Eli and The Hot Six with Butch Thompson and Rebecca Sullivan at Sculler’s Jazz Club –         Photos by Marce

WGBH’s Christopher Lydon was at Yale with Eli and Carolyn

The occasion was a benefit for Kids For Harmony at Scullers Jazz Club hosted by WBUR’s Christopher Lydon and the packed house was treated to a terrific evening of music by Eli and the Hot Six with special guest Rebecca Sullivan.

The Hot Six is a relatively new combo from tubist Eli Newberger, drawing from some of the best players on the traditional jazz scene. This performance featured a surprise appearance from Butch Thompson sitting in on piano and clarinet.  Regular Hot Six pianist Bob Winter had a prior commitment that evening with the Boston Pops.

Eli sprinkled informative and entertaining commentary between songs, and directed the soloists from this fine band throughout the evening.

Rebecca Sullivan

Rebecca Sullivan took the spotlight occasionally during the set, a welcome presence from a lovely singer who showcased songs from an all-Gershwin show the Hot Six will be performing at the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield this coming June.  Ted Casher, an excellent clarinetist, really shined with his turns on tenor sax.

Bo Winiker sings and plays Hello Dolly

A surprise highlight was Bo Winiker channeling Armstrong with a pitch perfect rendition of Hello Dolly on top of Jimmy Mazzy’s banjo, Bo going out with a ringing trumpet solo.

Jimmy lent his voice to a long and languid version of the classic St. James Infirmary that included plenty of solo space for the band.

Jimmy sings

Butch Thompson from Minneapolis

Butch Thompson delivered exquisite solo piano renditions of Willie the Lion Smith and Jelly Roll Morton numbers.

The piano chair was also occupied by Eli during a trio performance with Butch on clarinet, and later trombonist Herb Gardner tickled the keys while Thompson joined the horn section.

Eli takes over piano

Rounding out the evening was a delightful washboard performance by Carolyn Newberger and a brush solo on I Got Rhythm from drummer Jeff Guthery.

Eli & The Hot Six with Rebecca Sullivan will be Swingin’ Gershwin at the Barrington Stage Company’s Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield, MA on Monday, June 22nd, and the Hot Six will return to Primavera Ristorante, 20 Pleasant St. Millis MA on Thursday, June 25th.