Hot Steamed Jazz Festival June 20-22, 2014

Posted on February 10, 2015 by admin

That was the Finale of the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival 2014 – Jimmy Mazzy singing “We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when…” Many of us started to cry. The Jazz at the Festival was fantastic, but the attendance was not.

by Marce
Videos by Eric Devine

Traditional and Dixieland Jazz has been featured at the Essex Steam Train since 1986 – when it was The Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival. When TGCTJF moved to Moodus CT, a dedicated group of Trad Jazz aficionados, including Joe and Shirley Bombaci, hoped to maintain some Traditional Jazz in Essex. With staunch volunteers and supporters, they created the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival, that celebrated it’s 20th anniversary in 2012. I’ve been to every one, and it’s been very difficult getting my heart around this.

In 2014, Ten bands performed in simultaneous sessions under two tents on the grounds adjacent to the Essex Steam Train. A Gospel service on Sunday was performed by Jeff Barnhart, who also led the Festival All Star Band.

Eric Devine (CineDevine) published many of the VIDEOS Check them out. A few are presented here.

The Festival began Friday night with Art Hovey’s talented students – The “Route 17 Stompers” mostly from Durham, Connecticut, which is just up Route 17 from the site of the old Millpond Tavern; hence the name.

Art Hovey’s Route 17 Stompers

The Bands:

– Jeff Barnhart, Connecticut’s own jazz pianist virtuoso

– Galvanized Jazz Band from Connecticut with Cynthia Fabian
Fred Vigorito cornet, Fred Vigorito Jr. cornet Russ Whitman reeds, Bill Sinclair piano, Ben Griffin trombone, Art Hovey tuba/bass, Tom Palinko drums

– Dan Levinson’s New Millennium All Stars with Molly Ryan from New York, and John Hokum trombone, Mike Davis cornet, Jan Frankel piano, Rob Akins bass, Rich Levinson drums,

– Sunnyland Jazz Band
Bob Barta – Banjo, Vocals
John Klumpp – Trumpet, Vocals
Art Hovey – Tuba

– Wolverine Jazz Band from Massachusetts
John Clark – reeds
Jeff Hughes – cornet
Tom Boates – trombone
Ross Petot – piano
Jimmy Mazzy – banjo / vocals
Rick McWilliams – tuba
Dave Didrickson – drums

– Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band from Connecticut

Tom Brown – Trumpet
John Clark- Reeds
Noel Kaletsky – Reeds
Skip Hughes- Trombone
Ben Griffin – Trombone
Shari Lucas – Piano
Steve Keeler – Guitar
Albie Bernard – Tuba
Bill Logozzo — Drums
Michele Berting – Vocals

–

Gospel Service on Sunday was officiated by Jeff Barnhart, with help from Jason Senn and The Festival All Stars: Noel Kaletsky, Lou Green, Emily Asher, Lou Bocciarelli, Al Bernard, Skip Hughes, Tom Palinko

Emily Asher and Skip Hughes

Lou Bocciarelli and Al Bernard

Skip Hughes put heart and soul itno Old Rugged Cross. Jeff said it: “That, Ladies and Gentlemen, is what we call sharing our gifts!”

WOW!

– Ivory and Gold

– Ben Maugher’s Vintage Jazz Band from Pennsylvania
Ben Mauger (cornet), Brian Priebe (trombone), Bob Rawlins (reeds), Bob Kreitz (piano), Bruce Campbell (Bass), Larry Bortz (drums)

– Riverboat Ramblers led by local musician and entertainer John Banker, with Joe MacWilliams keyboard, Sherman Kahn reeds, Bab Barta banjo, Sal Ranello drums and washboard.

– Festival All Stars led by Jeff Barnhart – Jeff collected many musicians for different sets. This one has Jeff Hughes trumpet, Noel Kaletsky and Craig Ball reeds, Al Bernard sousaphone, Tom Palinko drums.

– Jazz Jesters from Massachusetts

Jeff Hughes – trumpet
John Clark – reeds
Craig Ball – reeds
Jimmy Mazzy – banjo / vocals
Ross Petot – piano
Albie Bernard – tuba
Steve Taddeo- drums

The Hot Steamed Festivals always concludes with The Galvanized Jazz Band marching from the Louis Armstrong Tent to the Hole in the Wall Gang Tent to join whatever band is playing there – this time it was Jeff Hughes’ Jazz Jesters, with Jimmy Mazzy banjo and vocals. They were joined by Sarah Spencer.

The music and musicians at the 2014 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival were fantastic. Many of the Fans who have been here since the beginning were here, but with more canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. But as in other Festivals across the country, there weren’t enough of us to make the Festival break even.

We were told by management of The Essex Steam Train that we can’t hold it here anymore. As Jimmy was singing the Finale, “We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when”, we left the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival in tears.
Eric Devine (CineDevine) published many of Bands’ VIDEOS Check them out.

Dan Levinson’s New Millennium All Stars from New York at the 2014 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival

Posted on February 10, 2015 by admin

Dan Levinson’s Millenium All Stars, with Molly Ryan

Dan Levinson reeds, Molly Ryan vocals/guitar, Mike Davis cornet, Josh Holkum trombone, Jan Frankel piano, Rob Adkins bass, Rich Levinson drums,

Dan Levinson is one of the most prolific musicians on the scene today. He is largely responsible for the resurgence of Traditional Jazz and Swing in New York today, by sharing his knowledge with many upcoming musicians. This was his 17^th year at the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival, and he introduced us to some of New York’s finest ‘Millenium’ musicians.

He kicked it off with a 1927 Bix tune, I’m Gonna Meet My Sweetie Now. It wasn’t on their set list, but requested by a lady in the audience; so Dan quickly scribbled up an arrangement for the band.

Molly Ryan now has several albums of her own.

Molly treated us with powerful vocals on All My Life, a tune that Helen Ward did with the Benny Goodman Trio in 1935 . You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby, and from her new album Wanderer, backed by Dan on tenor sax.

Oh Peter, Wolverines 1939 tribute to Bix Beiderbecke, Tijuana.
Mike Davis looks and sounds like Bix.

Mike Davis in multi-colored jacket and 30's haircut

Mike Davis, cornet

Bix Beiderbecke

Mike had been begging to play this, one of Dan’s favorites, 1928 Gene Austin Garden in the Rain. Dan and Molly were backed by the rhythm section on Billy Holiday’s 1935 What a Little Moonlight Can Do; just the right accents on drum, rim-tapping.

Rich Levinson knows his drums!

Rob Adkins, string bass

Jan’s sterling piano solo was assisted
by Rob Adkins’ string bass.

Holcomb wearing straw ? hat, playing trombone

Josh Holcomb, nice trombone

From Bud Freeman’s 1940 recording, I Need Some Petting, had three horns, especially nice trombone.

Dan let Jan Frankel loose on piano, his long fingers playing stride, followed by the band playing wild, interweaving, New Orleans polyphony, with growling trombone.

Jan Frankel, from Connecticut

They closed with a fabulous version of the New Orleans Rhythm Kings’ Farewell Blues, inspiring one another, mesmerizing trombone with Dan & Mike comping.

Farewell Blues

This set captured the audience, they loved every minute of it!

Dan Gabel and The High Society Jazz Orchestra at Primavera Ristorante, January 29, 2015

Posted on January 29, 2015 by admin

Dan Gabel and The High Society Jazz Orchestra

The High Society Jazz Orchestra played to a small but appreciative audience at Primavera Ristorante on Thursday. Sounding way beyond their numbers, the 11-piece band reached deep down and created beautiful music that enlivened our spirits.

Dan under High Society banner playing trombone

Leader, Dan Gabel

They led with their theme song Whispering, and continued with arrangements by Dan Gabel and John Clark, revoicing tunes from the 20’s and 30’s. They kept this memorable music flowing, giving the musicians a chance to show off their fine solos as well as ensemble.

The weathermen scared people away, but with a smaller crowd the atmosphere was more intimate, with the members of the band exchanging banter with the audience and taking requests.

Trumpets: Mike Peipman, lead: Adam Mejaour
Saxes Tyler Burchfield on tenor, John Clark on bari, Richard Garcia on alto,

The energetic instrumentals made the band feel twice its size, rekindling this enduring music associated with a bygone era. This is as good as it gets! They practiced new arrangements swinging so hard you’d never know it was the first time they saw the chart.

Elise Roth sings refrains for the first time.

Elise Roth sings Irving Berlin’s refrains for the first time.

Vocalist Elise Roth’s warm sweet voice seemed effortless. She even sang three refrains using Irving Berlin’s original 1927 lyrics of Am I Blue, made famous in the 20’s by vocalist Annette Henshaw.

Mike Peipman

Mike Peipman was on trumpet for their inventive reimagining of the Artie Shaw theme Nightmare.

Herb on keyboard. We don't have a piano - yet.

Herb Gardner plays Earl ‘Fatha’ Hynes’ Cavernism

We had our own ‘Fatha’ Hines in Herb Gardner, playing his1933 Cavernism.
(He and daughters Abbie and Sarah are performing at the Bickford Theatre in Morristown New Jersey on Groundhog Day, February 2nd.)

There was a new arrangement of Stormy Weather, appropriate for the Nor’Easter that just left us with three feet of snow. One of our favorites was John Clark’s arrangement of Chicago Rhythm.

The Rhythm Boys, Herb Gardner, Bill Reynolds, Bill Doyl, Rick MacWilliams

Dan had an arrangement of Rogers and Hart’s Thou Swell, with Clark playing solo on baritone sax and Elise singing Lorenz Hart’s beautiful lyrics.

Bill Doyle moves to 1928 banjo

Bill took out a 1928 banjo for Fats Waller’s St. Louis Shuffle, with the ensemble playing a rarely heard verse, and drummer Reynolds playing the breaks on choke cymbal. Bill regularly plays Benedetto guitar.

Tubist Rick MacWilliams had a chance to show his stuff on a solo on You Belong To Me – a request from Tom James in the audience, with Dan taking the vocal.

There were two altos and a tenor sax on King Oliver’s Mule Face Blues. We heard Duke’s Cotton Club Stomp, Who’s Sorry Now vocal by Dan Gabel. One tune we never heard before, Maori, (A Samoan dance) was arranged by John Clark, composed in 1919 by William H. Tyres and Henry S. Creamer.

They closed with Elise singing Dan’s arrangement of There’ll Be Some Changes Made, with new strains we’ve never heard before. It was an exhilarating evening of melliflous music. We were glad that we ignored the weathermen!

Members of the band were:
Trumpets: Mike Peipman, Adam Mejaour
Saxes: Tyler Burchfield on tenor, John Clark on bari, Richard Garcia on alto, and all played clarinet.
Trombone and leader: Dan Gabel.
Keyboard: Herb Gardner
Guitar and banjo: Bill Doyle, band manager
Tuba: Rick MacWilliams
Drums: Bill Reynolds
Vocals: Elise Roth

The High Society Jazz Orchestra will be at the Feast of Music After Party at the Oval Room of the Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston February 21 for NEC’s scholarship fundraiser. March 7 they will be at the WGBH studio for An Evening Inspired by Downtown Abbey, and at Sculler’s March 26 for the HOT release of their CD, Business in “F”, recorded at PBS Studios by Peter Kontrimas with cover and drawings by Elise Ross. Elise’s recital of classical vocals at NEC is March 29th 4:00pm at Williams Hall, and is free and open to the public.

Galvanized Jazz Band at Miller Library Cultural Complex, Hamden CT

Posted on January 28, 2015 by admin

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.

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 50^th 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.

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 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?

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.

Eli and the Hot Six at Primavera Ristorante in Millis January 22nd

Posted on January 28, 2015 by admin

Good times were had by all when Eli and the Hot Six enjoyed their debut at Primavera Ristorante. Their passion for this music is obvious. It was infectious; the audience became totally engaged.

piano, tuba, drum, reeds, trumpet, trombone

Eli and The Hot Six

Bo Winiker trumpet and flugelhorn, Ted Casher on clarinet, tenor and soprano sax, Herb Gardner trombone and vocals, Bob Winter on keyboard, Eli Newberger tuba, Jeff Guthery on drums, Frank John intermission tuba.

There was a popular band in New Haven in the 50’s and 60’s called Eli and the Chosen Six. Louis Armstrong had his Hot 5 and Hot 7. Eli Newberger paid homage to all of them by changing the name of the band from Eli and His All-Stars to Eli and the Hot Six.

Struttin’ With Some Barbecue, usually a fast, upbeat tune, was played slowly and swinging, inviting everyone to enjoy this evening.

Bob Winter on keyboard – You’ve never heard Oh By Jingo played like this, with blazing runs up and down the keyboard! Kathy Wittman did a video of it back at the Sherborn Inn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvWIIwCU-jg This alone is more than worth the $10 admission at the Primavera!!

As this was their first time playing here, they tested the acoustics with Basin St. Blues. No mics of any kind. Glorious horn solos, Ted’s tenor sax, Bo on smoky flugelhorn, low low tuba, closing with Herb’s trombone.

Bob sitting Eli standing behind him as they laugh playing keyboard.

Is this fun or what?

Eli joined Bob for Night Train.
They do have fun!

Eubie Blake was remembered with Bo Winiker sweet trumpet on Memories of You.

Jeff Guthery plays lyrical drums

Jeff Guthery played melody tapping on woodblock and bell and snare drum on Tiger Rag, before they all took off marching through the audience!

trombone, tuba, trumpet (clarinet not visible)

The band played New Orleans Jazz marching around the tables. The fans loved it!

Ted Casher clarinet, tenor sax, alto sax.

Ted Casher said, “Great gig! Great food! Great atmosphere! Always enjoy myself playing with the Six!”

Frank John, Freshman at NEC

Eli’s latest ‘Mentee’ is NEC Freshman Frank John, who took over Eli’s tuba at intermission, playing around with scales.

Eli’s tuba is older than he is, and it was missing some notes that Frank is accustomed to on his own tuba. Nevertheless he managed to reach a Pedal F tone, lower than the lowest F on the keyboard! We’ll be hearing more from him in the future.

Rambunctious front line played Muscat Ramble in a Bossa Nova beat.

Hot Six Front Line

Bob Winter honored us with the World Premiere of his composition of a Trad tune that had all the band site-reading! Paul’s Phonic Dream. New to everybody – first time we ever see Eli reading from a chart!

Eli solo

Eli gets a lively solo on Ain’t Misbehaving, backed only by the rhythm section; eloquent, touching.

Bo is sitting, left foot kicking the air as he blows wild trumpet

Bo Winiker lets it all out

Great ensemble on Sweet Sue, Ted playing marvelous clarinet. Bo got carried away on trumpet, putting his whole body into it.

George Gershwin’s Fascinating Rhythm calmed him down on smoky flugelhorn, with all the instruments taking turns trading 4’s.

Herb Gardner sang

Multi-instrumentalist Herb Gardner also graced us with a trombone solo on Ain’t Misbehavin‘ and vocals.

He’ll be celebrating Groundhog Day with his talented daughters Abby and Sarah at the Bickford Theatre in New Jersey on February 2nd.

Bob returned for solo on Ida, playing unceasing rhythm, finishing with a Count Basie ending. Michael Steinman says,” He doesn’t rush; he doesn’t attempt to impress us with pianisms. His playing verges on the formal, but it is based on a serene respect for the melody rather than a tied-to-the-notes stiffness.”

They closed with a controversial tune that turned out to be Louis Armstrong’s last greatest hit. It was a request that Louis had never heard before. He listened to a recording of Hello Dolly, and you know the rest. Trumpet and trombone played masterful duet..

Bo one handed trumpet, Herb muted trombone

Bo Winiker and Herb Gardner duet on finale

The Hot Six were on fire on this splendid evening of Jazz at Primavera Ritorante. They will return on February 26th for more of the same, with Rebecca Sullivan on vocals, and they’ll have their new CD for sale: “Contemporary Classic Jazz: Eli and The Hot Six LIVE” Join us??

Primavera will also feature Dan Gabel’s fabulous High Society Orchestra on January 29th. We’ll be between snow storms. Don’t let the weathermen scare you away – this is worth the trip.

Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Primavera Ristorante, January 15, 2015

Posted on January 20, 2015 by admin

Band at far end of room, tables and fans in foreground

Jazz Room, Primavera Ristorante

A new era began as the Blue Horizon Jazz Band launched Thursday Jazz at the Primavera Ristorante in Millis, Massachusetts. Primavera is an excellent new venue for Traditional and Dixieland Jazz. It is a quality restaurant with a lovely atmosphere. It offers great service at an affordable price and makes you feel like you are dining in Italy.

The band plays in a separate function room with good sound and balance, but it doesn’t have a piano – yet. Stan McDonald had to rearrange some personnel. Dave MacMillan substituted for pianist Ross Petot, with banjo, vocals, and smiles.

Stan McDonald soprano sax, Jeff Stout trumpet, John Kafalas trombone, Dave MacMillan banjo/vocals, Gerry Gagnon tuba, George Darrah drums

George Darrah filled in for Steve Taddeo. He is a bright young drummer from Beverly. At age 16, he was rehearsing with the Dave Whitney Big Band. He’s become a fine musician and will be one of the keepers of the Classic Jazz flame.

Along with Gerry’s tuba, George provided sure-footed rhythm with his creative drumming.

Dave MacMillan kicked off the evening with banjo intro and vocals on I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me.

Trombonist John Kafalas interjected the blues feeling in Wabash Blues. He has a Bach 42 trombone with a large bell that is generally used in a symphony, but works very well in this room.

Gerry Gagnon is a virtuoso bassist on tuba, and showed it on his solo on Rose of The Rio Grande.

Stan said he believes All By Myself is one of the greatest melodies of all time, an “organic whole”.

Old Fashioned Love featured Stan on soprano sax. They alternated with a Latin beat on St. Louis Blues, fortified by Jeff Stout’s powerful trumpet.

Trumpet and saxophone took a stirring, synchronized intro into When I Leave The World Behind, backed only by tuba. The ensemble worked together, playing for each other as well as the listening audience, on Sugar, Swing That Music, .

Some Of These Days was a barn-buster that had fans tapping their toes. Stout’s trumpet took a slow intro into Sunny Side of The Street with just the rhythm section behind him. Nice.

Since these musicians have never played together as a band, Back Home Again in Indiana was preceded by a big discussion. The result was inspired solos and ensemble, ending with Dave MacMillan, with a big smile, embellishing the vocals.

Jeff took the lead on Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me with Stan playing counterpoint.

Black and Blue was fresh and different, played with alternating tempos.

Darrah took a drum-pummeling four-bar break on the closure, After You’ve Gone.

Primavera will be a perfect venue for Traditional and Dixieland Jazz, with warm staff, hospitality and fine food. (Chicken Limoncello was delicious!) We look forward to returning next week for Eli and His Hot Six (formerly Eli’s All Stars) with pianist Bob Winter of the Boston Pops on keyboard. POSTER Join us!

Primavera Ristorante, 20 Pleasant St. Millis MA 02054 (Just off Rt. 109) 508-376-2026
http://www.primav.com/

Seacoast Stompers at Bemis Hall January 11, 2015

Posted on January 17, 2015 by admin

Dave Whitney cornet, Craig Ball clarinet, Steve Piermarini trombone, Frank Stadler piano/leader, Scott Philbrick banjo/cornet, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bob Reardon drums

by Marce
videos by Harold McAleer

The Seacoast Stompers brought their vitality and spark into a New Year at Bemis Hall in Lincoln, Massachusetts. There were changes made. Any substitution makes a difference in the sound of a band – and tonight we had three: Dave Whitney filling in for Scott, who moved to banjo, and Steve Piermarini subbing for Lee Prager.

They were marvelous! You can’t go wrong with Whitney’s wit, knowledge of classic Jazz, and on – surprise – cornet! Leader Frank Stadler put him in charge of the microphone. Piermarini excels on smooth, smoky trombone. He’s had the bell since 1980, but had the slide replaced by Shires.

They were raring to go with their theme song, At The Jazz Band Ball, then Little Girl
I Want Some Lovin’.

Jelly Roll Morton’s Buddy Bolden’s Blues. Buddy was famous for his powerful horn: “his trumpet could be heard all over New Orleans, and even across the river in Algiers”. We had two powerful cornets, Whitney played his new Getzen Cornet that he’s been using on various gigs including his Whitney Big Band. Trumpet wasn’t missed at all. Scott played both cornet and 6-string banjo, much like a guitar, but using tremolo for emphasis.

Al Bernard wrapped in sousaphone

Who’s Sorry Now? Gave Al a chance to solo on sousaphone.

Louisiana featured both cornets –

Hindustan is a spicy tune, one of Craig Ball favorites. They slowed down for Sugar, playing it in the vein that Peggy Lee sang in Pete Kelly’s Blues.

Bob drumming so fast his hands are a blur

Bob Reardon

Love is Just Around The Corner, Bob playing drumsticks on snare drum. His drumming is discreet, he drives the rhythm, yet he never gets in the way of the soloists.

Swing That Music, a Louis Armstrong composition, all had hot solos with Albie setting the pace.

Someday Sweetheart – is one of Jelly Roll Morton’s tunes that became a jazz standard. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me is definitely not a blues!

There’ll Be Some Changes Made – Frank enjoying every minute of playing on this Steinway piano. He said this is the finest piano he’s ever played.

Frank Stadler, Band Leader

Two cornets

Scott joined Dave on cornet for a Bix Beiderbecke tune (when Bix was playing with Frankie Trumbauer). They inspired the audience with Take Your Tomorrow and Give Me Today.

Curse Of An Aching Heart was in fast time, with Craig’s feisty clarinet, and Al driving on turbo-charged sousaphone, hardly taking a breath.

Ain’t Gonna Give You None of My Jelly Roll, Dave vocal, squeezed in a snippet of Stumbling on cornet; he always slips it in somewhere! Stealing Apples is one of Dave Whitney’s favorite, a Fats Waller tune made famous by the Benny Goodman Orchestra.

There were three guest vocalists this afternoon. Steve Smith vocal on Pennies From Heaven and I Can’t Give You Anything But Love. Joe Brandisi usually plays vibes, but let it all out with a fine vocal on Bye Bye Blackbird. Mollie Malone was in fine voice for Exactly Like You. (We caught the trombone slipping in a bit of Stumbling.)

A Craig Ball favorite, Three Little Words was upbeat. Bob let loose on drums.

Bix Beiderbecke was resurrected with two cornets for the finale, with I’ll Be a Friend With Pleasure.

It was a thrill having the Seacoast Stompers back! We look forward to hearing them more often. They will return to Bemis Hall on Saturday, February 14th at 1-4pm and March 14th at their usual time 2-5pm. It’s a great way to spend a cold winter afternoon. Join us!

Marce

Tune List
Set 1
1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 I Want A Little Girl
3 San
4 Buddy Bolden’s Blues
5 Who’s Sorry Now
6 Louisiana
7 Hindustan
8 Sugar
9 Love Is Just Around The Corner

Set 2
1 Swing That Music
2 Pennies From Heaven
3 Someday You’ll Be Sorry
4 Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
5 There’ll Be Some Changes Made
6 Take Your Tomorrow
7 Curse of an Aching Heart
8 Blues in G
9 Jelly Roll (Ain’t Gonna Give You None)

Set 3
1 Stealin’ Apples
2 I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
3 Bye Bye Blackbird
4 Rosetta
5 Exactly Like You
6 Three Little Words
7 I’ll Be a Friend with Pleasure

Discount on Jeff & Joel’s House Party, October 9-11

Posted on December 16, 2014 by admin

More than a quarter of our seats for October are sold. We’ve kept prices for the three session tickets at $225 per person. Remember each session includes a meal. (Friday Night tickets will be available at $30 per person for every 3 session ticket purchased before July 1, 2015. After July 1, single session Friday Night tickets will be $40.00.
A personal gift for you or a special gift for that special person is available right now!

Jeff and Joel and the JJHP volunteers are jazzed up planning the next House Party October 9, 10 and 11, 2015.

Volunteers Glenn Ott and Harry Hom serve dinner

Some of the Musicians for October 2015

Peter and Will Anderson — reeds Fred Vigorito – cornet
Scott Philbrick – trumpet/banjo Gordon Au–trumpet
Noel Kaletsky – reeds Dan Levinson – reeds

Tom Boates — trombone   Jim Fryer — trombone
Gen Rose -– bass                            Brian Nalepka –- tuba/bass/vocals
Molly Ryan –- vocals and guitar      Jeff Barnhart –- piano/vocals

Joel Schiavone–banjo/vocals Don Trenner – piano
Kevin Dorn–drums Jim Lawlor –drums

As many of you jazz aficionados remember, every performance since the inception of the House Party has been a toe-tapping, finger-snapping, body rocking time. Hope you all have visited YouTube to see and hear many selections from all our previous House Parties. If not, please go to YouTube, type in Jeff and Joel’s House Party and enjoy. We defy you to sit still.

Volunteer Harry Hom serves breakfast

Please contact 203-208-1481 and Maureen will answer any questions and upon payment guarantee reservations in a confirming e-mail to you and/or your guest(s). So, don’t miss out on this opportunity as we fully expect the October 2015 performances will be sold out. (This past October all sessions were essentially sold out. We will open sales July 1, 2015 for single sessions.) Please note our website is being updated.

Maureen Cunningham

CineDevine VIDEOS of previous house parties

24th Annual Suncoast Jazz Classic, Clearwater Beach Florida November 21-23 2014

Posted on December 4, 2014 by admin

Dave Tatrow and Friends open the Suncoast at poolside

www.suncoastjazzclassic.com

Held at The Sheraton Sand Key Resort and Marriott Suites on Sand Key, in beautiful Clearwater Florida. Special Events: Your Father’s Mustache 2nd Final Reunion, Clarinet Clambake, Trobone Wing Ding, Joy of Sax, Heavyweight Salute to Trumpet Heavyweights, Festival Divas and Jam Sessions Afterglow Mixer.

by Jean Hadley
photos by Sharon and Ed Ohr
Videos by Eric Devine (CineDevine)

Here we go again! The start of Suncoast’s 24^th year. Early Friday morning, gathered poolside, were fans with parasols, vintage ensembles, washboards and anything festive to kick off the beginning of a delightful and entertaining weekend.

Seated, at my poolside table, were Marty Kaletsky, to support her very talented husband Noel, Sharon and Ed Ohr photographers for this article and, Barbara Harvey (CT) a loyal supporter of OKOM.

Parasol Parade Photos by Sharon and Ed Ohr

The band was a wonderful mix of weekend musicians led by Dave Tatrow & Friends. Playing songs we well remembered, the fans joined in with voice and applause; nothing like audience participation to get the crowd in a festival mood.

Rather than write about each and every musician and selection played, I prefer to write about the fans, the type of music offered and the enthusiasm of both patrons and musicians.

The biographies, in the program, were right on target. The mix of music was a nice change and I commend those who made band selections. There was something for everyone.

As we all know, Dixieland music is still alive and well, however, our fan base is slowly dwindling. This is not because patrons lack interest in the music but rather age and poor health. We have many youngsters joining the ranks but, it will be several years before they develop the same confidence, enthusiasm and relaxation, on stage, as our seasoned musicians. To make this happen, we must continue to support these new kids on the block and spread the word.

On Friday morning, I stopped to hear the Tarpon Springs HS Jazz Ensemble . Wow! What a band! After hearing these youngsters, I knew I should hear the other HS bands. Each HS band (and their vocals) could not have been more professional. My hat goes off to the directors.

My next stop was to hear Jubilee Jazz Band. Jane Campadelli’s ingenious idea to put a band together and introduce it to the Suncoast Festival three years ago. With the likes of Noel Kaletsky, Bob Price, Scotty Philbrick, Gene Blood, Herb Roselle, Dan Howard, how could she miss. Jubilee played straight New Orleans style music. Jane’s vocal ability never changes and, she always manages to bring the audience to their feet. Thank you, Jane, for keeping OKOM alive and well!.

Janie and Jubilee packed them in

Barbary Coast, from Minnesota, known for their Dixieland worship services, gave their audience a very entertaining performance. Age diversified, they never skipped a beat. Their leader, Dick Petersen, played tribute to Louis Armstrong and brought the crowd to its feet by playing many Armstrong selections a lot of energy. By the way, Dick Petersen is a left handed banjo player.

The Barbara Coast Jazz Band

For a change of venue and some libation, I moved on to Condon’s Corner Bar to hear some “Cool Jazz” and meet friends. Condon’s Corner offers tasty cuisine and a fine selection of beverages. In addition, there is a variety of music all the time; a place to always find old and new friends.

Bob Leary

Besides a good deal of chatter, we enjoyed hearing Bob Leary and ensemble followed by the Orion Trio. Orion was very cool, smooth and captivating. They gave a delivery of “Route 66” that brought the house down.

Moving on to another venue, I wanted to hear what all the excitement was about the St. Louis Stompers. This is a very high energy band bent on playing for the entertainment of their audience. Stompers, so professional and smooth, their sound was almost classical. A very strong band. Stompers played a diversified number of selections from Blues and Dixieland. I give them a gold star!

The St. Louis Stompers with Howard Miyata

Mike and Steve Lilley of the St, Louis Stompers

It is still Friday with a plethora of bands to hear. I have now moved on to hear an outstanding band (Dave Bennett &The Memphis Speed Kings) Dave being the leader (piano/vocals.) Wow! This kind of entertainment reminded me of Igor & Cowboys that so often played our Great CT Jazz Festival.

How great it was to hear authentic 1950’s Rockabilly and Rock & Roll. Dave not only pumped his piano but sat on it “rump” side down and up. His vocals deserve an A-plus. We all enjoyed another high energy band to keep us awake and our feet tapping.

By 10:00pm Friday, I knew the hour was late and this would be my last for the day (if I wanted to see Saturday’s dawn.) I chose to hear Red Garter Jazz Band. I was delighted I made this choice. Along with this super band, the vocals were strong and clear. Red Garter reminds one how much fun Trad Jazz can be/is. Red Garter is from nearby Clearwater, The Villages, FL. Don’t miss this band if you have the opportunity to hear them. Lots of fun!!!

Saturday morning arrived and, with it, many new people and many familiar faces. The excitement was just as electrifying as Friday morning when we were all getting into the weekend mood. My first stop was to hear another youth band (J.W Mitchell HS Jazz Band/Trinity, Fl.) Excellent! So professional, I thought I was hearing an old time big band. Their brass section was outstanding! Kudos to the director!

For anyone who follows The Midiri Brothers, it goes without saying. I love their swing style and their sense of humor. But, most of all, I adore their old standards from the days of Shaw, Goodman and Dorsey. The nostalgia, of their repertoire, reminded me of an era long gone but not forgotten. Tempus fugit!

The next show-stopper was Tom Rigney and Flambeau. I cannot tell you what “Flambeau” means. However, I can say this….what a show this guy delivers. He is more than flamboyant! He is electrifying! The stage was ablaze with his groove. Cajun, Zydeco, blues, boogie, waltzes and some almost classical pieces he authored. He is a virtuoso on the violin. His command of the instrument is mind boggling. This band is a must see.

Paul Scavarda of Wally’s Warehouse Waifs

The rest of the day, was spent listening to Wally’s Warehouse Waifs, Cornet Chop Suey and High Sierra. Anyone who has heard these bands knows they are show bands with high energy and aim to please their public each and every performance.

High Sierra plays mainly a West Coast style of traditional jazz.

High Sierra Jazz Band

Cornet Chop Suey and Wally’s Warehouse Waifs play styles from traditional jazz, swing and blues. These bands are winners in every way. They deliver a quality of music that is hard to duplicate.

Cornet Chop Suey

I finally called it a day and made my last appearance at Condon’s Corner to hear Theo Valentin, another great vocalist. Theo captured the audience with her blues and ballads. She is a very exciting personality and one I would like to hear again and again.

When Sunday’s sun rose to greet me, I knew it was time to pack, take my breakfast and listen to a few of my favorite bands that were still on the schedule. At four o’clock, those who were still on board enjoyed the finale.

I could not and did not take in every band. The festival was sprinkled with so much music it was impossible to hear each one.

What I will tell you, though, Suncoast should be proud of what they did this year…..
a smashing success!!! The best ever!

The festival could not have come to fruition had it not been for Joan Dragon (Director,) volunteers, sponsors, a wonderful hotel staff and the many behind the scenes people. Extra kudos to all the volunteers and hotel staff for their politeness and help; going the extra mile, with a smile, made one want to come back again and again.

HAPPY 25th — 2015
Jean Hadley

Other bands:
Bill Allred Classic Jazz, Bob Draga and Friends, Hamilton Harris Project with Marilyn Freemon, Lori Hafer Trio and Mike Hafer with John Lamb, Nate Najar, Pepper, Valerie Gillespie Quintet

Hopkins and Miller’s Sunset Stomp:

Hopkins and Miller’s Sunset Stomp

Jeff & Joel’s House Party-2014, will return Columbus Day weekend 2015!

Posted on November 29, 2014 by admin

Joel Schiavone

Jeff Barnhart

by Sue Finn
videos by Eric Devine (we’re still adding more!)
pictures by Marce

Musicians:
Jeff Barnhart – piano                                              Joel Schiavone – banjo
Fred Vigorito – cornet                                             Lew Green – cornet
Bob Ferguson – trumpet & flugelhorn Herb Roselle – trombone
Herb Gardner – trombone & piano Will Anderson – reeds
Noel Kaletsky – reeds                                              Peter Anderson – reeds
Dan Levinson – reeds Molly Ryan – vocals
Vince Giordano – bass, tuba & bass saxophone Genevieve Rose – bass
Tom Palinko – drums                                                Bill Reynolds – drums
……and, from ‘Your Father’s Mustache’, Chris Fennimore & Bob Whyte on banjo

Saturday Night at Jeff & Joel’s House Party

The fifth Jeff & Joel’s House Party was held October 10, 11 & 12, 2014. This time the party was not at Joel’s house but just around the corner at the Guilford VFW Hall. There was some trepidation about the new venue – nobody likes change! – but it turned out to be a perfect location and they hope to have it there again in October 2015.

As always, it was a wonderful weekend – I consider it my annual ‘retreat’ and always feel rejuvenated at the end, probably because it reminds me of my teenage years when I first knew and loved traditional jazz music (during the ‘trad boom’ in England in the early 1960’s)! The food was delicious and the volunteers did their usual magic. We see only the magic but it is the result of much hard work all year long. Many thanks to all of them and to Jeff & Joel for all the organization.

The program worked a little differently this time. Instead of the combination of musicians changing for every number they generally stayed together for three selections, chosen by three different band members. This worked well with less ‘traffic’. Many of the musicians had never even met, never mind played together before and it is a source of awe for many of the members of the audience when, after a few short words of discussion, the song is played perfectly. Sometimes, some of the band members had never even heard the song before! This was particularly true of the two young reed players, Will & Peter Anderson

Anderson Brothers on clarinet and alto sax

Pete and Will Anderson

The Friday night program was performed by Dan Levinson, Molly Ryan, Jeff Barnhart, Bill Reynolds and Vince Giordano. This was the first time Dan & Molly had appeared at the House Party and they were there only for the Friday session.

Dan Levinson and Molly Ryan

Molly sang a wide variety of songs from traditional ballads to novelty numbers and everything in between.

I Was Saying To The Moon

Her voice is always beautiful and she was a pleasure to listen to and of, course, Dan is a virtuoso on the clarinet and C-melody saxophone.
Where the Morning Glories Grow:

Silver Dollar (A Woman goes from Man to Man) Vince on bass sax:

Love Is Just Around The Corner, Reynolds shows his versatility trading 4’s with Dan.

My Baby Just Cares for me:with Vince, Dan Jeff Barnhart, and Bill Reynolds:

The entire evening was a treat, my favorites were ‘Meet me Tonight in Dreamland’, ‘Oh Daddy’, ‘Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered’ and ‘What a Little Moonlight Can Do’. ‘You’ve Got the Right Key but the Wrong Keyhole’ was a lot of fun. Dan played an old favorite of mine ‘Wildcat Blues’ which I haven’t heard in more years than I care to remember. I hope we’ll see them both at the House Party again soon.

Lew Green

The other 3 sessions included all the musicians, with Noel Kaletsky only there on Sunday and Lew Green only Saturday evening when Fred Vigorito was away.

Saturday afternoon:
Anderson Brothers play Indian Summer:

More Saturday coming….

The following is a description of some of the performances from the Sunday afternoon session.

The program started with ‘Darktown Strutters Ball’, ‘Shine’ & ‘Avalon’.
Avalon:

Then Fred called ‘Someday You’ll Be Sorry’ with Jeff doing the vocal.
Herb G. sang ‘Happy Feet’.

Noel & Will did a fantastic duet on two clarinets on ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’.

Noel Kaletsky fiery solo on Sleep, with Jeff Barnhart, Tom Palinko, and Gen Rose.

Jeff played a piano solo and sang a song entitled ‘I Left My Sugar Standing in the Rain and My Sugar Melted Away’.
Joel join in on ‘Dippermouth Blues’ with Bob Ferguson trumpet and Freddy cornet, Roselle’s fabulous trombone:

Next came ‘South’, then ‘Lester Leaps In’ with three saxes and Herb G, Gen & Tom in the rhythm section, followed by ‘I’m Confessin’ That I Love You’ and ‘The Sheik of Araby’, the latter with three clarinets and Jeff, Tom & Vince.

Joel sang ‘Row, Row, Row’ with Fred, Herb R and Vince on bass sax. Then Vince sang a song which no-one else knew called ‘Take Your Tomorrow & Give Me Today’. He gave Herb G the chord changes written on a paper plate! Fred, Peter and the rest of the band followed along and, as always, it all turned out perfectly………..

Ain’t Misbehavin’: Will Anderson, Freddy, Roselle, Jeff, Gen and Tom

Herb Roselle was in Your Father’s Mustache and fired up the band.

Herb R. told us about the Philadelphia Mummers Parade and he and Bob F. played a medley of ‘Linger Awhile’ and ‘June Night’.

Bob Ferguson’s wife Rita sang a very emotional version of ‘You Made Me Love You’ with Bob playing a trumpet solo.

Peter, Bob F, Herb G, Jeff, Tom & Gen played ‘When Your Lover Has Gone’ followed by a valiant attempt by Herb G. to sing ‘Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone’ with Joel at the other mike singing ‘Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue’ at the same time.

A rousing version of ‘South Rampart Street Parade’ was next with three reeds, trumpet, cornet, trombone and banjo. Then Chris and Bob W joined Joel on stage for the banjo band sing along (which happened in both Saturday sets as well). This part is always fun because the audience joins in. (Including me – I try to lip sync but get carried away sometimes – fortunately there was enough noise going on that I don’t think my awful off-key voice bothered too many people, except my long-suffering fellow fans in the front row!)

3 ladies and 91-yr-old gent in front row

Susan Breig, Sue Finn, Joan Boutelle and 91 yr. old George Hatch

The banjo band was followed by a brass band, all the brass instruments and no reeds playing ‘Swing That Music’ backed by Tom, Vince and Jeff who did the vocal.

The next three numbers had all the reeds. The first was ‘Mood Indigo’ with three clarinets, Tom, Vince who did scat and a vocal by Jeff.

Vince sings Three Little Words

Vince did the vocal on ‘Three Little Words’

and then we had four saxophones, Noel – soprano, Will – alto, Peter – tenor and Vince on bass.

The session ended with ‘Strike Up the Band’ and the grand finale, a very loud and wonderful version of ‘Panama’ with all the musicians on the stage playing their hearts out and the audience clapping and cheering.

Finale – photo by Sue Finn

PICTURE SLIDES: Sorry, all the pictures were encrypted by a Trojan Horse and had to be deleted.

Friday https://www.dropbox.com/sh/r5nij5ph58h40lc/AADGZrQ5h_7CvttXoJvNq63Xa?dl=0

Saturday Afternoon https://www.dropbox.com/sh/y8j7t7tqm6z6tdd/AADvmQ0HietVT5plyuEldVpYa?dl=0

Saturday Evening https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gaw6fg089z3l3j6/AAAN1IcKDx8pyNWJqjFIBhY9a?dl=0

Sunday https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tnjgd0uili6sskz/AAAe12jwEB4RIsYuCjykic33a?dl=0

TUNES:

Friday Night
- Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland
- I Was Saying To The Moon
- Wildcat Blues
- Where the Morning Glories Grow
- Oh Daddy
- My Baby Just Cares For Me
- Silver Dollar
- Sing For Your Supper
- Love Is Just Around the Corner
- Solace
- Beyond the Blue Horizon
- Weather Bird Rag
- Get Out and Get Under The Moon
- You’ve Got the Right Key But the Wrong Keyhole
- Dipper Dan Dapper Dan (from Dixieland)
- I Wonder Whose Kissing Her Now
- Shuffle Along
- Love Will Find A Way
- Let’s Fly Away
- Bewitched
- Old Man Moon
- What A Little Moonlight Can Do
Saturday Afternoon
- It Had To Be You
- At The Jazz Band Ball
- A Kiss To Build A Dream On
- Old Lady Be Good Lady Be Good
- Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
- Dinah
- Crazy About My Baby
- Poor Butterfly
- After You’ve Gone
- Ain’t Misbehavin’
- That’s A’Plenty
- My Baby Just Cares For Me
- Indian Summer
- Bourbon Street Parade
- Rose Room
- Struttin’ With Some Barbeque
- Baby Won’t You Please Come Home
- Banjo-A-Rama
- Basin Street Blues
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Xp2TmOmSZA
- Do I Love You?
- Oh, Baby
- Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
- Avalon
- Honey Suckle Rose
- I Can’t Get Started
- I Got Rhythm
- Tin Roof Blues
- High Society
Saturday Night
- S’ Wonderful
- Some Day You’ll Be Sorry
- Some Of These Days
- You’re Driving Me Crazy
- If I Had You
- Louis Blues
- My Gal Sal
- Indiana
- Honky Tonk Town
- Stars Fell on Alabama
- Ida
- Margie
- Exactly Like You
- Lulu’s Back In Town
- Ja Da
- Sleepy Time Down South
- Somebody Stole My Gal
- Pennies From Heaven
- Stardust
- Lime House Blues Limehouse Blues
- Creole Love Call
- Willie the Weeper
- Ory’s Creole Trombone
- Michigan
- Banjo-A-Rama
- Taking A Chance on Love
- Someday Sweetheart
- How Deep Is the Ocean?
- What A Little Moonlight Can Do
- Tiger Rag
Sunday Afternoon
- Downtown Starters Ball Darktown Strutters’ Ball
- Shine
- Avalon
- Someday You’ll Be Sorry
- Happy Feet
- Sweet Georgia Brown
- My Sugar Melted In The Rain
- Dipper Mouth Blues
- South
- Lester Leaps In
- I’m Confessing That I Love You
- The Sheik of Araby
- Linger A While/June Night
- You Made Me Happy
- Row, Row, Row
- Take Your Tomorrow and Give Me Today
- Sleep
- Ain’t Misbehaving
- I’m Sorry I Made You Cry
- When Your Lover Has Gone
- Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone
- South Rampart Street Parade
- Bango-o-Rama
- Swing That Music
- Mood Indigo
- Three Little Words
- Strike Up The Band
- Panama

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

Tag Archives: Dixieland Jazz