New Black Eagle Jazz Band
Tony Pringle leader/cornet, Stan Vincent trombone, Billy Novick clarinet and alto sax, Bob Pilsbury piano, Peter Bullis banjo and red sox, Jess Williams string bass, Bill Reynolds drums
Starting into their 43rd year this month, the NBEJB still has it – the Traditional Jazz that draws crowds. Everybody was elbow-to-elbow at the Sherborn Inn’s Wednesday luncheon, just like the old days at the Sticky Wicket. People were bussed in from Senior Centers and enjoyed the Inn’s fine food and especially the music. There were still some Stickey Wicket ‘regulars’ here, loyal fans, who have followed the band for all those years.
Part of crowd at the Sherborn Inn’s luncheon
The Band played many of their old chestnuts, Tony singing When Your Hair Has Turned To Silver. I’m Travellin’ – Jesse Williams is the newest member; he injects new vigor into the band. (He was probably beginning first grade when the band started at the Wicket.) Louisian-I-A, Tony on vocal.
Scott Joplin’s 1920’s ragtime by Arthur Marshall – Kinklets, is actually a pre-jazz number published in 1906. They didn’t improvise but Pilsbury played it as a fine ragtime number, Jesse bowing the bass.
Earl Hines 1930’s Rosetta. Together. Duke’s East St. Louis Toodle-oo, Billy on super sax. Mahogany Hall Stomp.
Jesse Williams slapping bass
Billy’s incomparable tenor sax was featured with the Rhythm Boys on Body and Soul. Peter’s plink, plink, plink, banjo maintaining the Trad Jazz Beat, and still wearing his red sox. (The Boston Red Sox won the World Series Pennant Race a week later!)
Billy featured on Body and Soul. Note Peter’s red sox.
Stan Vincent solo on Old Rugged Cross
Jesse’s string bass echoed Peter’s banjo on Old Rugged Cross. Bill’s soft, skillful drum roll backed Stan’s fine tailgate trombone solo.
They finished with another Sticky Wicket chestnut – Panama. Two hours went by too quickly!! The crowd loved every minute of it!
The Eagles will be back here at 7pm on their usual 2nd Thursday of the month, November 14th. Check out their site and available CDs at http://blackeagles.com/.
The Sherborn Inn lunches are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 11:30am-2pm. Good deal: Great music, 3-course luncheon, tax and gratuity, complete for only $25.