Eli and The Hot Six at Primavera, November 19, 2015

Posted on November 24, 2015 by admin

Eli and The Hot Six – Bob Winter, Eli Newberger, Jimmy Mazzy, Jeff Guthery, Ted Casher, Bo Winiker, Herb Gardner © Ray Drueke

Photos © Ray Drueke, Austin Lane Studios
Videos by Marce

This was the last Jazz Concert of 2015 at Primavera, and a very worthwhile one. The Hot Six reached deep down playing their hearts out creating beautiful music. They just love playing Jazz!

Herb Gardner ©

This was Herb Gardner’s evening, bringing old school musicality to vocals and on trombone with Ain’t She Sweet, and The Sheik of Araby – with the band members responding: ‘Without No Pants On’.

He started another vocal on Basin St. Blues, then turned it over to Jimmy with a trombone intro, the band playing in stop time behind him. Herb ended with a rambunctious trombone flourish.

Eli Newberger ©

Eli Newberger, celebrated tuba virtuoso and keyboardist, leads the band, pointing at whoever gets to play next. This is Jazz, no charts.

He plays tuba with a deep, sonorous tone, maintaining that contemporary classic beat and managing difficult straight four/four notes by circular breathing.

They paid tribute to the French with Ted’s sweet arrangement of Petite Fleur on clarinet. Lovely! This was also the hundredth anniversary of Sidney Bechet.

Jimmy Mazzy ©

Jimmy sings with sensitivity, Someone To Watch Over Me, changing the words from: “Although he may not be the man some girls think of as handsome, to my heart he carries the key.” to “Although she may not be the Squaw some boys think of as awesome, to my heart she carries the key.”

We’re thrilled to have Jimmy back with the Hot Six; he’s been travelling. He changed moods with Our Love is Here to Stay. He is also in The Tuber Trio with Eli and Ted Casher. We hope he’s here to stay.

Bob Winter ©

Bob Winter finesses amazing sounds out of that keyboard, starting with soft melodic single-note piano lines on Some Of These Days, gradually rising to an astounding variety of piano styles.

He is the pianist for the Boston Pops, but also loves this music and plays skillful, soft commentary behind the soloists and vocals.

In Memoriam: We lost Jimmy Enright 28 years ago today. The Hot Six played Everybody Loves My Baby, with Jimmy Mazzy’s passionate voice rising to the infamous Jimmy “Holler’.

Bo Winiker on flugelhorn

Jimmy continued with C’Est Si Bon, backed by Ted’s clarinet, with Bo on flugelhorn. Bo’s rhythmic annotations on trumpet and flugelhorn lift the whole band.

Sizzling 12th Street Rag

Carolyn Newberger ©

Carolyn Newberger arrived and dug out the washboard. The band played a tune that her Mother used to play for her growing up, fairly soft and subtle, Tico Tico.

Bob and Carolyn always connect and inspire each other; their duets are sparkling and exciting!

Ted Casher ©

Ted plays gut-wrenching saxophone on Blue and Sentimental. There were no lights on the band so my videos were really dark. Ray Drueke came to the rescue and lightened them somewhat. Just close your eyes and listen to Ted play a dreamy Coleman Hawkins tenor sax.

Jeff with a big smile looking to his right

Jeff Guthery, drums ©

Eli had everyone clapping in time to a fiery Limehouse Blues. Jeff Guthery let loose on drums. He is the youngest member of the band, and recently had his recital at Berklee College of Music.

This was one of those never ending tunes, with Eli giving each musician a turn on the final verse.

Sarah Nova ©

Herb Gardner’s daughter, Sarah Nova was in the audience – a fine songstress in her own right. Sarah teaches jazz to young children with her CD, Jazz For Lil’ Jumpers. She gave us a lively version of Them There Eyes.

Eli and The Hot Six closed this evening of great jazz with Bo on flugel horn and Jimmy singing Louis’s Sleepy Time Down South. This was the Primavera Finale for the year 2015. Jazz will return to Primavera Ristorante on January 7th, 2016.

Eli and The Hot Six with Rebecca Sullivan will be at Sculler’s Jazz Club on December 17th – celebrating Eli’s 75th birthday!

Professional photographer taking pictures

Ray Drueke, Austin Lane Studios

Photos Copyrighted by Ray Drueke, Austin Lane Studios (401) 635-0163.

30 High-resolution photos available for sale.

Jeff Hughes and The Jazz Jesters

Posted on November 17, 2015 by admin

Craig Ball, Steve Taddeo, Jeff Hughes, Al Bernard, Hunter Burtamy, John Clark, Herb Gardner

by Bill Falk
photos: Marce

Jeff Hughes’ Jazz Jesters keep getting better every time I hear them. Their recent gig
at the Primavera on 11/12/15 was superb. The band ripped through a wide variety of tunes, some well remembered from the 20’s and 30’s and some relatively unknown. Their execution was terrific – very melodic and enjoyable.

Unfortunately, the crowd was sparse, but all in attendance loved the music. Two reed
players on the front line worked extremely well. Craig Ball ripped off excellent solos on both clarinet and tenor sax and John Clark did the same on clarinet and alto sax. They
augmented each other soloing and backing up others. Also, John’s arrangements were outstanding.

Craig Ball

John Clark alto sax and clarinet, Herb Gardner keyboard

John Clark and Herb Gardner

Jeff Hughes, Steve Taddeo (rear)

As usual, Jeff displayed his great ability to lead the group, backing up soloists and still exhibiting his outstanding trumpet prowess. He ‘gets into the tunes so well, plus his sound is marvelous. I can’t get enough of Jeff.

Hunter Burtamy banjo, Al Bernard tuba

Hunter Burtamy on banjo added even more guts to the rhythm section. He didn’t solo much, but he brought out the band’s depth. Herb Gardner is a joy on keyboard. He drips with experience and innovation. Al Bernard is a wonder on tuba. He controls the
instrument completely. Steve Taddeo sets a steady beat on drums. He doesn’t overpower the rest of the players, but he sets the pace very well.

Sarah (Gardner) Nova

Sarah Nova, who is Herb Gardner’s daughter, was delightful on vocals. She shows her pedigree well on both jump tunes and slower music. Sarah was a terrific addition to the group as she delivered style and sound on “Keeping Out of Mischief”, “Where Are You”,
“Russian Lullaby”, “Keep Your Hands Off It”, to name some of her numbers.

The band featured “Lucky Day” (theme song), “Diane”, “Not Much,” “Bouncing Around,”
and lots of other songs. Their last number was the theme from “Our Gang”. I liked
“Empty Saddles in The Old Corral” – a perfect ending to a marvelous performance.

Bill Falk

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders and The Midiri Brothers at Bemis Hall

Posted on November 13, 2015 by admin

Swing Senders and Midiri Brothers full house at Bemiis Hall, Lincoln MA

by Myron Idelson
photos: Marce
videos by CineDevine

On November 7 2015 at 2pm there was no ambiguity in store musically for an overflow crowd. Steve Taddeo Swing Senders with special guest Midiri Brothers Paul and Joe, returned by unanimous demand, presented jazz lovers and enthusiasts with a fevered performance.

Against the drop back of historic Bemis Hall the Swing Senders thankfully populated by Joe Midiri clarinet, alto and soprano sax, Paul Midiri vibes, trombone and drums, Bill Cable cornet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Robin Verdier piano, Bill Doyle guitar, Justin Meyer string bass, Craig Ball clarinet, Steve Taddeo drums, Caroline Griep vocals, unabashedly raised traditional jazz to new heights.

Steve Taddeo is a rare talent, a brilliant and dynamic drummer with native talents who fires up the Swing Senders and any band he plays for because of his consistently inspiring drums. His unique style displaying superb musicianship is bright, inventive, quite intense, soft with sticks or brushes and with no difficulty in communicating with the musicians and vocalist Caroline Griep on their lofty level. His playing has unanimity of purpose, of thought, musical and otherwise, inspiring the band to a sense of freedom and play; all combined with an air of maturity that is unique unusual superlative uncommon – in other words RARE.

Stomping at The Savoy

The program consisted of Stomping at the Savoy, Ida, Avalon, All of Me, Jeepers Creepers, Pennies From Heaven, Crazy Rhythm, I’ll Do Anything For You, and Dinah. Each one played with an exuberance and excitement producing a feeling of exultation which consistently caused volcanic eruptions of applause during and after every number.

Joe bent over, Paul with left arm in the air about to strike vibes

Joe Midiri clarinet, Paul Midiri vibes

What a Dream

What a joy! This group, the Swing Senders, combined with Joe and Paul made it absolutely amazing. It must be remembered by all of us who were there as an evening that consistently and joyously incited and inspired not only the audience but the fellow musicians. Steve’s Swing Senders and The Midiris invariably project a wonderful uninhibited aura of spontaneity that brightens every place they perform. Ditto for November 7^th.

Caroline smiling, Craig Ball has his arms on her back

Caroline Griep is appreciated by band and fans alike.

Caroline’s value to the Swing Senders is tremendous; the guys love her and she loves them. The whole spirit of the room, the band and audience perks up perceptibly when she sings. Caroline is dedicated to her music and modestly never fully recognizing her talent. She is devoted and anxious to please not only her listeners but her musical conscience as well.

In addition to Craig Ball’s scintillating wizardry on clarinet, Craig was the music director and was wonderfully imaginative and wisely selecting solos at the proper times, from himself, Bill Cable’s souring and sweet trumpet, Robin Verdier’s stride piano, Justin Meyer’s chordal bass, Gerry Gagnon sonorous trombone, Bill Doyle’s syncopated guitar. All of their solos were driving, probing soaring and sweet.

Joe’s soprano sax rendition of Si Tu Vois Ma Mere displayed a pure tone and beauty so remarkable and emotional, steeped in greatness and perhaps musical immortality. Many of us wept.

Pennies From Heaven sung by Joe produced a return to life of Louis himself.

Finally, the dueling drums with Steve and Paul were sheer drumming skill and beauty, gorgeous and heralded clean and clear strokes, for imagination and wit, for originality, consistency, extraordinary drumming skills, making obsolete single, double, and triple ratamacues and paradiddles.

No other audience has heard a drum duel to match Steve and Paul. The evening can be summarized thusly: a story of inspiration and imagination, a story of energy, a story of love and a lesson for all of us in giving. And we the listeners were the gracious receivers.

Myron Idelson

Many thanks to Harold and Shirley McAleer and Eve Welts for all their work at Bemis Hall, Vern Welch for moral support, and to SteveTaddeo for bringing us the Midiri Brothers. Marce

Jeff and Joel’s House Party, October 2015

Posted on November 10, 2015 by admin

Under construction. We are waiting on approval of videos before this House Party is officially over for this year. Bookmark this page and check on our progress.
Meatime, check on Saturday and Sunday.. Marce

——–>> Saturday Afternoon Saturday Night Sunday

Bands on Sunday at Jeff and Joel’s House Party. Fabulous!

Jeff & Joel’s House Party #6 Columbus Day Weekend, 2015
By Sue Finn

Another fabulous weekend, they just keep getting better and better. This one had four sessions, starting with the Anderson twins on Friday evening. Peter and Will are so talented (and so young!) They played clarinet and alto and tenor sax and a wide range of pieces backed by Jeff, Jim and Brian. Joel joined them for one number in each set.

Pete and Will Anderson

Mood Indigo

Reeds – Peter and Will Anderson, Piano – Jeff Barnhart, Bass: Brian Nalepka, Drums: Jim Lawlor

Chinatown

Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered (Will Anderson and Jeff Barnhart)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NROY-pUGTOU

Caravan (Lawlor had no snare drum!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dofXI-rbW-g

Sunday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdBN3-xzUoU

When your lover has gone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1QkjviQjwM

I want to be happy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up4GdXnAN0I

Robin’s Nest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToJ-f38-olY

Soft winds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPo1WTupm84

Crazy Bout my baby, vocal by Brian Nalepka
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ciq7x13Y_KU

The two sessions on Saturday and one on Sunday followed the same format as last year. Generally, each combo of musicians stayed for three numbers with one chosen by each of the front line players.

Noel Kalepsky and Dan Levinson on clarinet with Brian Nalepska on bass

Clarinet Marmalade

There were exceptions of course; Noel and Dan playing Clarinet Marmalade for example, piano solos by Jeff and Donn and, of course, ‘banjorama’ with 4 banjos on stage and everybody singing along with Joel. Each session ended with a grand finale with all the musicians on stage together. The food was great and the volunteers as fantastic as ever.

Fred at mic singing, Jeff at keyboard singing, Louis Armstrong and Gary Crosby version

Strutting With Some Barbecue

Sunday’s session was my favorite. It started with ‘Struttin’ With Some Barbecue’ played like the Louis Armstrong/Gary Crosby version, starting slow, then fast with Jeff & Fred doing the vocals – really great!

Dan and Joel in Old Shanty Town

Dan & Joel sang ‘It’s only a Shanty in Old Shanty Town’.

Tom Boates sang Beale Street Blues and Jim joined him for an awesome version of Ory’s Creole Trombone complete with crossed slides – amazing.

Jim Fryer and Tom Boates play Ory’s Creole Trombone

There was some Sunday Gospel – Molly sang ‘Sermonette’ and ‘Get Rhythm in your Feet’. She also sang ‘Far Away Places’ with just Gen accompanying her – beautiful.

Other highlights – ‘Big Bear Stomp’ with Brian on tuba and, of course, Joel’s ‘banjorama’ . This time, Joel did some old radio commercials.

Joel Schiavone and New York’s Kevin Dorn

There was also a vote of thanks to Joel and presentation of a signed photo of all the musicians.

The session and the weekend ended with a rousing version of ‘Joe Avery’s Piece’ and then the grand finale with all the musicians playing – drum roll please – ‘High Society’ with Noel & Dan doing the famous Alphonse Picou clarinet solo. This was followed with a reprise of ‘We’ll Meet Again’ which Jeff and Dan sang earlier – very nostalgic and, as always, nobody wanted it to be over……………..
Sue Finn 10/15/2015

None of this would have been possible without the aid of devoted and dedicated volunteers, some of whom worked all year to help Jeff and Joel.

john hedden, maureen, marty fay, in back mairi bryan and andee coroll

John Hedden, Maureen, Marty Fay, in back Mairi Bryan and Andee Carolla

Judy Postemsky, Andee Corolla, Mairi Bryan, Glenn Ott, Carol Ott, Eric Devine, Bruce Scranton, standing behind Lecia Scranton

Judy Postemsky, Andee Carolla, Mairi Bryan, Glenn Ott, Carol Ott, Eric Devine, Bruce Scranton, standing behind Lecia Scranton

Misty (VFW), Glenn Ott, Bruce Scranton, Judy Postemsky, in front of Bruce is Lecia and in front of Lecia, Carol

Next Year:
2016 House Party Dates: October 7, 8, 9.
Friday Night Taste of the Weekend! – October 7th- music 7:30-9:30pm, $40.00 per person featuring the one and only Paris Washboard with Jeff Barnhart!
Tickets are already half sold (purchased by the people at this House Party!)
This will sell out, so get your tickets soon.

See you there??? Marce

Scott Hamilton returns to Providence!

Posted on November 9, 2015 by admin

Scott Hamilton, Mike Renzi, Artie Cabral, Marshall Wood and Donna Byrne at Providence Marriott

by Bill Falk

Scott Hamilton returned to his native Providence after several years. Appearing at the
Providence Marriott with other immortal RI musicians Mike Renzi (piano), Artie Cabral
(drums) plus MA stars Marshall Wood (bass) and Donna Byrne (vocals), they treated a sold-out crowd to some terrific music.

The music got better and better during the performance, and the crowd reacted by
loudly applauding solo after solo. Scott was at his best, leading the group through
a variety of jazz standards. He displayed his brilliance soloing – producing the great
sax sound he is famous for as he improvised on ballads and jump tunes. Scott also blended in nicely as the others soloed.

Mike Renzi, famous as Tony Bennett’s arranger and pianist, exhibited his unusual style. He produces great jazz with a flourish. Artie Cabral on drums amazes with his quick hands. He keeps the beat marvelously and solos well without showing a lot of effort.
Of course, Marshall Wood was marvelous on bass. He makes the instrument sing, much as Scott does the sax.

Donna Byrne rocked the crowd as she belted out some fast paced melodies. She showed great versatility by performing well on ballads also. The group backed her
exceedingly well as she sang. Donna was the icing on the cake – contributing nicely to
a great overall performance of the group.

I found it interesting that an estimated audience of 400 people showed up. It’s great to
see so many jazz fans attend this phenomenal show.

Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Primavera Ristorante November 5, 2015

Posted on November 6, 2015 by admin

Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band

Phil Person trumpet, Stan McDonald soprano sax and clarinet, John Kafalas trombone, Gerry Gagnon tuba, Jack Soref guitar, Steve Taddeo drums

Stan began on soprano sax with I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me, guitar intro to What Is This Thing Called Love; an old chestnut rarely done, It Had To Be You.

Stan moved to clarinet for My Gal Sal, taking the vocal.
Tijuana was HOT!

Steve Taddeo plays softly too!

Baby, Ain’t I Good To You.. Taddeo was playing like Baby Dodds, varying his drum patterns with accents and flourishes; keeping the beat with the bass drum while playing buzz rolls on the snare.

Phil Person, Berklee College of Music

Rose of Rio Grande, melody was established by Phil’s marvelous trumpet. We’re fortunate to have him. He is friendly and easygoing, humorous, a straight ahead trumpeter.

He’s played with the Artie Shaw Orchestra, White Heat Swing Orchestra, Swing Legacy, and Duke Belaire Jazz Orchestra. Phil teaches ear training at Berklee.

John Kafalas trombone and Gerry Gagnon Tuba

An upbeat Lover Come Back To Me, with Phil starting on muted trumpet was incredible, with Gerry Gagnon playing that monstrous tuba in double time!

John Kafalas played trombone with feeling and skill making this truly a tour de force.

Jack Soref, Django-style guitarist

Our favorite Gypsy Jazz guitarist, Jack Soref, provided an expert rhythm beat along with drum and tuba.

At breaktime, Jack played Django Rheinhardt’s Nuage, softly backed by tuba, then joined by Stan McDonald on soprano sax. Beautiful!

Stan McDonald does Bechet on soprano sax

Leader Stan McDonald’s forte has always been Sidney Bechet. He played a genuinely heartfelt Si Tu Vois Ma Mere with warm melodic lines.

They wrapped the evening up with a fascinating Dardanella, at one point with the tuba backed only by guitar, and ended it with a joyous romp.

These musicians are a treasure; we hope they’ll all return with The Blue Horizon Jazz Band in 2016. Many thanks to Ellen McDonald, who has provided us with fantastic jazz every week for the last 20 years!

Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men House Party

Posted on November 5, 2015 by admin

Jimmy Mazzy, Moishe Feldman and The Last Minutemen

Moishe Feldman piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo, Gid Loring cornet, Frank Batchelor trombone; back Jack Martin trombone, Craig Ball clarinet

NOTE: Jimmy Mazzy and The Last Minute Men have a new luncheon venue starting Sunday, November 22nd, 11am-2pm at Trails End Cafe, 97 Lowell Road, Concord, MA 01742 Phone: (978) 610-6633 Harold Koch piano. Come give them a warm welcome!

The inimitable Jimmy Mazzy

Jimmy Mazzy and The Last Minutemen with Moise Feldman on piano played at a House Party hosted by close friends on November 4th with about 50 fans enjoying the music.

For four happy months they gathered to honor their independence from the terribly, taxing, trying tyranny of tables.

What a ‘happy habit’ this became Gathering together to celebrate friendship and honoring Carrie and Jimmy Mazzy and the Last Minute Men

Moishe Feldman

MOiSHE from RUSSIA, also known as Michael Feldman, accompanies Jimmy with the Last Minutemen whenever he can. Now an American Citizen, he is a pianist, keyboardist, accordionist, orchestra leader, music producer/arranger in Classic Jazz, Ragtime and Klezmer music.

Nick Ribush on washboard

93-year-old Carol Moeller enjoyed sitting in on piano for a couple of numbers.

You can hear Nick Ribush backing Carol playing fine washboard!

Spark plug – Craig Ball

Craig Ball, clarinetist is a spark plug, lit up the whole band! Craig is leader of the White Heat Swing Orchestra that played at Boston’s Roxy night club for four years, and later swinging on the wharf at The Boston Harbor Hotel.

Carrie Mazzy, Harold Koch

Carrie Mazzy sang After You’ve Gone, with Harold Koch on piano.

Harold will be with the Last Minutemen when they start at a new venue in Concord on November 22nd.

Please come and support them for lunch 11am-2pm at Trails End Cafe, 97 Lowell Road, Concord, MA 01742.

Marce

The Ramblers at Primavera Ristorante October 29, 2015

Posted on October 31, 2015 by admin

4-pc Trad Band, banjo, keyboard keeping beat, clarinet, cornet/flugelhorn front line

The Ramblers – Bob MacInnis, Craig Ball, Scott Philbrick, Robin Verdier, leader.

The Ramblers made their first appearance at Primavera Ristorante, and we’re hoping they will return in 2016. This rambunctious quartet doesn’t play slow tunes – they played the music that had the Tin Pan Alley kids dancing in the 20’s and 30’s. (The Charleston started a new dance craze in 1923.) This quartet played a plethora of early Jazz from 1917 to 1929; their Traditional and Dixieland Jazz connected and inspired the audience.

Craig Ball, clarinet

Craig ball was able to shine with his expertise on clarinet, standing front and center. He usually keeps to the right or left of the band, backing the soloists.

Limehouse (1922)

When My Baby Smiles at Me was played by Benny Goodman at his 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert, a tribute to the Original Dixieland Jazz Band.

Robin Verdier, leader

Leader/Arranger Robin Verdier, a Jelly Roll Morton devotee, is our own erudite Rag Time pianist, well versed in this music. He is better known for his Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble that was here in August. He played some wild stride piano on Tiger Rag! Let Me Call You Sweetheart was definitely not a waltz!

Robin’s piano and Scott’s banjo were in sync, keeping the beat for the front line of clarinet and cornet/flugelhorn.

Scott Philbrick usually plays cornet.

This is the first time we’ve ever heard cornetist Scott Philbrick play banjo all evening, and he was fabulous singing the 1920 Broadway Rose. Who knew he could sing??
Scott will be on cornet with Jane Campedelli’s Jubilee Jazz Band at the 25^th Anniversary of the Suncoast Jazz Jubilee coming up November 20 to 22 in Clearwater.

Running Wild (Miserable video – just shut your eyes and listen!)

Bob MacInnis ensures we hear the melody!

Bob MacInnis always maintains the melody on cornet. He’s been playing with bands all over New England all summer, and we’re lucky to have him for another couple of weeks before he heads to Florida for the winter.

He took out the flugelhorn for several numbers, Al Jolson’s 1921 California Here I Come, Con Conrad’s Moonlight.

San Francisco Bay Blues (first recorded in 1954) was really modern for this band!

Their music touches the heart and spirit; the audience loved every minute of it! We’re all hoping to hear more from The Ramblers next year!

(Any resemblance to a band that plays all summer at a New Hampshire amusement park is purely coincidental.)

Tunes:
Set 1
When My Baby Smiles At Me, Munro, Sterling & Lewis, 1920
The Curse Of An Aching Heart, Piantadosi & Fink, 1913
My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms, Meyer, 1922
Down Where The Sun Goes Down, I. Jones & Buck, 1928
Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Whitson, 1910
Limehouse Blues, Braham, 1922
Broadway Rose, Fried, Otis, & West, 1920
California, Here I Come, Meyer & DeSylva, 1921
Moonlight, Conrad, 1921

Set 2
Charleston, Johnson, 1923
Smiles, Roberts & Callahan, 1917
Varsity Drag, Brown, DeSylva, & Henderson, 1927
San Francisco Bay Blues, Jesse Fuller 1954
Sweet Sue, Young & Harris, 1928
My Gal Sal, Dresser, 1905
Some Of These Days, Brooks, 1910
You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me, Fain, Kahal, & Norman, 1930
Runnin’ Wild, (Bb) Gibbs, Gray, & Wood, 1922

Set 3
Tiger Rag, 19th century quadrille
When You’re Smiling, Goodwin, Fisher & Shay, 1928

JJHP 2015 Saturday afternoon

Posted on October 10, 2015 by admin

——–> Friday Saturday Evening Sunday

Joel Schiavone welcomes everone.

After a delicious brunch created by the Kitchen Crew of Volunteers, Joel welcomed everyone to the Saturday afternoon session. Aficionados of all ages came from everywhere; Walter Landry was here at 96!

We all know that if you change one or two persons in a band, it changes the whole feeling/sound of the band. Jeff Barnhart used this to create many different bands, and bring variety to the House Party.

He created a band of the players, picked a leader, and suggested what type of tune they should play: up, slow, med-up, med-slow, WGJB style, Djangoesque, Yerba Buena style. The members got together, whether they’ve ever played together or not, and decided what tune to play and how they would handle it. They spoke to each other with their music. It created a “Festival” of bands.

Jeff Barnhart’s list of 28 instructions/performances started this afternoon with Scott Philbrick, Dan Levinson, Tom Boates, Jeff Barnhart, Joel Schiavone, Brian Nalepka, Jim Lawlor. Scott Philbrick was in charge for a medium-up tune that Brian could sing. When You’re Smiling.

Dan on tenor sax with Brian Nalepka behind him

Dan Levinson on fabulous tenor sax

The virtuosic Dan Levinson was back; this was his 17th year appearing at a Connecticut Jazz Festival.

He is responsible for many of the young musicians in New York playing our kind of music – Thank you, Dan!

He was in charge of this same group for a medium-slow tune (called for by the list.) Dan was inspiring on tenor sax with After You’ve Gone.

Tom Boates was next in charge for an up-tune, Baby Won’t You Please Come Home. And so it went with 28 tunes in every session a variety of music played by seventeen talented musicians. My cup runneth over!!

Donn Trenner, photo by Jan Sopelak

Group two introduced pianist Donn Trennor on keyboard. Trenner, 88 has a long history of playing and directing with many famous musicians. In the 1960s, Trenner worked as a studio musician, and led The Steve Allen Show house band. He also did work with Bob Hope. Donn has just released his book, Leave it to Me…. My Life in Music. He knows music!, playing sophisticated solo on Days of Wine and Roses , then rambling up with a powerful Satin Doll.

Molly Ryan sang a heartfelt Cottage For Sale, with Donn Trenner on keyboard; an enchanting duet.

Jim Lawlor, photo Jan Sopelak

Jim Lawlor came from New Jersey – traffic was horrendous, he was late, and minus a snare drum, But he managed well without it on Friday. By Saturday, the snare drum was located and all was well with the Trad Jazz world.

He even gave us a fine vocal on Pennies From Heaven, with Scott Philbrick and Brian Nalepka.

The third group had Molly on guitar, Dan on clarinet and tenor sax, Jeff back on keys, Kevin Dorn drums, for My Honey’s Loving Arms.

They do have fun playing music together. Molly’s vocal on My Blue Heaven, Dan grabbed the mic singing, “Just Molly and Me,” with Molly adding “and Barnhart makes three!” Check Jeff’s reaction!

Fourth band was led by Tom Boates with Jim Fryer, both fine trombonist, with Gen bass, Lawlor drums for a very different Mood Indigo from the Anderson Brothers.

Gen Rose, photo by Jan Sopelak

Genevieve Rose provides the right chords and excellent beat on string bass.

Fred Vigorito led the fifth band with a wild Oh Baby, lots of brass with Fred, Jim Fryer, Tom Boates, Scotty, Noel, Gen, Lawlor, Molly on guitar, and Donn Trenner keys,

Molly and Scott moved to guitar for a Noel and Fred’s knockout Chinaboy.

Fred and Noel let go on Sheik of Araby pushed by two guitars

Fred on cornet and Noel on soprano sax let loose on Chinaboy boosted by two guitars

Tom Boates joins them for 3 guitars – Molly sings Dark Eyes….

Fred, Noel, Jenn, Kevin, Tom, Jeff, Joel played a gripping Sleepy Time Down South, and a fine medley of Hoagy Carmichael songs.

Sleepy Time Down South

Molly returned with this group for I Wonder Who’s Kissing Him Now.

Molly Ryan

She was given the choice of picking musicians and asked, “Who wants to play with me?” — That had everyone grinning!

She chose Dan, of course, Jim Lawlor, Gen, Joel, Jim Fryer, and Donn Trenner for Be Sure Its True When You Say I Love You – a beautiful waltz.

Getting back to a favorite Traditional Jazz number, with Yerba Buena’s, Bienville Blues, otherwise known as Storyville Blues, with veteran Trad players Freddy Vigorito and Scott Philbrick on cornet.

7 piece Trad Jazz Band with Joel in back

Yerba Buena number, Bienville Blues

Kevin Dorn

Canal St. Blues was a King Oliver stomp, with a powerful front line, livewire ensemble, backed by Kevin’s light but forceful drumming.

Time for another Banjorama, with Joel leading, and everyone singing along with Patriotic songs.

Joel singing hearily backed by Fred on cornet

Joel leads the Banjorama, photo by Jan Sopelak, Show Photography

Tom Boates and Gordon Au

New York’s Gordon Au arrived. Welcome back, Gordon!!

Molly had the final vocals, intuitively connecting with the mood of each song: A Good Man is Hard to Find, I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles, and Get Out And Get Under The Moon.

Gordon joined on trumpet for a prolific brass finale, with Fryer on euphonium and Nalepka on tuba.

Gordon Au joins in Finale

It was a thrilling, crowd pleasing afternoon. We took a break and returned with a full house, anticipating a fine Saturday dinner and a Jazzy evening.

Jeff and Joel’s House Party 2015 – Saturday Evening

Posted on October 10, 2015 by admin

Completed videos have been sent to musicians for approval and will appear here as they are received. Some of these pictures will disappear. Enjoy for now.

——–> Friday Saturday Afternoon Sunday

After a delicious Dinner Buffet the first Saturday Evening band was led by Gordon Au, with Jim Fryer, Jim Lawlor, Dan Levinson on clarinet, Genevieve Rose on string bass, and Jeff Barnhart on piano. They began with a HOT Buddy’s Habits.

Band One led by Gordon Au, Saturday Evening at Jeff & Joel’s House Party, 2015

Same crew, Dan Levinson in charge, a 1922 tune played by the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Nobody’s Sweetheart Now. This is a Banjorama tune – Joel couldn’t help but come up to sing the melody.

Don Trenner traded places with Jeff, but before he could start, Dan Levinson pointed his clarinet at Donn and singlehandedly played Thanks For The Memories, in commemoration of all the years Donn played with Bob Hope.

Honeysuckle Rose – Fryer gets to sing

Scott and Noel played together in John Sheehan's

Scott and Noel played together for years in John Sheehan’s Heritage Jazz Band.

Change of crew – Noel Kalesky, Kevin Dorn, Scott Philbrick, Brian Nalepka and Jeff, The Things We Did Last Summer. Masterful duet between Scott and Noel. They’ve been friends for a long time.

Donn Trenner back, with Noel Kaletsky and Scott Philbrick with a rousing Lady be Good,

Dan Levinson on his fabulous tenor sax, Gordon Au, Tom Boates, Donn Trenner, Brian Nalepks, and Molly Ryan were up with Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams

Molly Ryan captures the crowd with Wrap Your Trouble in Dreams

Gordon continued with Molly singing Ain’t She Sweet, with Dan, Gen, Brian, and Donn. Gen on string bass marvelously trading 4’s with Donn Trenner.

Pianists kept switching with Jeff replacing Donn for Molly’s sweet Sugar.

Molly and Jeff were left alone for Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered.

Jim Fryer dedicates Easy Living to Connecticut

Jim Fryer has a Connecticut background, living in Wallingford for 12 years. He came up with Gen, Kevin, and Donn for Billie Holidays’ Easy Living. Jim dedicated it to the State of Connecticut.

Mood Indigo – Tom Boates and Jim Fryer

Scott and Noel, a tune they often played in Maine with Muriel Havenstein, Jeff and Brian joining them, for Swing That Music – Barnhart going WILD on keyboard!!

They do Swing That Music!!

Brian Nalepka is also an excellent vocalist.

Brian’s turn to lead, with his vocal, on Linger Awhile, with Tom Boates added on trombone.

Gotta give the boss his due – Joel on vocal with Scott, Noel, Tom, Jeff, Jim Lawlor – with a Father’s Mustache Honky Tonk Town..

Boss gets his chance to shine.

Gordon Au on trumpet, Scott, Molly and Tom Boates on guitar, for 3-guitar session on I’ve Got The World On a String.

Donn returned at piano for Exactly Like You with Fryer, Gordon, Dan, Molly on guitar, and Lawlor drums. Dorothy Fields did this with Jimmy McHugh in 1935, Lawlor vocal. Gordon played powerful trumpet, Gen couldn’t help bouncing with the rhythm. She and Dan had marvelous exchange on clarinet and string bass.

Lawlor plays drums and sings Exactly Like You

Lawlor sings too!

Molly

Kevin, Gordon, Fryer, Dan, Gen, Donn with Molly vocal on Meet Me Tonight Dreamland – 1909. The song came from Coney Island which was then only attended by the wealthy, hence “Dreamland”. It had very many lights. One night they caught fire and the place burned down.

Everyone left except Molly, Gen, and Donn for You Took Advantage of Me.

You Took Advantage of Me with Donn Trenner backing Molly

Molly took a break. Leaving the Trio, with Gen shining on string bass, Kevin drums, and Donn piano on Sunny Side of The Street.

Bogalusa Strut, with Gordon, Scotty, Noel, Dan on tenor sax, Boates, Fryer on euphonium, Barnhart and Lawler, with Joel sitting in, Nalepka tuba – euphonium and tuba duet! Superb drumming by Lawlor! The whole band joined in singing New Orleans.

Barnhart standing with arms folded looking at brass musicians.

Barnhart stunned by all that brass!

Clarinet duet, Dan and Noel, with Lawlor, Scott on guitar, Joel, Brian on string bass, Jeff on Avalon

Amazing clarinet duet on Avalon with Dan Levinson and Noel Kaletsky

Noel, Jeff, and Jim Lawlor continued with a wild fast tempo tune done by Wild Bill misguidedly named Sleep.

Time for Jeff’s Banjorama, with Joel, Kevin, Brian on tuba, Jeff, When Day is Done, Sweet Adeline, and many, many more, with all the fans and volunteers singing along. Your Fathers Mustache banjo players came from North Carolina and Christ Fennimore (left) came from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to join Joel. Fans and Volunteers joined heartily in the sing-along.

band members laughing as Joel leads fans in song

Everyone gets in on the act for the Banjorama

Donn Trenner back for Molly Ryan vocal on Jeepers Creepers, with Gen, Kevin, Gordon, Tom Boates, Scott on guitar. Dan on tenor sax. Fantastic.

Molly, Jeff, Gen, Tom, Kevin, Scotty still on guitar, I Ain’t Got Nobody. Growling trombone, Hot Stuff. Molly doing vocal duet with Jeff piano.
Time for a slow waltz. This was not on the list. Molly vocal, Dan, Gen, Jeff, Kevin, Hushaby Mountain. Nice piano and Molly vocal, Gen bowing the bass, Dan on tenor sax. Ended the way it started, with piano and vocal.

Lawlor back, Noel on clarinet, Nalepka tuba, Scott on cornet, Gordon trumpet, Jim Fryer, Jeff. I Ain’t Got Nobody.

Gordon and Scott battling on I Ain’t Got Nobody

Scotty cornet and Noel clarinet absolutely fantastic, Gordon and Fryer, trumpet and trombone trading, 4’s for Lu Waters’ Come Back Sweet Poppa.

The Au Brothers were raised on Lu Waters by their uncle, Howard Miatta, who plays with the High Sierra Jazz Band. Our guys continued with a stormy version of Struttin’ With Some Barbecue.

There was time for one more ‘classy’ tune with a small ensemble, before the final fiasco. Donn Trenner called for Duke’s A Train, Donn in constant, fluid, rhythmic motion. Absolutely beautiful! This man loves to play piano.

Gordon ended it as he had begun, leading the Finale, a rip roaring Panama!

Everyone up for Panama

Breathless. That’s how we were left this Saturday Evening of Jeff and Joel’s House Party! Yet there was more coming on Sunday……

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