Eli’s All Stars with vocalist Gabrielle Goodman at the Sherborn Inn, July 3, 2014

Posted on July 7, 2014 by admin

Eli’s All-Stars at the Sherborn Inn

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!

Williams Reunion Jazz Band at Opening of the Bay, Snug Harbor, Duxbury MA 2014

Posted on May 30, 2014 by admin

Williams Reunion Dixieland Jazz Band at Opening of the Bay May 23-25 2014

The Williams Reunion Jazz Band was born on New England college campuses in the 1950’s when Dixieland was alive and well and “runnin’ wild”. Band members now include four Williams College boys: Bob Kingsbury ’58 on clarinet; Fred Clifford ’58 on Tuba; Tom Hayne ’59 on Drums and features: John Halsey ’59 on Piano who is a PhD, teacher and a featured pro in NYC having played with all of the greats in Jazz.

Three permanent guests from Amherst, Bates and U. Mass are: John Bucher who for 25 years led the Woody Allen Band at Michael’s Pub in NYC and plays a wonderful Beiderbecke/Hackett style; Jimmy Mazzy on Banjo who is well known to everybody, and Tom Boates on trombone who plays in the style of Jack Teagarden and Miff Mole and is featured with the Wolverine Jazz Band.

The WRJB name goes back to 1983 when, at a formal jazz concert in Williams College Chapin Hall, the seven first played together. Through the years, their reputation in Williamstown has blossomed into a year ’round schedule of performances at private parties, country clubs, weddings, church masses, jazz festivals, jazz cruises, and special events across the USA.

The band returns every Memorial Day weekend to Duxbury MA for the Duxbury Bay Maritime Academy’s “Opening of the Bay”, their 17^th this year. Friday night’s GALA was Traditional Jazz, cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres and Island Creek Oyster reception under the tent, and Dixieland Jazz.

Duxbury Bay Maritime Academy

Saturday afternoon is family day, with face painting, balloon animals, vendors, food and drinks. It was a New England cold, damp day. We caught the Williams Reunion Dixieland Jazz Band under the tent on the deck by the Bay.

The inimitable Jimmy Mazzy

They opened with a lively Dr. Jazz, Jimmy vocal and banjo – Jimmy Mazzy has a unique hold on the bridge that allows him to make sounds like no one else!

Boates’ powerful trombone opened My Honey’s Loving Arms. Ensemble took the intro to Rose Room, followed by engaging personal solos first by clarinet, then cornet, trombone, banjo, piano.

Bob Kingsbury, leader, clarinet

Kingsbury’s clarinet started with the verse on W. C. Handy’s Hesitation Blues; ensemble parts twining around each other leading to a Jimmy Mazzy hearty shout. They played a final chorus, Hayne closing with a cymbal CRASH!

Tom Boates plays Kid Ory’s Creole Trombone

Tom Boates is always featured on Kid Ory’s Creole Trombone, no matter what band he’s in. We hope he never gets tired of playing it because we never get tired of hearing his magnificent growling trombone!

Memphis Blues was a soft wistful blues, clarinet playing high over the whole ensemble, cornet and piano building long, melodic solos. Jimmy’s scatting was more like a soft moaning,

John Bucher, Bix-style cornet

John Halsey rippled up and down the keyboard.

Fred Clifford

They revved it up with S’Wonderful, nice low register clarinet start, Jimmy singing ballad, marvelous Bucher cornet, tuba holding long notes. Clifford is the band’s rhythmic engine. Banjo solo was backed by drum softly tapping cymbal and snare drum.

Let Me Call You Sweetheart, clarinet, cornet, piano played melody, with trombone counterpoint accents. Kingsbury moved over to Boates for a wonderful trombone/clarinet duet.

Tom Hayne drives the band with his Dixieland Beat

At The Jazz Band Ball was explosive, with great New Orleans polyphony, then they let Tom Hayne go wild on drums.

Their music has a joyful, timeless spirit. It all ended too soon, but there was a cold wind blowing in from the Bay and they were glad to pack up and move on.

* * *

WRJB did a week in Florida again this year, what they call “Spring Training”, with five appearances, one in Ponte Vedra, three in Vero Beach and finished at the Bath and Tennis Club in Palm Beach. And they just finished their annual Boston/Duxbury weekend with six appearances ranging from the Somerset Club in Boston to the South Shore Conservatory, First Parish Church and Winsor House in Duxbury. Then a full Reunion weekend in Williamstown from June 13-15 capped by a private party in Bretton Woods, NH.

The Williams Reunion Jazz Band plays some excellent, authentic Traditional Jazz.
Try some of their many CDs.

Novel Jazz Celebrates 10 years at Skidompha Library

Posted on May 30, 2014 by admin

Novel celebrates a decade of Jazz at Skidompha Photo by Elaine Jones

Novel Jazz Septet will be performing classic jazz at Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta, ME, onThursday 12 June, 2014, 7PM to 9:30PM. The performance will feature Barney Balch (trombone), Dave Clarke (guitar), Mickey Felder (piano), Wells Gordon (acoustic bass), Bryan Jones (Alto Saxophone) and Mark Macksoud (drums)., plus special guest Ralph Norris (tenor and baritone sax) This evening continues their 2014 Skidompha concert series, bringing live jazz to mid-coast audiences. Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free. (Photo by Elaine Jones)

The Novel Jazz Septet will be celebrating their 10^th year of performances at Skidompha Public Library, Main Street, Damariscotta on Thursday, 12 June 2014, from 7-9:30 PM, with a special evening of jazz in the library’s atrium. A decade ago, the band decided to “go public” from their regular private sessions as a way to help keep jazz alive in midcoast Maine. Indeed, these events began with the observation that lovers of books often are lovers of jazz. The superb acoustics of Skidompha’s atrium, plus the seating “in the round”, make it a superior place to see and hear jazz, all in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. It was while performing at Skidompha that the band decided to forge deeper into the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Trombonist Barney Balch began visiting the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. to work in their Ellington collection, digging out gems of these musical geniuses and bringing them back to life in summertime concerts.

The musicians of this group have been playing straight-ahead jazz for audiences throughout Maine (and beyond) for several decades. Collectively, they share over two centuries of experience in the jazz idiom. Performing at Skidompha will be Barney Balch (trombone), Dave Clarke (guitar), Mickey Felder (piano), Wells Gordon (acoustic bass), Bryan Jones (Alto Saxophone) and Mark Macksoud (drums). Ralph Norris will be making a guest appearance on tenor and baritone sax. Ralph is no stranger to Novel Jazz evenings at Skidompha. He has been an active professional saxophonist for the past 50-plus years, long a staple of the Maine jazz scene. He has regularly performed with many luminaries including the Don Doane and Terry White Big Bands, Tommy Gallant, Muriel Havenstein, legendary saxophonist Harry Allen, pianist Tom Snow (and many more). He has been conducting and composing for the Cape Elizabeth High School Jazz Program since 1997. Ralph’s specialty is the great American Songbook and he plays his tenor with a sound as silky as Stan Getz and as agile as Paul Gonsalves. Anyone who has heard Ralph knows they are in for a special treat!

Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free. We encourage parents to bring their children, the future of this art form. The library is located on Main Street in downtown Damariscotta. Call 207-563-5513 during business hours for more information.

This promises to be a very special night of jazz. Come to Skidompha on 12 June as Novel Jazz marks a decade of swinging jazz at this wonderful library. And if you haven’t heard the band in a while, come see what the decade has done for Novel Jazz!

Sherborn Inn Tuesday Night Schedule 2014-2015

Posted on May 29, 2014 by admin

SHERBORN INN TUESDAY JAZZ
7:00-9:30pm $10 unless otherwise noted

Dec 23 Free-for-all Jazzboree*
*Free admission Dec 23. Numerous Tuesday Jazz musicians will be here to
thank you for 19 years supporting Tuesday Jazz at the Sherborn Inn.

In January the Sherborn Inn ownership will change. The new owners have not indicated they will continue a jazz program. We understand they plan to renovate or redecorate during January and February. We hope you will continue to dine at the Inn after the sale goes through. The buyers have an excellent reputation for the food they serve at their restaurant La Morra in Brookline.

There is one more jazz night in 2014 at the Sherborn Inn. On December 16th come thank the Blue Horizon Jazz Band, responsible for beginning and nurturing the long run of jazz at the Sherborn Inn. On December 23rdthe Tuesday Jazz Musicians invite you to attend a “Free-for-all Jazzboree” with numerous Tuesday Jazz musicians from many bands who wish to thank YOU for your support over these 19 years. No admission charge December 23rd.

After we finish celebrating 19 years of Tuesday Jazz we may be moving the series to Primavera Ristorante in Millis where it will become Thursday Jazz, beginning January 15th 2015 with the Blue Horizon Jazz Band.

Wolverine Jazz Band is scheduled February 19th. Final details are being worked out. Primavera is 15 minutes away from the Sherborn Inn at 20 Pleasant Street, Millis MA 02054 (off Route 109) Stay tuned for the Primavera Ristorante schedule.

Neville Dickie at the Sherborn Inn May 20, 2014

Posted on May 28, 2014 by admin

Neville Dickie piano with Jeff Hughes trumpet, Stan McDonald soprano sax, Steve Taddeo drums

Neville Dickie tours the U.S. every year around this time. Neville is from Surrey, England and is known worldwide for his stride piano, boogie woogie, with a powerful left hand and flashy fingering on the right hand. We all looked forward to his 13th appearance at the Sherborn Inn; thanks to Ellen and Stan McDonald.

He was joined by Steve Taddeo on drums, Stan McDonald on soprano sax, and Jeff Hughes trumpet. He is a charming entertainer, and enjoyed having a few beers and renewing acquaintances with the fans that come out to hear him every year. They come from all over New England – he fills the house.

Neville began his renowned “showing off for the Company”, backed by Steve Taddeo, with Jimmy McHugh’s Doing The New Lowdown, marvelous.
He said there’s nothing complete without Fats Waller, Keeping Out of Mischief Now. He’s known for his rapid left stride, but we like his active right hand toying with the melody.

He once heard Stan and Ross Petot play the Harlem Hotcha, written by James P. Johnson. It was originally done by the Omer Simeon Trio with Johnson on piano, Simeon clarinet and Pops Foster bass. Neville’s lightening left hand was supported by Steve feeling his way on snare drum and hi hat, trying not to be intimidated by the famous Dickie.

Neville invited Stan McDonald and Jeff Hughes to join them, with a piano intro to Rose of The Rio Grande. Neville played chugging, rocking chords, Stan on hot soprano sax also did the vocal, Jeff’s trumpet softly in the background. Neville started with the verse on a Darktown Strutters Ball, fingers floating over the keys. Stan on sax and singing.

Back to the duo of Neville and Steve with I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter, Neville playing in 6ths and left hand patterns like Jelly Roll Morton, giving his playing a “New Orleans” flavor. (I was coached by Ross Petot.)

Neville had several DVD’s for sale, he included a free CD with each one sold. He played ingenious stride on one of the tunes on his Back to Boogie DVD, Bells of St. Marys. He explained how the composer, Douglas Furber, was on a boat leaving South Hampton in England when he heard the Bells of St. Marys as the boat was leaving. It inspired him to write the tune. Dickie ended the piece with dramatic bell sounds on piano. Going back to boogie woogie, he turned to the jazz style of Albert Ammons with his 1940’s boogie, Shout for Joy.

Neville invited Stan and Jeff back. Neville’s right hand played warm, soulful, cascading piano to Jeff’s glorious horn solo on Bunny Berigan’s I Can’t Get Started. Sweet!

Jeff Hughes, wearing a straw fedora hat and Neville Dickie

Jeff Hughes and Neville Dickie play Bunny “Berigan’s I Can’t Get Started”

Neville said “You won’t hear anything better than that!” We totally agree.

Neville enjoys sharing the stage, playing backup piano in the quartet for Maggie. The Ensemble’s powerful performance, with Stan’s scorching soprano sax turned Tijuana into a barn burner!

Stan’s scorching sax

Our own dynamic pianist, Ross Petot, sat at the piano playing haunting and elegant melodies during intermission. His hands crossed playing stride on I Hate Myself For Being So Mean To You by Isham Jones; Somebody Loves Me, Who’s Sorry Now, But Not For Me, Love For Sale, King of Araby.

New England pianist Ross Petot

In the middle of Araby, Neville returned and took over the treble end of the piano. The two together are remarkable piano pyrotechnicians. The baby grand vibrated with impeccable rhythm! We look forward to this every year!

Neville Joins Ross at piano

They trade places, playing 4-handed piano

drummer ecstatic at playing with both pianists

Taddeo joins the pianists

Neville back at the piano with the volatile Finger Breaker. Jelly Roll Morton composed Finger Breaker; Willie ‘the Lion’ Smith called it Finger Buster. Either way, it’s extremely fast and difficult. Harlem Blues went from Blues to intense Boogie. It was the first blues ever published – 1940 – by Blue Note founder, Albert Lion.

Quartet resumes with All By Myself, Jeff backing Neville with soft trumpet; James P Johnson’s Old Fashioned Love, Stan on sax and vocals. Neville boogied with a hispanic tinge on Dardanella.

Steve back with Neville playing marvelous left-hand boogie woogie on Golden Earrings, from the movie with Marlene Dietrich. Swanee River Boogie was ecstasy! We never get enough boogie!

Closing time was approaching; Neville wanted to give Taddeo a chance to play. He said he’d make it easy, started Honeysuckle Rose with a slow, rolling left hand. Steve went along, adding a soft drum roll. By now he was comfortable with Neville, and tore into his Gene Krupa walk-around routine, stepping away from the drums with sticks tapping the beat, tapping on anything within reach, table, glasses, dishes, never missing a note. That caught Neville and the ladies at the nearest table by surprise! He tapped on, back towards Neville and returned to the drums to audience applause.

Neville looks on in surprise as Steve taps on ladies' table.

George Hannah

Steve has been teaching drums to student George Hannah. George sat in on drums, playing just the right accents and sounds with Neville on Indian Summer. We’ve been watching him grow up with drums – he’s come a long way!

The quartet returned with Wild Man Blues, with trumpet in glissando, staccato phrasing. They closed this evening with sax and trumpet intro to Lover Come Back To Me.

Myron Idleson called this the Mount Rushmore of Jazz Concerts. He said their talent is a gift from God, and their playing is their gift to God. I’ll add ‘to us too’.

Neville headed for New Jersey to play with the Midiri Brothers for the Tri State Jazz Society, then on to Maryland. If you’re ever in England, Neville and wife Pat started the Sutton Jazz Club where he plays monthly at The Thomas Wall Centre, Benhill Avenue, Sutton, Surrey. http://www.jazzpiano.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/advance_dates.htm

Neville doing Pine Top Boogie in 2008 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndAtEgHTiGo
2010 at the UK Festival https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QusM01B4miw

We look forward to having him back here again next year.

Steve will be in concert with the Midiri Brothers here on August 12th. Dick Donovan’s Big Band directed by Steve Taddeo is at the American Legion, 140 River Rd. Middleton MA every Monday evening.

Jeff will be back at the Sherborn Inn with The Wolverine Jazz Band, Swing Times Five, and Debby Larkin, Dave Whitney, Dan Gabel. They all want him. And He’ll still be wearing a hat.

Stan’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band will be back at the Sherborn Inn June 17^th.

We are so fortunate to have all this marvelous jazz!! I count my blessings every day!

Marce

Eli’s All-Stars at the Sherborn Inn May 1, 2014

Posted on May 25, 2014 by admin

Bob Winter, Jimmy Mazzy, Eli Newberger, Jeff Guthery, Ted Casher, Bo Winiker, Herb Gardner

Eli’s All Stars are not only professional musicians, but friends sharing their favorite tunes, with intricate melodies and counterpoint that resonate with the audience. This is Hot Jazz!

Tonight they were also celebrating three special occasions; Ted and Val marking their 4^th wedding anniversary, and Val, who has worked since she was 16 years old, rejoicing in her retirement – today – with a big cake that she shared with everyone.

The third was that vocalist Rebecca Sullivan was graduating this month with her Masters Degree from the New England Conservatory of Music. Rebecca was already a jazz vocalist, songwriter and educator when she returned to NEC a year ago in September, when Eli Newberger was appointed as her mentor.

Jimmy Mazzy kicked this evening off with a vocal on You’re Nobody’s Sweetheart Now. Rebecca stepped in with Duke’s Squeeze Me, Who Could Ask For Anything More, scatting with Eli’s tuba. Her delicate and warm version of Laura was absolutely marvelous, with Ted on tenor sax and Bo on flugelhorn, Herb’s mellow trombone.

Rebecca Sullivan

Carolyn Newberger came in on washboard, taking us to the Bayou Club on Bourbon Street, with When You Wore a Tulip, with the band backing her in stop-time. Everything sparked! When Carolyn isn’t playing washboard, she’s drawing fine sketches of the musicians; some were featured recently at Galatea Fine Art in Boston.

Eli’s All Stars with Carolyn Newberger on washboard

Ted Casher and a robust “Charlie on the MTA”

To remind Rebecca of what she’ll be leaving behind, Ted sang his own version of Charlie on the MTA.

The band took a break while Herb moved to piano for a unique song he wrote, Yonz Gonz Galookis. It caught DJ Jazzbo Collins’ interest some time ago; so that he wrote Herb a letter about the inimitable tune and signed it “Uncle Bozo”.

vocalist Sarah Gardner

Special guest, vocalist Sarah Gardner, Herb’s daughter, took this opportunity to sing her lively version of Mama Don’t Allow No Music Played Around Here. The Gardners are a musical family. Herb often joins his other daughter Abbie with Red Molly, an Americana/Roots FemaleTrio.

The band returned with a romping South Rampart St. Parade, Jeff’s drumsticks striking the wood block and snare drum.

Ted Casher, Bo Winiker, Herb Gardner

Rebecca returned with an all Gershwin concert. I’ve Got a Crush On You. Beautiful! S’Wonderful, Who’s Got The Last Laugh Now, at times backed by Ted’s clarinet or sultry tenor sax, or Herb’s powerful trombone, Bo’s fiery trumpet.

S’Wonderful

The All-Stars then stepped back into the 1920’s with Herb’s exquisite arrangement of Cornet Chop Suey, a joyous romp based on the original Hot Five, with fiery trumpet, Lil Armstrong’s passionate piano.

The one and only Jimmy Mazzy

Time for Ragtime. Jimmy lead on banjo and vocals for Alexander’s Ragtime Band, fantastic front line, Jimmy scatting, drum rim-tapping with both sticks.

Eli Newberger Jeff Guthery ended evening with fabulous interchange between tuba and drum.

Another Jimmy vocal and banjo intro with The Saints. All went silent for Bob’s powerful piano solo, then back to Jimmy vocal. This wasn’t normal fare, extraordinary ending with tuba and drums.

This old music has so much vitality and energy, you can’t help but enjoy it. They’ll be back July 3rd – come see and hear for yourself.

Congratulations to Ted and Val; now she’s finally free to join Ted as he plays all over New England. Rebecca Sullivan will be heading for New York and then Europe in the near future. She will be missed. We wish her all the best!!

Wolverine Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, April 29, 2014

Posted on May 9, 2014 by admin

Wolverine Jazz Band

Jeff Hughes cornet, John Clark clarinet/bari sax, Tom Boates trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Ross Petot piano, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums

The Wolverines are busy – new CD out anytime soon, and preparing for their trips to Festivals and their regular summer venues. They’ve been invited to the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival in Essex, CT, America’s Dixieland Jazz Festival in Olympia, WA, Arizona Classic Jazz Fest.

They will be busy locally this summer: June 1, Melrose (noon-4); July 9 – Willows at Westboro; July 29 – Southgate at Shrewsbury; July 30 – Sherborn Center; August 20 – Norwood; August 21 – Natick Senior Center

All stellar Jazzmen who invoke the spirit of New Orleans Jazz, we are fortunate that they rehearse with us at the Sherborn Inn! They began with a new song that will be on the CD coming out the end of this month – Dear Old Girl – for the sentimental Irish.

Jeff Hughes

Savoy Blues, Jeff raucous on 1954 Long Model, “K-Modified” Selmer cornet, and being Bix Beiderbecke on There’ll Come a Time. He’s an expert on many famous cornetist and trumpeters, and is known for always wearing a hat.

Jimmy Mazzy

We have many Jimmy Mazzy vocals, Al Jolson’s California Hear I Come, T’Ain’t So, Jelly Roll Morton’s Sweet Substitute, with Jeff comping, more below.

Dave Didriksen

This was the 115th anniversary of Duke Ellington’s birthday, so naturally there were some Duke’s: Sweet Mama (they haven’t played before).

1929 Cotton Club, Duke’s, Digga Digga Do let Dave Didriksen go on drums.

Jimmy volcal on Al Jolson’s California Here I Come, backed by bari sax, drum rim-tapping behind him. Pre-Cotton Club Creole Love Call – Jimmy whistling the Adelaide Hall riff. A tune Paramount Jazz Band did, and always messed up the beginning: Who Wouldn’t Love You? The Wolverines don’t mess up.

Ory’s Creole Trombone

Tom was featured on Ory’s Creole Trombone. Magnificent!

Rick MacWilliams hidden behind tuba

King Oliver recorded Olga in 1930 on Victor, Rick recreating the tuba solo, great New Orleans polyphony by front line. This is a song that nobody ever plays.

Panama is one of our favorite Ragtime Marches, Jimmy Scatting, John Clark on that monster baritone saxophone.

Ross was featured with the Trio on a more modern tune, In a MellowTone, stride piano giving it a Ragtime feel, joined by Jeff on cornet at close.

A no-holds-barred rendition of Sunset Café Stomp had all the feet tapping. The first tune John Clark ever heard that captivated him and moved him toward Traditional Jazz was Mugsy Spanier^‘s I’m Sorry I Made You Cry. Mood Indigo, Clark on low register clarinet, Jim vocal, soft muted trombone and cornet. They hit all our favorites! They closed with a Spanish beat on Oriental Man.

Look above for all the places this marvelous Traditional Jazz Band will be playing this year. Also check our calendars, and get on John Clark’s email list: jazzbnd@aol.com He sends out email updates once a month to everyone on his list.

HOT STEAMED JAZZ FESTIVAL IN ESSEX JUNE 20, 21 AND 22

Posted on May 6, 2014 by admin

(Essex, CT) New Orleans style traditional jazz in Connecticut – The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival turned up the heat, during the weekend of June 20, 21 and 22 at the Essex Steam Train.

VIDEOS AND REVIEWS OF
2014 IN THE WORKS!

www.hotsteamedjazz.com

Proceeds from the festival benefit The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT, founded by the late Paul Newman.

More than 11 bands performed in the best New England Weather we’ve had yet. Great music, great jazz. Videos are in the works. Stay tuned.

THE BANDS

Bands scheduled to appear at the 2014 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival include:

– Connecticut’s own jazz pianist virtuoso, Jeff Barnhart

– Galvanized Jazz Band from Connecticut

– Dan Levinson’s New Millennium All Stars from New York

– Wolverine Jazz Band from Massachusetts

– Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band from Connecticut

– Ben Maugher’s Vintage Jazz Band from Pennsylvania

– Riverboat Ramblers led by local musician and entertainer John Banker

– A renowned ensemble of young musicians, Route 17 Stompers from Connecticut

– Festival All Stars

– Jazz Jesters from Massachusetts

– The Sunnyland Jazz Band with Bob Barta on banjo from Long Island

Hot Steamed Jazz Festival 2013

Neville Dickie at the Sherborn Inn, June 4, 2013

Posted on June 4, 2013 by admin

Neville piano, Jeff Hughes trumpet, Stan McDonald reeds, Dave Bragdon drm

Neville Dickie and Band

The Sherborn Inn was packed elbow-to-elbow with eager fans for celebrated British pianist Neville Dickie’s 12th appearance at the Sherborn Inn on Tuesday, June 4, 2013.

After mixing with his fans, Neville sat at the baby grand and revived a fount of pieces from the 1920’s with ragtime, boogie, stride – pop. With drummer Dave Bragdon, he started on the 1920’s Charleston Mad, from one of his many albums. He turned to Dave and asked “What do you fancy doing?” They came up with a sunny and warm version of Benny Goodman’s Red Sails in the Sunset.

Neville and Dave

Dickie generally plays solo piano in concert. Not here; he takes it easy and becomes part of the band, giving him a chance to relax, walk around, talk with his enthusiastic fans.

Stan McDonald

Stan McDonald joined them on soprano sax, with Jeff Hughes on trumpet for James P. Johnson’s If I could Be With You, Neville starting with the verse, Stan on vocal and saxophone. Roses of Piccardie, It Had To Be You, with Neville’s clever backing and multi-layered playing.

Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams. Jelly Roll Morton’s Tijuana, crisp soprano sax.

Jeff was featured on a boogie that they created on the moment, The Sherborn Boogie, Jeff getting glorious sounds from a rare 1946 Martin Committee Olds Trumpet. (Jeff has a vast collection of instruments, and he makes them all sound great!)

Jeff Hughes feature

During the break, Ross Petot kept the piano hot, giving us umpteen inspiring variations of Gershwin’s Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia. He has a fantastic left hand of his own, definitely with some James P. Johnson influence.

Ross Petot and Neville

He slipped into some eight-to-the-bar (probably for Neville’s sake) and played his specialty stride piano on Stairway to Paradise.

Neville joined him for four-handed piano, two pyrotechnicians playing an ingenious variety of choruses.

Neville said he’s happy to see the same faces here, year after year, and remembered Lynn Sickle. She was in her special chair – always next to the piano, here with Janet Borgman. Neville played his own swinging version of All of Me, Lynn’s favorite – he remembered.

It’s hard to tell who is having the most fun here, Neville or the fans. He relaxes, tells tales, he’s “one of the guys”.

He says “Musicians like to drink, and I’m no exception. I read that liquor is the root of all evil, so I gave up reading.”
“I quit drinking once, it was the worse 20 minutes of my life!”
“I enjoy playing here at the Sherborn Inn; Stan provides the music, Ellen provides great beer”.

Neville relaxes

Ross took over at the piano and gave him a chance to mingle with the crowd.
Soprano sax and trumpet traded fabulous fours on Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor, Stan singing. After You’ve Gone was another lively one.

Ross Petot and Band

Dave & Neville returned with a sweet Keeping Out of Mischief Now, segue into a racing tempo on Handful of Keys, Neville’s fingers leaping across the keyboard. Marvelous.

Dave was featured on drums with Nagasaki, because Neville never could find a drummer who could keep up with his flying fingers. He continued playing at a dizzying pace, but Dave Bragdon kept up with him!
Neville reprised the first boogie ever written, Pine Top Smith’s Sheik of Araby, with the left hand leaping back and forth on the keyboard.

There was a request for him to play solo piano – which is his general mien; he does for hours at most other venues. With Dave’s accompaniment, he played Willie the Lion Smith’s finger breaking Swanee River Boogie. He said “It’s a joy to do this gig – Sutton & Surrey.”

Too soon, the band closed with a sizzling Found a New Baby. As he was leaving, heading for New Jersey, Neville said “Please Keep supporting live jazz.”

We sure will. Thank you for being here with us, Neville, see you again next year!!

You may catch Neville when he’s at home in the Sutton Jazz Club, Thomas Wall Centre, Benhill Avenue, Sutton, Surrey, England. The Club was formed by Pat and Neville Dickie in 1989 and is noted its music, as well as Neville’s famous prawn vol-au-vents. They also serve a wide choice of hot food, such as fish, chicken, meat pie, saveloy, or vegeburger, all served with chips, and backed by Neville’s Trio comprising of Neville Dickie (piano), Terry Lewis (bass), and Norman Davey (drums). Top class musicians from the United States, Europe, Australia and, of course, Great Britain, join them each month.

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??

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

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