Trombone and leader: Dan Gabel.
Keyboard: Herb Gardner
Guitar and banjo: Bill Doyle, band manager
Tuba: Rick MacWilliams
Drums: Bill Reynolds
Vocals: Elise Roth

The High Society Jazz Orchestra will be at the  Feast of Music After Party at the Oval Room of the Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston February 21 for NEC’s scholarship fundraiser. March 7 they will be at the WGBH studio for An Evening Inspired by Downtown Abbey, and at Sculler’s March 26 for the HOT release of their CD, Business in “F”, recorded at PBS Studios by Peter Kontrimas with cover and drawings by Elise Ross.  Elise’s recital of classical vocals at NEC is March 29th 4:00pm at Williams Hall, and is free and open to the public.

Dan Gabel and the Abletones, April 4, 2014 by C. S. Imming

Video excerpts from the First Friday dance held April 4, 2014 at SAC Park in Shrewsbury, MA. Dan Gabel and the Abletones with vocalist Elise Roth.

by  C. S. Imming.

“First Friday Swing” – Dancing to Dan Gabel and the Abletones, authentic 18-piece Big Band, SAC Park, 438 Lake St., Shrewsbury MA. Plenty of free parking. Conveniently located between route 9 and route 20. 7:00 dance lesson, 8:00-10:30pm listen and dance to New England’s favorite big band attraction!

$15 per person/$10 students. Singles and couples welcome
Large wooden dance floor, full cash bar, table seating, handicap accessible.
More info: www.theabletones.com  Or from Dan Gabel: 774-280-1502

See you at the Imperial Ballroom in Mendon on April 25, and back at SAC again on May 2, 2014.

 

 

 

Dan Gabel and the Abletones at the Imperial Ballroom

17-piece big band, lead by trombonist Dan Gabel

Dan Gabel and the Abletones Big Band with Elise Roth vocals

The Abletones Big Band debut at The Imperial Ballroom in Mendon MA (formerly Myriad, formerly Nipmuc) was a complete success.  The floor was filled with jubilant ballroom dancers, many were Abletones’ fans from SAC in Shrewsbury.  There was a wide demographic of ages enjoying the return of a real Big Band at Dinner and Dancing at the Imperial Ballroom.

The Big Band played a variety of dances, swing, foxtrot, rhumba, cha cha.  The evening began with a cocktail hour at 6pm; people arrived for a 4-course dinner between 7 and 8pm.   $39.95 for dinner and dance, $10 for dancing-only at 8pm.

A smaller combo of the Abeltones played for the diners. What Is This Thing Called Love, Avalon, Let’s Do It.

Keyboard, guitar, string bss and drum

Ross Petot piano, Bill Doyle guitar, Walther Grieneder bass, Jim Gancarz drums (hidden),  Dan Gabel trombone

8pm Dan Gabel and the Abletones Big Band appeared in full force with Whispering, Woodchopper’s Ball, String of Pearls, Dan’s Abletones Jive, he wrote to introduce members of the band:
Ross Petot – piano                                       Greg Blair – baritone sax
Bill Doyle – rhythm guitar/banjo                    Doug Yancey – tenor sax
Walther Grieneder – Bass                             Richard Garcia – tenor Sax
Jim Gancarz –    drums                                 Josh Plotner – alto sax
Mike Piepman – lead trumpet                       Tyler Birchfield – alto sax
Adam Mejaour – trumpet                               Craig Robbins – trombone
Dan Fleury -trumpet                                      Joe Burke – trombone
Kai Sandoval – trumpet                                  Leslie Havens – bass trombone
Elise Roth – vocal                                           Dan Gabel leader – trombone

Bei Mir Bis Du Schoen was one of the many really hot numbers; Moon River – a waltz,  Vocalist Elise Roth connects with the mood of a song and gives it her own sound – Nat King Cole’s 1942 hit, L-O-V-E.   Lead trumpeter Mike Peipman was featured in Hot-Cha Cha Cha .  Stan Kenton and Boots Mussulli established bebop in the Milford area.  In their memory, the band played a lovely earlier version of Kenton’s Lullaby of Broadway.

Picture of many people at dinner tables, with band on stageThe dance floor was in front of the band, and continuously filled with fancy ballroom dancers, (except for the very fast tunes like Strutting With Some Barbecue).

Dan and Elise sang duet on How About You from a Judy Garland-Mickey Rooney movie. From Sunrise Serenade, a Glenn Miller tune, I Know Why And So Do You.  In honor of all servicemen, past and present, and also the two firefighters who died last week in the Back Bay fire – they played a powerfully intense American Patrol.

Glen Miller’s In The Mood topped the charts in 1939 in the U.S. and one year later was featured in the movie Sun Valley Serenade.  Dan and Elise combined for The Trolley Song that was sung by Vaughn Monroe and Marilyn Duke in 1944.  Dan is a font of information on music from the 20-50’s.  He just completed his Masters with a biography of Vaughn Monroe, who wrote the lyrics to their next tune, My Devotion.

Elise Roth and 4 saxophones

Elise Roth and saxophones

Elise sang Tonight,  reminiscent of West Side Story.  Bennie Moten was a pianist/bandleader who was at the center of the Kansas City jazz scene of the 1920s and 30s.   Dan Gable and the Abletones are introducing new generations to the fabulous swing music like Moten Swing.

The ‘boss’, Kevin Meehan, requested a Sinatra tune, so they added Witchcraft, sung by Dan Gabel. We had the good fortune of sharing another waltz, Dreamy Old New England Moon; with George the dance instructor at SAC.  He provides dance lessons for many big bands in this area.

Blue Tango, Yes Indeed, Almost Like Being in Love, Mack the Knife, Moonlight Serenade.  Marvelous!  They closed with the Benny Goodman/Gene Krupa classic at New York’s Carnegie Hall,  Sing Sing Sing.  It was an extraordinary evening, and we hope to see more of Dan Gabel and the Abletones Big Band at the Imperial Ballroom.

You may dance to the Abletones on the first Friday of every month at SAC, The Scandinavian Athletic Club, 438 Lake St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, (508) 757-3948.  George starts dance lessons at 7:15pm, the band starts at 8pm.  Next one is April 5th – hope you can make it!

 

 

Dan Gabel and the Abletones, new Venue – SAC Park, Shrewsbury

The full 18-piece band and vocalist.

Dan Gabel and the Abletones Big Band, with vocalist Elise Roth at SAC Park

By Marce and C.S.Imming

Dan Gabel and The Abletones Big Band with vocalist Elise Roth, at NEW LOCATION,  SAC Park, (Scandinavian Athletic Club) 438 Lake St. Shrewsbury, MA 01545   (508) 757-3948 E-mail info@sacpark-shrewsbury.com.

The first thing you need to know is that Lake Street, Shrewsbury, is NOT on the Lake.  If you can see the lake, you’re either in Worcester or on Quinsigamond Ave. in Shrewsbury.  Lake St. comes off Route 9 at one end and Rt. 20 at the other end – where it sharply veers off away from the Lake.

Map

A=Scandenavian Athletic Club on Lake Street Shrewsbury

Back in the 40’s, is was The Gazebo, and featured famous artists such as the Artie Shaw Orchestra.  It was a fitting setting for Dan Gabel and The Abeltones on this First Friday, November 1, 2013.  It’s a warm, friendly place, with large shiny, slippery, wood dance floor, and full bar; perfect for dancing, listening, mingling and sharing all things Big Band.

This was the premiere of the First Friday Series at SAC Park. They began with dance lessons. Being the day after Halloween, the musicians all wore costume hats and performed powerful music to a delighted crowd of Swing and Ballroom dancers.  Swing, Ballads, Boogies, Cha Chas, Waltzes, Tangos, you name it – they played it, with a new splendid singer, vocalist Elise Roth.

Video by C.S. Imming

Bill Doyle, guitar

Bill Doyle, guitar

 

The Halloween set included Artie Shaw’s Nightmare, Nelson Riddle’s Witchcraft. Moon songs, Moon River, Blue Ray.
Will Bradley’s Orchestra recorded this swingin’ jazz tune in 1940 – Celery Stalks at Midnight.  Drummer Jim Gancarz took the vocals, while Gabel took over the drums!

Bill Doyle’s nightmarish headset was flashing green lights.

 

Tunes were dedicated to the Red Sox’s winning team, who had just captured the World Series.  Massachusetts, and a tune that Dan wrote, Live Free or Die. There was a terrific tenor sax duel between Ed Harlow and Mike ?  on a tango, Sally’s Song.  Dan changed the words to Everybody Loves Rhode Island to Everybody Loves the Red Sox.

He wrote Abletones’ Jive – cleverly introducing each musician.   They will return on the first Friday of every month, sharing all things Big Band.  If you can’t wait, check out their CDs. 

C. S. Imming took very many Images!

Swing Senders with the Midiri Brothers in Lincoln MA

Swing Senders with the Midiri BrothersSteve Taddeo’s Swing Senders were enriched by the presence of The Midiri Brothers at this year’s final performance of Classic Jazz at Lincoln Library in Lincoln, Massachusetts, on May 22, 2013.

Personnel: Midiri Brothers, Joe reeds, Paul vibes, trombone and drums; John Clark reeds, Jeff Hughes trumpet, Scott Philbrick cornet/guitar, Bill Doyle guitar, Dan Gabel trombone, Ross Petot piano, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve Taddeo drums, Caroline Griep vocals. They looked and sounded like a Big Band – ten pieces of the finest Swing you would ever want to hear!

Caroline Griep

Caroline Griep

 

Joe Midiri on clarinet

Joe Midiri

Charismatic vocalist Caroline Griep flashed a gleaming smile and regaled us with Just You, Just Me, Jeepers Creepers, All of Me,  improvising and scatting with Bill Doyle on guitar on Don’t Get Around Much Anymore. 

She enjoys singing, and her pleasure comes through.

 

Paul Midiri on Vibes

Paul Midiri

 

Consummate entertainers, the Midiri Brothers drove from New Jersey to Massachusetts to be here with the SteveTaddeo’s Swing Senders.  Joe is a monster on reeds, whether on alto or soprano sax, or clarinet, had us on the edge of our seats when he hit D above high C and held it for a long note.

Lionel Hampton’s Flying Home, 1939-41,  Paul flying on vibes.  Steve closed it with the drum walk-around that is his specialty. “Got that Harold?”

Ross Playing stride piano

 

Ross was featured on Crazy Rhythm, with Bill Doyle on guitar and Scott cornet and Paul Midiri playing drums.

A trio, band within a band, had Clark on clarinet, Steve drums, Ross’s marvelous stride piano, You Do Something To Me.

 

 

Stomping at the Savoy piano did the intro with the two fabulous guitars of Bill Doyle and Scott Philbrick, John on bari sax,  Dan trombone, Jeff on trumpet, Joe clarinet, Paul vibes, Steve drums.   A scorcher!

Joe was on alto sax for his infamous version of Sunny Side of the Street, singing in the Louis voice he does so well.

Midiri Brothers were featured on Avalon.  ’nuff said!!

Dan Gabel trombone, Jeff Hughes trumpet

Dan Gabel and Jeff Hughes

 

 

Dan Gabel and Jeff were featured in a mellow Day Dream, a beautiful instrumental written by Billy Strayhorn and Duke.

 

 

 

 

Fred Waring’s Sleep is usually a Midiri’s full band feature, and it was marvelous with all the instruments, with drum intro, hot clarinet at each end.

They closed with the Swing Senders theme song, Dinah – video below in two parts, with hard driving tempo, Midiri on clarinet, Gabel trombone, ending with Paul and Steve battling it out on the drums.  Videos by Harold McAleer.

Dinah Part 1, Dan Gabel takes off on trombone.

Paul Steve drums 1
The sticks vie for dominance on this closing number of the Swing Senders at Bemis Hall — Harold McAleer videos.

Dinah Part 2

WOW!

Bob and Dan MacInnis

Bob and Dan MacInnis

 

Can’t tell you how great it was to see another set of brothers here –  Bob and Dan MacInnis.  Welcome back!!

 

 

Charlie  and Evelyn (90 years old)

 

 

Charlie and Evelyn find a space to dance no matter how crowded it is!

 

 

This was an impressive  evening of solid, hard driving Swing, with the Midiri Brothers joining the Swing Senders.  Steve Taddeo assures us there will be more to come this summer.

Meantime, the Midiri Brothers left at midnight for that long ride home.  They are seasoned musicians and inveterate entertainers!