Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band Jazzin’ with the Stars 2014

Posted on April 16, 2014 by admin

Jazzin’ with the Stars, Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Winthrop Middle School,
Deep River CT, Benefit for Autism Services & Resources in Connecticut

By Sue Finn
Videos by Cinedevine
Pictures by Ray Ross

Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band with special guests:
Dave Somerville – lead singer of The Diamonds
Jimmy Jay – DJ to the Stars
Jason Senn

Fred Vigorito – Trumpet
John Clark – Clarinet, saxophone
Noel Kaletsky – Clarinet, saxophone
Skip Hughes- Trombone, vocals
Shari Lucas – Piano
Steve Keeler – Guitar
David Uhl – Bass
Bill Logozzo – Drums

This was the 3^rd annual ‘Jazzin’ with the Stars’ concert, the first at this venue, and was just as much fun as the first two. The first half of the show was Heartbeat at its best with a new twist.

Fred Vigorito talking, and Shari Lewis, keyboard in background

Fred Vigorito, Shari Lewis

Fred Vigorito gave a history of jazz from its birth in the 19^th century to the present; blues, ragtime, spirituals, swing and everything in between, all the way up to rock & roll. He also gave us information on the origin of each of the instruments in the band. And of course, there were examples of most of the genres he discussed:

Tin Roof Blues – Skip, vocal Just a Closer Walk with Thee – Skip, vocal

Tiger Rag

The Entertainer

Original Dixieland One Step

Heartbeat ended with a very energetic medley that summed up the entire history of jazz, starting with ‘Royal Garden Blues’ and ending with Skip singing choruses of ‘Jump, Jive & Wail’, ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll’ and ‘Flip, Flop & Fly’.

After the break, Sara Reed of Autism Services in Connecticut, gave us a brief description of the programs her organization provides and thanked everyone for their support. Then Jimmy Jay gave out the prizes to the raffle winners.

Dave Somerville & Jimmy Jay

Dave Somerville

Then it was time for Jimmy Jay to introduce Dave Somerville. Dave took us all down memory lane with stories about the rock stars he traveled with and their chart-topping songs and, of course, all the big hits of his own group, the Diamonds. He sang many of the songs, some as medleys. Too many to list them all but here are some highlights:

Why Do Fools Fall in Love

Goody Goody

The Stroll

Love Love Love, Little Darlin’, The Stroll, Silhouettes on the Shade, Sweet Little Sixteen, Johnny Be Good, Maybelline, One Summer Night, I’m Walking, Blueberry Hill.

Oh Boy

Through this part, Heartbeat accompanied Dave, all seated and reading his music. Then they went back to their usual band formation and Dave sang ‘Route 66’ and ‘Goody Goody’ with them. He stayed on the stage until the end of the show.

Noel and John did “Running Wild”

Skip sang “Hello, Mary Lou”

Young boy sings his heart out. He has autism, but loves this music.

Jason sang “What a Wonderful World

Freddy and the Band help Jason with his song

And the finale was ‘The Saints’ of course. We all had a great afternoon’s entertainment and there was lots of audience-participation throughout the show.

Somerville and Jay with 2 ladies one gentleman

photo by Sue Finn

After the show there was a ‘meet & greet’ for fans to get autographs, buy CD’s and T-shirts and obtain information on the Autism Programs.

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Cinedevine will be providing more videos – come back, often!

Eli’s All-Stars at the Sherborn Inn, April 3, 2014

Posted on April 15, 2014 by admin

7 traditional jazz guys posing in front of piano with big grins

Eli’s All Stars at the Sherborn Inn, April 3, 2014 – Kick-off for regular 1st Thursday of the month

Eli’s All Stars with Bob Winter, the pianist with the Boston Pops; giant of the Boston jazz scene, Bo Winniker trumpet, Herb Gardner trombone, Ted Casher clarinet/tenor sax, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger leader/tuba, Jeff Guthery drums and Rebecca Sullivan vocals.

Eli has gathered seasoned professionals who have made jazz music their life’s work for over 50 years – it’s their first love. They came from everywhere, Herb Gardner from the New Jersey Jazz Society gig the day before, Jimmy Mazzy from a week in Florida with the Williams Reunion Jazz Band, Ted Casher from the Crosby Whistle Stop in Charlestown. Bob Winter – who knows? Bo Winniker is younger, but he was raised listening to his parent’s Winniker Orchestra. With friendly competition and improvisational skills they sound more dynamic with each new appearance at the Sherborn Inn
They connected with each other, and they connected with the audience, right from the start – with Ted on clarinet for 1917 Rose Room, and a fiery At The Jazz Band Ball, first played by the Original Dixieland Jass Band in 1917.

Rebecca in simple white dress with black belt

Rebecca Sullivan, vocalist with Eli’s All Stars

Rebecca Sullivan is already a jazz vocalist, songwriter and educator. She’ll receive her degree this year from the New England Conservatory of Music, and head for Scotland in August. You can hear Billie Holiday inflections in a lovely Stardust, but her voice is attractive wholly on its own. She continued with Bo Winniker’s trumpet and Ted Casher’s tenor sax at breakneck speed on ‘Deed I Do.

Cheek to Cheek:

Summertime provided marvelous solos:

Somewhere Over The Rainbow with fresh and different solos by piano, trumpet and muted trombone.

Eli Newberger on circa 1909 Holton Del Negro CC tuba

Eli embraces his circa 1909 Holton Del Negro tuba as he offers just the right chords behind soloists.

It’s a gorgeous instrument, with an expressive quality unlike other tubas – and no one better to express it!

Squeeze Me

Jeff Guthery on New Orleans Traditional Jazz Drumset

Jeff Guthery provides the propulsion so these All-Stars have the freedom to follow their fancies. New Orleans bands of 20s couldn’t record bass and drums, so they played on wood block and bell. Jeff’s drum set is very simple, just a snare drum, floor tom, wood block, cow bell, 6” cymbal. Not even a high-hat. He added a suspended ride cymbal, just arrived. Fresh out of the box, he brought the 20” Turk Ride Cymbal in for its first trial.

He took an eight-bar intro to I Got Rhythm, Ted following on tenor, Bo’s amazing trumpet solo with band in stop-time, Rebecca vocal, followed by the whole ensemble making rhythm swing. The listeners were sitting on the end of their seats. This enthusiastic audience does listen!

The inimitable Jimmy Mazzy

At the request of the front line, Jimmy gave a demo of when D flat comes in on Fidgety Feet. Jimmy instinctively played the whole thing. They said: “ We’ll keep going ‘till we get it right”. Sure sounded right to us! Jimmy and Eli had a duet on a song that has many names – we’ll stick to Chicago Breakdown, with Jim scatting. They make a great team

Jimmy sings Till Then

Eli says, “Here is a tender interpretation by Jimmy Mazzy, the banjo virtuoso and singer, of a popular song written by Eddie Seiler, Sol Marcus, and Guy Wood to express a World War II soldiers plea to his sweetheart to await his coming home. Its sweetness and uncertainty — and Jimmy’s profound sense of the poetic and musical meaning — is complemented by Bo Winiker’s gorgeous flugelhorn solo and Bob Winter’s sensitive exploration of the melodic line.”

Ted Casher was featured on Body & Soul, using tenor sax subtones like Coleman Hawkins’ masterpiece that makes women swoon. Sensational!

Bob Winter creates a concerto out of Oh By Jingo!

Eli asked Bob for a fast tune. Oh By Jingo became a hit in the post-World War I era, 1919. With prodigious technique, he made this novelty tune sound like a concerto!

Eventually these marvelous videos may end up as a DVD. We hope.

Time for one more tune, an old New Orleans favorite sung by Jimmy, who feels the pain in every word. No pain in the music, it was so hot and heavy, Eli jumped up to join Bob at the piano for a rocketing chorus of St. James Infirmary Blues. Amazing ending.

Bob sitting playing high notes, Eli standing playing low nores

Eli joins Bob Winter on swinging hot St. James Infirmary Blues

We are so fortunate to have these professional musicians playing here for us at the Sherborn Inn. Anyone passing through wonders how come they haven’t heard this before? Because it’s not played on radio or television; you can only hear this fantastic aggregation of musicians right here at the Sherborn Inn. Join us On May 1^st and the 1st Thursday of every month for more Great Jazz!

By Marce
Videos by Kathy Wittman, BallSquare films,
Sound by Frank Cunningham

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Café, March 1, 2014

Posted on March 10, 2014 by admin

Seacoast Stompers on the new Acton Jazz Cafe stage

Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball clarinet, Scott Philbrick banjo/guitar/cornet, Lee Prager trombone, Frank Stadler leader/piano, Al Bernard tuba, Bobby Reardon drums.

The decor of the café has totally changed, it feels more like a nightclub now, with a full raised stage at the back of the room. Definitely an improvement; same fine food and gracious personnel. Alternating spotlights from blue to red to white give it nice atmosphere, but raise cane with the videos.
On this First Saturday of the month, The Seacoast Stompers began as always with their Flagship tune, At The Jazz Band Ball, a 1917 jazz classic done by the ODJB, and one of the earliest and most recorded jazz compositions. Scott was strumming on banjo because Jimmy Mazzy was home looking after Carrie.

Earl Hines’ Monday Date, Scott was on acoustic guitar; Whitney trumpet, Craig soaring clarinet, Lee swinging trombone, Frank piano, Bob drums, Albie’s tuba pushing the whole ensemble. Fabulous!

Frank Stadler doesn’t like to repeat tunes. They haven’t done Moonglow for a while, nice slow dance tune. Charlie was up immediately – he dances with all the ladies. He found an open corner near the bar.
Back o’ Town Blues is a nice slow Blues, one of Whitney’s favorite vocals. The musicians followed him, playing passionate solos, with Lee growling on trombone.

After You’ve Gone, trumpet intro with tuba back up, was really great Dixieland; Whitney squeezed in a bit of Little Girl. Frank played beautiful melody on piano, backed by Albie’s chords and Bob’s time keeping.

Scott returned to his cornet, now we had two horns, no waiting; Take Your Tomorrows and Give Me Today. Bix did this with Frank Trumbauer in 1928. They started with fantastic brass, and finished it the same way; it sure was great to have Dave Whitney back. Love is Just Around the Corner, Whitney vocal, the band played full force, stopping on a dime!

There’s always a discussion on the next tune, who will do what? Here was a “good ol’ good one” done by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band also in 1917 – Fidgety Feet had the audiences’ feet tapping. You can’t sit still listening to this Jazz. Albie took a melodic solo on tuba, Scott back on cornet, Bobby wouldn’t let it quit, taking multiple drum endings, nailing the end with a final cymbal crash.

Bob Reardon supports the band with his fine drumming.

Nobody wanted to quit. Louis did Wild Man Blues with his Hot Seven – we had hot banjo, and tuba too.

Bob Crosby’ Bob Cats recorded Irving Fazola’s I’m Coming Virginia.

Fats Waller’s Baby Brown had Dave Whitney on trumpet and vocal, and Scotty on cornet. They have a friendly, compatible competition going.

Song of the Wanderer was a really HOT ONE with Scott on banjo, then he was back on guitar for Someday Sweetheart.

Dave Whitney and Scott Philbrick have a friendly go-round on Mandy, Make Up Your Mind

A request (inevitably) started with a very truncated Saints, and quickly moved to Who’s Sorry Now, finishing with Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of my Jelly Roll.

As usual there was a full house enjoying the fine Dixieland and Swing of the Seacoast Stompers. You can hear them at the Acton Jazz Café on the first Saturday of every month, in the afternoon – easier driving for most of us.

To get the best seat, please make a reservation; email gwenn@actonjazzcafe.com with the subject line reading either RESERVATION or CONTACT, or call them at (978) 263-6161 after 5 pm. http://www.actonjazzcafe.com/ Use 5 Nagog Park Mall on GPS to get directions.

* * * *
Seacoast Stompers tunes played on March 1, 2014

Set 1
1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 My Monday Date
3 Moonglow
4 Back o’ Town Blues
5 After You’ve Gone
6 Take Your Tomorrow
7 Love Is Just Around The Corner
8 Louisiana Fairy Tale
9 Fidgety Feet

Set 2
1 Avalon
2 Wild Man Blues
3 Can’t We Be Friends
4 I’m Coming Virginia (W/Verse)
5 Baby Brown
6 Wabash Blues
7 Song of the Wanderer

Set 3
1 Preacher, The
2 Mandy Make Up Your Mind
3 Someday Sweetheart
4 Who’s Sorry Now
5 Jelly Roll (Ain’t Gonna Give You None)

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!

HOT STEAMED JAZZ FESTIVAL IN ESSEX JUNE 21, 22 AND 23

Posted on May 24, 2013 by admin

www.hotsteamedjazz.com/

(Essex, CT) — Experience New Orleans style traditional jazz in Connecticut as The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival turns up the heat, during the weekend of June 21, 22 and 23. Proceeds from the festival, which is located at the Essex Steam Train, benefit The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT, founded by the late Paul Newman.

More than 13 bands, ranking in the Top 20 in jazz polls for their instrumentation will perform in simultaneous sessions under two tents on the grounds, adjacent to the Steam Train. A Gospel service, which is free and open to all, is scheduled for Sunday, June 23 at 10:30 am and, in addition to the Festival All Star Band, features vocalists Jane Campedelli of Florida and Connecticut’s own child vocalist Jason Senn of Essex.

The festival takes place rain or shine. Seating is provided under the tents.
Friday 5-10:45pm – Saturday 10am-4:45pm 5-10:45pm – Sunday 10am-4:45pm

THE BANDS scheduled to appear at the 2013 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival include:

Dan Levinson’s Millenium All Stars– New York

Bob Seeley – Detroit

The Midiri Brothers – New Jersey

Jeff Barnhart –Connecticut

Festival All Stars

Ben Mauger’s Vintage Jazz Band – Pennsylvania

Sugarfoot Youth Jazz Band – Connecticut

Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band – Connecticut

Wolverine Jazz Band – Massachusetts

Galvanized Jazz Band –Connecticut

Jane Campedelli – Florida

The Jazz Jesters from Cape Cod, led by Jeff Hughes on trumpet

Funky Butt Jazz Band

A complete band performance schedule is available at the festival’s website, www.hotsteamedjazz.com.

Food and concessions such as popcorn, coffee and soda are available at the festival. Guests are invited to bring their own beer and wine. No hard liquor is allowed.

Festival sponsors include:

Essex Savings Bank/Essex Financial Services
Clark Corporation
David Florence
Bob Johnson
Bob’s Discount Furniture
Glenn Connolly
Arris
Karen Torrenti
Shore Discount Liquors
as well as individual sponsors

Ticket prices per person are $100 for the full weekend sessions; $60 for an all-day Saturday pass (11 am – 10:30 pm); $35 for the Friday afternoon, Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening or Sunday sessions. Youth tickets under age 12 are $8.00.

To purchase tickets, call 1-800-348-0003 or visit the festival website at www.hotsteamedjazz.com.

Proceeds benefit the Hole in the Wall Jazz Camp

Hot Steamed 2012

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!

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??

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Cafe

Posted on May 4, 2013 by admin

Videos by Harold McAleer

Frank Stadler – piano and leader, Jimmy Mazzy – banjo, Blair Bettencourt – reeds, Scott Philbrick – cornet, Dave Whitney – trumpet, Lee Prager – trombone, Al Bernard – sousaphone, Bobby Reardon – drums.

Leader Frank Stadler announced that there would be an exception to the usual tune selection; this time they would play only old favorites and most requested tunes. They generally avoid repeating tunes! He left the choice of tunes to the guys, varying the tempos.

An obvious change was Blair Bettencourt on clarinet and tenor sax. It’s been a while!

In the late 70s, Marce and Jimmy Enright were dancing at the back of New England Life Hall to the two-beat jazz of The Yankee Rhythm Kings with Jimmy Mazzy and Blair Bettencourt,

The Seacoast Stompers first tested the sound system with a snippet of At The Jazz Band Ball.

Sound-check was done by none other than Fran D’Agostino, who runs the Jazz Jam every Tuesday here at the AJC.

He got it right!

The Seacoast Stompers have built up a significant following of devoted fans that fill the Café on the first Saturday of the month. Alice and Cathy Riley came in from Seekonk, Jack Phelan, pianist for the New Liberty Jazz Band from Swampscott, Dave and Nancy First from Carlisle, Eve Welts, Sally Meyer and friends from Lincoln, Al Ehrenfried, Alice Brunton of Acton, dancers Evelyn and Charlie have been here from day one. The Amoskeag Strummers were well represented.

There’s not much space for dancing; but dancers will make room:

Charlie & Evelyn

Alice & Al

It was great to see Bob McHenry, former Seacoast bassist sitting up front and center, enjoying the music.

Blair Bettencourt’s tenor sax turned Sweet Georgia Brown into a real rabble rouser!

Fabulous tenor sax on a dazzling Stealing Apples

Bob & Marjorie McHenry enjoy Blair’s playing

Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams. Jimmy vocal. He couldn’t resist “Dedicated to Luca Brazzi, swimming with the fishes.” (from Boardwalk Empire).

Time to take it down a bit with Mama’s Gone, Goodbye, Jimmy vocal, Whitney playing marvelous wa wa trumpet.

Cornet, trumpet, trombone, with gut-wrenching tenor sax were fabulous on another old favorite, and most often requested, Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans. Dave with poignant vocal; if you ever visit New Orleans, you can’t leave it behind – it becomes a part of you.

T’ Ain’t No Sin To Take Off Your Skin and Dance Around in Your Bones (Walter Donaldson). Scotty knew many more verses..

I Would Do Most Anything For You, Claude Hopkins’ theme song. Claude was a world famous Boston pianist, and has returned to play in the area with many of our local musicians.

Classy, polished piano performance by Frank.

He requested a ‘down tune’ (as opposed to an upbeat tune). Everybody looked at Jimmy. I’ll Be a Friend With Pleasure.

Dave Whitney, jazz historian, gave interesting backgrounds to all these tunes. “Louis would say Margie is a good ol’ good one.”

Scotty and Lee, both on muted instruments challenging each other – incredible! We love it!

Make Love to Me, a 1954 pop song by Jo Stafford, became a No. 1 hit, using the New Orleans Rhythm King’s music from the 1923 jazz standard Tin Roof Blues…

Sweet intro into Tin Roof Blues,
fantastic clarinet, wa wa cornet and trombone. We love it!

Jimmy’ unique single string banjo was backed by Al Bernard, wrapped in sousaphone.

Bobby Hackett and Jack Teagarden made hits out of a lively Oh Baby from the 1920’s.

Carrie Mazzy came up for fine vocal on A Good Man Is Hard To Find.

Jim & Carrie were packed and ready to go to the Keswick Festival in England.

Hubby Jimmy followed with One Meat Ball, hinting about a restaurant (not the AJC!)

Frank said it was time for a barn burner. This is one of the most requested Classic tunes.

Goodman had a hit with both his big band and quartet.

Strutting With Some Barbecue was played in indescribable tempo!

Tough on a trombone – Lee breezed through it.

Time for a Swing tune. Jimmy with Duke Ellington’s I’m Beginning To see The Light, a Harry James hit in 1944. Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone, had friendly, competitive duet with cornet/trumpet.

Sunny Side of The Street, Dave Whitney scatting vocal, with Blair’s tenor sax, tuba, and piano playing harmony.

Frank asked Dave to pick a tune – he likes Back o’ Town Blues. He and Jimmy have done this before, with Jimmy responding with his own Mazzy quips. Scotty’s multiple notes hit the top of the register, almost squeaking.

Dave was on low, growling trumpet; he never disappoints his public.

Finally Frank asked Bobby Reardon for a tune.

From the seedy side of London, he picked a real war horse, Limehouse Blues. The Seacoast Stompers terminated as fiery as they had begun.

They’ll be back, Frank hopes with the full crew (they are all independent minds!) on the first Saturday of every month for the rest of the year. With their fans in tow, they’ll be here on June 1.

Jazz Jesters at the Sherborn Inn April 30, 2013

Posted on April 30, 2013 by admin

Jeff Hughes trumpet/leader, John Clark and Craig Ball reeds, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Ross Petot piano, Al Bernard tuba, Steve Taddeo drums

Ross was toying at the piano as usual as we arrived. I Can’t Get Started, Honeysuckle Rose.

Craig Ball came in at exactly 7 P.M. right on time! (He has just returned from a class reunion in England.)

These are busy musicians, Ross plays in several bands and teaches, Craig leads the White Heat Swing Orchestra, John Clark’s Wolverine Jazz Band was at the the Choo Choo Jazz Fest in Chattanooga, Tennessee May 3rd. Steve leads the Swing Senders and directs the Dick Donovan Big Band. Jeff has many bands, the most active being Swing Times Five and the Jazz Jesters.

Jeff distributed arrangements and they soared with their theme This Is My Lucky Day, Craig on tenor sax, John Clark on clarinet. (Baritone sax was left at home.)

Jeff kept these tunes from the 20’s and 30’s refreshing by varying the solos, pointing to an instrument, as if he’d just thought of it. The musicians were ready, carefully keeping an eye on him, and the arrangement, and reacted with inspiring solo work.

Jeff Hughes and John Clark

Jeff is in firm control of the band, except for Jimmy. Jimmy lives in his own world, in the Jazz Decades.

Jack Teagarden liked Ben Pollack’s Diane. There isn’t a trombone in this band, but Craig’s smooth tenor sax did just fine, getting the dancers up early.

They played a couple of early Bix tunes, before he joined Goldkette, when he was in the Wolverines. There Ain’t No Land Like Dixieland started with Jimmy & Jeff in sync – the two go back many years to Ray Smith’s Paramount Jazz Band.

In 1926 Bix recorded and wrote a tune dedicated to his home town, Davenport Iowa, Davenport Blues. Craig took the lead, Jeff and John playing harmony.

Staying in the Bix tradition, with the Wolverines before he became famous, I Need Some Petting, and a Gershwin fox trot Kicking The Clouds Away

Jeff thanked Steve Taddeo for being here. He said, “Steve plays drums better than anybody.” Taddeo was on a 1939 Slingerland Drum Set, with cymbals that were given to him by Bud Schutz who played with the Benny Goodman and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras. Exudes energy!

Steve is a Gene Krupa devotee. For these tunes from the Jazz Decades, he maintained the Classic Jazz beat with a Krupa original, pinging the Hi Hat stand.

A Walter Donaldson tune featured Jimmy scatting on Changes. Lovely, one of our favorites.

The Kentucky Derby was coming up this Saturday; of course they had to play My Old Kentucky Home. Jimmy’s heartfelt vocal sounded as if he was really homesick for Kentucky. (We’ll ask him if he’s ever been there, when he returns from the 22nd Keswick Jazz Festival in England.)

Jean Goldkette first recorded this in 1926 in Detroit, Idolizing. That band included Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Joe Venuti and Bix Beiderbecke.
Jeff tapped out a break-neck beat, chorus and then verse, eyes were focused on the arrangements, all except Jeff, and Jimmy – he doesn’t need them, ever.

From Billy Hill’s Empty Saddles in the Old Corral, Jeff introduced There’s a Cabin in the Pines, with Jimmy vocal. That was another tune from the Paramount Jazz Band.

One of Jeff’s favorite memories is hearing a recording of Bunny Berigan playing Louis Alter’s A Melody From the Sky. Jimmy gave it his own unique interpretation.

Hearing Jeff sing Broadway Melody, was a special treat. It comes from a 1929 American musical film – the first sound film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture.

“all talking, all singing, all dancing picture!”

Jimmy returned with a sweet version of It’s Wonderful. After that tender vocal, Vincent Youman’s 1920 I Know That You Know was absolutely WILD!

Jeff has an envious collection of instruments. This magnificent tone trumpet was custom-made for him last March at the local Osmun Trumpet in Acton, MA. They adapted a 1972 Yamaha Tuneable Bell with a wide trumpet bell that would have a warm cornet sound. Just what he wanted.

Many bands of the 30’s and 40’s delved into Classical, then changed the repertoire to Jazz. Rimsky- Korsakov’s Song of India was Bunny Berigan’s last recorded solo. The Jazz Jesters nailed it with trumpet, alto and tenor sax, prompting someone to say “That’s a piece of woik!”

Albie was featured on House of David Blues, by Elmer Schoebel, and recorded by Coleman Hawkins in 1923.

We caught that handsome fella hiding behind the tuba.

Jeff said that “High Society Blues by James Hanley had a beautiful 1930’s bittersweet feeling at the beginning of the 1929 Depression.” From High Society Blues, Jimmy sang Charles Lawman’s I’m in the Market For You, followed by another depression tune, Cottage For Sale.

Enough of that! This is a time to Be Happy!

The mood changed with the Finale, an upbeat, joyful Zonkie. They let Steve go on drums. He gave it the full Krupa treatment with a rousing, cacophony of sound, concluding with his famous drum walk-around.

9:30pm – we were supposed to be out of here, but nobody wanted to leave. They squeezed in one more tune.

Craig Ball took over. Craig’s clarinet went full scale from high to deep rich tones on Laughing at Life.

It was the right ending to a perfect evening:

“Lose all your blues laughing at life
Live for tomorrow, be happy today
Laugh all your sorrows away
Start now and cheer up
The skies will clear up
Lose all your blues laughing at life”

Jeff delved deep into the Jazz Decades for tonight’s performance – and we hope there will be many more like it. That would keep us happy! We’ll all be back for more.

Jeff’s Jazz Jesters will return May 28th – see you here!

New Black Eagle Jazz Band

Posted on April 24, 2013 by admin

at the Sherborn Inn luncheon
April 24, 2013

New Black Eagle Jazz Band

Tony Pringle cornet, Stan Vincent trombone, Billy Novick reeds, Bob Pilsbury piano, Jesse Williams string bass, Peter Bullis banjo, Bill Reynolds drums

Memories of the Sticky Wicket!! 100 people were packed in at the Sherborn Inn’s Senior Jazz Luncheon, to hear the New Black Eagle Jazz Band, now in it’s 41st year, play some of their most memorable tunes. Many Seniors are bussed in from local Senior Centers.

It was like old times, as the band opened with the familiar beat of the New Orleans parade – Second Line.

Stan’s Trombone had the first solo, with Billy on alto sax, and Tony’s clipped cornet that defines the Eagle’s sound.

(Billy Novick has been asked to write some of the music for Hemingway’s: The Sun Also Rises, World Premier at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. in DC.)

Billy Novick

Everybody wanted the tables in front of the band! But they were reserved early on by Sticky Wicket ‘Regulars’, the few who are still with us. There is no long U-shaped table with 12 people like the one that circled the band at the Sticky Wicket.

Jesse Williams, youngest member of the band, performed superb bowing on string bass, supporting Bob Pilsbury on an early Duke tune, Misty Morning.

Jesse Williams bowing on string bass

Precious – Love Nest evoked memories of the George Burns-Gracie Allen television show.

Harking back to our Grandmother’s time, Stan Vincent played trombone solo and sang the love song, You Tell Me Your Dream, And I’ll Tell You Mine.

Stan Vincent, Peter Bullis, Jesse Williams

Pete Bullis’ beat on banjo carries on the Traditional Jazz sound that is the heart of this band. (Yes, he was wearing his Red Sox.)

Elder statesman of the band, Bob Pilsbury, went even farther back in time with his vocal of Love Song of the Nile, a song associated with Theda Bara, a vamp from the old silent films.

Bob Pilsbury

They closed the first set with an early 30’s tune by the Luis Russell Orchestra, an up-tempo Roamin’.

‘Groupies’ Elizabeth and Marilyn were in their 20’s when they started listening to the Black Eagles, and still faithfully follow the band.

Three former Sticky Wicket ‘regulars’, Elizabeth, Marilyn, and Marce

“We didn’t get the front table, but we enjoyed a fine 3-course dinner, complete, for only $25. Choice of Salmon in Cream Sauce, or Chicken Parmesan, complete with salad, vegetable, desert and coffee.” Marce

The second set began with a rabble-rousing Saratoga Shout – named after a club in Harlem, not the Saratoga Springs race track.

Froggy More Rag featured Billy’s brilliant clarinet solo backed by the rhythm boys, while Tony headed to the bar for a beer.

Bill Reynolds and Jesse Williams back Billy Noick

Everyone was back for more Black Eagle eloquent ensemble on Duke Ellington’s 1931 pop tune, In a Sentimental Mood.

A couple named Frankie and Connie was celebrating their Wedding Anniversary. Tony mischievously considered dedicating Frankie & Johnny for this happy occasion, but thought better of it, and settled for When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver; much more appropriate, and appreciated.

Bill Reynolds let loose on drums, prompting much applause from the audience, right in the middle of his stellar performance!

Ed Reynolds

Bill Reynolds

Bill Reynold’s remarkable drums and Jesse’s unrelenting pulse on amplified string bass drive the band. They put a fresh snap into the old tunes.

They approached the end of the evening with Special Delivery Blues, a mournful blues recorded by blues singer Sippie Wallace with Louis Armstrong in 1929. They closed with an upbeat Weary Blues. (Peter finally got to play a banjo solo.)

Time just flew by listening to this fantastic LIVE jazz! Brahm’s Lullaby ushered us out the door.

The Band will be back at their regular appearance here on the 2nd Thursday of the month, May 9th.

Tony Pringle relaxes.

Tony Pringle

To keep informed of their other performances, sign up for the New Black Eagle Jazz Band NEWS and schedule by joining Tony’s e-newsletter.

tony@blackeagles.com

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

Tag Archives: Dixieland

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Jazz Jesters at the Sherborn Inn, May 28, 2013

HOT STEAMED JAZZ FESTIVAL IN ESSEX JUNE 21, 22 AND 23

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Dave Whitney Big Band at the Sherborn Inn

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Cafe

Jazz Jesters at the Sherborn Inn April 30, 2013

New Black Eagle Jazz Band

at the Sherborn Inn luncheon
April 24, 2013

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at the Sherborn Inn luncheon April 24, 2013

at the Sherborn Inn luncheon
April 24, 2013