Tag Archives: Bill Falk

Scott Hamilton and Gray Sargent Trio at Chan’s Jazz & Blues Club, Woonsocket RI  26 November 2017

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Scott Hamilton returned to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend at Chan’s Jazz & Blues Club with the Gray Sargent Trio featuring 2 members of Tony Bennett’s band: the amazing Gray Sargent on guitar, the incredible Marshall Wood on bass and Boston Pop’s Jim Gwinn on drums.Scott on tenor sax, all others as noted

                        Scott Hamilton with Gray Sargent, Marshall Wood and Jim Gwynn                                           With Guest Vocalist Donna Byrne
                                  November 26, 2017 at Chan’s in Woonsocket, RI

By Bill Falk
pictures by Eric Falk

This was a match made in heaven! The incomparable Scott Hamilton on tenor sax, Gray Sargent on guitar, Marshall Wood on bass and Jim Gwynn on drums.

This is one of the finest groups I’ve ever seen or heard. They blended perfectly to produce marvelous swinging jazz that kept the sellout crowd enthralled all night. Everything they played was a hit from the time they opened with Chinatown My Chinatown.

Scott on tenor sax

Scott Hamilton

 

 Scott was at his best – which means he was phenomenal. My late wife Grace always said that he was the only one who could produce such an unbelievable sound. He smiled all night – meaning he enjoyed working with the trio behind him. I believe he is the greatest jazz tenor sax man ever whether he is soloing, blending in with the group or backing up a singer.

 

 

 

Gray Sargent on guitar soloed excellently. Plus, he coordinated with Marshall Wood on bass beautifully. I like it when Gray blasts away on his guitar. Marshall Wood

is a treat on bass. His facial expressions are priceless. He makes the bass sing. Jim Gwynn on drums set a terrific beat for the group. He took some breaks and soloed great later in the program.

All the players were smiling and enjoying themselves all night. Their happiness made the music sound even better. The crowed clapped and clapped as the group ripped through song after song.

If this group ever gets together again, and if you can get to see them, I guarantee you’ll love their music and upbeat mood.

Scott called Donna Byrne up from the audience for several entertaining song renditions. She, too, was a hit. Donna captured the spirit of the evening and performed very well.

Some of the songs played were Laura, Russian Lullaby, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, The Best Things in Life Are Free and Emily. There were many others, but I was unable to remember them.

Bill Falk

 

Wolverine Jazz Band at Primavera September 28, 2017

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6 piece Trad Jazz Band no trombone

Wolverine Jazz Band

Jeff Hughes trumpet/flugelhorn, John Clark leader, clarinet/alto sax, Herb Gardner piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums

By Bill Falk

Listening to this group reminded me of traditional jazz of yesteryear – those days of King Oliver and ballrooms full of followers.

Despite missing their trombonist, band members meshed together beautifully – mixing brilliant solos with great backup.

behind music stand on alto sax

John Clark

 

 

John Clark led the band plus did an excellent job on clarinet and alto sax. He also vocalized on The Preacher, Stairway to Paradise and Egyptian Ella.

 

 

 

 

 

on banjo, singing into mic

Jimmy Mazzy

 

 

Jimmy Mazzy was brilliant on banjo – when isn’t he terrific? His vocal on Take Your Tomorrow was very impressive, and his solos on Chasing the Blues Away, Monday Date and How Deep is the Ocean were outstanding.

 

 

 

Jeff n muted trumpets (wearing brown wing-tip shoes)

Jeff Hughes

 

 

Jeff Hughes trumpet and flugelhorn never disappoints. I was particularly excited by the full sound he produced on the flugelhorn on
I Surrender Dear. He delivered great solos on a variety of tunes throughout the program.

 

 

 

 

at keyboard, singing

Herb Gardner

 

Herb Gardner on keyboard contributed vocals on Staten Island and The Preacher. He is a vital ingredient to the group’s sound because of his ability to backup others and hold things together.

 

 

 

Sitting, with tuba braced on chair between his legs

Rick MacWilliams

 

 

 

Rick MacWilliams on tuba soloed occasionally while helping the rhythm section keep a steady pace. He works the instrument like a saxophone.

 

 

 

tapping on snare drum

Dave Didriksen

 

 

Dave Didrikson was the drummer – not flashy but terrific at keeping the beat. He did take an occasional brief solo, but he played much like the drummers from way back – unsung but important.

 

 

 

The band also played What’s the Use, A Foggy Day in London Town, Froggy More, There Ain’t No Sweet Band Worth the Salt of My Tears, Lonely Melody, Oh Miss Hannah, Struttin’ With Some Barbecue, I Ain’t Gonna Tell Nobody, Sleepy Lagoon, The Work Song, Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans and ended a wonderful evening with their signature Wolverine Blues.

Make it a priority to see this group in person! They get into the roots of jazz as invented in New Orleans very successfully.

 

By Bill Falk
Marce Photos

 

 

Steve Taddeo & The Swing Senders July 27, 2017 at Primavera Ristorante, Millis MA

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by Bill Falk

7-pc swing band

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders

Paul Monat Cornet & Trombone; Dan Gabel Trombone, John Clark Reeds; Ross Petot Piano; Bill Doyle Guitar; Jon Dreyer Bass; Caroline Griep Vocals; Steve Taddeo Drums.

This was Steve Taddeo front and center. The outstanding drummer romped through the evening with great solo after great solo. He drove the band through lots of fast paced numbers featuring improvisation by the individual members.

On Slingerland Drums

Steve Taddeo

John in blue shirt on clarinet

John Clark

 

 

 

John Clark held the band together with steady reed work. Plus, he soloed beautifully, especially on the Wabash Blues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don Gabel and Paul Monat were impressive on trombone duets – not something you see often.

 

 

I thought Bill Doyle on guitar paced the rhythm section while Jon Dreyer on bass was extremely consistent.

on 1938 guitar

Bill Doyle

playing double bass and smiling

Jon Dreyer

Ross Petot blended in well on piano and soloed well later in the program.

Ross playing stride on keyboard

Ross Petot

Caroline smiling and singing

Caroline Griep

 

 

Caroline Griep sang several old standards, but I thought she was somewhat overpowered by the power of the band – which nullified her effectiveness.

 

 

 

 

The band played driving versions of standards mostly, and they certainly shook the rafters with sound. However, I thought they produced a little too much noise which hurt the overall effectiveness of the group.

Steve Taddeo is marvelous and always puts on a great performance. This was no exception.  He is well worth the price of admission.

Avalon

 

Dan Gabel with white pants and vest and wing tips playing valve trombone

Dan Gabel on Vaughn Monroe’s valve trombone

 

 

Don Gabel told an interesting story about his valve trombone. The family of the late, great Vaughn Monroe presented it to him and told him to play it, not let it sit idle. Old timers may remember Monroe’s version of “Racing With The Moon.” It was a big hit nationally.

 

 

 

 

 

by Bill Falk

photos by Marce

For more about Dan Gabel and Vaughn Monroe, see the October 4-8 Calendar.

 

 

 

Jeff’s Jazztet with vocalist Mara Bonde at Primavera Ristorante January 28, 2016

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         by Bill Falk
Marce photos

Jeff’s Jazztet with vocalist Mara Bonde at Thursday Jazz, January 28, 2016 at  Primavera Ristorante

This is one smokin’ band! Performing before a packed house, Jeff Hughes led the group through three great sets. His solos throughout the night on trumpet and flugelhorn were outstanding, as was his leadership of an extremely talented, upbeat band. Craig Ball excelled on clarinet and alto sax – producing many terrific solos. Jeff and Craig played off each other perfectly. Herb Gardner on keyboard is always  steady working with the rhythm section –using his vast experience to great advantage whether backing up the front line or soloing. Steve Taddeo on drums set a great beat, plus he brought the house down with a Krupa solo on “Jabberwocky.” Ken Steiner makes the upright bass sing. He did a marvelous job helping the group rock, plus he threw in some fine solos. Eric Baldwin on guitar complimented the great rhythm section, and showed he can really swing.

The band was swinging all night, plus they featured Mara Bonde on vocals. It was unusual to have a soprano combine with a swinging group like this one, but it worked very well once they adjusted to each other after one or two numbers. I don’t recall ever seeing this attempted, but the crowd loved it. In fact, those in attendance enjoyed everything they saw and heard all night.

Mara opened with an upbeat version of “The Song is Ended”, then did several ballads beautifully. She added a wonderful touch to a great evening.

All in all, the performance was memorable to me. It possessed all the right ingredients – great band, excellent singer and a happy tone. I’m sure everyone there loved it. If you get a chance, go to see and hear these performers.

Bill Falk

 

Mara looks sad, Steiner behind her

Mara Bonde

trumpet, guitar, Mara

Jeff backs Mara on I Thought About You

Taddeo on drums

Steve Taddeo plays Krupa on Jabberwocky

Mara with rhythm section

Mara sings My Funny Valentine

Ken on upright bass, with bright red hat and shoes

Ken Steiner – one of a kind!

Herb on keys, Craig on clarinet

Craig is featured on I Would Do Anything For You

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

guitar, bass, keys

Rhythm Boys, Eric Baldwin, Ken Steiner, Herb Gardner

Tunes:

1st set
The Song is Ended – Mara uptempo
I Thought About You – Mara
S’Wonderful
Someone to Watch Over Me
Ciribiribin – instrumental
They Can’t Take That Away From Me – Mara
720 In The Books – instrumental

2nd set
Jabberwocky
It’s Been So Long
You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To – Mara
Funny Valentine – Mara
I Get a Kick Out Of You – Mara
It Might As Well Be Spring – Mara
Blue Lu – Craig Ball feature

3rd set
Nearness of You – Mara
‘Till There Was You – Mara
I Would Do Anything For You – Craig Ball feature
Speak Low – Mara
Thou Swell – Mara (closure)

 

 

 

 

Jeff Hughes and The Jazz Jesters

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6 pc Trad Jazz Band and vocalist

Craig Ball, Steve Taddeo, Jeff Hughes, Al Bernard, Hunter Burtamy, John Clark, Herb Gardner

 by Bill Falk
photos: Marce

Jeff Hughes’ Jazz Jesters keep getting better every time I hear them. Their recent gig
at the Primavera on 11/12/15 was superb. The band ripped through a wide variety of tunes, some well remembered from the 20’s and 30’s and some relatively unknown. Their execution was terrific – very melodic and enjoyable.

Unfortunately, the crowd was sparse, but all in attendance loved the music. Two reed
players on the front line worked extremely well. Craig Ball ripped off excellent solos on both clarinet and tenor sax and John Clark did the same on clarinet and alto sax. They
augmented each other soloing and backing up others. Also, John’s arrangements were outstanding.

Craig on clarinet

Craig Ball

John Clark alto sax and clarinet, Herb Gardner keyboard

John Clark and Herb Gardner
trumpet front, drums back

Jeff Hughes, Steve Taddeo (rear)

 

 

 

As usual, Jeff displayed his great ability to lead the group, backing up soloists and still exhibiting his outstanding trumpet prowess. He ‘gets into the tunes so well, plus his sound is marvelous. I can’t get enough of Jeff.

 

 

 

banjo front, tuba rear

Hunter Burtamy banjo, Al Bernard tuba

 

Hunter Burtamy on banjo added even more guts to the rhythm section. He didn’t solo much, but he brought out the band’s depth. Herb Gardner is a joy on keyboard. He drips with experience and innovation. Al Bernard is a wonder on tuba. He controls the
instrument completely. Steve Taddeo sets a steady beat on drums. He doesn’t overpower the rest of the players, but he sets the pace very well.

 

 

Lovely blond vocalist mid-30's

Sarah (Gardner) Nova

 

 

Sarah Nova, who is Herb Gardner’s daughter, was delightful on vocals. She shows her pedigree well on both jump tunes and slower music. Sarah was a terrific addition to the group as she delivered style and sound on “Keeping Out of Mischief”, “Where Are You”,
“Russian Lullaby”, “Keep Your Hands Off It”, to name some of her numbers.

 

 

The band featured “Lucky Day” (theme song), “Diane”, “Not Much,” “Bouncing Around,”
and lots of other songs. Their last number was the theme from “Our Gang”. I liked
“Empty Saddles in The Old Corral” – a perfect ending to a marvelous performance.

Bill Falk

Scott Hamilton returns to Providence!

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Scott, bass, drum

Scott Hamilton, Mike Renzi, Artie Cabral, Marshall Wood and Donna Byrne at Providence Marriott

by Bill Falk

Scott Hamilton returned to his native Providence after several years. Appearing at the
Providence Marriott with other immortal RI musicians Mike Renzi (piano), Artie Cabral
(drums) plus MA stars Marshall Wood (bass) and Donna Byrne (vocals), they treated a sold-out crowd to some terrific music.

The music got better and better during the performance, and the crowd reacted by
loudly applauding solo after solo. Scott was at his best, leading the group through
a variety of jazz standards. He displayed his brilliance soloing – producing the great
sax sound he is famous for as he improvised on ballads and jump tunes. Scott also blended in nicely as the others soloed.

Mike Renzi, famous as Tony Bennett’s arranger and pianist, exhibited his unusual style. He produces great jazz with a flourish. Artie Cabral on drums amazes with his quick hands. He keeps the beat marvelously and solos well without showing a lot of effort.
Of course, Marshall Wood was marvelous on bass. He makes the instrument sing, much as Scott does the sax.

Donna Byrne rocked the crowd as she belted out some fast paced melodies. She showed great versatility by performing well on ballads also. The group backed her
exceedingly well as she sang. Donna was the icing on the cake – contributing nicely to
a great overall performance of the group.

I found it interesting that an estimated audience of 400 people showed up. It’s great to
see so many jazz fans attend this phenomenal show.

Jeff Hughes JazzNews at Primavera in Millis MA, July 30, 2015 by Bill Falk

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6 pc Swing/Trad Jazz band

Jeff Hughes Jazz News

Guest writer: Bill Falk
Narragansett, RI

I am not a jazz musician, nor am I knowledgeable about music, so this review expresses my feelings as an undying fan of over 70 years. I thought the band was sensational. They were really “hot” as they romped through many great standards with outstanding improvisation around the melodies. Jeff Hughes did a terrific job both leading the group and playing the trumpet. He blended everyone’s talents wonderfully – especially since his usual group of stalwarts were augmented by the addition of Jack Soref on guitar and Kellian Adams on vocals.

Soref plays in the style of the master gypsy guitarist Django Reinhart. He was phenomenal, and he blended in with his new mates quite easily, Jeff gave him plenty of time to show how terrific he is.

Jack bent over playing guitar

Jack Soref, gypsy Jazz guitar

Kellian can belt out tunes focusing mostly on middle range. She provided a change of pace nicely.

Kellian at mic, pretty dark haired vocalist that also revived some Ethel Merman

Kellian Adams Pletcher is a Joy!

Herb Gardner was outstanding on the keyboard as usual. He also entertained us with a couple of solos on the trombone.

Herb on trombone

Herb Gardner, keyboard and trombone

Herb’s daughter Sarah Nova was in the audience. She showed us she has the
inherited talent of her father when she got up and sang.

Pretty blond at mic

Sarah Gardner Nova

John Clark is an extremely versatile reed man as he alternated playing clarinet, soprano sax and baritone sax – all with excellent results.

John on bari sax

John Clark on baritone sax

Steve Taddeo is really into it on drums. He’s wonderful setting the beat and soloing.You can tell the he really loves playing, and it rubs off on the audience.

like Gene Krupa

Steve Taddeo on his brand new Slingerland Drums

Al Bernard handles the tuba great as he anchors the rhythm section – plus he solos excellently.

Al on 5 valve tuba

Al Bernard, tuba, rhythm,

Unfortunately, the heavy rain kept the crowd down, but Jeff and the group will return to the Primavera on October 22nd.

Come see them perform – you’ll love their music and they are a congenial, friendly bunch appreciative of everyone who comes to see them play.

The music took me back to the days when jazz was extremely popular, and bands like this played all over New England. I wish I could see more of this band – they are so great. They really have no weaknesses for an old time jazz fan like me.

Bill Falk