Phil Person trumpet, Ted Casher reeds, Herb Gardner trombone, Bob Winter piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger tuba, Bob Tamagni drums, Carolyn Newberger washboard, Elaine Woo vocals
The Hot Six kicked it off with one of our favorites, Limehouse Blues.
Elaine Woo stepped up to sing Mandy, Make Up Your Mind, a song she never heard before. Reading notes, getting into the tune (as she always does) gesticulating, making eye contact with Jeannine James and me, sitting front and center.
Elaine Woo
Eli leads with a bold spirit that encourages spontaneity and creativity. He asked the members to do the next tune like Sidney Bechet did it, with the front line playing very slowly, while rhythm section played in double time. Result was an unbelievable Down By The Old Mill Stream.
Bob Tamagni
Innovative drummer Bob Tamagni, drummed with his hands, while Jimmy Mazzy sang Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out.
Elaine introduced Belinda Rathbone for an obscure tune by Johnny Mercer, Legalize My Name. Elaine talked about composer Harold Arlen, who composed Get Happy. Later she introduced Nat Coolidge for a vocal on Summertime. She followed with I’ve Got a Crush on You and Nice Work if You Can Get it
The videos will show you how tight and hard driving these musicians are, how they listen to each other and to Eli, and play amazing music.
Ted Casher played smoldering tenor sax on Our Love is Here to Stay:
how tight and hard-driving
Never get enough of that tenor sax!
Bob Winter
Bob Winter was featured on keyboard with a tune between Klezmer and Dixie – Lena From Palistina.
Instrumental – Royal Garden Blues
Herb Gardner
Herb Gardner was featured on trombone and vocal with a tune by James P. Johnson and Andy Razaf, Porter’s Love Song to a Chambermaid.
What followed was a fantastic Washington and Lee Swing.
Jimmy Mazzy with Eli Newberger
Our one-and-only Jimmy Mazzy played and sang Stars Fell on Alabama. We are so fortunate to have him here in Massachusetts!!
Carolyn Newberger popped in at the last minute, just returned from setting up her Watercolors Art showing at The Becket Arts Center in the Berkshires: Opening reception, July 14, 2-4 pm. She brought the washboard and joined in on I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover.
Carolun Newberger on washboard with The Hot Six
The evening was brought to a close with Jimmy singing Indiana.
Eli and The Hot Six are here at Primavera every 3rd Thursday of the month with fabulous Jazz and Swing. Join us next month on July 18th at 7pm.
You’ll always find Jeannine and me sitting front and center.
Marce
Tunes:
Limehouse Blues,
Mandy, Make Up Your Mind,
Old Man River,
Nobody Knows You when You’re Down and Out,
Legalize My Name,
Get Happy,
Lena From Palestina,
Our Love Is Here To Stay,
Porter’s Love Song To a Chamber Maid,
Washington & Lee Swing
VOCAL Set
Summertime,
I’ve Got a Crush on You,
Nice Work if You Can Get It,
Royal Garden Blues,
Stars Fell on Alabama,
I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover, Carolyn washboard
Indiana
Eli and The Hot Six: Bo Winiker trumpet/flugelhorn, Ted Casher clarinet/tenor sax, Herb Gardner trombone, Bob Winter keys, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger leader/tuba, Bob Tamagni drums, Elaine Wu and Watson Reid vocals.
(by Marce. Click on pictures to see enlargements.)
The Hot Six play contemporary, classic jazz, joining the present with the glorious past. They kicked it off with sparkling spontaneity on At The Jazz Band Ball, a tune by Nick LaRocca, cornetist with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. (They were the first to record a commercial jazz recording 100 years ago.)
Elaine Wu and Watson Reid
Vocalists Watson Reid and Elaine Wu (two doctors, no waiting) came up complaining about the weather with Baby, It’s Cold Outside.
We never get enough of the heartfelt Jimmy Mazzy vocals and unique one-string banjo, tonight singing You’re Nobody Sweetheart Now and There’ll Be Some Changes Made.
The Amazing Jimmy Mazzy – one of a kind – and we have him here!
Elaine Wu with Ted Casher
Elaine sang Lullaby of Birdland with Ted backing her on tenor sax. She also graced us with I’ve Got You Under My Skin, and I’ve Got The World on a String – and she does. She’ll be retiring from Medicine soon and singing full time!
Bob Winter
Bob winter gets absorbed in Irving Berlin’s How Deep is the Ocean. He creates soaring melodies with much musical sophistication.
Ultra-tight all-star assembly on The Sheik of Araby, propelled by Bob Tamagni’s drumming.
Eli Newberger
They continued with one of our favorites, Limehouse Blues.
Bob began it with an incredible piano intro, then a Herb & Bo duet moved it to double time, Bob Winter was amazing, backing them using only his left hand.
Eli added fine tuba solo.
Jeannine is surprised with a birthday cake.
Overtime, the Fans here have become one big Family. Tonight there was a birthday cake for ‘regular’ Jeannine James. It was a complete surprise.
Bo Winiker plays Louis. Sings in his own voice, not imitating Louis.
We welcomed Bo Winiker back with his powerful trumpet. He grew up in Millis and many of his friends were here to welcome him back. He dedicated Louis’s Wonderful World to the Harkey family.
Herb Gardner, back from playing hot spots in NY.
Herb was featured singing and playing You’re Driving Me Crazy, nobody plays trombone like Herb Gardner!
Caroline’s flying spoons on washboard.
Carolyn Newberger joined the band with a rousing Washboard Roundolay.
Watson Reid
Watson Reid surprised is with the complete verses of Bill Baily. There were so many, we didn’t even recognize the song until the band started the chorus.
With ensemble backing him he also entertained us with Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.
When this infectious music gets to your feet, you can’t sit still! Six of us just had to get up and dance!
We just couldn’t sit still!! This was so much fun! Photo by Harkey.
Ted on gut-wrenching tenor sax
Ted Casher played Blue and Sentimental with marvelous subtones on gut-wrenching tenor sax Thank you, Ted!
Bo took over with an Ellington tune, Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me, with smokey flugelhorn. Bob Winter was asked to play something. He surprised us with Angry, creating chordal subtleties and melodies.The Hot Six closed this delightful evening with Ida, published in 1903.
There is nothing like this anywhere else; we had such fun! This music is so uplifting; weeks later we were still glowing. They will be back here April 20th. Join us!
Bo Winiker trumpet/flugelhorn, Ted Casher clarinet, tenor and soprano sax, Herb Gardner back on trombone, Bob Winter keys, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger tuba, Bob Tamagni drums.
by Marce
Eli and The Hot Six presented a delightful evening of great Jazz, introducing new tunes with inspired playfulness and skill, making it up as they went along. They enjoyed it as much as the appreciative audience. Eli included two fine vocalists, Elaine Woo and Sarah Nova, and Carolyn Newberger on washboard.
Honoring Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa, Bob Tamagni introduced Swing, Swing, Swing, His unique methods of maintaining the Trad beat on drums are priceless! After the intro, the Hot Six went WILD!
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Bo moved from trumpet to flugelhorn, Jimmy scatting, trombone and tuba trading 4’s.
Poor Papa, written by Hoagie Carmichael, was new with Jim singing the sad vocal, backed by tuba.
Mama’s got shoes, Mama’s got clothes
Mama’s got these and Mama’s got those
But poor Papa, poor Papa, he’s got nothin’ at all
The mood changed with a roaring take off of Alexander’s Ragtime Band
Bob Winter
Bob took a solo on Ida, with stunning harmonies and sudden key changes that took our breath away. He would suddenly pause, leaving all of us anticipating the next note.
He loves playing with this band!
Eli introduced Elaine Woo, another Doctor, who is a Primary Physician in Geriatrics. She captivated the audience with It’s All Right To Me, and reading the lyrics to Body and Soul off a telephone without missing a beat!
Carolyn was a vital spark on washboard, She joined Elaine on an upbeat Darktown Strutters’ Ball. What an amazing duo! They returned with the band for an exilarating Route 66.
Carolyn Newberger and Elaine Woo – two captivating ladies!
Artist Carolyn Newberger keeps busy sketching the musicians, when she’s not performing. Her drawings, paintings and collage have achieved recognition and awards in juried and solo exhibition. Here’s Jimmy:
Everyone was having fun! But we had more surprises.
Eli joined Elaine on vocal!!
Eli and Elaine got together for
I Can Give You Everything But Love. (No mistake in the title.)
Who knew Eli could sing, too?
Vocalist Sarah (Gardner) Nova teaches Jazz for kids at libraries and Kindergardens all over New England. She has several CD’s, Jazz for Lil Jumpers and Jazz For Babies;Its Raining Cats & Dogs!
Having been raised with this music, she has an intuitive grasp of musical dynamics, The band backed her in stop time with the warning, Keep Your Hands Off It! Sarah was invited to stay on for another tune, Me Myself & I, with Dad backing her on trombone.
Father and daughter make a great Jazz combination!
Herb was featured on the Platters’ Only You, singing, and playing rich, burnished tone on trombone..
Eli and The Hot Six continued with a rip-roaring Instrumental, Dinah, with Ted on tenor sax, and Bob Winter playing astounding keyboard. This was pure joy!
Bo Winiker conjures up Louis Armstrong
Bo Winiker was featured on What a Wonderful World, playing trumpet and evoking Louis Armstrong with his vocal.
Ted and his new moose clarinet
Ted took the breaks on clarinet with a new addition – an actual piece of moose horn that gives it a distinctive sound – as if he needed it!
Bob hides the tambourine.
Our favorite was a lullaby that Eubie Blake wrote for his wife, Good Night Angeline. Jimmy puts heart and soul into this melody, like no other. We could hear a soft dinging in the background. It took some time to realize that Bob Tamagni was softly tapping an unseen tambourine on his bass drum.
His drum set is comprised of two drums and a hi hat (that he hardly used, except to tap the cymbal).
Jimmy Mazzy and Eli Newberger have played together for years.
Basin Street was an instrumental with marvelous tuba by Eli and Jimmy scatting throughout the whole song. The two are always in sync!
The repertoire and caliber of these musicians has made this a classic band. Fortunately for us, Eli and The Hot Six will be here regularly at Primavera on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Spread the word and mark your calendars!
Galvanized Jazz Band Fred Vigorito – Leader, Cornet, Russ Whitman – Reeds, Herb Gardner – Trombone, Bill Sinclair – Piano, Art Hovey – Bass, Tuba, Bob Bequillard – Drums, Cynthia Fabian – Vocals.
Special Guests Gim Burton banjo, Pat Keogh guitar/vocals, Andy Rubenoff piano/vocals, Herb Gardner trombone
With an almost packed house, Joel’s fans waited anxiously (not knowing what to expect) for his “divorce” list of songs. Joel, being the showman he is, one never knows what will happen.
Joel selected musicians, from here in Connecticut and Massachusetts, who delivered their artistry in elegant tuxedos. Nice job!
The evening began with Joel front and center with….”I’ll be glad when you’ve gone.” Followed by Cynthia Fabian singing…..”You gotta see mama every night.”
The following songs were also perfect for the “Divorce CD” that CineDevine was recording. Very apropos was Berlin’s …” All Alone”…. “Please don’t talk about me when I’m gone”.
“These foolish things”…. “I had someone else” … and the list went on…. These songs can be either painful or amusing depending on who is listening. However, the intention was to entertain and so it did!
Cynthia is always wonderful with her fine voice and deliverance. She and Joel performed several duets which they did very nicely and to the delight of the audience.
Pat Keogh
Pat Keogh (guitar) graced the stage with a rendition of “Bay Blues” and “Bye, Bye Love”. Pat is nothing short of a guitar virtuoso. Pat hails from Wallingford, CT.
Andy Rubenoff and Bill Sinclair took turns at the piano. This made for an interesting evening as each has his own unique style.
Andy Rubenoff and Bill Sinclair
Gim Burton and Joel (dueling banjos) did a fine job of “Bye, Bye Blues.” Gim is one of Joel’s “Your Father’s Mustache” entourage. Abe Rubenoff was on piano.
Gim Burton and Joel Schiavone, Andy Rubenoff on piano
Anyone, who knows Joel Shiavone, knows they are in for a great evening of entertainment. This evening was one of those. Unfortunately, all things must end and so it did.
Many thanks to Maureen Cunningham for all her many years of helping Joel and supporting OKOM.
Mike Peipman trumpet, John Clark clarinet/alto, tenor, and baritone sax, Billy Novick clarinet/alto sax, Dan Gabel Trombone, Scott Philbrick guitar, Herb Gardner keyboard, Stu Gunn tuba/string bass, Nancy McGhee vocals, Bill Reynolds leader/drums.
Back Bay Ramblers are the result of the late Ed Reynolds dream. He created a great Traditional Jazz Band in the 1980’s that would record the rarely heard tunes of the 1920’s. Ed passed in 2014 at age 90. (More about Ed and his band below.)
His son, drummer Bill Reynolds, promised him he would continue the Back Bay Ramblers. Ed would be proud of the band that Bill has meticulously created; it is absolutely outstanding!! (He added tuxedos for class par excellence.) Most of these talented musicians lead bands of their own. This band uses structured arrangements, as did the larger earlier bands.
In New Orleans Traditional Jazz Bands were all improvisation, with emphasis on musicians’ solos. But as the music spread northward in the 20’s and 30’s, the bands grew larger to play in bigger rooms around the country, in restaurants and hotels in Chicago, Detroit. Their music became Hot Tunes, they played to larger dancing crowds. This obviously made written arrangements necessary, with tight sections playing in syncopation. The music was written and arranged so they could play together, sometimes on the same note, sometimes in harmony. It’s a balance of simplicity and complexity.
Tonight’s Back Bay Ramblers began with a tom-tom drum beat intro to Dream Sweetheart, words and music by Bud Green, 1932. Bill Reynolds has made this their theme song.
Nancy McGhee
They continued with Daddy, Won’t You Please Come Home, introducing the lovely and talented Nancy McGhee (who happens to be Bill’s cousin).
She is a classically trained vocalist. She graduated from Berklee and then went to the New England Conservaory. She is currently choral director at Lawrence High School
She continued with a tune written by Walter Donaldson and sung by The Boswell Sisters in 1931, An Evening in Caroline. It starts slowly with two clarinets, backed by guitar, then the brass comes in and it jumps up into two-beat barn burner!
Dan Gabel trombone, Mike Peipman trumpet, Bill Reynolds drums
Structured arrangements mean many rehearsals. Billy Novick and John Clark were familiar with the Back Bay Ramblers Book, but Dan and Mike were not. This was especially difficult for Mike, who was home in Australia at the time they were rehearsing and missed all but the last full band rehearsal. Mike and Dan played spectacular solos, and representing the brass section of a big band, they nailed it!
1929 Little by Little, four piece front line, nice exchange between Billy on clarinet and Scott’s guitar. A great Tiny Parham tune, Congo Love Song, played by two mellow alto saxes, and a vivid Congo drum beat.
Nancy was back with Top of The Town a 1937 Jimmy McHugh tune made for the movie of the same name. McHugh was a Boston native. His songs had an infectiously swinging quality that instantly endeared them to the listener. Perfect for Nancy.
The Ramblers used arrangements from various people. Cho King, a tune by Sonny Clay was arranged by Robin Verdier.
Scott Philbrick
The 1919 Alcoholic Blues was written by Edward Laska with music by Albert Von Tilzer. (Tilzer also wrote Take Me Out To The Ball Game in 1908.)
Some of these tunes the Ramblers played were written for guitar, others for banjo. Scott and Stu stayed in sync. Scott switched between guitar and banjo. When Stu Gunn played string bass, Scott played guitar. When he played tuba, Scott played banjo.
Scott is like vanilla extract in a cake; you can’t taste it when it’s there, but you know when it’s left out.
Marvelous bass man, Stu Gunn
Stalwart Stu Gunn instinctively moves from string bass to tuba, playing chords that maintain that very essential Traditional Jazz beat.
When he isn’t playing in a Jazz Band, you’ll find him playing classical music in several local symphonies.
Nancy returned with I Have to Have You, backed by soft trumpet; and one of Bill’s favorites, a Bob Connors arrangement, That Wonderful Something (is Love).
For those who don’t know Bob Connors, he led a marvelous band in the 1970’s, The Yankee Rhythm Kings; they excelled at Lu Watters two-beat California jazz. Bob was the original leader of The Back Bay Ramblers. Their book has 121 arrangements; Connors wrote 91 of them.
He and his wife now live in Florida. He’s retired from music, but keeps busy restoring archived movies and silent films. If you’re interested in movie history, he has a vast collection of rare films that you won’t find anywhere else.
A Bennie Moten tune, That Too, Do had audience participation and everyone in the band responding “Yeah” and “Right”; another Bob Connors arrangement.
Herb Gardner
Herb Gardner was invaluable, transitioning the musicians from one section to another and offering just the right chords behind soloists.
He’s been the pianist-in-residence here at Primavera, playing with numerous bands on piano, trombone and vocals.
Mike Peipman is originally from Australia
Bill did the tom tom drum intro to their newest tune – 1951 – the Australian Nullabor. Robin Verdier’s Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble plays this all the time.
Mike says it means ‘flat plain with no trees’ – “null arbor”? It may have come from the Australian aborigines, with heavy drum accents.
Bill Reynolds, leader
Bill’s drum continued the beat into ‘Leven Thirty Saturday Night. This was a Frank Powers arrangement – he was a reed player from Chicago who did many arrangements for Ed’s band.
It is also the name of one of the albums that Ed Reynold’s original Back Bay Ramblers recorded for Bob Erdo’s Stomp Off Records. Some are still available. (See below) All of the tunes played today came from these CDs.
Nancy is crazy about her man.
Nancy was back for Dreaming About My Man. She really feels the words and puts heart and soul into her singing.
Fat’s Waller’s Concentrating on You was recorded by Hunter’s Serenaders, a territory band from Omaha, Nebraska.
Ed Reynolds liked territory bands and often used some of their tunes.
Ridin’ but Walkin’, a 1929 Fats Waller tune was played at The Cotton Club. The Ramblers did it justice. It brought out Clark’s tenor sax – nice, Billy on clarinet with drum beat tapping on the choke cymbal, Mike on muted trumpet. Short but in the groove!
The River and Me was recorded by the Absolut Duke Ellington, who played it every night at the Cotton Club. It’s a fabulous swinging tune. The Ramblers used the Frank Powers arrangement. Trombone, trumpet, clarinet and tenor sax, Stu Gunn pushing them on string bass, all the musicians pushed the boundaries with some profound, imaginative swinging! They raised goose bumps!
Right Kind of Man was sung by Ruth Etting in 1929. Nancy’s fine vocal was followed by two alto saxes taking 32 bars in multi-dimensional harmony. Billy Novick and John Clark are always pushing music forward, expanding on it.
Back to instrumentals, Vipers’ Drag is a 1930 Fats Waller tune made popular by Cab Calloway.
Jungle Blues was arranged by Billy Novick. He and Bill Reynolds have been ‘partners in crime’ for over 30 years. Two clarinets harmonizing backed by steady drum beat.
Dynamite! Billy Novick and John Clark on various reeds
Nancy feels so blue!
Nancy was back with Nobody Cares, backed only by Herb Gardner on piano. She’s so blue, you can absolutely feel it!
Ed would definitely be proud of this band; it is absolutely outstanding! Their passion for this music is obvious. Hot Dance Music at its best!! We hope to hear more from them really soon.
Meantime, you can still get the fine music. Bill still has several CDs from Ed’s band.
Red Hot Band
Cuttin’ Up
‘Leven Thirty Saturday Night (4 left)
My Mom is in Town (1 left)
… also LPs and Cassettes of Boston Shuffle
Ed Reynolds, New England’s premier Jazz Historian and collector of Traditional Jazz records, deftly drew rarely heard traditional jazz ditties from 1925 to 1931 for his outstanding jazz musicians from our area and New York City.
Karen Cameron is originally from North Dakota. She was with Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians, and has sung with the Artie Shaw Band and other commemorative big bands around the country.
These are Ed Reynold’s Back Bay Ramblers 2001 at the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival. This band played some of the finest 1920’s period music at the festival. This is not swing – this is Traditional Jazz-Hot Dance Music at its best!
Tony Pringle cornet, Billy Novick clarinet/alto sax, Stan Vincent trombone, Herb Gardner keyboard, Peter Bullis banjo/manager, John Turner string bass, Bill Reynolds drums, special guest Mark Endresen guitar
This was the first time the New Black Eagle Jazz Band has appeared at the new Jazz venue, Primavera Ristorante, and also the first time there’s been a full house – probably around 50 people. Pimavera is very happy with having Jazz here, and it will continue indefinitely.
The Black Eagles are a popular Traditional Jazz Band now in their 43rd year. Fans came from as far as Albany NY and Fairbanks, Alaska! No doubt, abundant sunshine and clear roads were motivating.
The band began with something we are all feeling, When I Grow Too Old To Dream. Their authentic Trad Jazz was exhilarating. Very few bands today maintain that special beat, and the Eagles elevate it to a real Art, in fact, the only Art that originated in America.
Lake Ponchartrain Blues – Tony’s clipped cornet is the sound that immediately identifies this band. My Memphis Baby, Billy on alto sax, Stan Vincent playing Big Jim Robinson tailgate trombone, on a tune by Narvin Kimball. Kimball was a 1920’s New Orleans banjo player who dazzled audiences with his left-handed single-string technique.
Herb Gardner
Herb Gardner took a solo and vocal on Crazy ‘Bout My Baby. Herb has been playing keyboard at Primavera for many different bands. He normally plays trombone.
(Bob Pilsbury, missed by his many fans, sends greetings from his home in Sudbury and would certainly like to hear from friends and fans. Address: Bob Pilsbury, 11 Barton St. Sudbury MA 01776.)
Bouncing Around is a 1920’s tune that was recorded by Armand J. Piron. Willie ‘the Lion’ Smith and his Cubs recorded The Old Stamping Grounds. The Black Eagles continued with many tunes played by these marvelous musicians. There aren’t many bands that can do them justice! Sam Morgan’s Bogalusa Strut. Louis Russell’s Saratoga Shout.
Rhythm Section, Bill Reynolds drums, Peter Bulllis banjo, John Turner bass
The rhythm section is laid back on ballads, but on a hot tune…look out!
Peter Bullis, still wearing his red sox, has been playing that Trad Beat for over 50 years.
Stan Vincen’ts nephew, Mark Endresen, a fine Calypso guitarist, sat in for Pete Bullis on Tomorrow Night, and a spiritual, In The Sweet Bye and Bye. They let Mark go on guitar – marvelous! Mark founded and is featured vocalist of Calypso Hurricane, an exciting, high spirited and internationally known group playing music of the Caribbean Islands. See http://calypsohurricane.com/ .
Joseph Tremitiere was definitely enjoying the music. He was here with his family, celebrating his 100th birthday.
Joseph Tremitiere enjoying himself at 100! He’s sharp as a tack.
Billy Novick was featured on alto sax with Mark Endresen backing, and dedicated the next tune to Joseph: A Hundred Years From Today.
Mark Endresen feels the music as he backs Billy Novick
Peter returned for a number played in the 1920’s by trumpeter Henry ‘Red’ Allen with The Luis Russell Band, Roamin’; Tony’s moaning, muted cornet just went right through you!
Bob Kaelin drove all the way from Albany NY – said he was having withdrawal symptoms since he last saw the band in October. His request was Panama. (Billy Novick had just returned from there.) Bill Reynolds added a monster drum solo, including the drum roll he performs so eloquently. With camaraderie and classic musicianship, this band gives you music that you won’t hear anywhere else!
They closed with an old favorite, Brahms Lullaby, with Tony introducing the musicians who make this band renowned.
They liked the new Primavera venue, and will return here on May 28th.
You can also hear them at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on April 8, Regattabar in Cambridge on April 17th, and Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham on April 24th. Check their web site at www.blackeagles.com.
Phil Person trumpet, Ted Casher clarinet, tenor and soprano sax, Herb Gardner trombone, vocal, Bob Winter piano, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger tuba, Jeff Guthery drums,
Fresh from two sold-out performances with the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the All-Stars were raring to go. Trumpeter Phil Person completed an exciting front line, subbing for Bo Winiker.
Ted Casher, Phil Person, Herb Gardner
They started hot and heavy with Tijuana, a hot Latin tune. It set the tone for the rest of the evening with these world-class musicians. Herb Gardner’s trombone took the intro on Spencer Williams’ 1926 Basin St. Blues, Jim singing, followed by banjo and tuba.
Ted took center stage with a fiery Lady Be Good on tenor sax. The band followed with a brassy Twelfth St. Rag that resonated off the ceiling!
Ted suggests that the ladies be good.
This Jazz is pure pleasure! Always creative, Eli presented brand new material. They tried out differing duets on a Stan Rubin tune, Miss Ida Blue, first clarinet with piano, then banjo and trombone, backed by a soft ensemble. They tried three different endings until they found the one they liked.
Ted’s Harlem Nocturne on tenor sax was absolutely tantalizing; we never get enough of that wrenching tenor sax! Also can’t get enough of Jimmy Mazzy’s unique style of singing, Someone to Watch Over Me, S’Wonderful. He did a mournful, heartbreaking version of Al Jolson’s Swanee; the depth of his loneliness resounding in his voice. They don’t need any more vocalists!
Bob winter was featured in another piano solo with The Man I Love; fingers delicately floating over the piano, creating a masterpiece.
Bob Winter, pianist for the Boston Pops
Herb Gardner returned on trombone and singing Nice Work If You Can Get It.
Herb Gardner
Nice work! Herb keeps busy leading Stan Rubin’s Band at Swing 46 in Manhattan every Wednesday, backing the American powerhouse vocal trio, Red Molly, or playing piano for the New Black Eagle Jazz Band.
Phil Person was an apt substitute for Bo Winiker. Phil is an Assistant Professor at Berklee, and has performed with Al Grey, Buddy Defranco, Tony Bennett, Keely Smith, Jack Jones, Scott Hamilton, Dick Johnson, Phil Wilson, Kay Starr, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Margaret Whiting, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (directed by Buddy Morrow), Alan Dawson, Ricky Ford, Howard Johnson, and Ray Santisi, among others.
Phil Person was featured on Wait ‘til You Hear From Me, playing fluid, sweet trumpet. Remarkable talent!
Bob Winter played a cool piano intro to South, with Ted on pure soprano sax, Jeff tapping temple blocks.
Jeff keeps Traditional Jazz Beat on graduated temple blocks
Jimmy on banjo, Eli on reverberating turbo-charged tuba. The two create synergetic magic.
It was one of the highlights of the evening!
Jimmy was featured on a tune that nobody else but Eli seemed to know, Tomorrow Night.
It’s obvious Bob enjoys playing with the All-Stars, and listening to Jimmy and Eli.
Ted Casher sang his signature song with gusto, supported by Phil’s trumpet, I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead You Rascal You. (He dedicated it to Arthur S. DeMoulas.) The tempo picked up with outstanding trumpet, piano, tuba – all building up to a WILD conclusion! What a way to close an afternoon of amazing Jazz here at the Sherborn Inn.
Where was Carolyn Newberger? Carolyn was sitting at the band table, sketching away as usual – she’ll have some great ones of the band.
One of her watercolors was recently accepted into the 14th Biennial North American Open Show of the New England Watercolor Society. The exhibition will be from October 15 to November 8 at the Plymouth MA Center for the Arts, 11 North St. Reception is October 18 from 2-4pm.
On September 13th Eli’s All-Stars kicked off Highland Jazz’s 32nd Concert Series in Newton, MA. They’ll be back again at the Sherborn Inn on Thursday, October 2nd. Don’t miss this one! November and December Thursdays have been cancelled because of too many Holiday Functions.
Bo Winiker trumpet, Ted Casher clarinet, tenor and soprano sax, Herb Gardner trombone, Bob Winter piano, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger tuba, Jeff Guthery drums, Carolyn Newberger washboard
This was a superb evening, with the All-Stars’ driving classic jazz, enjoying each other’s company. They were playing for each other, as much as the people, but the audience couldn’t help participating. The band played a treasure trove of Louis Armstrong hits. Instead of featuring a single vocalist, leader Eli Newberger took advantage of the many fine voices in the band, especially Jimmy Mazzy. (We never tire of hearing Jimmy!)
Ted started with an aggressive clarinet on Muscat Ramble, written by Kid Ory and first recorded by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five in 1926. Eli’s All Stars played it with explosive polyphonic ensemble!
Herb sings Old Rocking Chair.
Herb Gardner took the first vocal on Irving Berlin’s Old Rocking Chair. He was spellbinding! Rocking chair will never get him.
Bo Winiker’s trumpet spearheaded this tribute to Louis Armstrong. His passion is obvious on Louis’s Hello Dolly.
The one and only in the world.
The one and only Jimmy Mazzy sang many tunes, starting with a powerful vocal on an Armstrong rarity, Irish Black Bottom.
Only three of them were familiar with it, this was the first of several tunes that many of the band had never played before. There was some good natured bantering by the guys in the front line on how they would approach it. But great musicians can make it happen. The buoyant rhythm section was sparked by Guthery’s drums. Jeff has added something new to his Trad Jazz drum set – a set of four ancient temple blocks, putting them to good use.
Jeff Guthery and his unique Traditional Jazz drums
Potato Head Blues was requested by a friend in the audience. There was a jovial discussion by the men in the front line on how to approach this. Bo gave it the Armstrong touch, concluding with a triumphant ride-out final chorus.
Jimmy dreamy ballad, Kiss to Build a Dream On, was backed by harmonically sophisticated ensemble.
Mosaic has just released the entire Louis collection that also contains tunes from Louis’s Hot 5 and Hot 7. One of the tunes, Cornet Chop Suey, influenced a 14-year old Eli Newberger to play this kind of music. Resourceful Herb Gardner created this arrangement, and played Trummy’s bright, energetic sound on trombone with the band’s tempestuous performance.
Change of pace – Jimmy started St James Infirmary in a melancholy tone (it’s someone lamenting the death of their loved one) when the band picked up the tempo. On impulse, Eli jumped up and joined Winter for four-handed piano. (Eli was the original piano player for the Black Eagle Jazz Band.)
Four-handed piano
Another tune most had never played before, Ol Miss, Ted lead on soprano sax, with Jimmy scatting. The energy level was so high the audience began clapping in time.
C’est Si Bon, an unqualified gem, they were really enjoying this. Bob’s piano sounded like a rippling waterfall. The front line took turns on various duets, trumpet and trombone, clarinet and drum, tuba and banjo. Nice!
Jim began another soft melodic vocal on Basin St. Blues. Bob changed the tempo into ¾ time on piano, before the band kicked it up into double time.
Eli called up Carolyn Newberger with an instrument usually associated with woman’s work, the washboard. But this woman is an accomplished, prize winning artist; she was busy sketching pictures of the band until now. At one time she was a First Grade teacher who put hubby Eli through Medical School.
The tune was Don’t Forget to Mess Around When You’re Doing the Charleston. (Mess Around was the name of a dance in the 20’s.)
Carolyn’s enthusiasm stirred Bob Winter into a piano/washboard duet. Nowhere else are you going to hear anything like this!!
Bo put heart and soul into his vocal into Louis’s Wonderful World, closing on trumpet with an exuberant high note.
The whole evening was such a pleasure no one wanted it to end, but we were already on overtime. They closed with a philosophical contemplation, with only Bob on piano and Jimmy banjo and vocal, You’ll Never Walk Alone.
They’ll be back again with another evening of Traditional jazz on the first Thursday of next month, September 4th, just after Labor Day. Join us for some revitalizing Classic Jazz!
Bob Winter piano, Eli Newberger tuba, Jeff Guthery drums, Ted Casher clarinet/tenor and soprano sax, Bo Winiker trumpet/flugelhorn, Herb Gardner trombone/piano,
Threatening storms, Hurricane Arthur coming up the coast, the upcoming holiday, nothing deterred revelers at the Sherborn Inn who came to hear Eli’s All-Stars. It was also Bo Winiker’s birthday, and the whole Winiker Family was here, including Mom.
The band celebrated Louis Armstrong with Strutting With Some Barbecue, and then a blues, Basin St. Blues, Bo leading on trumpet with band playing counterpoint.
Eli joins Bob at piano
Eli joined Bob at the piano, and the beat quickly turned to Jump ‘n Jive; then back into a slow beat, Jeff soft drum roll, front line closing with a slow, joint wa, wa, wa. Marvelous!
Ted Casher’s tribute to Louis was a raucous vocal on his 1930s novelty tune, I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead, You Rascal You.
Eli introduced vocalist Gabrielle Goodman, a jazz, R&B, classical and gospel vocalist, and Professor of Voice, with a four octave voice range, who teaches at Berklee. “Happy 4th of July, even if is the day before” she said, and began with Bring It on Home to Me a song by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke, released in 1962. The song has become a pop standard, covered by numerous artists of different genres, but none could compare to this lady. She had us captivated from the first note!
Route 66 – Gabrielle had us clapping in time before she even uttered a note. She ruled! Scatting like Sarah Vaughn, she lead the band with her numerous changes in tempo. She asked “Who is deeply in love?” and Carolyn Newberger’s hand shot up. Gabby responded with a silky, smooth, My Funny Valentine, with Ted’s emotional tenor saxophone, and Bo Winiker on smoky flugelhorn. Heartrending!
She took us on a trip on a familiar special train that goes from lower Manhattan to Harlem, with a passionate, hard-charging romp on The A Train. The crowd was enthralled and responded with heavy applause.
Eli announced the next song was written by a trombone player (heavy groan here). But the trombone player was Edward “Kid” Ory and this was his Muskat Ramble.
Herb Gardner took over for his fine rendition, then Eli let loose with a turbo charged tuba, with backup from pulsating piano and drums.
While the band took a break, Herb Gardner took over the piano with a novelty tune about New Hampshire’s “Summer People” – “They’re only here until Labor Day, then Back in October for the foliage.”
Back Home Again in Indiana featured Bo on full, rich, open flugelhorn.
Louis Armstrong used to begin his All Stars with another tune that Bo has been working on. Herb did the arrangement; Bo featured on trumpet with a freewheeling rendition of Cornet Chop Suey. Fabulous!
Gabby returned with Taking a Chance on Love, a song she recorded on her second CD. She sang this as a ballad in honor of the 4th of July. It was one swinging ballad!
She asked if she could change the schedule of tunes, in order to sing Misty, just her and Bob on piano. Lovely! They have often worked together; he’s a great friend and pianist for the Boston Pops. Gabrielle has an impressive background; her expertise spans the entire jazz era up to modern jazz.
Bob Winter was featured on piano with Someone To Watch Over Me, Bo adding soft, mellow flugelhorn.
Gabrielle sings an awesome America The Beautiful
To celebrate our country’s birthday, Gabby contributed a profound, soulful America the Beautiful. It left the audience in awe!
Eli requested a ‘change of pace’, introducing Carolyn Newberger on washboard. Carolyn played washboard years ago in a café they started when they were Directors at the International Residence Hall at Yale. The washboard had been stored in the attic for 50 years, until Eli found it.
Now Carolyn is merrily playing washboard with many of Eli’s bands; usually Coney Island Washboard Roundelay; but not this time. This time she delighted the audience with spoons on washboard on James P. Johnson’s The Charleston.
Carolyn sketching musicians
When she’s not playing washboard with the band, she’s pencil-sketching the musicians. She is an accomplished painter and has had three showings this month, one at Framingham’s Danforth Gallery where she received an award. Tonight she did a couple of sketches of Gabrielle, and one of Bo.
Eli’s All-Stars surprised us by closing with When The Saints Go Marching In, and they marched, up and down the aisles – even Jeff with his snare drum, ‘The Saints’ went marching in.
Bo leads parade up the aisles
Bill Winiker takes photo of parade
Glorious way to end this celebration of our Country and Bo Winiker’s birthday!
The All Stars will be back here at the Sherborn Inn on the 1st Thursday of every month, next is August 7th. They will be at Barrington Stage Company, Mr. Finn’s Cabaret, Blatt Performing Arts Center, 36 Linden St., Pittsfield, MA on August 24 and 25. They will also kick-off the 32nd Highland Jazz Series in Newton, MA on September 13th.
Gabrielle continues teaching at Berklee. We hope she’ll be back!
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 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 Cymbalin 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.
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 1st and the 1st Thursday of every month for more Great Jazz!
By Marce
Videos by Kathy Wittman, BallSquare films,
Sound by Frank Cunningham
