The Ramblers at Primavera Ristorante October 29, 2015

Posted on October 31, 2015 by admin

4-pc Trad Band, banjo, keyboard keeping beat, clarinet, cornet/flugelhorn front line

The Ramblers – Bob MacInnis, Craig Ball, Scott Philbrick, Robin Verdier, leader.

The Ramblers made their first appearance at Primavera Ristorante, and we’re hoping they will return in 2016. This rambunctious quartet doesn’t play slow tunes – they played the music that had the Tin Pan Alley kids dancing in the 20’s and 30’s. (The Charleston started a new dance craze in 1923.) This quartet played a plethora of early Jazz from 1917 to 1929; their Traditional and Dixieland Jazz connected and inspired the audience.

Craig Ball, clarinet

Craig ball was able to shine with his expertise on clarinet, standing front and center. He usually keeps to the right or left of the band, backing the soloists.

Limehouse (1922)

When My Baby Smiles at Me was played by Benny Goodman at his 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert, a tribute to the Original Dixieland Jazz Band.

Robin Verdier, leader

Leader/Arranger Robin Verdier, a Jelly Roll Morton devotee, is our own erudite Rag Time pianist, well versed in this music. He is better known for his Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble that was here in August. He played some wild stride piano on Tiger Rag! Let Me Call You Sweetheart was definitely not a waltz!

Robin’s piano and Scott’s banjo were in sync, keeping the beat for the front line of clarinet and cornet/flugelhorn.

Scott Philbrick usually plays cornet.

This is the first time we’ve ever heard cornetist Scott Philbrick play banjo all evening, and he was fabulous singing the 1920 Broadway Rose. Who knew he could sing??
Scott will be on cornet with Jane Campedelli’s Jubilee Jazz Band at the 25^th Anniversary of the Suncoast Jazz Jubilee coming up November 20 to 22 in Clearwater.

Running Wild (Miserable video – just shut your eyes and listen!)

Bob MacInnis ensures we hear the melody!

Bob MacInnis always maintains the melody on cornet. He’s been playing with bands all over New England all summer, and we’re lucky to have him for another couple of weeks before he heads to Florida for the winter.

He took out the flugelhorn for several numbers, Al Jolson’s 1921 California Here I Come, Con Conrad’s Moonlight.

San Francisco Bay Blues (first recorded in 1954) was really modern for this band!

Their music touches the heart and spirit; the audience loved every minute of it! We’re all hoping to hear more from The Ramblers next year!

(Any resemblance to a band that plays all summer at a New Hampshire amusement park is purely coincidental.)

Tunes:
Set 1
When My Baby Smiles At Me, Munro, Sterling & Lewis, 1920
The Curse Of An Aching Heart, Piantadosi & Fink, 1913
My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms, Meyer, 1922
Down Where The Sun Goes Down, I. Jones & Buck, 1928
Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Whitson, 1910
Limehouse Blues, Braham, 1922
Broadway Rose, Fried, Otis, & West, 1920
California, Here I Come, Meyer & DeSylva, 1921
Moonlight, Conrad, 1921

Set 2
Charleston, Johnson, 1923
Smiles, Roberts & Callahan, 1917
Varsity Drag, Brown, DeSylva, & Henderson, 1927
San Francisco Bay Blues, Jesse Fuller 1954
Sweet Sue, Young & Harris, 1928
My Gal Sal, Dresser, 1905
Some Of These Days, Brooks, 1910
You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me, Fain, Kahal, & Norman, 1930
Runnin’ Wild, (Bb) Gibbs, Gray, & Wood, 1922

Set 3
Tiger Rag, 19th century quadrille
When You’re Smiling, Goodwin, Fisher & Shay, 1928

The Ramblers at Primavera Ristorante, October 29th

Posted on August 23, 2015 by admin

The Ramblers play Dixieland and Hot Dance music from the Roaring Twenties, including tunes composed by Tin Pan Alley giants like Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Isham Jones. They will be playing on October 29 at Primavera, 20 Pleasant Street, Millis, MA. For this performance, the musicians are Craig Ball, reeds; Bob MacInnis, trumpet and flugelhorn; Scott Philbrick, banjo and trumpet; and Robin Verdier, keyboard.

Craig Ball clarinet, tenor sax

Bob MacInnis

Robin Verdier, keyboard

Scott Philbrick on banjo/trumpet

Go to https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2btM6-mr-udMENvMmFyNzRwbWs to hear their unique sound on Al Jolson’s big hit,California, Here I Come.

Seacoast Stompers Quartet at ACT3, July 11, 2015

Posted on July 19, 2015 by admin

Seacoast Stompers Quartet at ACT3, Littleton MA

Bob MacInnis cornet/flugelhorn, John Clark alto sax/clarinet, Al Bernard tuba, Frank Stadler piano/leader

by Marce
Videos by Harold McAleer

These musicians are so proficient, skilled, that the Quartet sounds like a 7-piece band!

Mood Indigo, Louisiana,, Indiana, Sweet Lorraine, There’ll be Some Changes Made, Ain’t Got a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing; playing all our favorites with fantastic Swing and Dixieland.

Limehouse Blues

It’s great to have MacInnis’ sweet cornet back for the summer. He knows how to put a song across. Sweet, smokey flugelhorn on New Orleans, with Albie’s tuba playing low, low, low.

Cornet played rubato and propelled the band into After You’ve Gone. It was WILD! Bob sounded just like Bix on San; John Clark on alto sax, added his own accompaniment He and MacInnis are a band unto themselves.

Seacoast ‘front line’

Undecided

John Clark sings Swing That Music

John Clark’s alto sax sounds much like a tenor when he hits those low notes on I Want a Little Girl trading fours with Albie’s tuba. I loved this tune! He also surprised Frank Stadler with a vocal on Swing That Music. John has been singing more often lately, pushed by his #1 fan, Betty Weaver.

Albie plays melodic tuba on every tune too!

Albie represents a 3-piece rhythm section by himself, as well as playing the front line with a melodic solo chorus on every tune. ‘Deed I Do.

He can push the band with a heavy chord, or softly back all of Franks piano solos.

Frank leads the band, but gives them much leeway. A nimble fingered pianist, he favors a lighter touch, but plays an integral role in the band. His piano intro on Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of my Jelly Roll set the band on fire.

Frank Stadler, pianist, leader

Mandy, Make Up Your Mind – nobody called the key, it took a few choruses before they made up their minds and then played fabulous ensemble.

They closed with Runnin’ Wild, clarinet and cornet intertwined, with Albie pushing the band by taking a deep breath and playing 4/4 notes. It was a fabulous afternoon! It would have been nice to have had the whole 7-piece band, but we’ll take this Quartet anytime!!

Trust me – it’s much more exciting seeing them interact and hearing them LIVE! The next Seacoast Stompers Quartet will return to Act3 August 8^th, with Dave Whitney trumpet or cornet – he’s playing both now, and the Seacoast Base – Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Albie tuba, and Frank Stadler piano. Come join us for great Jazz and ACT 3 cuisine!

ACT3 – July 11, 2015 — Seacoast Stompers Quartet set track

Set1
1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 Everybody Loves My Baby
3 Mama’s Gone Goodbye
4 China Boy
5 Mood Indigo
6 Limehouse Blues
7 Louisiana
8 San
9 Singin the Blues
10 Struttin With Some Barbecue
set2
11 There’ll Be Some Changes Made
12 New Orleans
13 Jelly Roll (Ain’t Gonna Give You None)
14 I Want A Little Girl
15 Mandy Make Up Your Mind
16 Deed I Do
17 Swing That Music
set3
18 After You’ve Gone
19 It Don’t Mean a Thing If it Ain’t Got That Swing
20 Undecided
21 Dinah
22 Sweet Lorraine
23 Indiana
24 Running Wild

Dave Whitney Big Band with Christine Fawson at Amazing Things Arts Center

Posted on November 11, 2014 by admin

by Harold McAleer

The Amazing Things Arts Center is the best place to listen, and really hear a great band and two master trumpeters; marvelous acoustics. It just doesn’t get any better than this!

St. Louis Blues March

Christine Fawson

Dave Whitney

A Kiss to Build a Dream On

Marie:

Jazz Jesters at the Sherborn Inn, May 28, 2013

Posted on May 30, 2013 by admin

The Jazz Jesters

Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark and Craig Ball Reeds, Ross Petot piano, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Al Bernard tuba, Steve Taddeo drums, and special guest Bob MacInnis on cornet.

This is My Lucky Day – always is when the Jazz Jesters start their theme song and bring Hot Dance music of the Jazz Decades to the Sherborn Inn; plentiful 20’s and 30’s early Bix and Bunny Berigan. We were especially delighted to have a surprise guest sitting in!

Ross playing stride piano

Dot Prescott was remembered with Ross Petot featured on stride, But Not For Me. The first time they ever played it was in concert at the Prescott Traditional Jazz Library at UNH, with Johnny Battis.

Radio – remember radio, when the DJ would play something familiar, then sneak in something new? Jesters played Breakaway, and sneaked in Con Conrad’s Broadway Melody.

What’s the Use is one of Steve Taddeo’s favorites, by Isham Jones. Bobby Hackett recorded it on the Commodore label. Craig was featured on clarinet with Three Little Words.

Reedmen Craig Ball and John Clark

The dynamic reed-men Craig Ball and John Clark are as expressive as the multi-reeds sections of a Big Band, changing combinations, saxophones on Song of India, clarinets on East Coast Trot. They inspire each other, alternating alto and tenor sax and clarinet, and challenge the leader by changing the program on him.

The charts you see are just suggestions for chords. No one tells these spirited Jazz musicians how to play, (although Jeff sometimes gets head arrangements to work).

Bob MacInnis

Surprise treat was the appearance of Bob MacInnis on cornet. He’s back!! Better than ever! Eight-piece band, with trumpet and cornet, played fantastic ensemble on Bix’s Deep Down South.

Steve Taddeo

Taddeo was behaving himself with sensitive, smooth brushwork, and soft tapping on choke cymbal. He’s getting the hang of this Trad Jazz!

Jeff let him loose on Irving Berlin’s 1927 Russian Lullaby, then Steve’s inherent Gene Krupa materialized, backed by the band in stop time. Fabulous!

Jimmy singing and playing banjo, with Al Bernard and Steve Taddeo in background

Jimmy Mazzy, with Steve Taddeo and Al Bernard

There Ain’t No Land Like Dixieland, Melody From The Sky, Cabin in the Pines, Jimmy Mazzy vocals. Eat your heart out, Europe!

Jeff gave Jimmy his choice from the myriad collection of tunes stored in his genius brain. They ducked for cover, never knowing what Jimmy will come up with. This time it was Sam the Accordion Man.

Pardon My Southern Accent, Jeff Hughes taking a very expressive vocal. MacInnis added “Another one I don’t know”, but jumped right in.

They closed with a WILD Fats Waller stride tune. Dismissing us with Fats is a good choice, making sure we all return – Zonky. We’ll come back September 24^th and November 28^th to hear more of these outstanding Jazz Musicians!

Swing Senders with the Midiri Brothers in Lincoln MA

Posted on May 22, 2013 by admin

Steve 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

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

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 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 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.

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

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

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!

Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble Melodious May Musical Melée at the Sherborn Inn, May 1, 2012

Posted on May 1, 2012 by admin

by Marce

Monte Carlo front line, Bob MacInnis, Blair Bettencourt, John Clark

This isn’t Traditional Jazz. As the name implies, it’s Ensemble. Emphasis is placed on the musicians working together, and their chemistry was there from the start. Musicians tonight were Bob MacInnis cornet/flugelhorn, Blair Bettencourt clarinet and soprano sax, John Clark alto sax and clarinet, Robin Verdier piano, Bill Reynolds drums, and last, but certainly not least, Albie Bernard on that monster tuba.

Robin Verdier meticulously picks every tune and arrangement like a painter creating a complex masterpiece, and re-creates the dance bands of the 1920’s. (see complete listing at the bottom). Butt it’s still fresh and harmonious in the hands of these talented New England musicians.

Robin rolls up his sleeves, sits at the piano with his back to the band. There is powerful stride and solid interplay between both hands.

He leads.

He blends together new ideas and constantly refreshes the material.

Program

It was very different from his Slide & Guide September of 2010 or the Frabjous Fall Fling of November 2011.

It was different from the beginning. If Dreams Come True featuring two clarinets, with MacInnis first on Flugelhorn and then cornet, ensemble sounding off like chimes.

How Am I To Know? Robin inserted a Stan Kenton piece of Eager Beaver that fit very nicely in the middle……

….perfect tempo for Dr. Dave and Helene – who love to dance!

Irving Berlin was one of the most prolific composers. His C U B A was not exactly PC:

Cuba, where wine is flowing
And where dark-eyed Stellas
Light their fellers’ Panatellas

Albie gets a rare solo on this one.

My Dreams, by another one of Robin’s favorite composers, Tiny Parham. The front line is absorbed in Robin’s intricate arrangements. They get it right – and there are smiles all around, especially on Robin, and sighs of relief from the band.

Blaire played soprano sax with passion and intensity on Sidney Bechet’s Southern Sunset. We hadn’t heard him for some time. In the late 70’s, some of us were dancing to the Yankee Rhythm Kings in the back of New England Life Hall in Boston, with Blair on reeds.

He retired in 2006 after 36 years as Music Director and Coordinator for Westford Academy, and still maintains an active schedule as a performer on clarinet and saxophone. It was a special treat having him back!

The first set ended with a Fats Waller tune, that he never actually recorded but just about everyone else did, Come on And Stomp, Stomp, Stomp. Great upbeat tune!

The Sherborn Staff took this opportunity to surprise manager Phil Cocco with a Happy 75^th birthday cake. It was Phil who welcomed The Blue Horizon Jazz Band, and other Traditional and Dixieland Jazz, to the Sherborn Inn over 17 years ago.

Phil’s wife and family were gracious enough to share him with his other “Jazz Family”. We all enjoyed the delicious cake!

Back to business – Bob MacInnis gave a gripping performance that touched everybody on a complex arrangement of Oriental Blues. Hearing that Bob MacInnis is back from Florida is like finding a treasure every spring.

But he’s actually been back since mid-April, in time to play with the New Liberty Jazz Quartet at the Red Sox opener, as well as the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park, and also in parades in West Roxbury, Arlington and Lexington. He doesn’t waste much time; he plays every night in Naples Florida!

Shadows on the Swanee was relatively modern for this Ensemble – 1932. Lost1936.

Lena, Queen of Palesteena – latin beat –
Robin temporarily moved to tambourine.

Lu Watters, Yerba Buena Strut – ensemble intro, nice clarinet by Blair, and Clark on alto sax. (Yerba Buena is a small island outside of San Francisco. )

Time was running out. The third set had a combination of two tunes, Quincy Stompand Blame it on The Blues. Then two ‘Crazy’ tunes in a row, Crazy ‘bout My Baby, with ensemble intro, then sax, cornet, clarinet solos, backed by Billy’s rim tapping on the drum and Albie’s tuba covering the bass lines. (This was the first time they’ve done it.) Next, Crazy Rhythm, for these jazz musicians, is inescapable.

And of course, you can’t go back to the 1920’s without theCharleston!

Nancy Carter, from North Easton, performed it flawlessly.

Sonny Clay’s Cho-King – MacInnis used his hand for a mute on cornet, with the clarinet and sax comping. Bill Reynolds on choke cymbal. Perfect!

Reynolds is a long time jazz drummer on the Boston scene, he plays regularly with the New Black Eagle Jazz Band and is a faculty member in the jazz program at the University of Connecticut.

He’ll be one of the guest artists at Jazz Vermont Band Camp for Grownups August 12-17th at the Mount Snow Grand Summit Resort in West Dover, VT.

Finale – running out of time – Mule Face Blues started in a frenzy – Robin playing rapid stride, John Clark intense on alto sax, ensemble building momentum, the whole band was running WILD!

These were the Roaring Twenties, and we were there, if only for a brief moment. This was a fitting ending to a pleasurable trip back in time with our favorite Historian and his Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble.

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

Tag Archives: Bob MacInnis