Steve Taddeo Big Band, September 9, 2017 at Bemis Hall

Posted on September 23, 2017 by admin

Steve Taddeo Big Band

videos by CineDevine

Saxophones: Maureen Amaral, Kaitlyn Haggerty, Jeff Poster, Jim DeVito, Ben Petrucci and Frank David;
Trombones: Bob Sinclair, Rick Ong, Kurt Thuler and Chris DeCenzo;
Trumpets: Larry Panzer, Skip Gummoe, Garry Freedman Richie Thuler and Bill Cable;
Rhythm section, David James piano, John Deardon string bass, Bill Doyle guitar and Steve Taddeo drums and Leader;
Vocalists: Debby Nordike and Paul Agnew and special guest Paul Monat cornet

In 1939, Dick Donovan fulfilled a lifelong dream by starting the Dick Donovan Big Band with Paul Brann, bass. As the leader of a 20-piece big band, Dick delighted audiences throughout New England and helped to bring authentic music from a bygone era to listeners young and old. He retired from the bandstand in 2008.

Donovan gladly turned the band and charts over to drummer Steve Taddeo and Paul Brann. Since then, they have been rehearsing the band every other Monday in Waltham MA. They did swing dances and mostly private parties.

Steve Taddeo

Recently re-titled The Steve Taddeo Big Band. Steve gets an overwhelming feeling of happiness and joyful excitement leading this band – Paul Brann is still Manager.

The Rhythm Boys: David James, John Deardon, Steve Taddeo, Bill Doyle

They started with Don’t Be That Way, with Maureen Amaral on clarinet

Ben Petrucci, original Member of the Donovan Band, plays alto sax on
Stella By Starlight

Moonlight Serenade

Debby Nordike sings Orange Colored Sky

Paul Agnew sings I Can’t Give You Anything But Love

720 In The Books

Guest Paul Monat plays cornet on I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me

A Foggy Day In London Town, Kurt Thuler, Trombone

Rose of The Rio Grande Kurt Thuler Trombone

Drumming Man – Steve Taddeo does his drum walk-around, ending with bassist John Deardon’s play on Ray Bauduc and Bob Haggart’s drum/string bass duet.

They closed with Orange Coast. They plan to play many summer concerts. If you’d like to hire The Steve Taddeo Big Band, email Steve Taddeo at taddeosm@comcast.net .

More Videos:

A Tisket A Tasket
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_6Gy5iDL6Q

Opus One
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBfccYQRwOI

Big John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkJx_OI8YoI

Tuxedo Junction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPJ-lWycN7Q

Quincy & The Count
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKQ5XeEoAFM

Board Meeting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vg-Qoxfm5s

Leap Frog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcSNfWTfxUw

Right Idea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibadM09VhNI

Fannie Mae
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qheS-hxdz8

Big Swing Face
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBeVao6tA6k

Orange Toast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5Tig_bR2eQ

A Foggy Day In London Town
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8kPxVmPUts

Traffic Jam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BquTq3PjUyQ

It’s Almost Like Being In Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS0_zJKAv-U

Freckle Face
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTv-lpx_J3o

Eli & The Hot Four at Primavera September 21, 2017

Posted on September 21, 2017 by admin

Eli & The Hot Four

Phil Person trumpet, Herb Gardner trombone, Bob Winter keyboard, Eli Newberger tuba, Bob Tamagni drums, Elaine Woo and Watson Reid vocals.

These fine musicians had a chance to stretch out and strut their stuff, with Ted Casher, Jimmy Mazzy and Bo Winiker absent.

Phil Person

Phil Person knows a countless number of tunes; he played a sweet, flawless, Stardust. Beautiful!

Herb Gardner

Herb Gardner sang and played a tune of his choice, I Cried For You. He’s been on call with either trombone or piano with bands from here to New Jersey.

Bob playing keyboard with a big smile on his face

Bob Winter

Bob Winter took a solo on After You’ve Gone and Begin The Beguine. He starts off light and airy and continues like a veritable classic concerto!

Elaine Woo

Powerhouse vocalist Elaine Woo belted out Route 66, leading the band with Route 66 and a WILD Give Me Some Flim Flam Sauce. She’s our new Red Hot Mama!

She’s thoroughly enjoying retirement from the Medical Community and popping up anywhere there’s Jazz to be sung!

And that was just the beginning! They threatened us with all 17 verses of South Rampart St. Parade, began with a drum roll-off, 32 bars – it was a barn burner!

Trumpet and tuba took a duet followed by piano and clarinet duo on a complicated Apex Blues.

Watson Reid

Watson Reed got the nonsense songs, starting with Flat Foot Floogie

Eli pulled off an amazing tuba solo with a Latin tinge on Tico Tico.

Eli up front on tuba, with Bob Winter on keys in back

Eli Newberger

They closed with a Dixie War Horse, At The Jazz Band Ball. With three Berklee Professors, it was a delightful evening of tunes that we generally do not hear at Primavera.

They will be back at Primavera Ristorante on October 19th. We hope everyone will join us to hear this World Class Band!

TUNES:
Blue Skies
I Cried For You
Blue Monk
After You’ve Gone
Route 66
Stardust
Flat Foot Floogie
Frim Fram Sauce
South Rampart St. Parade
Apex Blues
Every Time We Say Goodbye (Elaine)
Begin The Beguine
This Joint is Jumpin’ (Reid)

Sarah Gardner Sass & Bones at Primavera Ristorante August 24, 2017

Posted on August 24, 2017 by admin

Sarah Gardner’s Sass & Bones

Sarah Gardner leader/vocals, Jeff Hughes cornet, John Clark clarinet and alto sax, Herb “Pops” Gardner keyboard, Albie Bernard tuba, Bill Reynolds drums

Sarah is a gentle sparkplug that touches the heart and spirit, a wonderful, lyrical vocalist. For years she has been teaching children with her songs, and created many CDs. This was her first foray into leading a band; she chose our top musicians to support her. It was such a blast for all involved, they can’t wait to do it again!

It began with an instrumental, Royal Garden Blues, to warm up the guys. Not that they needed it – there is a camaraderie that exists between these musicians. Their love and expertise for this music fell right into place and it all came together.

Bill Reynolds on drums and singing into mic

Bill Reynolds Sings

Sarah sang many songs, but left ample spaces for ensembles and solos, even sharing vocals. Who knew drummer Billl Reynolds could sing? He was in fine voice for All of Me and Embraceable You. He’s a creative drummer – using his hands on Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone.

Herb Gardner

“Pops” Herb Gardner sang songs that he composed: Summer People about crowds going to the beaches, and Gun Shots and Sirens about a man who moved from a busy city to the quiet country, and missed those. (His sleep was disturbed by crickets.)

Sarah composed tunes for her CD Jazz for Lil Jumpers that John and Jeff had never heard – they played by reading her charts. Bill’s drums were featured on Its Raining Cats & Dogs!

clarinet and cornet bent forward reading charts

John and Jeff playing tunes they never heard before.

Al Bernard on very old Helicon

Al was on a Helicon that was over 100 years old and solo’d on My Mother’s Son in Law and Keep Your Hands Off It (Sarah composition.)

Jeff Hughes on Vintage French Besson cornet

Jeff Hughes was on an amazing 150-year-old Besson cornet!

John Clark

Multi-instumentalist, John Clark, stayed with clarinet and alto sax.

Jerry Wadsworth, a faithful follower, drove for two hours from vacationing in Chatham on the Cape to Primavera in Millis to hear Sarah and her new band.

They closed with Goodbye, Sing This Song, also on her Jazz for ‘lil Jumpers” CD. She wrote that one too. That perfectly describes Sarah; uplifting and warm, lilting energy filled with sparkling songs. They will be back!!

TUNES
Royal Garden Blues
Everybody Loves My Baby
I Had The Craziest Dream
All of Me – Bill R
After You Get What You Want, You Don’t Want It
Come Rain or Come Shine
Summer People – Pops
I’m Flying High
Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia
Jazz For Little Jumpers
Happy Feet
My Mother’s Son in Law
Gun Shots and Sirens – Pops
Cheek to Cheek
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs
Me Myself and I
Embraceable You – Bill R
Keep Your Hands Off It
Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone
Comes Love
Step Down For Kids
Goodbye, Sing This Song

Eli and The Hot Six at Primavera Ristorante August 10, 2017

Posted on August 10, 2017 by admin

Phil Person trumpet, Ted Casher clarinet.tenor sax, Herb Gardner trombone, Bob Winter Keys, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger leader/tuba, Bob Tamagni drums, Watson Reid vocals.

Primavera Ristorante is their Home Base, where they can bring friends and family, relax and have fun, and try new things. They are an amiable group of very talented musicians who really enjoy each other’s company, constantly improvising and challenging each other.

They kicked it off with an old war horse, Kid Ory’s Muskat Ramble, played with a bossa nova rhythm; powerhouse group of accomplished musicians!

Phil Person

Then Eli featured individual members, beginning with a warm, muted trumpet presentation by Phil Person on Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me.

Bob Winter

Bob Winter dedicated a moving melody, Stars Fell on Alabama, to his brother and his wife who were visiting.

Herb Gardner

Herb Gardner came prepared, singing and playing I Think You’re Wonderful, showing his passion for this music.

Then the fun started.

Bob Winter also brought along his dentist, who just happened to play harmonica. Mel Gluskin, who is a dentist in Brookline, Massachusetts, played a lovely medley of Moon River and Somewhere Over The Rainbow. He said “Bob Winter gets a free cleaning.”

That reminded Jimmy of a tune filled with double entendre called Long John Blues:
“I got a dentist who’s over seven feet tall.
I have a dentist who’s over seven feet tall.
His name is Doctor Long John
And he answers every call..

I went to Long John’s office.
I said, “Doctor, the pain is killing.”
He said, “Don’t worry, baby.
It’s just your cavity needs a little filling.”

That’s enough. Jimmy has all the verses memorized.

Vocalist Watson Reid was called on with a Fats Waller tune that featured a police siren – but without the siren: This Joint is Jumpin’.

Watson Reid

Staying upbeat, Washington and Lee Swing was wild. Ted’s clarinet sounded like a 1700s flute leading a charge of revolutionary soldiers. Eli called for Bob Tamagni and Ted Casher to trade fours, then twos, then ones. Ted’s clarinet antics made Bob break up!

We just caught the tumultuous ending…

It was hard to tell who was having the most fun – the band or the audience!
But it wasn’t over.

Ted returned on gut-wrenching tenor sax with one of our favorites, Blue Turning Gray Over You. Coleman Hawkins, you’ve been replaced!

The Hot Six continued with a blistering instrumental, Rampart Street Parade, that had everyone’s feet tapping.

The finale was approaching. Already?? That was fast!

Eli was featured on a tuba solo that we haven’t heard in a long time. Bob Winter backed him on keyboard as Eli’s tuba went, low, low, low, on Polka Dots and Moonbeams.

Eli Newberger

Touching ending to an enjoyable evening!

They will be back next month. We’re eagerly awaiting another amicable reunion when Eli and The Hot Six return with another dynamic evening September 21^st, the 3^rd Thursday of the month. Join us??

Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Primavera Ristorante August 3, 2017

Posted on August 6, 2017 by admin

Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band

Stan McDonald soprano sax, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Phil Person trumpet, Jack Soref guitar, Stu Gunn double bass, Richard Malcolm drums

The Blue Horizon Jazz Band was eager to play following a two-month hiatus at Primavera Ristorante. They played many of our Traditional Jazz Favorites; Gerry Gagnon, Stan McDonald and Phil Person carried the melody on front line. In Trad Jazz, somebody always plays the melody.

Front Line: Gerry Gagnon, Stan McDonald, Phil Person

They were backed by rhythm section: Jack Soref on guitar, Rich Malcolm drums, and Stu Gunn acoustic double bass. The front line played great ensemble backed by exemplary rhythm on Spreading Joy.

Stan McDonald, leader

Leader Stan McDonald was featured on Bechet’s Fantasy, and singing All By Myself.

Phil Person

Phil Person adds his own unique voice on trumpet with beautifully simple phrasing.

Rich tapping sticks attached to bass drum

Rich Malcolm

Rich Malcolm maintains that important Trad Beat with unique improvisations. It’s a joy to watch his antics!

Jack Soref

Jack’s D-hole guitar was specially built for him by a friend in Worcester, combining several designs from various French guitars – sounding very much like Gypsy Jazz.

Stu Gun on acoustic double bass

Stu Gunn also maintains the beat, in sync with the drum. His solo on Memphis Blues expressed flawless intonation.

Gerry’s instrument is a 1946 Olds Super Trombone with wide tone band and hand engraved details. He is equally adept on tuba and fills in when Stu can’t make it.

Gerry Gagnon

Hand engraved trombone

Stan took a break after the second set. The rhythm boys were featured on I Remember When.

The Rhythm Boys: Rich Malcolm, Jack Soref, Stu Gunn

Then the 5-piece band took off with Sweet Sue, Chinatown, My Blue Heaven, Strutting with Some Barbecue, and Gerry singing The Sheikh of Araby. They closed the evening with Coquette.

My Blue Heaven

Chinatown

Coquette – video by Ellen McDonald

Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band plays at Primavera on the first Thursday of every month; they will return September 7^th. Join us!

TUNES:
Got Rhythm
Blue Turning Gray Over You
Roaming
My Gal Sal
Tijuana
Some Sweet Day
Bechet’s Fantasy
Spreading Joy
Lotus Blossom
Memphis Blues
All By Myself
I Remember When
Sweet Sue
Strutting with Some Barbecue
The Sheikh of Araby
My Blue Heaven
Coquette

Steve Taddeo & The Swing Senders July 27, 2017 at Primavera Ristorante, Millis MA

Posted on July 28, 2017 by admin

by Bill Falk

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders

Paul Monat Cornet & Trombone; Dan Gabel Trombone, John Clark Reeds; Ross Petot Piano; Bill Doyle Guitar; Jon Dreyer Bass; Caroline Griep Vocals; Steve Taddeo Drums.

This was Steve Taddeo front and center. The outstanding drummer romped through the evening with great solo after great solo. He drove the band through lots of fast paced numbers featuring improvisation by the individual members.

Steve Taddeo

John Clark

John Clark held the band together with steady reed work. Plus, he soloed beautifully, especially on the Wabash Blues.

Don Gabel and Paul Monat were impressive on trombone duets – not something you see often.

I thought Bill Doyle on guitar paced the rhythm section while Jon Dreyer on bass was extremely consistent.

Bill Doyle

Jon Dreyer

Ross Petot blended in well on piano and soloed well later in the program.

Ross Petot

Caroline Griep

Caroline Griep sang several old standards, but I thought she was somewhat overpowered by the power of the band – which nullified her effectiveness.

The band played driving versions of standards mostly, and they certainly shook the rafters with sound. However, I thought they produced a little too much noise which hurt the overall effectiveness of the group.

Steve Taddeo is marvelous and always puts on a great performance. This was no exception. He is well worth the price of admission.

Avalon

Dan Gabel with white pants and vest and wing tips playing valve trombone

Dan Gabel on Vaughn Monroe’s valve trombone

Don Gabel told an interesting story about his valve trombone. The family of the late, great Vaughn Monroe presented it to him and told him to play it, not let it sit idle. Old timers may remember Monroe’s version of “Racing With The Moon.” It was a big hit nationally.

by Bill Falk

photos by Marce

For more about Dan Gabel and Vaughn Monroe, see the October 4-8 Calendar.

Eli and The Hot Six at Primavera Ristorante July 20, 2017

Posted on July 22, 2017 by admin

Eli & The Hot Six

Bo Winiker trumpet/flugelhorn, Ted Casher clarinet/tenor and alto sax, Herb Gardner trombone, Bob Winter piano, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger leader/tuba, Zac Casher drums, Elaine Wu, Watson Reid and Nat Coolidge vocals, Carolyn Newberger washboard

Eli and The Hot Six is composed of seasoned veterans with the wisdom and expertise gained from playing many, many gigs in a variety of venues. They exhude rhythmic energy with delicate ornamentations — and it’s always new, enriching and nourishing for your jazz soul.

Eli Newberger

Eli leads them with a subtle pointing and each has the courage to follow his impulse and makes the melody come alive. His monstrous tuba becomes the rhythmic instrument that guides them.

Eli was the Tiger in Tiger Rag with swinging synergy inspired by the burning tempo. In the middle, Eli motioned to Bo and Bob, and they abruptly responded, trading two bars then one bar, at that fast tempo. It was done seamlessly; amazing!

Bo Winiker

Bo Winiker’s trumpet generally establishes the melody, but doesn’t always take the lead. His ability to improvise seems limitless.

Bo created arrangements for this 7-piece band that made it sound like a full orchestra on Don’t Get Around Much Anymore and a
Duke Medley of
Mood Indigo,
Sophisticated Lady,
I’ve Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good,
with Ted switching to alto sax.

Clarinet master Ted Casher is also a full-blown tenor saxophonist with total command of the horn. it was a revelation to hear him on alto. His son Zac provided solid, swinging support every note of the way, with a loose touch that gets big sound.

Zac and Ted Casher, father and son team.

Bob Winter’s propulsive rhythms and fluent style were apparent on his unique version of Gershwin’s masterpiece Begin The Beguine. He plays challenging music that only top musicians can meet. He added so much!

Bob playing, Eli looking down with arms crossed, and smiling

Eli enjoying Bob’s surprises on keyboard

Herb Gardner

Herb Gardner’s supple fingers showed digital dexterity on trombone. He once said “Each trumpet player is different, and you change your lines to fit his style. Jazz is an exercise in manipulating music and it can be incredibly rewarding with these top players.”
Herb’s expertise was featured playing and singing on Nice Work If You Can Get It, and Let’s Misbehave, with a great drum solo by Zac.

Carolyn with eyes closed playing washboard with spoons

Carolyn Newberger – file photo

Carolyn Newberger added a little spice to the band with Miami Beach Rhumba on washboard, with Bob Winter’s encouraging assistance.

Jimmy Mazzy and Zac Casher

Jimmy’s one-note banjo and singing style are renowned. He kicked off this evening with banjo and vocal on Basin St. Blues.

But he’s a busy guy, so the band has added several new vocalists.

Elaine Wu

Elaine Wu’s deep feeling takes us inside each song, making each composition tender or perky, treating us with many tunes, including one we’ve never heard before, I’m an Errand Girl for Rhythm, send me.

Watson Reid

Watson Reid realy enjoys singing with this band, he’s a tasteful, swinging and inventive interpreter of Bill Bailey and Flat Foot Floogie

Nat Coolidge

Nat Coolidge gave a sweetly earnest performance on Summertime and You Do Something To Me – this was his first time with the band.

They finished with a fiery St. James Infirmary, with Jimmy scatting it to a close.

Music is a powerful motivator. Join them on Sunday and Monday presenting The Genius of Cole Porter Jul 23^rd 8pm at Barrington Stage Company, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201; Box Office: 413 236-8888 and Duke Ellington Swings! July 24 at 8:00 PM $45 info@barringtonstageco.org

TUNES:

Basin St. Blues – Jimmy
12^th St. Rag
Nice Work If You Can Get It – Herb
Begin The Beguine – Bob
I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Elaine
Tiger Rag – Eli
Summertime – Nat
Bill Bailey – Watson
Miami Beach Rhumba – Carolyn
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Ellington Medley:
Mood Indigo
Sophisticated Lady
I’ve Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good
Errand Boy (Girl) – Elaine
Let’s Misbehave – Herb
Route 66 – Elaine
Flat Foot Floogie – Watson
You Do Something To Me – Nat
Saint James Infirmary Blues – Jimmy
Limehouse Blues

Eli and the Hot Six at Primavera Ristorante June 15, 2017

Posted on June 23, 2017 by admin

Eli and The Hot Six

Bo Winiker trumpet, Ted Casher alto and tenor sax/clarinet, Herb Gardner trombone, Eli Newberger tuba/leader, Bob Tamagni drum, Elaine Wu and Watson Reid and guest Sarah (Gardner) Nova vocals

Skill and stamina – the musicians arrived early and practiced for two hours, then played for us from 7-9:30pm – preparing for their two-day Jazz presentation of The Genius of Cole Porter and Duke Ellington Swings! at Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, MA July 23 and 24. Tonight we had all Duke Ellington!! Who doesn’t LOVE Duke Ellington?

There were great solos from all the deeply skilled musicians, tasty notes, long and coherent phrases that reflected the story of the genre, the songs, and their individual contributions.

Front Line – Ted Casher, Bo Winiker, Herb Gardner

Elaine Wu and Watson Reid are now retired physicians, very relaxed and delighted to be singing full time.

They played some well-known Ellington tunes, starting with In a Mellow Tone, Mood Indigo, Sophisticated Lady; and some not-so-well-known, Elaine singing Never Trust Your Heart.

Guest Sarah Nova sang Shuffle Boogie and her own composition of Keep Your Hands Off It.

Don’t Get Around Much Anymore was WILD with Eli on tuba solo and Bo on flugelhorn.

We always enjoy Ted Casher’s tenor sax, but this was the first time we’ve heard him on alto. He said “it plays in the wrong keys”.

Drummer Bob Tamagni took a solo In Flat Foot Floogie where we could hear the melody elaborated rhythmically, which makes it ever so engaging. Great vocal by Watson Reid.

Bob Winter

Limehouse Blues was played at a good clip. Bob Winter played the melody rested in great chords, some expected, some not.

Herb played a solo like a young man with vim and vigor! Yet again the drummer played the melody, getting such a range of sounds on just a snare, bass and hi-hat. Eli sent those ripping riffs to the stars as he always has and we know he will continue to do so with such gusto.

I’m Beginning to See The Light, Take the A Train, Write Myself a Letter, Day Dream. Watson did his special version of Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home.

Three birthdays were celebrated: pianist Bob Winter, Marce, and Sarah Abramson. We all shared a delicious birthday cake brought in by Jeannine James. This was Sarah’s first time here – she loves tuba; Eli gave her a Happy Birthday solo right at her table. She was enthralled!

Eli plays Happy Birthday

Marce wants especially to thank two very special ladies who took time out from their busy schedule to be here for this occasion, Music Therapist Kathleen Howland and vocalist Sarah (Gardner) Nova.

….and Marce’s family, with three grandsons:

Jason Towne, Marce, DJ Sardonini (from Florida) and his friend Sarah, Brian Towne.

It was a memorable evening for all of us!

Folks in Pittsfield MA are in for a treat when Eli & The Hot Six present The Genius of Cole Porter July 23^rd and Duke Ellington Swings! July 24^th 8pm at Barrington Stage Company, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 info@barringtonstageco.org Box Office: (413) 236-8888.

Marce and Kathleen

Dan Levinson and The Swing Senders at Bemis Hall, June 17, 2017

Posted on June 23, 2017 by admin

Dan Levinson and The Swing Senders at Bemis Hall
Dan Levinson, Tom Ferrante, John Clark reeds; Jeff Hughes trumpet, Paul Monat cornet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Ross Petot piano, Bill Doyle guitar, Justin Meyer bass, Steve Taddeo drums, and…

Caroline Griep

Caroline Griep vocals.

Dan Levinson returned to Bemis Hall with the Swing Senders for a fine afternoon of great music, produced by Steve Taddeo. We’ll let Harold McAleer’s videos show how great it was……

Caroline sings Out of Nowhere

At one point, we had the Taddeo Trio with Dan, Ross and Steve:

China Boy

Fine and Dandy Taddio Trio

And a surprise Happy Birthday to Me – with three saxophones!

Finale – Crazy Rhythm, Taddeo drum solo:

The musicians still played their heart out despite the small crowd. Besides Fathers’ Day, there was a lot happening this week.

Mark your calendars – Steve will be bringing more fine musicians to Bemis Hall, 15 Bedford Rd. Lincoln, MA. Please join us in supporting this fine Jazz and Swing!

August 13, Sun. 2-4pm The Big Four with The Midiri Brothers with Jeff Barnhart piano/vocals, Steve Taddeo drums and Caroline Griep. FREE

October 11, Wed. 7:30-9pm Sarah Spencer and her Transatlantic All Stars, Sarah Spencer saxophone, Jeff Hughes cornet, John Clark reeds, Herb Gardner piano, Justin Meyer bass, Jimmy Mazzy banjo, Bill Doyle guitar, Gerry Gagnon trombone and Steve Taddeo drums FREE

Seacoast Stompers at Bemis Hall May 13, 2017

Posted on May 27, 2017 by admin

7 pc band with videographer Harold McAleer sitting in the middle of the aisle, taping

Seacoast Stompers with Dave Whitney

video by Harold McAleer

Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball reeds, Lee Prager trombone, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Frank Stadler leader/piano, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bob Reardon drums, Maureen Benson vocals

The Seacoast Stompers had a rip-roaring afternoon with a Full House at Bemis Hall in Lincoln, MA. For six years, they played monthly at the Acton Jazz Café, with a repertoire of tunes from the 20’s and 30’s. Arrangements were spontaneous and ad lib with a variety of styles and tempos from smooth swing to groovy blues and hot driving Dixie.

Dave Whitney

Frank Stadler is leader of the band, but graciously let Dave Whitney rule the roost with his rousing trumpet. Dave is well known for his amazing Louis-type trumpet.

They began with a joyous romp on the Seacoast Stomper’s theme song, At The Jazz Band Ball,

Dave Whitney has some favorite tunes. Maureen Benson joined him on Back o’ Town Blues.

Maureen Benson was comfortable with the band, personalizing some of the lyrics, picking on Craig. She gave us As Long As I Live, I Don’t Know Enough About You, It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.

Jimmy Mazzy

Jimmy Mazzy was featured on Porter’s Love Song to a Chamber Maid; took the vocal on Clarence William’s Cake Walking Babies, scatted on How Can You Do That Thing To Me, Old Fashioned Love – he has a treasure trove of tunes.

Al Bernard on sousaphone

Al Bernard is a master of the tuba, listening to the soloists and backing them with many different chord phrasings wrapped in that monstrous sousaphone, as if it were easy!

Frank Stadler, Band Leader

The Seacoast Stompers played many favorites, Royal Garden Blues, Canal St. Blues, San.

Lee Prager

Lee Prager’s deep, burnished, trombone was reminiscent of Tommy Dorsey.

Craig Ball

Craig Ball was featured on The World is Waiting For The Sunshine.

Bob Reardon

Bob Reardon plays drums with marvelous precision, He keeps the band in time by tapping on the snare drum and ride cymbal, only letting loose on a couple of tunes. He picked the closing tune – always requesting the same one – Limehouse Blues.

The Seacoast Stompers keep the music fresh with their amazing creativity!
Check them out!

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

Tag Archives: entertainment

Steve Taddeo Big Band, September 9, 2017 at Bemis Hall

Eli & The Hot Four at Primavera September 21, 2017

Sarah Gardner Sass & Bones at Primavera Ristorante August 24, 2017

Eli and The Hot Six at Primavera Ristorante August 10, 2017

Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Primavera Ristorante August 3, 2017

Steve Taddeo & The Swing Senders July 27, 2017 at Primavera Ristorante, Millis MA

Eli and The Hot Six at Primavera Ristorante July 20, 2017

Eli and the Hot Six at Primavera Ristorante June 15, 2017

Dan Levinson and The Swing Senders at Bemis Hall, June 17, 2017

Seacoast Stompers at Bemis Hall May 13, 2017