Tag Archives: Craig Grant

Galvanized Jazz Band at Miller Library Cultural Complex, Hamden CT

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Sunday, January 25, 2015                                                                  by Jean M. Hadley
File Photos

trombone, cornet, c;aromet, piano showing

Galvanized Jazz Band at Hot Steamed Jazz Festival

The Galvanized Jazz Band is an energetic, spirited hot Dixieland jazz band in the style of New Orleans jazz.   Connecticut Magazine proclaims this band “The Best Jazz Band in the State.”

In 1971 and for 25 years, the GJB had a steady Sunday night gig at the Millpond Tavern in Northford, CT.  Today,  although Millpond Tavern has been sold and no longer a restaurant, the GJB is still finding venues and is alive and well after 44 years; thank you Freddy, band members and loyal fans.

Sunday was a wonderful example, tribute and dedication to the music they play and love was quite evident to the “standing room only” crowd.

Parasols

 

As the audience waited with great anticipation, the band appeared on stage with Jean Hadley and entourage, parading with their colorful parasols to the music of BOURBON STREET PARADE.   This always  brings out  the fans enthusiasm and excitement.

 

 

Cynthia Fabian opened with BASIN STREET BLUES, followed by SOUTH RAMPART STREET PARADE.  The parasol ladies joined in, did their strut and, once again the enthusiasm prevailed.

Craig Grant (guest/ trombone)  announced he is celebrating his 50th Wedding Anniversary.  Congratulations!  This said, Craig went on to play his “show stopper” LASSUS TROMBONE.  His delivery of this number is always perfection.  Here he is with the band at Hot Steamed Jazz Festival 2012.

Joel laughing

 

 

 

In between great selections, Freddy and Joel added a bit of fun by recalling old time radio commercials and, of course, only Joel Schiavone remembers all the words.

 

Following “Joel’s act,” Freddy reminisced by taking the audience back to many of the old radio shows…The Lone Ranger, Fibber McGee & Molly, Burns & Allen and the list went on.  Freddy presented the audience with a contest to name some tunes and their relationship to several old TV sitcoms….of course….the winners were awarded a recording.

Cynthia smiling and singing

Cynthia Fabian at Hot Steamed Jazz Fest

 

 

Cynthia Fabian brilliantly entertained us with several selections and in particular Etta Jones AT LAST, Patsy Cline’s CRAZY and STRANGE THINGS ARE HAPPENING.

 

Nearing the end of the afternoon, the band played TIGER RAG.  The number was played with such vigor, I thought the band needed oxygen!

Shortly, it was time to bring a wonderful hour and half to a close.  The band played their traditional “Saints” while the parasol ladies entertained a very appreciative audience.  Joel came in with Roy Roger’s theme song HAPPY TRAILS.  Remember Roy and Dale?

drummer

Bob Bequillard at Hot Steamed

 

 

Congratulations! Bob Bequillard
celebrating 60 years playing drums
…..44 years with the GJB.

 

 

 

 

 

Their passion for this Jazz is obvious.  The audience enjoyed listening to this hot, spirited, Dixieland Jazz Band.  You can catch them on the 3rd Sunday of every month at Aunt Chilada’s, 3931 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, Connecticut, 6:30-9:30pm.

 

 

Jeff & Joel’s House Party October 13-14, 2012

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Michael Steinman

 

JAZZ LIVES – Michael Steinman, said it all:  VERTIGO!

 

 Photos by Eric and Sherral Devine

Next party: April 20-21, 2013Top: Noel Kaletsky, Sal Raniello, Genevieve Rose, Freddy Vigorito, Ross Petot, John Clark, Paul Monat
Stairs: Pam Pameijer, Craig Grant, Jim Fryer, Vince Giordano, Bob Barta, Jeff Barnhart, Joel Schiavone

Because of the decline in Traditional Jazz Festivals, Joel and Donna Schiavone again opened their 1804 home to eager Jazz aficionados.

At the last House Party, Jeff Barnhart picked the band, gave it a leader, and let them improvise JAZZ.   This time, he picked the band (but anyone could opt in or opt out), picked a leader, gave them a theme “Play some Louis”, Play some Eddy Condon” Play some Blues”, “Play something HOT”. But only for two tunes. 

Then the  musicians moved out to the right, next band moved in from the left. It was absolute insanity!  There were musicians and instruments constantly moving through the audience.   But what else would you expect at Jeff and Joel’s House Party?

Paul Monat had the first band, with Jim Fryer trombone, Noel Kaletsky clarinet, Jeff Barnhart piano,  Bob Barta banjo/vocal, Genevieve Rose string bass, Sal Raniello drums

I lost track of how many bands, or how many tunes (over 100).

I’m sorry I made you cry
Someday You’ll be sorry
Jazz Me Blues


two cornets
two clarinets

Two trombones- turbulent duet!
Shimme she-wobble

Only ONE –

Vince Giordano, whose music for Boardwalk Empire won a Grammy award this year.
Back Home Again in Indiana

Breeze

Paul Monat traded 4’s with himself on cornet and tuba.My Gal Sal

On the more serious side – Believe it or not, Jeff Barnhart does have a serious side.
He chose classical music for himself, Frederic Chopin – Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op.9 No.2


Ross Petot, New England’s best kept secret, pianist, teacher, composer, arranger.  In his own  signature stride piano, Gone With The Wind. He made the melody come alive.

Noel on clarinet, with Pam and Ross: Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans.
Dinah – I love Pam’s Trad beat!
Craig Grant on trombone: Milenberg Joys

Paul & Freddy, two cornets, Vince on bass sax, Storyville Blues

Dinners and breakfast were First Class, thanks to Carol and Glenn Ott.


photos by Marilyn Snow

Dippermouth Blues:

Genevieve Rose’s set had Jeff on piano, Barta banjo, Pam drums for Shanty in Old Shanty Town.  She was unfamiliar with these tunes and has never played most of them.
A resourceful pro,  she  listened to the others, played rich tones, and maintained a powerful, full beat.  Amazing!

Carnegie Hall stage full of banjo players
Joel recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of “Your Father’s Mustache”
at Carnegie Hall.

Of course we had sing-alongs – with a four-piece banjo band, Joel, Bob Barta, Noel, and even Vince Giordano.  Everyone got into the act.  (I wish the camera had been on Michael Steinman!)  Marce


Pam on washboard
Vince on drums

Jim Fryer on euphonium, with Sal Raniello and Jeff on piano: The Gypsy

This music spans all ages.  Special surprise guest, ‘Red’ Balaban singing Porter’s Love Song To a Chamber Maid. Balaban played at Your Father’s Mustache in New York.  He worked extensively as a sideman, for musicians such as Wild Bill Davison, Eddie Condon, Gene Krupa, Dick Wellstood, and Kenny Davern. He co-led Eddie Condon’s house band with Ed Polcer from 1975; other noted musicians in this outfit included Vic Dickenson, Warren Vache, and Connie Kay. The club closed in the mid-1980s. Balaban continues playing today in Connecticut. (Wikipedia)


Jeff introduced Fourteen-year-old Andrew Ferno, who covered the music spectrum with fine piano renditions of Do The Hucklebuck and Thelonius’s Blue Monkk.
Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, CT

More videos:

Melancholy Blues

You Made Me Love You

Young And Healthy

When Did You Leave Heaven?

The Mooch

Darkness on the Delta

Stevedore Stomp

Up a Lazy River

Sherral’s Family:

The Austin Family from St. Augustine Florida, Fairfield CT and Northborough, MA

This weekend was what Jeff called “An embarrassment of riches!”
Special thanks to the volunteers: Kitchen crew: Carol and Glenn Ott and Bruce and Lecia Scranton. Musician liaison (outstanding job by the way) Judy Postemsky; Anne Barnhart in charge of CDs; Mairi Bryan – finance tracker; Irene Cowern – publicity maven extraordinaire, Eric Devine – technical genius, John Hedden – gatekeeper/checkeriner;  Zachary Lysobey – webmaster, Andrew Carolla – parking person, Joel and Donna Schiavone – hosts with the most;

Maureen Cunningham, who is way too modest!  She does a ton of things, compliments everyone else – and never takes credit for a thing!  Telephone Reservations, Seating Grids (including weekly up-dates), Badges, Typing/Printing, Chair/Cushion Delivery. (Thanks for the cushions!)

And thanks to Donna for sharing  your fabulous home!

We’re looking forward to the next House Party April 20-21, 2013 Join us, tickets go on sale December 1st

http://jeffandjoelshouseparty.com