Dave Whitney Quintet, featuring Christine Fawson, at Amazing Things Arts Center, October 6, 2013

Posted on October 6, 2013 by admin

Dave Whitney Quintet with special guest Christine Fawson

The Amazing Things Arts Center is the best place to listen, and really hear, two master trumpeters; marvelous acoustics. It just doesn’t get any better than this, Christine Fawson and Dave Whitney, twining around each other on trumpet or vocals – they have synergy, supported by the fine rhythm section of Jon Wheatly guitar, Mark Carlsen bass, and Reid Jorgenson drums. Dave and Christine never sounded better! What a great way to spend a rainy afternoon!

New England’s Dean of Trumpeters, Dave started first, backed by the rhythm section, on a Rose Room, circa forties’ era Jazz and Swing tune. He focused on Louis Armstrong, singing an early 1932 Louis’ That’s My Home. Down In Honky Tonk Town Louis recorded in 1940.

Jon Wheatley on acoustic guitar

Louisiana featured Jon with special vamps on ‘agnostic’ guitar.
Besides being a Talented soloist, Jon is a great team player laying down beautiful chords and keeping solid time.
He has a great capacity of repertoire, being comfortable in everything from Dixieland to modern jazz. He has listened to many great guitarists: Eddie Lang, George Barnes, Barney Kessell and Herb Ellis to name a few but has his own personal style.

Christine lets it all out

Dave introduced the talented Christine Fawson singing an upbeat Irving Berlin tune on this dreary, rainy day, Blue Skies.

Christine added some of Ella’s inventive scat-singing on Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me, with Dave behind her on muted trumpet. Their passion for this music is infectious.

Reid Jorgensen’s plays soft drum with his hands

Charlie Chaplin’s favorite, Smile is a song based on an instrumental theme used in the soundtrack for the 1936 Charlie Chaplin movie Modern Times. Chaplin composed the music; he would have loved Christine’s vocal, backed by Reid playing softly with just his hands, on the drums.

This is Christine’s theme song – Don’t Fence Me In. She likes Cole Porter’s lyrics and chord changes “They don’t write like this today.” Celestial trumpets played sweet harmonious sounds, Dave taking the melody first, Christine counterpoint.

Dave and Christine in sync on trumpet

We all know Tangerine from Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass Whipped Cream album; fabulous, with Reid’s drum tapping on snare drum.

Mark Carlsen

Mark has a history of playing with the new Tommy Dorsey Band led by Buddy Morrow. He is also a great team player, laying down beautiful chords and keeping solid time. He’s an excellent soloist, but prefers to take only one or two choruses on a tune, instead giving the group great bass lines and working flawlessly with Jon and Reid.

Here he is backing Dave’s vocal on Irving Berlin’s Marie.

Christine was back with a smokin’ Avalon – from her CD. Glorious trumpet duet, with Chris and Dave taking turns singing.

Christine took a break. Dave returned with the rhythm section. He latched on to Putting All My Eggs In One Basket from Cape Cod’s cornetist Ruby Braff. I Can’t Get Started, from Mister Trumpet – 1937 Bunny Berigan, the tune that put him on the map. Dense interplay between trumpet and guitar.

Dave and Reid have been together for many years, in Dave’s Big Band and small combos. Reid’s brushwork is weighty, but particulate – he listens. He was featured on a good ol’ good one, Found a New Baby.

Reid Jorgenson

Jon Wheatley, solo, on Slow Burning

Jon’s flowing finger work and sounds were featured on his solo of George M Smith’s Slow Burning.

Dave called Christine back. Reid’s drumming softly complemented Christine’s soulful scatting on I Could Write A Book.

She put heart and soul on In The Wee Small Hours of The Morning, revealing her own singular, personal style. Video by Harold McAleer.

Louis did this one with Velma Middleton, You’re Just In Love. Dave and Chris played trumpets in harmonic syncopation, then sang totally different choruses from the tune – at the same time.

Christine teaches at the Berklee College of Music and also sings with the vocal jazz group, Syncopation. She said she’s learned so much from watching and listening to Dave play. Obviously.

They closed with the Trad Jazz “National Anthem”, The Saints. It was a warm, friendly afternoon of fine Jazz and Swing; it was a real pleasure being here and listening to these virtuoso musicians!

We never know when they will get together again, but you can bet it will be on the www.nejazz.com calendar!

Marce

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Cafe, October 5, 2013

Posted on October 5, 2013 by admin

All but the piano, with Hal McAleer video-taping by the piano

Seacoast Stompers (with videographer Harold McAleer)

These musicians love making music, playing Jazz, and this audience loves listening to them. It’s a symbiotic relationship – and never gets dull. You never know what will happen next. The Seacoast Stompers do not repeat songs – Frank Stadler has kept a list of every song they’ve played at the AJC in the last five years, so the tunes are seldom repeated.

Surprise! Frank announced that this afternoon they would be doing EXACTLY the same set list as their first gig, 5 years 3 months ago at The Acton Jazz Café. Then it was at night at 452 Great Road, a six-piece band, with Frank Stadler piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Jeff Hughes cornet, Ben Goldstein clarinet, Steve Taddeo drums and Bob McHenry string bass (whose idea it was to getStadler on piano

Now on October 5, 2013, there was Frank leader/piano and Jimmy banjo/vocals, Scott Philbrick cornet, Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball clarinet, Lee Prager trombone, Albie Bernard sousaphone, and Bobby Reardon drums at the new Acton Jazz Café, 103 Nagog Park. It doesn’t get any better than this – as demonstrated by the full house. Bob McHenry was sitting front and center, enjoying the band.

They started with their theme song, a blistering At The Jazz Band Ball, then Mama’s Gone, Goodbye – Jimmy vocal, the four-piece front line melding seamlessly.

Front line
Scott, Dave, Craig, and Lee

Scott and Dave are always a combustible combination, Trumpet and cornet duet on From Monday On. Baby Won’t You Please Come Home. Combination playing vibrato on There’ll Be Some Changes Made.

They slowed down for Memories of You, Scotty doing cornet intro, Jim on vocal with almost imperceptible tuba and trumpet backup.

Mandy Make Up Your Mind – we never get enough of Jimmy Mazzy’s singing. (For the few who are not aware, he’s like olives – an acquired taste; people all over the world love Jimmy, especially in Europe) New Orleans, Hoagie’s favorite tune, heartfelt vocal by Dave Whitney.

Jimmy Mazzy

Dave Whitney

Bobby concentrated on tom toms for Stealing Apples. He has a different drum set for every genre of music, The Dixieland set has three toms, bass, snare drum, cow bell, top hat and a couple of cymbals. He strives for simplicity, purity in his playing, and the energy and precision he lays down is undeniable.

Bobby Reardon and his Dixieland Drum Set

Keeping Out of Mischief Now, Jim on vocal. Craig Ball is in complete command of the upper register on Ain’t Gonna Give You None of My Jelly Roll.

I’m Coming Virginia.

Bobby plays Saturday nights at the Kowloon in Saugus, so he’s ready, always dressed in white shirt and black bow tie (untied) but not tonight; black shirt – no tie. He said he was in mourning because he couldn’t play his favorite tune. So they deviated from the 2008 set list – and substituted Bobby’s favorite (and mine!) Limehouse Blues.

Rhythm Section, Al Bernard sousaphone, Jim Mazzy banjo, Bobby Reardon drums

Jim Mazzy, Al Bernard, Bobby Reardon, Rhythm Section

Al Bernard provides the drive and “punch’ behind the band, and plays solos with the dexterity, control, and articulation of the much smaller instruments. Take Your Tomorrows, and Give Me Today. Joe Darensbourg’s Louisian-I-A, dynamic clarinet backed by rhythm in stop-time. Jimmy had the vocal on a HOT Kansas City. I Would Do Most Anything For You, Whitney vocal, and sneaking in snippets of songs with his trumpet.

Look out for Jimmy’s specials – back in 2008, he substituted his own lyrics for the Banking Crisis with The Whiffenpoof’s Song (The Lambs Song). This time he did a parody of the Tea Party, that we won’t go into here because we’ve already lost too much $upport.

Craig Ball on soprano sax

Craig moved to a sweet soprano sax, authentic Bechet sound, for Singing The Blues.

Verne often gets to pick the last tune, a fine choice to end this evening of remembering 2008, with a barnstorming Swing That Music.
Seacoast Stompers will return with the same personnel playing amazing Dixieland Jazz at the Acton Jazz Café, 103 Nagog Park, Acton MA, on November 2^nd, the first Saturday of the month as usual. See you there!

* * *

Tunes on 2013-10-05 at AJC by Seacoast Stompers
set 1
At The Jazz Band Ball
Mama’s Gone Goodbye
From Monday On
Baby Won’t You Please Come Home
There’ll Be Some Changes Made
Memories Of You
Mandy Make Up Your Mind
New Orleans
Stealin Apples
set 2
Keepin Out Of Mischief Now
Jelly Roll (Ain’t Gonna Give You None)
I’m Coming Virginia (W/Verse)
Limehouse Blues
Take Your Tomorrow
Louisi-An-I-A
set 3
Kansas City request
I Would Do Anything For You
The Lamb’s Song (political diatribe) jimmy special
Singin the Blues
Swing that Music

Blue Horizon Jazz Band, with Dave Whitney and Dave Didriksen

Posted on August 20, 2013 by admin

photos by Bennett Green

Blue Horizon Jazz Band, with Dave Whitney trumpet and Dave Didriksen drums

Dave Whitney trumpet, Stan McDonald clarinet/sopranos sax/vocals. Gerry Gagnon trombone, Ross Petot piano, Peter Gerler guitar/banjo, Al Ehrenfried string bass, Dave Didriksen drums

It’s Tuesday at the Sherborn Inn, and we’re ready for an evening of our favorite Traditional Jazz. The Blue Horizon began with Meet Me To-night in Dreamland, Dave playing melodic trumpet with a congenial Stan McDonald on subtle clarinet, and Gerry Gagnon’s trombone using broad slides. Peter Gerler was on banjo.

Sidney Bechet and Mugsy Spanier’s Four or Five Times wasn’t raucous, but had a nice easy beat, Whitney playing melody, Stan with intricate counterpoint on soprano sax, Peter on guitar.

Then they revved it up, with a rollicking Honky Tonk Town, with tight New Orleans polyphony, and suddenly they had the listeners sitting at the edge of their seats. The band was on fire, lit by sparkplug Dave Whitney. You could feel it in the air. Save It Pretty Mama, Stan on soprano sax, muted trombone.

They kept the fires burning with Jelly Roll Morton’s Tijuana, with solo by Stan.

Stan had vocals on My Gal Sal and When I Leave The World Behind.

This band plays music of the early 20^th century. Shim-Me-Sha-Wabble, by spencer Williams was published in 1917. Marie Elena was a fine Latin beat. Dave Whitney on propulsive trumpet, If I Could Be With You.

Ross Petot has amazing technical prowess on piano.

There was much discussion about who would start the next tune, Ross won, playing the beautiful verse of When I Leave The World Behind, Dave keeping steady drum beat. Magnificent solos by the front line, with Stan closing in a high cadenza.

Ross introduced What Is This Thing Called Love?

Bechet’s Marchand de Poisson and Blues in The Air were exceptional, with Dave and Stan on a roll.

Dave and Stan with Al on string bass in backgrund

Dave Whitney and Stan McDonald in high gear. photo by Marce

The crowd was ecstatic, responding to the band, and the band was feeding off the crowd.

All listen while Al Ehrenfried plays acoustic string bass

Ehrenfried keeps a full, rich tone, playing proper bass lines, lifting the whole band.

Gerry Gagnon makes fine use of many mutes.

Gerry’s trombone lead into a solid up-tempo Good Ol’ New York. Dave Didriksen let go on drum solo.

Don’t You Leave Me Here Whitney in wa wa, vibrato trumpet, Gagnon on muted trombone.

Didriksen with big smile, giving high sign with fist

Dave Didriksen thoroughly enjoying the band

Time was running short, they were really cookin’ with I Got Rhythm, and everyone knew it.

They closed with Bechet’s Dans Les Rues D’Antibes, with horns holding on to the last note.

Dave Whitney and Dave Didriksen don’t usually sit in with the Blue Horizon Jazz Band, but the chemistry was there from the start; the band worked together with heartfelt solos and ensembles. We were fortunate to have shared this deeply moving evening of fine Traditional Jazz!

Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band is in its 19th year at the Sherborn Inn, every 3rd Tuesday of the month. See you there September 17th??

Seacoast Stompers celebrate 6th Anniversary at the Acton Jazz Cafe

Posted on August 3, 2013 by admin

Full Band with Maureen in bright red jacket

Seacost Stompers with Maureen Benson

Videos by Hal McAleer

August 3, 2013, The Seacoast Stompers were back at the Acton Jazz Café with Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball clarinet, Lee Prager trombone, Scott Philbrick guitar/cornet, Frank Stadler piano/leader, Al Ehrenfried string bass, Bobby Reardon drums, and Maureen Benson vocals.

The Seacoast Stompers are celebrating their 6^th year of appearing on the first Saturday of the month at the Acton Jazz Café. This was an exceptionally enjoyable afternoon, with Scott on guitar (which he prefers) and charismatic vocalist Maureen Benson. The venue sound system was shut down, with musicians controlling their own amplification, much better Traditional sound.

Whitney’s solo horn was free to interweave all kinds of tunes because Scott Philbrick was tied up on guitar, subbing for Jimmy Mazzy – most of the time.

Al on string bass, Scott guitar, and Bobby drums

The Rhythm Boys

Al Ehrenfried, was all smiles, picking at the string bass. Lee Prager happy to be back on trombone, bouncing with the music. Bobby was pulsating and alive. They all treasure his timing. It was infectious.

Craig Ball’s hot clarinet set the opening with All That Jazz, their theme song, and after that it was all improvised, with quick discussions over what and how they would play next.

Maureen Benson

A natural charmer on stage, Maureen came up for Slow Boat to China, If I Had You, Dave backing on muted trumpet.

Lee Prager

Lee Prager was featured on
I guess I’ll Have To Change My Plans.
We were happy to have him back.

Maureen returned for I Cried For you – usually done in a slow tempo, but there was nothing slow about this afternoon! There was no holding them back!

Bix time, Scott Philbrick moved to cornet with Dave Whitney trumpet duet for Singing The Blues. Fabulous!

Scott Philbrick and Dave Whitney

Piano took the intro to Claude Hopkins I Would Do Most Anything For You. Scott was back on flaming hot guitar for this barn-burner!

Dave’s version of Back O’ Town Blues is one of Frank Stadler’s favorites. Dave invited Maureen to join him. But she’s never heard the song before, didn’t even know the words. “I can handle Blues.”
This video shows her incredible spunk as she makes up her own words:

Frank and Al got together for an abbreviated Jitterbug Waltz, just piano and acoustic bass. Lovely – but too short, left us wanting more!

Whitney remembered Laurel & Hardy. Most people don’t realize that Oliver Hardy was also a good singer. He sang Lazy Moon in the 1932 Pardon Us, sensitively reprised here by Scott on guitar and Dave on trumpet and vocal.

Neil Moret wrote many beautiful tunes, including Chloe, and Song of the Wanderer, Ray Smith liked him so much he did a whole program on him.

(FYI, Ray Smith’s Jazz Decades is still playing Sundays 8-9pm on www.wgbh.org – even though we lost him a few years ago. Listen and learn about Our Kind of Music.)

Scott on guitar, Whitney on crystal clear trumpet on Song of the Wanderer.

The Saints prompted Alice Brunton to lead the a Parade, sans parasol. We’ll have one next month!

Alice Brunton leads the ‘Saints’ parade – no parasols!

Gray haired lady in bright red flower jacket, nice singer

Betty Countie

Surprise vocalist – Maureen introduced her Mom, Betty Countie, to sing a tantalizing Blue Moon. It’s obvious where Maureen gets her voice and charm!
The mood changed back to Bix and the normal four-piece front line. Their passion for this music is evident, they were really having fun with Since My Best Friend Turned Me Down.

Maureen with Scotty on guitar and Al on string bass

Maureen Benson and the Rhythm Boys

It Had To Be You, Maureen singing Bob Sickles’ favorite song made him happy; An explosive Swing That Music was dedicated to Vern, with Whitney on vocal.

Al Ehrenfried

Buddy Bolden’s Blues was the best Trad tune of the evening with Al’s tender bass solo.

Found a New Baby, found Al all smiles, bass in constant dialogue on this up-tempo tune. Lee bouncing up and down, slipping in some tunes of his own, Scott slipped in a bit of the Russian Ochi Chernye on guitar.

Frank Stadler softly touching keys

Approaching the finale, Maureen was called up for S’Wonderful, backed by Stadler, hands barely skimming over the piano.

They wrapped up this month’s session with Limehouse Blues. Piano rules – with energy and syncopation, setting the pace. Dave finally managed to sneak in Stumbling – he always gets that in somewhere.
This old music has so much energy and vitality, especially played by these accomplished musicians – it’s enlivening, . We’ll all be back, enjoying more of the Seacoast Stompers 6^th Anniversary at the Acton Jazz Café. See you there!

Maureen Benson lists Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, and Carmen McRae as her major musical influences. She is a mainstay on the North Shore jazz scene, and appears monthly with Jazzport at the Seaport Restaurant in Salem.

Dave Whitney Big Band at the Sherborn Inn

Posted on May 7, 2013 by admin

Dave Whitney Big Band

This is one exciting thirteen piece Big Band that transported us back to the days of Benny Goodman, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Woody Herman and more!
Trumpets: Joe Musumeci, Mel Deveau, Jeff Hughes, Dave Whitney
Trombones: Scott Hills, Jay Keyser
Reeds: Art Bakopolus, Bob Drukman, John Clark, Blair Bettencourt
Piano, Steve Dale; Bass, Dave LeBleu, Drums, Reid Jorgensen

They began with a number one hit for Benny Goodman, Jersey Bounce. This was the perfect introduction to the fabulous swing bands of the 30’s to 50’s; we became totally immersed in the Swing Era.

Dave’s theme song, a tune that Fats did with both a small and big band, When Somebody Things You’re Wonderful, was taken from an album Dave did in 1975 with Blair Bettencourt.

They presented a great New Orleans medley from the Chris Powers Orchestra – Chris was a New England band leader and arranger. Dave Whitney, Dave LeBleu, Joe Musumeci, Scott Hills and Arthur Bakopolus were in that band. Sophia Stevens was a vocalist with the band, but couldn’t be here this evening.

In a Medley of New Orleans tunes, Joe Musumeci raised goose bumps on his solo of Darkness on the Delta,

Joe Musumici

Usually Sophia has the vocal on Embraceable You, with Dave on trumpet solo and lead alto Arthur Bakopolus.
Bakopolus played inspiring solo work on that Jimmy Dorsey tune, and also on a Duke tune done by Johnny Hodges, All Of Me.

He set sparks flying on Jimmy McHugh’s Sunny Side of the Street.

Arthur Bakopolus, lead alto sax

In the early 30’s, Bing Crosby recorded a nice dance arrangement, Paradise. The dancers loved it!

Moving to a Latin beat, they played My Adobe Hacienda, a tune from the Wolverine Jazz Band’s CD, Give Me Some Tempo.

Dave Whitney

Dave

Dave is known as “The Dean of New England Trumpeters.” In 1985, Chris Powers and Dave recorded a tune with a Johnny Mercer routine, Sugar Blues, Whitney assuming the warbling, wa wa trumpet. A fine upbeat tune, it is still available on the George Buck label.

Blair Bettencourt on vocal!

Spotlight was on Blair Bettencourt – who knew he was such a fine vocalist???

He was in rare voice on Guy Lombardo’s hit, Everywhere You Go.

From a ‘new’ book, 1970, Engelbert Humperdinck’s After The Loving. Beautiful! The Audience was singing with him.

They stayed on the mellow side with Irving Berlin’s How Deep Is The Ocean, featuring Berklee Professor Steve Dale.

Steve was also highlighted on L-O-V-E, Love.

Steve Dale, piano, arranger, with Whitney in background

Steve Dale, pianist and arranger

Our favorite of the whole evening was a medley they played at Angelica’s called a ‘Baker’s Dozen’, actually a marvelous mini-tour of the Big Band Era!
Glenn Miller’s 1939 In The Mood, the most popular song of that era!
1938 Don’t Be That Way
Tommy Dorsey’s 1944 Opus One
Long John Silver 1948
Jimmy Lunceford’s For Dancers Only
Stan Kenton’s theme song, Eager Beaver
Jan Savitt’s 720 in the Books
Count Basie’s One O’Clock Jump
Woody Herman’s Woodchopper’s Ball
Artie Shaw’s 1938 Begin the Beguine
Les Brown’s Band of Renown, Leap Frog
Duke’s 1941 A Train
Harry James’ 1941 Back Beat Boogie, Dave taking the lead.

WOW! Those old tunes are still the best of all!

He stumped the audience with the last one – nobody knew it: Boston Tea Party. This is their new chaser for sets, theme of Mal Hallet – a popular New England band.

Scott Hill’s trombone was superb on Juan Tizol’s Caravan.

Scott has been with the band since its inception.

He continued with the Tommy Dorsey, Jack Leonard, Bunny Berigan, 1937 original arrangement of Marie, with Band backup, and Dave on vocal.

Scott Hill

Tuxedo Junction was recorded by just about every band!

Erskin Hawkins had a great arrangement of Savoy. Two of our favorite Jazzmen, Jeff Hughes on muted trumpet, John Clark clarinet, gave it the Big Band Sound.

From Duke’s library, Whitney got his chops ready for a mini concerto using Rex Stuart’s half-valving technique, Boy Meets Horn. Spectacular!

They featured a “little band within a big band”, as in Tommy Dorsey’s Clambake Seven, a Dixieland group that had a small band in their big band performances. But Dave used Bob Crosby’s March of the Bob Cats instead, (Dave Cats?) with Blair tenor sax, Jeff and Dave trumpets, John clarinet, Jay Keyser trombone, Steve Dale piano, Dave LeBleu bass. Fabulous!!

Little Band within a Big Band

MIT’s Jay Keyser is hilarious! He has so many anecdotes about traveling with his wife around the world. They had just returned from India, Cuba, Lake Como. They’ve been married for 23 years and been to 52 countries. He even wrote a book about it: I Married a Travel Junkie.

Jay Keyser trombone, with Blair on tenor sax

Jay Keyser, with Blair on tenor sax

Jay’s superb trombone was featured on Rose of the Rio Grande, a tune Lawrence Brown used to play with Duke Ellington.

Dave dug out a special mute for the next one, done by Eddy Freeman of Boston’s North Shore, Georgia On My Mind with Dave LeBleu. Great.

From the 1920’s mid-west Territory Bands, Dave’s vocal flirted with today’s PC on Tiny Hill’s Skirts, John Clark on tenor with the ’Dixieland Boys’.

Jeff Hughes

Piano took the intro to Count Basie’s Moten Swing, featuring Jeff Hughes’ on Yamaha Tuneable Bell Trumpet. Nice tone!

His passionate solo on Django’s Nuages was extraordinary; it’s one of our favorites.

John Clark went WILD with Duke’s version of Fats Waller’s Honeysuckle Rose.

John Clark, reeds

Dick Cathcart was the jazz trumpeter behind actor Jack Webb’s portrayal of the legendary Pete Kelly in the 1955 film Pete Kelly’s Blues. Pete Kelly’s Blues was the Dave Whitney Big Band’s ‘Goodnight Song’, an arrangement done by pianist Steve Dale. Marvelous!

Dave Whitney Big Band

Let’s not overlook the dynamic rhythm makers, whose driving tempo keeps the band in line…

Reid Jorgensen

Dave LeBleu

The Dave Whitney Big Band will be at Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire for a another trip into the Swing Era on June 2^nd from 1-3 (in the ballroom) – seniors over 60 get in free. Also Southgate Shrewsbury July 9^th 7pm. See you there??

The Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble Modulates March Madness at the Sherborn Inn

Posted on March 5, 2013 by admin

at the Sherborn Inn, March 5, 2013

videos by Eric Devine (Cinedevine)

Dave Whitney trumpet, John Clark alto sax, Craig Ball clarinet/soprano sax,
Al Bernard tuba, Bill Reynolds drums, Robin Verdier ringleader/piano

It was the ending of a relentless, maddening New England winter, (with March throwing in an extra 2-4 feet of snow, just for the fun of it.)

But we were warm and cozy by the Sherborn Inn’s fireplace, transported back to the the early 20s with the Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble playing the captivating dances of that fascinating era.

They opened with a 1925 tune by Gus Kahn & Ted Fiorito, Alone At Last, and Down Where The Sun Goes Down,1928, by great American composers, Isham Jones and Verne Buck. Dave Whitney substituted for Bob MaInnis, Monte Carlo’s regular cornetist.

Dave Whitney –

Well known in New England for his work with the Yankee Rhythm Kings, White Heat Swing Orchestra, and Chris Powers Orchestra, Dave was influenced by Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Bobby Hackett and many other great trumpeters of the pre-bop era.

Dave has been called “Premiere early style trumpeter” of this area and “Dean of swing trumpet”.

They played several high spirited Lu Watters tunes, including Shake It and Break It that he recorded just before Petrillo called a strike and shut all the bands down in the 40’s.

A new version of an old tune, How Am I to Know, was a nice fox trot by Jack King and NY Socialite Dorothy Parker. Stan Kenton used the chords for his Eager Beaver.

An All-Star front line, each is a leader in his own right, skilled at navigating the intricacies of these arrangements. Dave Whitney heads the Dave Whitney Big Band as well as several small groups; John Clark leads The Wolverine Jazz Band, a popular traditional jazz band; Craig Ball leads the famous White Heat Swing Orchestra. Together they play glorious ensemble that rarely leaves the 1920’s.

Albie Bernard controls this monstrous tuba — a 1960 Conn 24J Tuba that was a favorite of dance bands of 20’s and 30’s – with an American sound, and heavy brass.

The tuba was the sound of the train engine intro to My Cutie’s Due at Two to Two

Johnny Dodds, a premiere New Orleans clarinetist recorded this fun tune.
When Erastus Plays His Old Kazoo

Leader, arranger, pianist, Robin Verdier reigns. We can always count on Robin to present superior, intricately arranged, memorable jazz. He spends hours preparing, and there is usually a rehearsal so the musicians will be familiar with the arrangement.

Robin:

” I add a few arrangements to our book every year, and in making a setlist, I first pick some of the newest. Then I add requests from fans and musicians, and then tunes that we haven’t done for more than a year, and I mix them together so that the tempo and key change for each tune. The most important thing about our book is that I really like every tune– so picking some is always disappointing because we have to leave out the rest!”

He has a complete setlist of tunes, but there wasn’t time to get to all of them!

He explained how Lu Watters named his band Yerba Buena and started what we call ‘West Coast Jazz”. Lu Watters tired of the music he was playing and looked back at the 1920’s, when the music had bite and structure. He started a band with two cornets, like King Oliver. He named his band after Yerba Buena – an island in San Francisco Bay between Oakland and San Francisco. It means “nice peppermint” (mint plants were grown there at one time).

Watters wrote tunes associated with San Francisco, such as Big Bear Lake, where the Yerba Buena Band sometimes played. Big Bear Stomp – West coast folks of a certain age will get up and stomp!

Master time-keeper, Bill Reynolds uses rim-taps, choke cymbal.

His technique uses less-is-more, judicious dependable drumming.

My Honey’s Loving Arms

Lost

Yerba Buena Stomp

Sidney Bechet, a Creole from New Orleans, was the undisputed king of the soprano saxophone. He moved to France where he was accepted. He wrote many tunes, including Southern Sunset.

Craig Ball handled the Bechet tune effortlessly, playing elegant soprano sax.

That’s a tweed flat cap popular in the 20’s

In 1938 Joe Davis was Fats Waller’s manager. He has the credit for writing I’ll Dance at Your Wedding. but it is questionable. It has a very cynical beginning. Next was Happy Feet, a 1929 pop tune that was done by Bing Crosby with the King of Jazz, Paul Whitman.

They closed with a 1940 tune by Lu Watters, Emperor Norton’s Hunch. Norton was ridiculed because he had a hunch that someday there would be a bridge between San Francisco and Oakland. He died in San Francisco of apoplexy January 8, 1886.

His wish was fulfilled when the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge opened on November 12, 1936.

Our only wish is for an end to this New England March Madness!

web site: https://sites.google.com/site/verdiersite/mcje

Dave Whitney Quartet with Christine Fawson at Amazing Things Arts Center, April 1, 2012

Posted on April 1, 2012 by admin

by Marce

videos by Harold McAleer

Dave Whitney promised us Louis Armstrong-style old tunes that go way back – and he delivered, with the help of Marc Carlson bass, Jon Wheatley guitar, Reid Jorgensen drums, and special guest trumpeter/vocalist Christine Fawson. But Whitney called upon many of the great trumpeters of that (our) time.

Guitar intro to the first tune, Ted Fio Rito’s I Never Knew (that roses grew, until I met you). 1935 Thanks a Million, Dave’s vocal and trumpet reminiscent of Bobby Hackett – this was one Bobby’s favorites.

Dave introduced a talented entertainer who was often his guest at Angelica’s, where The Dave Whitney Band played for many years, Christine Fawson, on trumpet and vocals.

Christine teaches at the Berklee College of Music and also sings with the vocal jazz group, Syncopation. Christine started with a vocal on All of Me.

Christine led on trumpet, Dave responding on Don’t Fence Me In.

She called this “my theme song”, but her priorities might change. This was her first appearance since having a baby girl ten weeks ago.

She was glowing!!

Louis’s Hot Five with No One Else But You, was followed by examples of more famous trumpeters: a tune synonymous with Clyde McCoy, Sugar Blues. Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass What Now My Love. Dick Cathcart’s Singing The Blues, from Pete Kelly’s Blues (in the 50’s.)

Dave had the vocals on his theme song, recorded by Fats Waller in 1935, When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful

What’s better than one great trumpeter? Two – Christine and Dave together, playing What Now My Love, and an instrumental theme used in the soundtrack for the 1936 Charlie Chaplin movie Modern Times, Smile. Written by Charlie Chaplin, it didn’t become famous until the 1950’s when John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons added the lyrics and title, and Nat King Cole amongst others popularized it. Christine sings Smile with intense emotion.

Playing it very slowly, Dave on muted trumpet, Christine on open bell, their interpretation of Smile made this whole evening at the Amazing Things Arts Center worth while! Magnificent!

But there was more. Dave and Christine duet on You’re Just In Love, and Avalon – Christine playing trumpet and scatting the vocals. The Preacher, great trumpet duet, backed by the lively rhythm boys.

There was a request for Earl “Fatha” Hines’ Rosetta, from a lady named Rosetta in the audience, Jon sneaking in many other tunes on guitar. He was featured with the rhythm section on It Might As Well Be Spring, Mark Carlsen’s string bass solo clearly heard by the attentive audience. This crowd doesn’t talk while the music is playing!

String bass introduced I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket for the quartet- Easter was just around the corner.

Dave brought in the 1934 standardSavoy, straight out of the Louis Armstrong repertoire.

Reid’s routine was suggestive of band drummers Cozy Cole and Sid Catlet.

An inventive drummer, he backed Chris’s trumpet solo on I Love You by putting down the sticks and playing finger drums.

They closed with both trumpets on a barn-burning Swing that Music and What a Wonderful World sung by Christine.

An inveterate entertainer, we can always count on Dave’s small groups to deliver fine Classic Jazz, as they did tonight, and on his Big Band for some great Swing! Watch for them on the Calendar.

Marce

Christine with another Dave Whitney Quartet at the Sherborn Inn, 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWa-Bp4q1kI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5WZHUfNLPw&lr=1

Tijuana Brass – I’ve got a lot of Living To Do.

CJALL – Eve’s Evolutions 02 – Trumpeter Dave Whitney Interview

Posted on March 16, 2012 by admin

Video by Harold McAleer

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