Eli and The Hot Six at Primavera, August 20, 2015

Posted on August 26, 2015 by admin

Eli and The Hot Six, with Dave Burdette

Bob Winter keyboard, Eli Newberger tuba, Jeff Guthery drums, Ted Casher reeds, Dave Burdette trumpet, Herb Gardner trombone/vocals, last set: Caroline Newberger washboard.

The band was still wrapped in the glow of their full house and reception at the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. They were relaxed and jovial; there wasn’t even a set list. Everyone was featured! They played a game – “Let’s stump the trumpet player” – with Bo Winiker’s substitute, Dave Burdette.

But Dave Burdette is one of the most in-demand trumpet players in the country and can play jazz, classical and everything in between. The Dave Burdette orchestra played for 10 years at Boston’s Ritz Carlton Hotel Roof Top.

They began with Do Nothing ‘till You Hear From Me, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Limehouse Blues tore the house down!

Everyone had a chance to solo. There was no amplification whatsoever, but that didn’t stop Herb from singing; Wonderful World, special request for Bill Bailey. They began with the verse, front line magnificent, with Dave on muted trumpet, Jeff reverberating the tuba on the hi hat. It was a never-ending tune, with Eli pointing to each musician to give it a final blast.

Bob Winter, pianist for the Boston Pops, enjoys being part of this band

Bob Winter picked a solo that we haven’t heard for a long time, Rhode Island is Famous For You.
Astounding piano!!

Caroline Newberger arrived, with washboard, for what they called “Tap dancing routine #1” for Tea for Two and Perdido. Caroline added to the rhythm section for the whole last set. She was featured on her special, and one of our favorites, Miami Rumba, accompanied by piano. (Dave’s trumpet sounded like Herb Alpert in the Tijuana Brass.) Jeff maintained the rumba rhythm on temple blocks.

Caroline Newberger on washboard

The combined talents of this front line are remarkable!

Ted Casher, Dave Burdette, Herb Gardner

Eli plays Polka Dots and Moonbeams

With Eli’s prowess on the tuba, he was able to reach low, low and ended up high on Polka Dots and Moonbeams. This brought back fond memories!

Dave Burdette

Dave’s version of Stardust was absolutely haunting, subtly backed by rhythm. Beautiful!

Ted couldn’t resist this tune, came in with clarinet ending with a note that hit the stratosphere!

At The Jazz Band Ball started at a pretty good clip, with fine polyphony. Dave played trumpet softly then with passion, slipping in a bit of ‘Stumbling’.

Herb Gardner sang many tunes as well as playing trombone

Herb sang many tunes, and his marvelous trombone was featured on Rose Room.

Jeff was let loose on Alexander’s Ragtime Band; he enjoys tapping on those variegated temple blocks!

Jeff is expert on temple blocks

Ben Pilch wrote:

“It was my second time seeing the group, Eli & the hot 6 concert on Thursday at Primavera. I enjoyed the concert very much. The group members are obviously excellent jazz musicians who are technically sound and very good improvisers. In addition, they have an obvious camaraderie, joie de vivre, and love of what they’re doing that is charming and infectious.”

“Another facet of their performance that I enjoyed was their spontaneity. Rather than clinging to a set playlist, they seemed often to decide on the spur of the moment what would be a good tune to perform at that moment. This allowed them to easily accept requests, and at this concert there were two, Bill Bailey and Alexander’s Ragtime Band. I enjoyed these performances a great deal, and I was delighted to hear the verses to these songs, less commonly heard than the more familiar choruses. A lovely atmospheric rendition of Stardust was, I thought, another high point. A great show! Ben Pilch (fan and audience member)

Eli and The Hot Seven

We’re declaring Dave Burdette winner of the “Let’s stump the trumpet player” game! The Hot Six +1 closed with Louis’s Sleepy Time Down South.

They’ll be back at Primavera on September 10th and October 15th, September 20th. They are at the FREE family-friendly Autumnal Equinox celebration – 12th Annual Revels RiverSing at Harvard Square’s Winthrop Park. They will be at Ken’s Steak House. They’re also looking forward to their 2nd appearance at Sculler’s Jazz Club on December 17^th. Stay tuned.

High Society Orchestra at Ken’s Steak House August 18, 2015

Posted on August 19, 2015 by admin

Dan Gabel’s High Society Orchestra

Dan Gabel’s High Society Orchestra roared into Ken’s Steakhouse on Tuesday August 18 after a busy summer playing the town gazebo circuit throughout New England. The 11-piece band was “hotter than ever” said one patron, and “Dan Gabel and his bands never disappoint!”

Gabel’s 11-piece outfit featured Elise Roth on vocals presenting favorites and rarities of the 1920s including some rarely-heard verses and patters to some old unpublished songs. Liz of Millbury said “Elise’s voice is the absolute best, and her wardrobe is tops, bar none!”

An enthusiastic crowd came early and stayed late, filling half of the expansive room at the steakhouse. Several couples danced, and the band was extremely well-received by the mixed-age audience. A couple in their mid-20s and one in their late 70’s danced to the band’s catchy dance rhythms. Some first-time listeners were in the audience as well who came for dinner, but were all thrilled to enjoy some live music as well, and even purchase several CDs.

“This is a fantastic space” said Bill Doyle, banjo, guitar, and band manager. “The room has a great, warm, sound, and a nice audience to band connection.” The band concurred.

“Playing here was particularly special for me” said bandleader Dan Gabel. “As the President of the American Big Band Preservation Society, and working on a biography of my hero Vaughn Monroe, it was great to be able to play right next to where Monroe’s Meadows club was, and at Ken’s, a historic venue itself. Also, it’s right here in Framingham where I call home, and a great location. We’re looking forward to next time!”

Dan Gabel

Everyone agreed: there should be a next time. Ken’s Steakhouse is negotiating to bring in more bands, either on a Sunday afternoon or Tuesday evening.

For more information about this band, recordings, and upcoming dates, visit: www.highsocietyorchestra.org

For more on Dan Gabel, visit: www.theabletones.com

Band personnel for Tuesday August 18:

John Clark, Tyler Burchfield, Maureen Amaral: sax and clarinet

Adam Mejaour and Dan Gabel: trumpet and cornet

Steve Piermarini: trombone

Bill Doyle: banjo and archtop guitar

Rick MacWilliams: tuba

Ross Petot: piano

Steve Taddeo: drums

Elise Roth: vocals

New Black Eagle Jazz Band at Primavera 13 August 2015

Posted on August 17, 2015 by admin

New Black Eagle Jazz Band

Tony Pringle cornet/leader, Billy Novick clarinet/soprano and alto sax, Stan Vincent trombone, Herb Gardner keyboard, Peter Bullis banjo/manager, Jim Guttman string bass, Dave Didriksen drums,

The New Black Eagle Jazz Band will be starting its 45th year next month; you can tell by Tony’s beat-up, metal bowler-hat mute. They filled the House at Primavera Ristorante with their authentic, happy, foot-tapping Traditional Jazz beat. People drove for miles to hear this band. It was worth it, just to hear Billy Novick playing soprano sax! That was new to us. It certainly adds dynamism to the music!

Jim Guttmann was a new face on string bass. The Black Eagles have been using many different string bass players (much as the original Black Eagles Jazz Band did.) They must be experts in their craft and also know the unique Traditional Jazz Beat. Tony is uncompromising, maintaining the band’s unique sound.

Jim Guttman

Jim Guttman, a full-time musician, filled the bill. He’s taught double bass and coached jazz and klezmer music ensembles at the Rivers School Conservatory since 1989. He’s performed with a myriad of groups including the Klezmer Conservatory Band, singers Eartha Kitt and Mark Murphy, the Really Eclectic String Quartet, blues masters Johnny Shines and James Cotton, the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Texas swing legend Tiny Moore.

Dave Didriksen

Trad Jazz Drummers are also a rarity; Dave Didriksen filled in for Bill Reynolds; not an easy task. We’ve known Dave as a great drummer starting with the Commonwealth Jazz Band at The Outpost Farm in Holliston in the 80’s, then with the Wolverine Jazz Band, and now as drummer and Manager of Swing Times Five with Debby Larkin. Oh, and also Willows Book Store in Acton.

The New Black Eagles kicked it off with When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver, appropriate for most of us. (Where did the years go?) Savoy Blues, a tune that Louis Armstrong recorded in 1927, when he was just coming to prominence as an innovative cornet and trumpet virtuoso. Great string bass solo by Guttmann; Stan played his growling tailgate trombone.

Every band plays Shimme Sha Wabble differently. The front line was enhanced by Jim’s complex chords on string bass, pushed by Dave’s drum beat. and Herb’s titanic hands on keyboard.

trombone, cornet with beat up hat, Billy on alto sax

Front Line

Herb Gardner has massive hands

Herb Gardner was featured on If I Had My Way, showing off his stride piano. He has always been a full-time musician, now with a full-time musical family with daughters Abby and Sarah. He bounces back and forth to the Carnegie Club in New York, even in the 4-feet of snow we had last winter. Herb has been filling in here in New England for many pianists, and has just about become the full-time pianist for the Black Eagles.

Peter with mouth (always) open, playing banjo, and his red sox

Peter Bullis

Tony, Peter and Stan are retired now, so they are playing full time too. Peter’s expression hasn’t changed. He is still plucking the banjo, maintaining that beat, as he did in 1971 at the Sticky Wicket, and he’s still wearing his Red Sox.

Once In a While, from Louis’ Hot Five, was fantastic with Billy on clarinet.

They slowed the tempo with a tune they haven’t played in a long time, Johnny Dodd’s Steal Away, with Jim bowing the string bass. Billy took the vocal on Jelly Roll Morton’s Sweet Substitute, backed by Tony’s sweet muted cornet.

Sam Morgan’s 1928 Short Dress Gal was one they played at the Wicket. (Tony mentioned that Cajun bands played this in their Patois in 1927.)

We’ve been listening to Billy since he added younger ideas to the Eagles back in 1986 – but this is the first time we’ve heard him playing soprano sax.
Noting the soprano sax, one fan requested a Sidney Bechet tune, The Fish Vender. He got I Remember When (Si Tu Vois Ma Mere) instead, with Billy and Jim Guttmann, Herb Gardner, and Dave Didriksen. Beautiful!

I’m kicking myself for not recording this from the beginning where Billy faithfully played Bechet’s passionate version. Once we recovered from that one, we heard an old Pop Tune, Girl of My Dreams, a lively tune. Billy started on clarinet but moved to alto sax in the end, backed by fine string bass.

There was some discussion about how to handle the beginning and ending of Delta Bound, ensemble or somebody on solo? They left it up to Billy; both beginning and end were amazing ensemble, Tony taking the lead with Billy comping on alto sax, Stan’s trombone stretched out low, low, as it could go.

They closed with Weary Blues, or Shake It And Break It – take your pick – same song. It was WILD; even Herb’s hands went wild on the keyboard. They ending as they began, with Billy on lovely soprano sax. WOW! What a night.

There were many dedicated New Black Eagle Fans here; they filled the room. They will be back at Brandeis University on October 4th; Cultural Center of Cape Cod on October 11th; Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College, North Andover MA on November 6th. Primavera Ristorante November 19th.

They will be traveling – check out their site at www.blackeagles.com.

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders with the Midiri Brothers at Bemis Hall August 12, 2015

Posted on August 16, 2015 by admin

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders and The Midiri Brothers

by Marce
videos by Harold McAleer

Joe Midiri clarinet/soprano sax/vocal, Paul Midiri vibes/trombone/drums, John Clark clarinet/alto sax, Paul Monat cornet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Ross Petot piano, Justin Meyer string bass, Dave MacMillan guitar, Steve Taddeo drums/leader.

Harold McAleer invited us into the Senior Center at Bemis Hall in Lincoln, MA for a free concert by Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders and The Midiri Brothers from New Jersey.

There are Smiles

Joe Midiri plays Sidney Bechet

There was a full house with nine musicians, sponsored by CJALL, Classic Jazz at Lincoln Center. Joe Midiri won the audience over immediately with his soprano sax with Sidney Bechet’s Si Vous Vois Ma Mere.

Don’t Be That Way featured the two masters of the clarinet, John Clark and Joe Midiri.

Swing Senders’ vocalist, Caroline Griep

Vocalist Caroline Griep was introduced singing Candy and I Can’t Get Started. She puts a song across with emotion and a spirited voice.

John Clark and Joe Midiri

John Clark was featured with the Midiri Brothers and rhythm section on Sidney Bechet’s 1938 What a Dream. Ross Petot took the intro on piano, and then it went wild with a duet of John Clark on alto sax and Joe Midiri on soprano sax.

Ross Petot had the antique Bemis piano singing!

Paul Monat revived some of his Wild Bill spirit with Stomping at the Savoy. Paul Midiri slipping in a bit of There’s a Small Hotel on vibes. Taddeo did his infamous walk-around before he let loose – it’s his band, everyone just got out of the way!

They took a break after that one, and Steve Taddeo made a presentation to Jason Ricky, an aspiring young drummer, by presenting him with one of his drums.

After the break, the Midiri Brothers were featured on Avalon with the rhythm section. Justin Meyer, Dave MacMillan with Ross Petot and Steve Taddeo kept the rhythmic fires burning, providing a solid foundation that let the others fly. Ross’s piano solo resounded across the cavernous room.

Paul Monat was featured on Bing Crosby’s first theme song, Blue and Broken Hearted – that Crosby ended up turning over to Will Bill Davison before he moved to The Blue of The Night. Paul did a take-off on Wild Bill that would have done him proud!

Paul Monat revives Wild Bill Davison

Caroline Griep was back with Lullaby of Birdland. It was a brief vocal; Gerry Gagnon’s masterful trombone played a duet with Dave Macmillan guitar, each of the eight musicians took fine solos before Caroline returned for the close.

Paul Midiri and Gerry Gagnon wild trombones

That’s a Plenty was pure pandemonium! Justin’s string bass took a solo and traded fours with Ross on piano. There were two trombones with Paul Midiri and Gerry Gagnon.

Dave MacMillan guitar

Dave MacMillan played an energized solo guitar while the musicians in the front line continued, bent down onto their knees, so everyone could see and hear him. This is comraderie!

Steve pulled out his theme song, Dinah for a drum duel with Paul Midiri that is indescribable! video by Marce

They closed with Joe Midiri singing in his amazing Louis Armstrong voice. John Clark was cookin’ with the Midiri Brothers, Joe closing with a long drawn out note on soprano sax, then hit the stratosphere!

This was an incredible evening. These musicians enjoyed playing together and kept the audience totally engaged. It’s the fourth time Steve Taddeo has played with the fabulous Midiri Brothers, and they were always memorable. We look forward to Paul and Joe Midiri returning next year!

Seacoast Stompers at ACTIII, August 8, 2015

Posted on August 9, 2015 by admin

Seacoast Stompers with Dave Whitney

The Seacoast Stompers had a rip-roaring afternoon with a Full House at ACTIII in Littleton, MA. Dave Whitney ruled the roost, amazing the audience with his new prowess on cornet.

Dave is well known for his amazing Louis-type trumpet for many years, but he was still in charge on this marvelous afternoon of great Traditional and Dixieland Jazz and Swing.

It was great to have Jimmy Mazzy back. He’s no longer at the Colonial Inn; after 35 years he’s now looking for a new venue. But all the local bands want Jimmy, and they have kept him busy all summer. But WE had him tonight, scatting on Canal St. Blues and Stealing Apples, How Come You Do Me Like You Do, singing on Write Myself a Letter, I Cover the Waterfront, Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans (Dave slipping in snippets of multiple songs.)

The one and only, Jimmy Mazzy

But Dave Whitney has some favorite songs, and he did some singing too, besides leading the band with his fantastic cornet.

Dave with silly grin on his face, singing

Dave sang some of the tunes

Curse of an Aching Heart, Back o’ Town Blues. His cornet sounds almost like a trumpet when he hits those high notes.

Al Bernard on tuba

Al Bernard is a master of the tuba, listening to the soloists and backing them with many different chord phrasings. He even becomes part of the front line, playing a full chorus of melodies on that monstrous tuba, as if it were easy!

Dave catches Frank by surprise

Frank Stadler is leader of the Seacoast Stompers, but he was happy to let Dave take over and call the tunes. Frank introduced many of the songs and had that piano singing.

But Dave was constantly catching him off guard with his many surprising antics on cornet and vocals.

Catch the Seacoast Stompers Quartet next month on September 12th, 2-5pm, and you’ll be surprised too!! POSTER
Be sure to make a reservation, because they will surely sell out! Act III, 529 King St. Littleton MA (978) 486-3600. They have music from Tuesday through Sunday. Check it out. ‎Monthly music schedule

Playlist for Seacoast Stompers 2015-08-08
Set 1
1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 Canal Street Blues
3 Don’t Be That Way
4 Keepin Out Of Mischief Now
5 World is Waiting for the Sunrise
6 I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write
7 I Would Do Anything For You
8 I Cover the Waterfront
9 It Don’t Mean a Thing If it Ain’t Got That Swing
10 Stealin Apples
Set 2
1 Soft Winds
2 Limehouse Blues
3 Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
4 Curse of an Aching Heart
5 Back o’ Town Blues
Set 3
1 Porter’s Love Song To A Chambermaid
2 Deed I Do
3 Take Your Tomorrow
4 Swing That Music
5 Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
6 Louisiana Fairy Tale
7 Jelly Roll (Ain’t Gonna Give You None)

Jeff Hughes JazzNews at Primavera in Millis MA, July 30, 2015 by Bill Falk

Posted on August 1, 2015 by admin

Jeff Hughes Jazz News

Guest writer: Bill Falk
Narragansett, RI

I am not a jazz musician, nor am I knowledgeable about music, so this review expresses my feelings as an undying fan of over 70 years. I thought the band was sensational. They were really “hot” as they romped through many great standards with outstanding improvisation around the melodies. Jeff Hughes did a terrific job both leading the group and playing the trumpet. He blended everyone’s talents wonderfully – especially since his usual group of stalwarts were augmented by the addition of Jack Soref on guitar and Kellian Adams on vocals.

Soref plays in the style of the master gypsy guitarist Django Reinhart. He was phenomenal, and he blended in with his new mates quite easily, Jeff gave him plenty of time to show how terrific he is.

Jack Soref, gypsy Jazz guitar

Kellian can belt out tunes focusing mostly on middle range. She provided a change of pace nicely.

Kellian at mic, pretty dark haired vocalist that also revived some Ethel Merman

Kellian Adams Pletcher is a Joy!

Herb Gardner was outstanding on the keyboard as usual. He also entertained us with a couple of solos on the trombone.

Herb Gardner, keyboard and trombone

Herb’s daughter Sarah Nova was in the audience. She showed us she has the
inherited talent of her father when she got up and sang.

Sarah Gardner Nova

John Clark is an extremely versatile reed man as he alternated playing clarinet, soprano sax and baritone sax – all with excellent results.

John Clark on baritone sax

Steve Taddeo is really into it on drums. He’s wonderful setting the beat and soloing.You can tell the he really loves playing, and it rubs off on the audience.

Steve Taddeo on his brand new Slingerland Drums

Al Bernard handles the tuba great as he anchors the rhythm section – plus he solos excellently.

Al Bernard, tuba, rhythm,

Unfortunately, the heavy rain kept the crowd down, but Jeff and the group will return to the Primavera on October 22nd.

Come see them perform – you’ll love their music and they are a congenial, friendly bunch appreciative of everyone who comes to see them play.

The music took me back to the days when jazz was extremely popular, and bands like this played all over New England. I wish I could see more of this band – they are so great. They really have no weaknesses for an old time jazz fan like me.

Bill Falk

Riverboat Stompers in Bellingham MA Concerts on the Grass, July 29, 2015

Posted on July 31, 2015 by admin

Riverboat Stompers at Bellingham’s Concert on the Grass

Steve Straus, leader/clarinet/soprano sax/vocals, Neil Flewelling cornet, Frank Batchelor trombone, Phil Hower keyboard, Steve Caddick banjo/vocals, Pierre Lemieux tuba, Richard Malcolm drums

Videos by Marce

The Riverboat Stompers are a seven-piece ensemble specializing in Traditional and Dixieland Jazz of the 20’s to 40’s. It’s obvious that this is the music they cherish and have played for many years. They have been playing all over New England this summer – one of their best years ever. It was a pleasure to catch them in my home town, Bellingham MA. This was their first time here at the Bellingham Summer Concerts in the park – but they will be back!

They are masters of Dixieland Jazz, playing well-known standards with feeling and passion. The three members of the front line play tight ensemble, complementing each other. They keep this Jazz HOT!

Dave Flewelling, Steve Straus, Frank Batchelor

Steve sings You Took Advantage of Me:

paving stone that says "Marcelle Fleuette Enright" "We love you."

Part of the ‘Dance Floor’ that surrounds the building.

Part of the “dance floor”.

Concerts on the Grass are a family occasion and also have horseback rides over by the Veterans’ Memorial
https://www.nejazz.com/Wordpress/2015/03/pierre-lemieux-tuba/

Pierre sitting and smiling, holding monstrous tuba

Pierre Lemieux

Pierre Lemieux does a fine tuba solo. He keeps busy playing with many bands.

The band continued with Sweet Georgia Brown,

That’s a Plenty was plenty HOT!

Malcolm smiling at camera with Red Seacoast Stompers shirt

Rich Malcolm plays great Trad. He also teaches at Berklee.

Phil Hower

The drummer is the heartbeat of Traditional Jazz. Rich is an excellent Trad drummer (hard to find!) and keeps the musicians in perfect time. He took the intro to SAN, starting with an Indian beat, hitting the toms, and continued backing Straus’s marvelous soprano sax – this tune was a gem!

Pianist Phil Hower listens carefully; responds with delicate and resourceful phrases.

Frank Batchelor

Frank Batchelor was featured on Basin St. Blues with a lyrical sliding melody linked to the original tailgate style of New Orleans. Awesome!.

Royal Garden Blues

Neil Flewelling, cornet

We were introduced to a tune: You Meet the Nicest People; this is the first time we’ve heard this tune. Fine cornet by Neil.

Neil Flewelling has admirable technique with solos that move lightly from phrase to phrase. We do meet the nicest people listening to Traditional and Dixieland Jazz!!

They added some fine blues, Jazz Me Blues. Buddy Bolden’s Blues was played slowly, melancholy and bluesy. Straus changed the mood singing a happy Floatin’ Down to Cottontown. “Hear the folks all singin’, banjos ringin’ ’till the break of day.”

Steve in white shirt and red vest playing banjo.

Steve Caddick teaches banjo all over the world by Skype.

Steve Caddick (Banjo Hall of Fame inductee) on banjo and vocals, was a welcome addition to the band. Besides playing strong background rhythm, Steve Caddick had many vocals, There’ll Be Some Changes Made, Exactly Like You, Somebody Stole My Gal, Hard Hearted Hannah, It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie, My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms, Ain’t She Sweet, and the closing tune on banjo and vocals, drum finale.

Avalon

These Concerts on the Grass are broadcast on Bellingham/Mendon video station http://abmi8.org. You might be able to get them on line.
The Riverboat Stompers were heading for Cohasset the next day, with Jimmy Mazzy on banjo. Check our calendar on www.nejazz.com and search for Riverboat Stompers to find when this marvelous Dixieland Jazz Band will be in your neighborhood. www.riverboatstompers.com.

Paul Monat’s Jailhouse 4+1 at Primavera Ristorante, July 23, 2015

Posted on July 27, 2015 by admin

Paul Monat’s Jailhouse 4+1

Gary Bohan cornet, Paul Monat cornet/tuba, Pete Collins clarinet, Dave James (Caponigro) Keys, Steve Taddeo drums

Paul Monat introduced us to some new faces with his Jailhouse 4+1 and lit up Primavera Ristorante on July 23rd. The Band is patterned after the Firehouse 5 + 2, but because of the late notice, Paul wasn’t able to line up more than five free musicians. Disney has ‘Firehouse’ patented, hence the Jailhouse 4+1. The Quintet lit Primavera on fire!

Paul Monat brought his monstrous brass bass along with his Wild Bill Davison influence on cornet. Cornetist Gary Bohan easily plays a range of styles including klezmer, jazz, mainstream, big band and Dixieland. Clarinetist Pete Collins was still streaming, fresh from his own Jazz Band Ball’s performance at Lobsterman’s Wharf in East Boothbay, Maine. Steve Taddeo was turbulent on his brand-new Slingerland Drums.

Last but not least, on the keyboard Dave (Caponigro) James is a band by himself. He is performing somewhere in the greater Boston area almost every night. His keyboard subs for trombone, banjo, vibraphone, you name it, and he is also a great vocalist. He played a memorable solo on keyboard, providing his own comp, and singing a soulful Rosetta.

Dave (Caponigro) James

Together the Jailhouse 4+1 sizzled! Jeannine in the audience exclaimed, “Who needs two more?”

Chinaboy.

Pete on clarinet with tuba in background

Pete Collins, leader of The Jazz Band Ball Band

Clarinet lead on Indiana, piano slipped in some Yankee Doodle Dandy, before they let Steve loose on drums.

Found a New Baby, Avalon; Pete went wild on Way Down Yonder in New Orleans.

Abbondanza – Paul on his remarkable 5-valve tuba, Steve backing with clutch cymbal. Dave’s keyboard feigning a trombone.

Steve Taddeo backs Paul’s tuba

Tuba was featured on Them There Eyes, Paul intense on that monster brass. Steve on solo tapping every drum, cymbal, block, bell.
Basin St. Blues. Keeping Out of Mischief Now, Dave singing with rhythmical cadence.

Shine

Gary Bohan and Paul Monat are amazing together

Memories of You with both cornets resurrected fond memories; Gary driving and adding distinctive shadings and tone, Paul emulating Wild Bill. Pete played low register clarinet; Dave played his own comp on keyboard solo.

The two cornets let loose on Swing That Music; keyboard playing banjo. WILD! They slowed for a sweet Honeysuckle Rose, Gary’s clear tone cornet, Pete sounding like Pete Fountain, Keyboard was playing vibraphone. Never got dull!

When You’re Smiling – Surprise – Pete Collins did the vocal! Pleasing voice. We’ve been following him for years, never heard him sing before.

Dinah – you know this was WILD! Ensemble intro, amazing duet between drums and Paul on cornet. It’s Taddeo’s theme song – he was ready with his Krupa walk around, heading for our table and tapping on everything in site, making melody out of several wine glasses.

It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing – The Jailhouse 5 had the Swing!

They brought the tempo down with a fine melody, Roseroom. Paul closed this hard driving performance with The Saints.

Paul Monat is determined to bring in new sounds with a Jailhouse 5+2. He’s here for the summer, so stay tuned for some more fireworks!

Seacoast Stompers Quartet at ACT3, July 11, 2015

Posted on July 19, 2015 by admin

Seacoast Stompers Quartet at ACT3, Littleton MA

Bob MacInnis cornet/flugelhorn, John Clark alto sax/clarinet, Al Bernard tuba, Frank Stadler piano/leader

by Marce
Videos by Harold McAleer

These musicians are so proficient, skilled, that the Quartet sounds like a 7-piece band!

Mood Indigo, Louisiana,, Indiana, Sweet Lorraine, There’ll be Some Changes Made, Ain’t Got a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing; playing all our favorites with fantastic Swing and Dixieland.

Limehouse Blues

It’s great to have MacInnis’ sweet cornet back for the summer. He knows how to put a song across. Sweet, smokey flugelhorn on New Orleans, with Albie’s tuba playing low, low, low.

Cornet played rubato and propelled the band into After You’ve Gone. It was WILD! Bob sounded just like Bix on San; John Clark on alto sax, added his own accompaniment He and MacInnis are a band unto themselves.

Seacoast ‘front line’

Undecided

John Clark sings Swing That Music

John Clark’s alto sax sounds much like a tenor when he hits those low notes on I Want a Little Girl trading fours with Albie’s tuba. I loved this tune! He also surprised Frank Stadler with a vocal on Swing That Music. John has been singing more often lately, pushed by his #1 fan, Betty Weaver.

Albie plays melodic tuba on every tune too!

Albie represents a 3-piece rhythm section by himself, as well as playing the front line with a melodic solo chorus on every tune. ‘Deed I Do.

He can push the band with a heavy chord, or softly back all of Franks piano solos.

Frank leads the band, but gives them much leeway. A nimble fingered pianist, he favors a lighter touch, but plays an integral role in the band. His piano intro on Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of my Jelly Roll set the band on fire.

Frank Stadler, pianist, leader

Mandy, Make Up Your Mind – nobody called the key, it took a few choruses before they made up their minds and then played fabulous ensemble.

They closed with Runnin’ Wild, clarinet and cornet intertwined, with Albie pushing the band by taking a deep breath and playing 4/4 notes. It was a fabulous afternoon! It would have been nice to have had the whole 7-piece band, but we’ll take this Quartet anytime!!

Trust me – it’s much more exciting seeing them interact and hearing them LIVE! The next Seacoast Stompers Quartet will return to Act3 August 8^th, with Dave Whitney trumpet or cornet – he’s playing both now, and the Seacoast Base – Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Albie tuba, and Frank Stadler piano. Come join us for great Jazz and ACT 3 cuisine!

ACT3 – July 11, 2015 — Seacoast Stompers Quartet set track

Set1
1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 Everybody Loves My Baby
3 Mama’s Gone Goodbye
4 China Boy
5 Mood Indigo
6 Limehouse Blues
7 Louisiana
8 San
9 Singin the Blues
10 Struttin With Some Barbecue
set2
11 There’ll Be Some Changes Made
12 New Orleans
13 Jelly Roll (Ain’t Gonna Give You None)
14 I Want A Little Girl
15 Mandy Make Up Your Mind
16 Deed I Do
17 Swing That Music
set3
18 After You’ve Gone
19 It Don’t Mean a Thing If it Ain’t Got That Swing
20 Undecided
21 Dinah
22 Sweet Lorraine
23 Indiana
24 Running Wild

Wolverine Jazz Quintet takes a Dixieland Cruise on Boston Harbor

Posted on July 9, 2015 by admin

Wolverine Jazz Quintet

The Wolverine Jazz Band Quintet played brilliantly on the Dixieland Jazz Cruise out of Boston Harbor with Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark reeds, Ross Petot keyboard, dynamic duo Rick MacWilliams tuba and Dave Didriksen drums, and vocalist Kellian Pletcher.

S. S. Samuel Clemens, decked out like a Mississippi River Boat

It’s been decades since we were on a Jazz Cruise in Boston Harbor. On Saturday June 20^th, the S.S. Samuel Clemens, the flagship of the Mass Bay Lines, departed from Rowe’s Wharf for a Dixieland Jazz Cruise hosted by the Greater Boston Vintage Society, directed by Jason Volk. They wore vintage clothing, and had clothes, hats, ties, shoes, and jewelry for sale. There was even a contest for the ‘Best dressed’. It was great fun for everyone.

Mari and Edgar demonstrating the Swing

The afternoon started at 1pm with a Swing Dance Lesson by Boston Lindy Hop teachers Mari Adams and Edgar B. Herwick III.

Dance lesson:

After an hour, they were all Swinging like mad! The ship left Boston behind and The Wolverine Jazz Quintet played from 2pm to 5pm for the dancers.

motorboats, sailboats, on the harbor with ?? background

Busy Boston Harbor with Bunker Hill Monument in the background

We especially liked the Mooch, video taped by John Carlo.
https://www.facebook.com/carlo.esp/videos/o.184566948381364/863483993722009/?type=2&theater

Dirt Cheap Video caught the excitement of the whole trip (3.5 minutes):

Kellian Pletcher

Vocalist Killian Pletcher isn’t only a fine vocalist, but a great Swing dancer too

We haven’t been on a Jazz Cruise on Boston Harbor since the 1980’s when different bands were featured on both levels. The change in the Boston harborside was startling! Anthony’s Pier 4 is a wreck, waiting to be demolished. The Black Eagles began on a ship docked by that restaurant in the early 70’s.

It was sad to see, but we were encouraged by all the brand new development along the harbor. Boston will remain a vital, growing metropolis. We hope to see more Jazz and Dixieland Jazz Cruises in the future!

The Greater Boston Vintage Society is an active group and sponsors vintage happenings all year all over New England and beyond. Check them out. https://www.facebook.com/groups/GreaterBostonVintageSociety/

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