Hot Steamed Jazz 2013 – Gospel Sunday

Posted on June 23, 2013 by admin

The Sunday Revival Band

Gospel Sunday, with the Reverent Jeff Barnhart (Rev. Josh Crowell couldn’t be here.)

Jeff Barnhart piano, Noel Kaletsky clarinet, Al Bernard sousaphone, Lou Bocciarelli string bass, Jamil Jorge trombone, Tom Palinko drums, Jane Campedelli vocals. “Jazz knows no age. Jamil just graduated from college, and he’s playing fine trombone.”

Jeff started on piano with Just a Little While to Stay Here. Before going into his homily, he thanked the appreciative audience for clapping in 2-4 time. “Those that clap in 1-3 time are doing a polka.”

Sunday Band, Noel Kaletsky alto sax

Down By The Riverside, with Noel on rip-roaring alto sax. He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands, Lead Me, a tune that came from Freddy’s J.P. Alessi Band.
Appropriate spirituals on this beautiful sunny Sunday!

Reverent Jeff Barnhart

Jeff’s sermon was a script he prepared appropriately for this Sunday, with the Theme “Sharing Gifts”, which is what these musicians are all about.

Jeff said he was petrified when he learned he was leading the Gospel, so he Googled the internet, looking for a Jazz connection, and found Psalm 150 was appropriate. “Praise the Lord with lute, harps, cymbals, Praise the Lord with song.”

Revival Meeting

Bob Seeley was helping him in the front row with his tambourine.
“I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.” Just voices and drums – our own revival meeting. Amen!!

Skip Hughes sings hymn

Skip Hughes stepped up with his formidable voice on Old Rugged Cross. It was a spontaneous epiphany.

Noel Kaletsky – Just a Closer Walk with Thee, in beautiful low-register clarinet, with Lou plucking string bass. Palinko watched Noel carefully, nobody knows what he’ll do next. His clarinet wrapped it up, rising way up to heaven.

Jane Campedelli sang Amazing Grace, with Noel Kaletsky backing her. They make a marvelous team, starting reverently and ending in a wild boogie.

Jane Campedelli sings Amazing Grace

“Everybody’s going to have a wonderful time up there.” She knows all the verses:
Everybody’s gonna have religion in glory,
Everbody’s gonna be singing that story,
Everybody’s gonna have a wonderful time up there,
(BASE) Oh, glory hallelujah!
Brother, there’s reckoning a coming in the morning,
Better get you ready cause I’m giving you warning,
Everbody’s gonna have a wonderful time up there.
This Little Light of Mine, Jane Skip and Jeff singing a capella. (You had to be there!)

Skip, Jeff and Janie sing a capella

Bob Seeley also played an Amazing Grace on piano, first slowly, then with great drama, moving into Boogie Woogie.
Video from Amazing Grace 2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz6d6XaR1hc

The tent really felt like a chapel. Finale was The Saints, ladies with parasols marching up and down the aisles. Shirley Bombaci was having a great time!

ladies marching with parasols, Shirley Bombaci clapping along beside them

Marching parasols

Bob Seeley was right in the middle of them, dancing around with his tambourine.

Bob Seeley, marching and slapping his tambourine

Great Job, Reverent Barnhart!!

On with the 2014 Traditional/Dixieland Jazz Festival!!

Hot Steamed Jazz Festival 2013 – Wolverine Jazz Band

Posted on June 22, 2013 by admin

videos by Eric Devine (some are only highlighted)

John Clark’s Wolverine Jazz Band

The Wolverine Jazz Band has finally become recognized as one of the top Traditional and Dixieland Jazz Bands. It’s been a long time coming, since John Clark stepped in to fill in the reed section of the Paramount Jazz Band in 1994.

In his own words:
“I started at the Holiday Inn when Ray invited me to his 1994 Christmas party there – I thought it was an actual party and not a performance, so it was a good thing I thought to throw my bari in the car – it turned out to be an audition (I had played in a casual group with Ray the summer before). Apparently I passed, because I was put on the regular rotation after that (I believe the Christmas gig was the last local gig for both Gary Rodberg and Steve Wright – I think they both moved away within a week or so). That led to my subbing for Steve with the Paramount J.B. on the England tour in June, 1995.”

John continued his studies at Connecticut College, and soon formed the Wolverine Jazz Band, with its own ‘Bix’, Jeff Hughes on cornet and trumpet,Tom Boates trombone, Ross Petot piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums.

They have since been invited to the Bar Harbor Jazz Festival, America’s Dixieland Festival, Olympia; Arizona Classic Jazz Festival, Summit Jazz Festival, Hot Steamed Jazz Festival.

They kicked off this session with a tune Santo Pecora, trombone, played with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings. Check out our own Santo Pecora! She’s Crying For Me,.

Jimmy starts a swinging 1920’s Dardanella,

Jimmy sings Yellow Dog Blues

The one and only Jimmy Mazzy singing in the 1919 W. C. Handy’s Yellow Dog Blues.

(People in New England don’t jump up out of their seats and holler like the West Coast Trad Jazz Fans on Yellow Dog Blues.)

Sweet Jenny Lee is on one of the Woverines’ many CDs. Clark dug out the bari sax.

The Rhythm Boys keep the band jumping.

Dave Dickriksen

Rick MacWilliams

They stole a tune from Clarence Williams – “You can never get enough from him.” Cushion Foot Stomp, with Jimmy vocal, Dave wrapped it up with a loud crash cymbal.

The Halfway House Orchestra did this old chestnut in the 1920’. Wolverines updated it to 1925 style. Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Ross marvelous on stride piano.

Tom Boates

They moved to ‘western swing’ with a tune played by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, with Tom Boates’ captivating vocal. Cherokee Maiden, backed by Dave’s Native American drum beat.

Ross was back in stride with a hard driving tempo on Duke’s Street Beat CD, Birmingham Breakdown. Fabulous muted trombone and baritone sax.

Trumpet and banjo kicked off Irving Berlin’s 1929 Waiting at the End of the Road, featuring Jimmy; nice tight ensemble on Jimmy Blythe’s 1920’s Oriental Man.

The Wolverine Jazz Band plays at least once a month at the Sherborn Inn’s Tuesday Night Jazz, and always to a full-house. For their schedule, best get on John’s email list at jazzbnd@aol.com

Dr. John Clark and his Wolverine Jazz Band have a bright future ahead of them!!
Wolverine Jazz Band – Massachusetts

Hot Steamed Jazz Festival – 2013

Posted on June 21, 2013 by admin

2014 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival is
June 20, 21, 22

The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival June 21-23 at the Valley Railroad in Essex Connecticut was a complete SUCCESS – and Shirley Bombaci is now looking for an appropriate date in 2014 for a repeat performance! The spirits were with us this year with perfect sunshine, a slight breeze, and to top it all off, a Super Full Moon.

Shirley Bombaci

Shirley and the Committee worked tirelessly all year to pull the Festival together. President/Chair Shirley Bombaci, Vice President Bob Brummett, Treasurer Nina Sulinski, Secretary Beth Fitzsimmons; Members: Sue Brummett, Marge Olmstead, Nancy Loader (publicity) and Joanne Sousa who assembled the many volunteers. (They could have used more volunteers – Leo Martin was setting up the chairs on Thursday by himself.)

Music was top priority, they skipped frills like badges, expensive programs. The Friday night crowd was light, but Saturday and Sunday made up for it.

Eric Devine Videos

Jeff Barnhart

Gospel Sunday
Rev. Crowell couldn’t make it this year, so Jeff Barnhart was appointed temporary minister for He searched the internet for appropriate passages, and God answered him with Amazing Grace!

Jeff Barnhart and Bob Seeley Duet

Jeff and Bob Seeley managed to get together for a short 4-handed Boogie-Woogie.

Joel Silvestro and partner

Joel Silvestro was spotted on the dance floor, still demonstrating his marvelous dancing style.

THE BANDS at the 2013 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival included:

Festival All Stars, led by Jeff Barnhart. They started out Friday night with four people, including indefatigable Noel Kaletsky, who never stopped playing until the last note on Sunday! By Sunday, the Fest Band had a full stage.

Noel plays Sleep

Dan Levinson was here for the 16th year, bringing in a new generation of talented musicians, Dan Levinson’s Millenium All Stars from New York. We hope they will introduce Traditional Jazz to their peers at various venues there.

Bob Seeley will be 85 in September, that that hasn’t slowed this boogie-meister down at all!

The Midiri Brothers are entertainers as well as accomplished musicians. They are always crowd pleasers.

Ben Mauger is a Hot Steamed favorite, with a new clarinet player this year in Ben Mauger’s Speakeasy Six.

Route 17 Stompers were Art Hovey’s Sugarfoot Youth Band. All but a few of his Sugarfoot alumni have moved on to higher education, hopefully as professional musicians. Art is starting fresh with a whole new crew, mostly from Durham CT, who are already showing great promise, even a new Louis Armstrong and King Oliver. Some of his alumni were here to support the new group.

Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band was augmented by Skip Hughes, Jane Campedelli, and Ben Griffin. With a new manager in charge of publicity, Karen Senn – Watch Out! This band is going places.

Ladies marching with parasols, Shirley right beside them

Parasol Parade, with Shirley

The Wolverine Jazz Band has been practicing their performance on us at the Sherborn Inn for the last few months, and did not disappoint. This is a New England favorite, and has been invited to festivals all over the country. Dr. John Clark and this band have a great future!

Galvanized Jazz Band was also joined by Jane Campedelli. We missed Bob Price golden voice and banjo. Steve Keeler, Jazz Guitar subbed for Bob. You’ll be hearing more from him! Our own Sophie Tucker, Jane Campedelli was back from Florida, belting out tunes with the Galvanized and many other bands.

The Jazz Jesters from Cape Cod led by Jeff Hughes. Jeff has many bands playing music from the 20’s through the 50’s. The Jazz Jesters delve into the Jazz Decades of the 20’s and 30’s, (much as Ray Smith does every Sunday on www.wgbh.org 8-9pm.)

Funky Butt Jazz Band is led by Pierce Campbell, known for his finger-style guitar work and singing. He was appointed Connecticut State Troubadour for 2007-2008.

Bob Seeley leads more parasols with his tambourine

Proceeds from this festival benefited Paul Newman’s Hole In The Wall Gang Camp, celebrating its 25^th Anniversary this year. www.holeinthewallgang.org

In 1988, Paul Newman opened The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut so that children coping with serious illnesses could have a special hideout where they could simply be kids. Music fans contributed in special cups placed at each tent, and there was a raffle of baskets full of items from the Camp.

The Committee may have skipped many of the frills, but there were Hot Steamed Festival Tee Shirts and Polo Shirts available at a very reasonable price. There will be more great bands next year. We hope more volunteers will step up. How about it??

Thank you Shirley Bombaci and Crew for persevering and giving us another weekend of great Traditional and Dixieland Jazz. See you all next year!

Marce

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.

Jazz Jesters at the Sherborn Inn, May 28, 2013

Posted on May 30, 2013 by admin

The Jazz Jesters

Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark and Craig Ball Reeds, Ross Petot piano, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Al Bernard tuba, Steve Taddeo drums, and special guest Bob MacInnis on cornet.

This is My Lucky Day – always is when the Jazz Jesters start their theme song and bring Hot Dance music of the Jazz Decades to the Sherborn Inn; plentiful 20’s and 30’s early Bix and Bunny Berigan. We were especially delighted to have a surprise guest sitting in!

Ross playing stride piano

Dot Prescott was remembered with Ross Petot featured on stride, But Not For Me. The first time they ever played it was in concert at the Prescott Traditional Jazz Library at UNH, with Johnny Battis.

Radio – remember radio, when the DJ would play something familiar, then sneak in something new? Jesters played Breakaway, and sneaked in Con Conrad’s Broadway Melody.

What’s the Use is one of Steve Taddeo’s favorites, by Isham Jones. Bobby Hackett recorded it on the Commodore label. Craig was featured on clarinet with Three Little Words.

Reedmen Craig Ball and John Clark

The dynamic reed-men Craig Ball and John Clark are as expressive as the multi-reeds sections of a Big Band, changing combinations, saxophones on Song of India, clarinets on East Coast Trot. They inspire each other, alternating alto and tenor sax and clarinet, and challenge the leader by changing the program on him.

The charts you see are just suggestions for chords. No one tells these spirited Jazz musicians how to play, (although Jeff sometimes gets head arrangements to work).

Bob MacInnis

Surprise treat was the appearance of Bob MacInnis on cornet. He’s back!! Better than ever! Eight-piece band, with trumpet and cornet, played fantastic ensemble on Bix’s Deep Down South.

Steve Taddeo

Taddeo was behaving himself with sensitive, smooth brushwork, and soft tapping on choke cymbal. He’s getting the hang of this Trad Jazz!

Jeff let him loose on Irving Berlin’s 1927 Russian Lullaby, then Steve’s inherent Gene Krupa materialized, backed by the band in stop time. Fabulous!

Jimmy singing and playing banjo, with Al Bernard and Steve Taddeo in background

Jimmy Mazzy, with Steve Taddeo and Al Bernard

There Ain’t No Land Like Dixieland, Melody From The Sky, Cabin in the Pines, Jimmy Mazzy vocals. Eat your heart out, Europe!

Jeff gave Jimmy his choice from the myriad collection of tunes stored in his genius brain. They ducked for cover, never knowing what Jimmy will come up with. This time it was Sam the Accordion Man.

Pardon My Southern Accent, Jeff Hughes taking a very expressive vocal. MacInnis added “Another one I don’t know”, but jumped right in.

They closed with a WILD Fats Waller stride tune. Dismissing us with Fats is a good choice, making sure we all return – Zonky. We’ll come back September 24^th and November 28^th to hear more of these outstanding Jazz Musicians!

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

Posted on May 24, 2013 by admin

www.hotsteamedjazz.com/

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

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

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

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

Dan Levinson’s Millenium All Stars– New York

Bob Seeley – Detroit

The Midiri Brothers – New Jersey

Jeff Barnhart –Connecticut

Festival All Stars

Ben Mauger’s Vintage Jazz Band – Pennsylvania

Sugarfoot Youth Jazz Band – Connecticut

Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band – Connecticut

Wolverine Jazz Band – Massachusetts

Galvanized Jazz Band –Connecticut

Jane Campedelli – Florida

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

Funky Butt Jazz Band

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

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

Festival sponsors include:

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

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

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

Proceeds benefit the Hole in the Wall Jazz Camp

Hot Steamed 2012

Swing Senders with the Midiri Brothers in Lincoln MA

Posted on May 22, 2013 by admin

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders were enriched by the presence of The Midiri Brothers at this year’s final performance of Classic Jazz at Lincoln Library in Lincoln, Massachusetts, on May 22, 2013.

Personnel: Midiri Brothers, Joe reeds, Paul vibes, trombone and drums; John Clark reeds, Jeff Hughes trumpet, Scott Philbrick cornet/guitar, Bill Doyle guitar, Dan Gabel trombone, Ross Petot piano, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve Taddeo drums, Caroline Griep vocals. They looked and sounded like a Big Band – ten pieces of the finest Swing you would ever want to hear!

Caroline Griep

Joe Midiri

Charismatic vocalist Caroline Griep flashed a gleaming smile and regaled us with Just You, Just Me, Jeepers Creepers, All of Me, improvising and scatting with Bill Doyle on guitar on Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.

She enjoys singing, and her pleasure comes through.

Paul Midiri

Consummate entertainers, the Midiri Brothers drove from New Jersey to Massachusetts to be here with the SteveTaddeo’s Swing Senders. Joe is a monster on reeds, whether on alto or soprano sax, or clarinet, had us on the edge of our seats when he hit D above high C and held it for a long note.

Lionel Hampton’s Flying Home, 1939-41, Paul flying on vibes. Steve closed it with the drum walk-around that is his specialty. “Got that Harold?”

Ross was featured on Crazy Rhythm, with Bill Doyle on guitar and Scott cornet and Paul Midiri playing drums.

A trio, band within a band, had Clark on clarinet, Steve drums, Ross’s marvelous stride piano, You Do Something To Me.

Stomping at the Savoy piano did the intro with the two fabulous guitars of Bill Doyle and Scott Philbrick, John on bari sax, Dan trombone, Jeff on trumpet, Joe clarinet, Paul vibes, Steve drums. A scorcher!

Joe was on alto sax for his infamous version of Sunny Side of the Street, singing in the Louis voice he does so well.

Midiri Brothers were featured on Avalon. ’nuff said!!

Dan Gabel and Jeff Hughes

Dan Gabel and Jeff were featured in a mellow Day Dream, a beautiful instrumental written by Billy Strayhorn and Duke.

Fred Waring’s Sleep is usually a Midiri’s full band feature, and it was marvelous with all the instruments, with drum intro, hot clarinet at each end.

They closed with the Swing Senders theme song, Dinah – video below in two parts, with hard driving tempo, Midiri on clarinet, Gabel trombone, ending with Paul and Steve battling it out on the drums. Videos by Harold McAleer.

Dinah Part 1, Dan Gabel takes off on trombone.

The sticks vie for dominance on this closing number of the Swing Senders at Bemis Hall — Harold McAleer videos.

Dinah Part 2

WOW!

Bob and Dan MacInnis

Can’t tell you how great it was to see another set of brothers here – Bob and Dan MacInnis. Welcome back!!

Charlie and Evelyn find a space to dance no matter how crowded it is!

This was an impressive evening of solid, hard driving Swing, with the Midiri Brothers joining the Swing Senders. Steve Taddeo assures us there will be more to come this summer.

Meantime, the Midiri Brothers left at midnight for that long ride home. They are seasoned musicians and inveterate entertainers!

Dave Whitney Big Band at the Sherborn Inn

Posted on May 7, 2013 by admin

Dave Whitney Big Band

This is one exciting thirteen piece Big Band that transported us back to the days of Benny Goodman, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Woody Herman and more!
Trumpets: Joe Musumeci, Mel Deveau, Jeff Hughes, Dave Whitney
Trombones: Scott Hills, Jay Keyser
Reeds: Art Bakopolus, Bob Drukman, John Clark, Blair Bettencourt
Piano, Steve Dale; Bass, Dave LeBleu, Drums, Reid Jorgensen

They began with a number one hit for Benny Goodman, Jersey Bounce. This was the perfect introduction to the fabulous swing bands of the 30’s to 50’s; we became totally immersed in the Swing Era.

Dave’s theme song, a tune that Fats did with both a small and big band, When Somebody Things You’re Wonderful, was taken from an album Dave did in 1975 with Blair Bettencourt.

They presented a great New Orleans medley from the Chris Powers Orchestra – Chris was a New England band leader and arranger. Dave Whitney, Dave LeBleu, Joe Musumeci, Scott Hills and Arthur Bakopolus were in that band. Sophia Stevens was a vocalist with the band, but couldn’t be here this evening.

In a Medley of New Orleans tunes, Joe Musumeci raised goose bumps on his solo of Darkness on the Delta,

Joe Musumici

Usually Sophia has the vocal on Embraceable You, with Dave on trumpet solo and lead alto Arthur Bakopolus.
Bakopolus played inspiring solo work on that Jimmy Dorsey tune, and also on a Duke tune done by Johnny Hodges, All Of Me.

He set sparks flying on Jimmy McHugh’s Sunny Side of the Street.

Arthur Bakopolus, lead alto sax

In the early 30’s, Bing Crosby recorded a nice dance arrangement, Paradise. The dancers loved it!

Moving to a Latin beat, they played My Adobe Hacienda, a tune from the Wolverine Jazz Band’s CD, Give Me Some Tempo.

Dave Whitney

Dave

Dave is known as “The Dean of New England Trumpeters.” In 1985, Chris Powers and Dave recorded a tune with a Johnny Mercer routine, Sugar Blues, Whitney assuming the warbling, wa wa trumpet. A fine upbeat tune, it is still available on the George Buck label.

Blair Bettencourt on vocal!

Spotlight was on Blair Bettencourt – who knew he was such a fine vocalist???

He was in rare voice on Guy Lombardo’s hit, Everywhere You Go.

From a ‘new’ book, 1970, Engelbert Humperdinck’s After The Loving. Beautiful! The Audience was singing with him.

They stayed on the mellow side with Irving Berlin’s How Deep Is The Ocean, featuring Berklee Professor Steve Dale.

Steve was also highlighted on L-O-V-E, Love.

Steve Dale, piano, arranger, with Whitney in background

Steve Dale, pianist and arranger

Our favorite of the whole evening was a medley they played at Angelica’s called a ‘Baker’s Dozen’, actually a marvelous mini-tour of the Big Band Era!
Glenn Miller’s 1939 In The Mood, the most popular song of that era!
1938 Don’t Be That Way
Tommy Dorsey’s 1944 Opus One
Long John Silver 1948
Jimmy Lunceford’s For Dancers Only
Stan Kenton’s theme song, Eager Beaver
Jan Savitt’s 720 in the Books
Count Basie’s One O’Clock Jump
Woody Herman’s Woodchopper’s Ball
Artie Shaw’s 1938 Begin the Beguine
Les Brown’s Band of Renown, Leap Frog
Duke’s 1941 A Train
Harry James’ 1941 Back Beat Boogie, Dave taking the lead.

WOW! Those old tunes are still the best of all!

He stumped the audience with the last one – nobody knew it: Boston Tea Party. This is their new chaser for sets, theme of Mal Hallet – a popular New England band.

Scott Hill’s trombone was superb on Juan Tizol’s Caravan.

Scott has been with the band since its inception.

He continued with the Tommy Dorsey, Jack Leonard, Bunny Berigan, 1937 original arrangement of Marie, with Band backup, and Dave on vocal.

Scott Hill

Tuxedo Junction was recorded by just about every band!

Erskin Hawkins had a great arrangement of Savoy. Two of our favorite Jazzmen, Jeff Hughes on muted trumpet, John Clark clarinet, gave it the Big Band Sound.

From Duke’s library, Whitney got his chops ready for a mini concerto using Rex Stuart’s half-valving technique, Boy Meets Horn. Spectacular!

They featured a “little band within a big band”, as in Tommy Dorsey’s Clambake Seven, a Dixieland group that had a small band in their big band performances. But Dave used Bob Crosby’s March of the Bob Cats instead, (Dave Cats?) with Blair tenor sax, Jeff and Dave trumpets, John clarinet, Jay Keyser trombone, Steve Dale piano, Dave LeBleu bass. Fabulous!!

Little Band within a Big Band

MIT’s Jay Keyser is hilarious! He has so many anecdotes about traveling with his wife around the world. They had just returned from India, Cuba, Lake Como. They’ve been married for 23 years and been to 52 countries. He even wrote a book about it: I Married a Travel Junkie.

Jay Keyser trombone, with Blair on tenor sax

Jay Keyser, with Blair on tenor sax

Jay’s superb trombone was featured on Rose of the Rio Grande, a tune Lawrence Brown used to play with Duke Ellington.

Dave dug out a special mute for the next one, done by Eddy Freeman of Boston’s North Shore, Georgia On My Mind with Dave LeBleu. Great.

From the 1920’s mid-west Territory Bands, Dave’s vocal flirted with today’s PC on Tiny Hill’s Skirts, John Clark on tenor with the ’Dixieland Boys’.

Jeff Hughes

Piano took the intro to Count Basie’s Moten Swing, featuring Jeff Hughes’ on Yamaha Tuneable Bell Trumpet. Nice tone!

His passionate solo on Django’s Nuages was extraordinary; it’s one of our favorites.

John Clark went WILD with Duke’s version of Fats Waller’s Honeysuckle Rose.

John Clark, reeds

Dick Cathcart was the jazz trumpeter behind actor Jack Webb’s portrayal of the legendary Pete Kelly in the 1955 film Pete Kelly’s Blues. Pete Kelly’s Blues was the Dave Whitney Big Band’s ‘Goodnight Song’, an arrangement done by pianist Steve Dale. Marvelous!

Dave Whitney Big Band

Let’s not overlook the dynamic rhythm makers, whose driving tempo keeps the band in line…

Reid Jorgensen

Dave LeBleu

The Dave Whitney Big Band will be at Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire for a another trip into the Swing Era on June 2^nd from 1-3 (in the ballroom) – seniors over 60 get in free. Also Southgate Shrewsbury July 9^th 7pm. See you there??

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Cafe

Posted on May 4, 2013 by admin

Videos by Harold McAleer

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

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

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

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

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

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

He got it right!

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

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

Charlie & Evelyn

Alice & Al

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

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

Fabulous tenor sax on a dazzling Stealing Apples

Bob & Marjorie McHenry enjoy Blair’s playing

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

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

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

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

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

Classy, polished piano performance by Frank.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strutting With Some Barbecue was played in indescribable tempo!

Tough on a trombone – Lee breezed through it.

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

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

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

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

Finally Frank asked Bobby Reardon for a tune.

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

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

Jazz Jesters at the Sherborn Inn April 30, 2013

Posted on April 30, 2013 by admin

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeff Hughes and John Clark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We caught that handsome fella hiding behind the tuba.

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

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

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

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

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

It was the right ending to a perfect evening:

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

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

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

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

Tag Archives: Jazz

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