Jeff and Joel’s House Party #9, October 12-14, 2018

Posted on November 11, 2018 by admin

14 Musicians

Jeff & Joel’s House Party was fantastic again! The weekend was almost sold out, and more than 40 people have made their reservations to save their seats for next year. I wasn’t able to attend, but thanks to Eric Devine, we have videos and photos! Marce Freddy Vigorito said: “The Jeff and Joels House Party, was Oct 12, 13, 14, and it was spectacular. It was Paris Washboard Super Swing with: Alan Marquet, Charlie Provost, Louis Mazetier, Daniel Barta, Michel Bonnet! Plus, Noel Kaletsky-clar/sax, Fred Vigorito-cornet, Neil DeFeo-tromb, Steve Taddeo-drums, Albie Bernard-tuba, Lou Bocciarelli-bass, Jeff Barnhart-piano, and Joel Schiavone-banjo! It was a fabulous weekend! I can’t say it any better than Lou Bocciarelli, one of the finest bass players in the world! Here’s what he said to his fellow musicians and those responsible for the event”. Lou Bocciarelli: “Hello All . . .Thanks for a wonderful weekend of beautiful music, great performances, funny stories, lots of laughs, and the joy of sharing our time together. This was special. Thanks to the volunteers who gave of their time and caring nature. You made us feel special and important. To the musicians, your performances were joyous and gracious. Your easy and inclusive manor made it easy to deal with the terror of wondering if I would “know” the next song. Joel and Jeff your dedication is appreciated and your jokes and stories were . . . well your dedication is appreciated. Thank you for including me as well as my son Cole. Very special. All the best, Lou”

8 musicians plus Cole in the middle blowing away on trumpet

Cole Bocciarelli, joins band on trumpet.

Lou continues: “I’d like to add that we had three new performers this year, two from Paris Washboard, washboard player Charles Provost, and cornetist Michele Bonnet. They were fabulous! We also had drummer Steve Tadeo from Mass who was a real crowd pleaser with his Krupa style, and Neil DeFeo from Royaton who dazzled the fans and the musicians with his incredible technical ability.” “Thank you Jeff and Joel, and the volunteers, especially Bob and Robin Rich. This was their first year managing the event, and they did a great job, and from the feedback we got, the food was fabulous too! So, you all know what to do now, plan to be a part of this wonderful event next year, November 1, 2 and 3, 2019! http://jeffandjoelshouseparty.com.”

Paris Washboard Super Swing

Eric Devine (CineDevine) was on hand with his fine videos of the performances. Here are some of them. Stay tuned for more; as they become available, links will be added. Eric Devine: “I had a fabulous time at the 9th edition of Jeff & Joel’s House Party again this year. Hope you enjoy this 1919 composition by Clarence Williams and Spencer Williams:”. Royal Garden Blues Michel Bonnet, trumpet, Fred Vigorito cornet, Noel Kaletsky, reeds, Daniel Barda, trombone, Neil Defeo trombone, Louis Mazetier piano, Lou Bocciarelli, bass, Steve Taddeo drums, Joel Schiavone, banjo.

There’ll Be Some Changes Made Paris Washboard Super Swing <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_end"></span> Vipers Drag Louis Mezetier, piano I Never Knew Fred Vigorito, cornet Alain Marquet, reeds Daniel Barda, trombone Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Albie Bernard, tuba Charles Prévost, washboard: Judy Postemsky said:

Joel Schiavone and Marty Fay

Friday night was close to sold out; if you saw empty chairs, it is because many folks prefer to sit at the round tables, where they can get up more easily, graze the great food. I believe everyone attending was more than pleased with the outstanding food organized and prepared by Robin and Bob Rich. Many of us helped to set up and serve the food on Saturday and Sunday. The musicians were wonderful throughout all three days! Joel did just fine – playing his banjo and singing his tunes as he has always performed in the past! Crazy ‘Bout My Baby – 4 handed piano, Mezetier and Barnhart It Had To Be You Fred Vigorito, cornet Alain Marquet, reeds Neil Defeo, trombone Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Albie Bernard, tuba Charles Prévost, washboard Joel Schiavone, banjo Lonesome Me – Louis Mezetier This was Steve Taddeo‘s first time at these House Parties. He said: “The House Party was awesome! I was nervous driving down there for my first time. But after my first rim shot on the Slingerland Drum Set, I felt like a million dollars playing with all those Greats! I even had a chance to sit in with the Paris Washboard’s Charles Provost.

Al Bernard, Charles Provost and Steve Taddeo

Caravan – Check out hand drumming at 6:15 – both drummers!

Taddeo lets his Gene Krupa loose: Found a New Baby Check back below as Eric Devine’s adds more videos of this fabulous 3-day weekend:

Somebody Stole My Gal
Michel Bonnet, trumpet Alain Marquet, reeds Neil Defeo, trombone Louis Mazetier, piano Lou Bocciarelli, bass Steve Taddeo, drums

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that Swing
Michel Bonnet, trumpet Fred Vigorito, cornet Alain Marquet, reeds Daniel Barda, trombone Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Lou Bocciarelli, bass Steve Taddeo, drums Joel Schiavone, banjo

Getting Sentimental Over You
Neil Defeo, trombone Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Lou Bocciarelli, bass Steve Taddeo, drums
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTPrkYmizzE&fbclid=IwAR1e3lfpCssdUpSDBKj_xBFWYfW-UTyxvx10BnMHFuYkqD4yCIhPCefo92E

Basin Street Blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-8sqD7_1xY&fbclid=IwAR10IgYN3P1SoebDaqacBnjOJULBAUG5uiey8-vbF73BMm-IkTvoWzyhhnQ

This Joint is Jumping! Jeff Barnhart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_rSk4jG7ZE&fbclid=IwAR2U5PQsB4ScYbMrPOgfDxGfOZFgRt3Bhh5Hp7sSacRejaJr7wvsx51cPvQ

Flat Foot Floogie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLVJWpORzN0

Sweet Sue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzLozhqkWfs&fbclid=IwAR2zcta7vN0WK_c4Pt6bvZf8HYtMNFSsU__3Vrgkml_E7DHAp_mMVf-rfJY

Blues My Naughty Sweety Gives To Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWO8MLHwMUI&fbclid=IwAR3LnqA2oo-IqZ2-YIDsKgk-0O1R4vu1ZE30cgIvIQfxb5zNEV2nYm7QNWo
Noel Kaletsky and Alain Marquet go head to head on clarinet.

Mezetier House Party Blues, Mezetier, Taddeo and Bocciarelli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvvK5bWcSjQ&fbclid=IwAR2tjSNXwdWEOI10cJN2HzsjjjJz_oT9E3WYjDQHB-E4hbdCatijNd7gHAA

Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Jeff Barnhart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3jWiu92msI&fbclid=IwAR2eJ2fcs1ffl9YFWXOfne-4FoGwjtYkI0JFlQujhi1ffCJRNcOtqVIQDOk

China Boy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbMXU6f_10I&fbclid=IwAR3JlFQ1i_L-akJwC4GBZd0DF73U4bNecy5GavURfIDXDJd_fVpU7JkJTJg

It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie – Paris Washboard

Baby Won’t You Please Come Home Michel Bonnet, trumpet Fred Vigorito, cornet Noel Kaletsky, reeds Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Lou Bocciarelli, bass Steve Taddeo, drums

Them There Eyes

“So, you all know what to do now, plan to be a part of this wonderful event next year, November 1, 2 and 3, 2019! http://jeffandjoelshouseparty.com.”

Joel Shiavone’s “Music for the Divorced”

Posted on February 6, 2016 by admin

By Jean Hadley
Photos by Sue Finn

Galvanized Jazz Band Fred Vigorito – Leader, Cornet, Russ Whitman – Reeds, Herb Gardner – Trombone, Bill Sinclair – Piano, Art Hovey – Bass, Tuba, Bob Bequillard – Drums, Cynthia Fabian – Vocals.

Special Guests Gim Burton banjo, Pat Keogh guitar/vocals, Andy Rubenoff piano/vocals, Herb Gardner trombone

With an almost packed house, Joel’s fans waited anxiously (not knowing what to expect) for his “divorce” list of songs. Joel, being the showman he is, one never knows what will happen.

Joel selected musicians, from here in Connecticut and Massachusetts, who delivered their artistry in elegant tuxedos. Nice job!

The evening began with Joel front and center with….”I’ll be glad when you’ve gone.” Followed by Cynthia Fabian singing…..”You gotta see mama every night.”

The following songs were also perfect for the “Divorce CD” that CineDevine was recording. Very apropos was Berlin’s …” All Alone”…. “Please don’t talk about me when I’m gone”.

“These foolish things”…. “I had someone else” … and the list went on…. These songs can be either painful or amusing depending on who is listening. However, the intention was to entertain and so it did!

Cynthia is always wonderful with her fine voice and deliverance. She and Joel performed several duets which they did very nicely and to the delight of the audience.

Pat Keogh

Pat Keogh (guitar) graced the stage with a rendition of “Bay Blues” and “Bye, Bye Love”. Pat is nothing short of a guitar virtuoso. Pat hails from Wallingford, CT.

Andy Rubenoff and Bill Sinclair took turns at the piano. This made for an interesting evening as each has his own unique style.

Andy Rubenoff and Bill Sinclair

Gim Burton and Joel (dueling banjos) did a fine job of “Bye, Bye Blues.” Gim is one of Joel’s “Your Father’s Mustache” entourage. Abe Rubenoff was on piano.

Gim Burton and Joel Schiavone, Andy Rubenoff on piano

Anyone, who knows Joel Shiavone, knows they are in for a great evening of entertainment. This evening was one of those. Unfortunately, all things must end and so it did.

Many thanks to Maureen Cunningham for all her many years of helping Joel and supporting OKOM.

Kudos to Sue Finn for her pictures. Good job!

Bob Bequillard

Russ Whitman and Art Hovey

Dynamic Duo, Bob Bequillard and Art Hovey

Joel and Pat Keogh

The Boss

Herb Gardner and Freddy Vigorito

JJHP 2015 Sunday

Posted on November 10, 2015 by admin

Friday Saturday Afternoon Saturday Evening

First Band on Sunday

The audience never knew what they were going to hear because the Bands didn’t know what they were going to play, until they read the ‘instructions’ on Jeff’s lists for each session of the House Party. This music never gets dull!

Sunday started HOT with Fred Vigorito, Dan Levinson, Jim Fryer, Joel, Brian Nalepka, on Lil Armstrong’s 1923 Strutting With Some Barbecue. Fred and Jeff surprised us singing the parts of Gary Crosby and Louis Armstrong.

Fred is Gary Crosby, Jeff is Louis Armstrong on Louis Armstrong’s Struttin’ With Some Barbecue

Jim Fryer led the band on a stomping Stevedore Stomp.
Dan Levinson in charge, picked Johnny Long’s Shanty In Old Shanty Town, with Joel Schiavone singing, and everyone joining in.

Change of crew – Donn Trenner, Noel, Scotty, Tom, Gen and Kevin on Beale St. Blues, fine trombone with Tom Boates singing the vocal. Gen’s chordal subtleties created an extraordinary exchange with Tom’s sonorous trombone.

Tom Boates

Genieve Rose leader, same group on My Heart, with Jeff at piano. Creative exchange between Tom and Noel, followed by an energetic solo by Genevieve Rose.

Donn Trenner and Jeff Barnhart

Donn Trenner congratulated Jeff and Joel for their incredible accomplishment. He said “I feel inadequate here. This isn’t the music I grew up with; I don’t know the tunes. I started a family late, have a daughter who is 23 years old. She had the advantage of being at Guilford High School with the Music Director, Tom Boates.”

Trenner was marvelous on solo with one of his favorites, Michel Legrand’s If I Live Forever I Will Wait For You. Donn can be seen leading the 18-piece Hartford Jazz Orchestra every Monday at the Arch St. Tavern in Hartford. He inherited this wonderful orchestra from “Chick” Cicchetti, a celebrated trombonist, pianist, and arranger who died in 2000 at age 82. Donn played Chick’s arrangement of More Than You Know.

It was Sunday, and time for a soulful message, provided by our vocalist, Molly Ryan, with Dan Levinson on tenor sax, Scott Philbrick on guitar, Jim Lawlor drums, Brian Nalepka on tuba, Jeff Barnhart on piano. Molly sang a tune originally written by Cannonball Adderly in 1956, and borrowed by many musicians afterwards, Sermonette.

Still in a Sunday mood, Jim Fryer was called up for a Benny Goodman tune, Get Rhythm in Your Feet, and Music in Your Soul.

Molly Ryan backed by Genevieve Rose

Molly Ryan singing with Gen Rose on string bass, eliminated the ‘testosterone’ on stage, with a marvelous version of a song made popular by Dinah Shore, Far Away Places.

Trombone feature, Ory’s Creole Trombone, was wild, with Tom, Jim, Fred, Noel, Jeff, Brian, Kevin.

Tom Boates and Jim Fryer trombone with band

Trombone Feature with Ory’s Creole Trombone, of course.

They continued with Brian Nalepka on tuba with Lu Watter’s Big Bear Stomp.

Two cornets

Two cornet feature with Fred and Scott on a barn-burning Swing That Music.

Joel came up with the same group singing, Row, Row, Row. He said “they don’t write them like that anymore.”

The Boss sings.

After that, it was time for a mellow tune, featuring Dan Levinson on gut-wrenching tenor sax, with Donn, Gen, Lawlor, the 1947 Gone With The Wind.

Dan fabulous on tenor sax

Dan and Donn make beautiful music together. Molly on guitar, Scotty cornet, Lover Come Back To Me.

Lover Come Back To Me

Molly took over, singing the last four vocals, Ain’t Misbehaving, with Scott, Fred, Gen, Donn, Lawlor. Travellin’ All Night Long. Taking a chance on love, Right Key but the wrong keyhole.

Sharon and Ed Ohr

Half the fun at being at a Festival or House Party is running into old friends. It’s the only time we get to see marvelous folks like Sharon and Ed Orr, and make new friends like Don Trenner.

Donn has recently published a book, Leave it to Me, My Life in Music.

“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

Everyone posed for the Finale of another marvelous Jeff and Joel House Party!!

The 7th JJHP is scheduled for October 7-9, 2016 and trust me, it will SELL OUT! Half the tickets are already sold because Jeff and Joel are bringing us The Paris Washboard that we loved so much at the Connecticut festivals. 3-session tickets are $225, with Paris Washboard Friday night for $25 until July 1st. Get your TICKETS now.

Marce
marce@nejazz.com

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……

Discount on Jeff & Joel’s House Party, October 9-11

Posted on December 16, 2014 by admin

More than a quarter of our seats for October are sold. We’ve kept prices for the three session tickets at $225 per person. Remember each session includes a meal. (Friday Night tickets will be available at $30 per person for every 3 session ticket purchased before July 1, 2015. After July 1, single session Friday Night tickets will be $40.00.
A personal gift for you or a special gift for that special person is available right now!

Jeff and Joel and the JJHP volunteers are jazzed up planning the next House Party October 9, 10 and 11, 2015.

Volunteers Glenn Ott and Harry Hom serve dinner

Some of the Musicians for October 2015

Peter and Will Anderson — reeds Fred Vigorito – cornet
Scott Philbrick – trumpet/banjo Gordon Au–trumpet
Noel Kaletsky – reeds Dan Levinson – reeds

Tom Boates — trombone   Jim Fryer — trombone
Gen Rose -– bass                            Brian Nalepka –- tuba/bass/vocals
Molly Ryan –- vocals and guitar      Jeff Barnhart –- piano/vocals

Joel Schiavone–banjo/vocals Don Trenner – piano
Kevin Dorn–drums Jim Lawlor –drums

As many of you jazz aficionados remember, every performance since the inception of the House Party has been a toe-tapping, finger-snapping, body rocking time. Hope you all have visited YouTube to see and hear many selections from all our previous House Parties. If not, please go to YouTube, type in Jeff and Joel’s House Party and enjoy. We defy you to sit still.

Volunteer Harry Hom serves breakfast

Please contact 203-208-1481 and Maureen will answer any questions and upon payment guarantee reservations in a confirming e-mail to you and/or your guest(s). So, don’t miss out on this opportunity as we fully expect the October 2015 performances will be sold out. (This past October all sessions were essentially sold out. We will open sales July 1, 2015 for single sessions.) Please note our website is being updated.

Maureen Cunningham

CineDevine VIDEOS of previous house parties

Jeff & Joel’s House Party-2014, will return Columbus Day weekend 2015!

Posted on November 29, 2014 by admin

Joel Schiavone

Jeff Barnhart

by Sue Finn
videos by Eric Devine (we’re still adding more!)
pictures by Marce

Musicians:
Jeff Barnhart – piano                                              Joel Schiavone – banjo
Fred Vigorito – cornet                                             Lew Green – cornet
Bob Ferguson – trumpet & flugelhorn Herb Roselle – trombone
Herb Gardner – trombone & piano Will Anderson – reeds
Noel Kaletsky – reeds                                              Peter Anderson – reeds
Dan Levinson – reeds Molly Ryan – vocals
Vince Giordano – bass, tuba & bass saxophone Genevieve Rose – bass
Tom Palinko – drums                                                Bill Reynolds – drums
……and, from ‘Your Father’s Mustache’, Chris Fennimore & Bob Whyte on banjo

Saturday Night at Jeff & Joel’s House Party

The fifth Jeff & Joel’s House Party was held October 10, 11 & 12, 2014. This time the party was not at Joel’s house but just around the corner at the Guilford VFW Hall. There was some trepidation about the new venue – nobody likes change! – but it turned out to be a perfect location and they hope to have it there again in October 2015.

As always, it was a wonderful weekend – I consider it my annual ‘retreat’ and always feel rejuvenated at the end, probably because it reminds me of my teenage years when I first knew and loved traditional jazz music (during the ‘trad boom’ in England in the early 1960’s)! The food was delicious and the volunteers did their usual magic. We see only the magic but it is the result of much hard work all year long. Many thanks to all of them and to Jeff & Joel for all the organization.

The program worked a little differently this time. Instead of the combination of musicians changing for every number they generally stayed together for three selections, chosen by three different band members. This worked well with less ‘traffic’. Many of the musicians had never even met, never mind played together before and it is a source of awe for many of the members of the audience when, after a few short words of discussion, the song is played perfectly. Sometimes, some of the band members had never even heard the song before! This was particularly true of the two young reed players, Will & Peter Anderson

Anderson Brothers on clarinet and alto sax

Pete and Will Anderson

The Friday night program was performed by Dan Levinson, Molly Ryan, Jeff Barnhart, Bill Reynolds and Vince Giordano. This was the first time Dan & Molly had appeared at the House Party and they were there only for the Friday session.

Dan Levinson and Molly Ryan

Molly sang a wide variety of songs from traditional ballads to novelty numbers and everything in between.

I Was Saying To The Moon

Her voice is always beautiful and she was a pleasure to listen to and of, course, Dan is a virtuoso on the clarinet and C-melody saxophone.
Where the Morning Glories Grow:

Silver Dollar (A Woman goes from Man to Man) Vince on bass sax:

Love Is Just Around The Corner, Reynolds shows his versatility trading 4’s with Dan.

My Baby Just Cares for me:with Vince, Dan Jeff Barnhart, and Bill Reynolds:

The entire evening was a treat, my favorites were ‘Meet me Tonight in Dreamland’, ‘Oh Daddy’, ‘Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered’ and ‘What a Little Moonlight Can Do’. ‘You’ve Got the Right Key but the Wrong Keyhole’ was a lot of fun. Dan played an old favorite of mine ‘Wildcat Blues’ which I haven’t heard in more years than I care to remember. I hope we’ll see them both at the House Party again soon.

Lew Green

The other 3 sessions included all the musicians, with Noel Kaletsky only there on Sunday and Lew Green only Saturday evening when Fred Vigorito was away.

Saturday afternoon:
Anderson Brothers play Indian Summer:

More Saturday coming….

The following is a description of some of the performances from the Sunday afternoon session.

The program started with ‘Darktown Strutters Ball’, ‘Shine’ & ‘Avalon’.
Avalon:

Then Fred called ‘Someday You’ll Be Sorry’ with Jeff doing the vocal.
Herb G. sang ‘Happy Feet’.

Noel & Will did a fantastic duet on two clarinets on ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’.

Noel Kaletsky fiery solo on Sleep, with Jeff Barnhart, Tom Palinko, and Gen Rose.

Jeff played a piano solo and sang a song entitled ‘I Left My Sugar Standing in the Rain and My Sugar Melted Away’.
Joel join in on ‘Dippermouth Blues’ with Bob Ferguson trumpet and Freddy cornet, Roselle’s fabulous trombone:

Next came ‘South’, then ‘Lester Leaps In’ with three saxes and Herb G, Gen & Tom in the rhythm section, followed by ‘I’m Confessin’ That I Love You’ and ‘The Sheik of Araby’, the latter with three clarinets and Jeff, Tom & Vince.

Joel sang ‘Row, Row, Row’ with Fred, Herb R and Vince on bass sax. Then Vince sang a song which no-one else knew called ‘Take Your Tomorrow & Give Me Today’. He gave Herb G the chord changes written on a paper plate! Fred, Peter and the rest of the band followed along and, as always, it all turned out perfectly………..

Ain’t Misbehavin’: Will Anderson, Freddy, Roselle, Jeff, Gen and Tom

Herb Roselle was in Your Father’s Mustache and fired up the band.

Herb R. told us about the Philadelphia Mummers Parade and he and Bob F. played a medley of ‘Linger Awhile’ and ‘June Night’.

Bob Ferguson’s wife Rita sang a very emotional version of ‘You Made Me Love You’ with Bob playing a trumpet solo.

Peter, Bob F, Herb G, Jeff, Tom & Gen played ‘When Your Lover Has Gone’ followed by a valiant attempt by Herb G. to sing ‘Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone’ with Joel at the other mike singing ‘Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue’ at the same time.

A rousing version of ‘South Rampart Street Parade’ was next with three reeds, trumpet, cornet, trombone and banjo. Then Chris and Bob W joined Joel on stage for the banjo band sing along (which happened in both Saturday sets as well). This part is always fun because the audience joins in. (Including me – I try to lip sync but get carried away sometimes – fortunately there was enough noise going on that I don’t think my awful off-key voice bothered too many people, except my long-suffering fellow fans in the front row!)

3 ladies and 91-yr-old gent in front row

Susan Breig, Sue Finn, Joan Boutelle and 91 yr. old George Hatch

The banjo band was followed by a brass band, all the brass instruments and no reeds playing ‘Swing That Music’ backed by Tom, Vince and Jeff who did the vocal.

The next three numbers had all the reeds. The first was ‘Mood Indigo’ with three clarinets, Tom, Vince who did scat and a vocal by Jeff.

Vince sings Three Little Words

Vince did the vocal on ‘Three Little Words’

and then we had four saxophones, Noel – soprano, Will – alto, Peter – tenor and Vince on bass.

The session ended with ‘Strike Up the Band’ and the grand finale, a very loud and wonderful version of ‘Panama’ with all the musicians on the stage playing their hearts out and the audience clapping and cheering.

Finale – photo by Sue Finn

PICTURE SLIDES: Sorry, all the pictures were encrypted by a Trojan Horse and had to be deleted.

Friday https://www.dropbox.com/sh/r5nij5ph58h40lc/AADGZrQ5h_7CvttXoJvNq63Xa?dl=0

Saturday Afternoon https://www.dropbox.com/sh/y8j7t7tqm6z6tdd/AADvmQ0HietVT5plyuEldVpYa?dl=0

Saturday Evening https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gaw6fg089z3l3j6/AAAN1IcKDx8pyNWJqjFIBhY9a?dl=0

Sunday https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tnjgd0uili6sskz/AAAe12jwEB4RIsYuCjykic33a?dl=0

TUNES:

Friday Night
- Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland
- I Was Saying To The Moon
- Wildcat Blues
- Where the Morning Glories Grow
- Oh Daddy
- My Baby Just Cares For Me
- Silver Dollar
- Sing For Your Supper
- Love Is Just Around the Corner
- Solace
- Beyond the Blue Horizon
- Weather Bird Rag
- Get Out and Get Under The Moon
- You’ve Got the Right Key But the Wrong Keyhole
- Dipper Dan Dapper Dan (from Dixieland)
- I Wonder Whose Kissing Her Now
- Shuffle Along
- Love Will Find A Way
- Let’s Fly Away
- Bewitched
- Old Man Moon
- What A Little Moonlight Can Do
Saturday Afternoon
- It Had To Be You
- At The Jazz Band Ball
- A Kiss To Build A Dream On
- Old Lady Be Good Lady Be Good
- Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
- Dinah
- Crazy About My Baby
- Poor Butterfly
- After You’ve Gone
- Ain’t Misbehavin’
- That’s A’Plenty
- My Baby Just Cares For Me
- Indian Summer
- Bourbon Street Parade
- Rose Room
- Struttin’ With Some Barbeque
- Baby Won’t You Please Come Home
- Banjo-A-Rama
- Basin Street Blues
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Xp2TmOmSZA
- Do I Love You?
- Oh, Baby
- Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
- Avalon
- Honey Suckle Rose
- I Can’t Get Started
- I Got Rhythm
- Tin Roof Blues
- High Society
Saturday Night
- S’ Wonderful
- Some Day You’ll Be Sorry
- Some Of These Days
- You’re Driving Me Crazy
- If I Had You
- Louis Blues
- My Gal Sal
- Indiana
- Honky Tonk Town
- Stars Fell on Alabama
- Ida
- Margie
- Exactly Like You
- Lulu’s Back In Town
- Ja Da
- Sleepy Time Down South
- Somebody Stole My Gal
- Pennies From Heaven
- Stardust
- Lime House Blues Limehouse Blues
- Creole Love Call
- Willie the Weeper
- Ory’s Creole Trombone
- Michigan
- Banjo-A-Rama
- Taking A Chance on Love
- Someday Sweetheart
- How Deep Is the Ocean?
- What A Little Moonlight Can Do
- Tiger Rag
Sunday Afternoon
- Downtown Starters Ball Darktown Strutters’ Ball
- Shine
- Avalon
- Someday You’ll Be Sorry
- Happy Feet
- Sweet Georgia Brown
- My Sugar Melted In The Rain
- Dipper Mouth Blues
- South
- Lester Leaps In
- I’m Confessing That I Love You
- The Sheik of Araby
- Linger A While/June Night
- You Made Me Happy
- Row, Row, Row
- Take Your Tomorrow and Give Me Today
- Sleep
- Ain’t Misbehaving
- I’m Sorry I Made You Cry
- When Your Lover Has Gone
- Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone
- South Rampart Street Parade
- Bango-o-Rama
- Swing That Music
- Mood Indigo
- Three Little Words
- Strike Up The Band
- Panama

Jeff and Joel’s House Party, October 11-13, 2013

Posted on October 11, 2013 by admin

Official Staircase picture, by Eric Devine

Bottom up – Bob Barta, Bill Reynolds, Jeff Barnhart, Daniel Barda, Alain Marquet, Noel Kaletsky, Ian Frankel, Emily Asher, Freddy Vigorito, Tom Palinko, Gordon Au, Lou Bocciarelli, Joel Schiavone, Albie Bernard

By Sue Finn
Pictures by Sue Finn and Marce

Daniel Barda and Alain Marquet

It was wonderful to have Daniel and Alain there all the way from France to perform for us. How they did it through the jet lag is beyond me. I was particularly impressed with Daniel’s ‘Ory’s Creole Trombone’. I was sitting close enough to hear him say that he had no warning that he was going to be asked to play that – amazing! And hearing Alain & Noel together was magical – especially ‘China Town’.

I thought the addition of the Friday night concert was a cool way to give us all a chance to hear D & A in depth. Nice touch having Bill play washboard on ‘Washboard Wiggle’ – wonder if it made them feel at home!

Daniel, Alain, Bill Reynolds on washboard

Paris Washboard, with Bill Reynolds on washboard

Saturday afternoon started the weekend ‘proper’ with the full contingent of super-talented musicians, in various permutations for all of the two days. There were many different styles.

Emily Asher and Daniel Barda

Some highlights: ‘Mood Indigo’ with two trombones,

Fred Vigorito cornet and Gordon Au trumpet

Fred Vigorito and Gordon Au

‘Cakewalking Babies’ with trumpet and cornet,

‘Bogalusa Strut’ and, of course, ‘Joel’s Banjo Frenzy’ sing along with Noel being a good sport and playing a banjo again – although he always says he won’t!

Joel with banjo leading sing-along, Palinko drums, Barnhart piano, Barta banjo

Joel’s banjo sing-along

Noel Kaletsky on banjo

The finale for this set was ‘South Rampart Street Parade’ with 11 of the 14 musicians joining in.

Finale Saturday 4pm

The ‘history lesson’ on Saturday evening was very informative and something new (I think – I wasn’t at the 3rd House Party so Jeff may have done it there). In my opinion this set included some of the best music of the weekend, including the aforementioned ‘Ory’s Creole Trombone’. I was surprised at the bebop number – definitely learned something there. I always thought bebop was like swing and the dance similar to jitterbug. Needless to say this trad jazz fan didn’t like it but it didn’t sound as if Jeff expected anybody to! My favorites from this set were: ‘At a Georgia Camp Meeting’, ‘At the Jazz Band Ball’, ‘Stevedore Stomp’ & ‘Big Bear Stomp’.

Saturday night Finale

Sunday brought more wonderful music – where do they get their energy?? – and included some novelty numbers – ‘Down in Jungle Town’, ‘A Chicken Ain’t Nothing But a Bird’ and the (unplanned) ‘Rooster Song’ solo by Jeff. Also another sing along. In this set I especially liked ‘Limehouse Blues’,

Gordon Au singing, Noel playing clarinet

Gordon sings

‘Happy Feet’ with Gordon singing, Jeff & Ian’s piano duet and the grand finale of the weekend with ALL the musicians playing ‘High Society’.

table filled with food and people helping themselvees

Volunteers served delicious meals

Can’t end this without a mention of the volunteers – they are amazing, working quietly, mostly behind the scenes and making sure it all runs smoothly and everyone has a truly memorable weekend.

Now we all have to be very patient and wait until October, 2014 for the next one! We are SO lucky to be able to hear such talented musicians play amazing music just for us…………

Sue Finn

Questionnaire

>From Marce: List of 16 hours of Tunes!
Eric’s videos are in the works, there will be more on this later. If you were a witness to this marvelous weekend, please share your comments with us. Send to marce@nejazz.com.

I’ll See You In My Dreams

Comments:
Eric Devine:
“It’s hard to put into words the feeling I have when I’m at Jeff and Joel’s House party. I find myself literally surrounded by incredibly talented musicians and enthusiastic fans who all like what I like. It feels like a big Trad Jazz family reunion in some ways. This house party (number 4) may have been the best yet. It’s hard to say this because each party has been exciting, fun and unique, but the addition of a Friday night show with Alain Marquet, Daniel Barda, Jeff Barnhart and Bill Reynolds was really spectacular. On Saturday night Jeff narrated a 50-year history of jazz that was interesting and funny. There were so many great moments from this party, from the comedic interchange among musicians to the really hot tunes to the conversations with musicians and other fans. I am grateful that Jeff, Joel and all of the house party volunteers find a way to make this party happen and I look forward to the next one.”

Marilyn Snow:
“What a great weekend–jazz heaven. Loved the music (such great talent) and the surroundings, food, and company, all just wonderful. What a marvelous concept.”

Fred Vigorito, cornetist:
Thank you Joel Schiavone and Jeff Barnhart for a fabulous, fun filled weekend of hot Jazz! Thank you Glen and Carol Ott for the delicious food! Over 200 Jazz fans enjoyed the sounds of 14 talented musicians giving it their all. Thank you, volunteers. It couldn’t happen without you! This was so much fun! Playing with Daniel and Alain of Paris Washboard! Sharing the trumpet slot with Gordon Au. Working with trombonist Emily Asher, drummers Bill Reynolds and Tom Palinko, bass man Lou Bocciarelli, clarinetist Noel Kaletsky, banjoists Bob Barta and Joel, tuba man Albie Barnard, pianists Jeff Barnhart and Ian Frenkel. You should have seen and heard Jeff and Ian’s duet, with one piano! Sad to see it all come to an end, but the good news is that it will happen again next year, Oct 11 and 12, 2014. This will sell out for sure, so buy your tickets soon! Go to: www.jeffandjoelshouseparty.com“

Jeff & Joel’s House Party, April 2013

Posted on April 20, 2013 by admin

Next one: October 12-13, 2013 with special Friday Night Event (on the 11th) featuring: Daniel Barda, trombone and Alain Marquet, clarinet from France!!
Registration Form

videos by Eric Devine CineDevine

Athens Abell’s Home Grown Highways

April 20-21, 2013 It was an absolute BLAST!!

Fifteen great New England, New York, New Jersey and Florida musicians assembled by the genius of Jeff Barnhart presented a kaleidoscope of marvelous, toe-tapping Traditional Jazz and Swing (and some of Your Father’s Mustache, some Country and Rock) at the historic Schiavone home in Guilford, Connecticut.

Featured on trumpet – Lew Green & Gordon Au; reeds – Noel Kaletsky & Joe Midiri; trombone – Craig Grant & Paul Midiri; piano – Jeff Barnhart & Ian Frenkel; banjo/guitar – Bob Price, John Gill, & Joel Schiavone; bass/tuba – Brian Nalepka & Frank Tate; drums – Tom Palinko, Kevin Dorn, and John Gill; vibes – Paul Midiri.

This House Party started Saturday noon with non-stop music for four hours, continued Saturday evening and again Sunday. JazzMen were on the move constantly – in through one room, out through the other. (Move it! – one way only!)

This was better than any Festival!! Joel and Donna opened their historic 1804 home, removed the furniture, and added padded chairs to two ‘parlors’. The Green Room was in the kitchenette – but the musicians mingled with the crowd.

Jeff Barnhart at top of staircase with arms outstretched

King of the Hill!

Jeff Barnhart hand-picked the musicians, named a leader, and said “Play!”

The leaders gathered their troops for a strategic conference on tunes; some of them had never even met before.

Oh how they played!! It was MAGIC from beginning to end!

They enjoyed challenging each other and new associates with the wit and freedom that only comes from jazz improvisations.

They came in all sizes, every one a star! They were having fun, and it was infectious.

Very tall Frankel, less tall Green, less tall Kalesky, and even less tall Gordon Au

Looking up to the boss!

Buffet was delicious, thanks to Carol and Glen Ott! Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday brunch all included. Dinner included tortellini carboniera, chicken marsala, whole wheat pasta & vegetables, eggplant parmesan, baked ziti, chicken & broccoli. Salads: baby spinach & mushrooms, spring mix with cranberry & pita bread. Caesar dressing, raspberry vinaigrette, and balsamic. Many desserts, pies, cheesecake.

On to the fabulous music!!

Lew Green led his group on Winin’ Boy Blues, Jeff Barnhart vocal, Noel Kaletsky clarinet, Paul Midiri trombone, Brian Napelka tuba, John Gill drums.

We finally had the opportunity to see and hear the multi-talented John Gill.

Multi-talented John Gill plays all the instruments!

Joel interviewed John Gill for Your Father’s Mustache when he was 17. In the 70’s, he moved to San Francisco and played drums, banjo and soprano saxophone with Turk Murphy.

Here he played guitar, drums, trombone and a rare 8-string banjo.

A Bing-Crosby type Crooner, he also entertained us with Wise Guys, Pennies From Heaven, Found a Million Dollar Baby.

He was on guitar for a Country set honoring Johnny Cash, Folsom Prison (twice, by request.) The only tune that was repeated in these marvelous twelve hours.

Harking back to the 50’s and 60’s he was accompanied by Jeff on piano, Brian on string bass, Kevin drums on Blueberry Hill. The fans were merrily singing along; Blue Suede Shoes, Jerry Lee Lewis’s Great Balls of Fire.

Jeff Barnhart led a Bix group, with Lew cornet, Craig trombone, Bob Price banjo, Joe Midiri clarinet, Palinko drums, Nalepka on tuba – Singing The Blues.

He turned the ‘stage’ over to the Bass players – Brian Nalepka, bass and leader, supported by Joe, Bob, and Tom. Price’s banjo took the intro to Keep Your Sunny Side Up, with Brian on vocal.

Nice slap bass!!

Brian, founding member of the Manhattan Rhythm Kings, is a busy New York free lance musician. He was recovering from a broken leg.

He played a fantastic slap bass on Margie!

Jeff begins with the verse on Always, with Noel, Gordon, Craig, Bob on banjo, Frank string bass, and Tom drums.

New York’s Gordon Au, with a 1950’s Selmer Trumpet from Paris similar to the one Louis Armstrong used, led the “Swing Six” with Riverboat Shuffle. Fabulous!

Gordon leads a nice rendition of I Wish You Love, marvelous solos.

The future of Traditional Jazz and Swing is in good hands with these two gentlemen from New York. It will be around for a long time. Thank you! Gordon Au Grand St. Stompers

Powerful trumpet player,

Kevin Dorn, TJC, The Big 72

Torch bearer of Trad Jazz, NY drummer Kevin Dorn

“Wild Man” Gordon shook the rafters …. with the help of Noel & Jeff, John Gill on drums, Bob Price banjo, Brian Nalepka tuba.

Craig Grant takes the lead on trombone for Lover Come Back To Me with Frank Tate on string bass, Palinko on drums. Kudos to the audience – they listenedd; there was no talking while the music was playing, we could even hear every note of Frank Tate’s marvelous string bass.

Congenial hot banjo player from Florida, Bob Price played straight-man for envious teasing.

Bob started playing with Your Father’s Mustache when he was only 15. His dexterous fingers flew across the frets on an Eddy Peabody opener, Sweet Sue.

Interlude with two great pianists, Jeff Barnhart reaches back to 1833 for Chopin’s Clair de Lune, starting out seriously Classical, then jumping into Jazz. Ian Frankel chose an intricate, swinging You Do Something To Me.

Ian Frankel on old upright piano, upright keys all visible in front of him

Ian Frankel – Powerful, flashy fingering!

It was unbridled insanity with the two of them playing wild, four-handed piano on Lady Be Good. Jeff is tall, but Ian stands 6 foot 8 inches.

Jeff stands on the piano stool to shake Ian's hand

From one hot pianist to another…

It was way past the time for Joel’s Banjo Set.
We are all aware that the primary reason for the House Party is so Joel Schiavone can play his banjo to an appreciative, live audience, and lead his dedicated volunteers in the Sing-Alongs. Joel loves this; he’s in his Glory reminiscing in Your Father’s Mustache,.

Banjo sing-along from Your Father’s Mustache

Jeff Barnhart piano and Tom Palinko drums accompanied Joel, John Gill and Bob Price on banjo, along with Craig Grant. Craig and Joel go way back to 1961 with a Dixieland Band, The Seven Sons of Harvard. Craig also played trombone with Your Father’s Mustache.

Volunteers and fans were singing along, just like ‘the good old days’ Glory, Glory Hallelulia, Dixie, Carolina in the Morning, Mammy, Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Daisy, And the Band Played On, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, and the grand finale – 1918 The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise (great trombone!)

Jeff and Brian joined the vocals on Hello Mary Lou.

“If your having as much fun as we are, you’re drunk!” Jeff

This was the first time vibes were introduced at a Jeff and Joel’s House Party, with the inimitable Midiri Brothers, with Paul on vibes, Joe reeds. Brother Joe challenged Noel Kaletsky to a duel on clarinet. Spectacular! Believe it or not, this lively tune is Sleep.

Moonglow, Midiri Brothers set, with Ian Frankel piano, Frank Tate string bass, and Kevin Dorn drums.

Paul Midiri solo on vibes with Irving Berlin’s wistful What’ll I Do.

John Gill returned to the mic with guitar for American Roots – Rock & Roll. My Little Runaway, Folsom Prison. Jeff Barnhart dedicated You Ain’t Nothing But a Hound Dog to Joel Schiavone. (We aren’t going to touch that one!)

Gordon and Lew playing trumpets sitting down, under a large portrait of a naked lady

Lew Green and Gordon Au judiciously chose to sit down, but not out – and continued playing trumpets.

Jeff lead the Fats Set – with Frank Tate, Gordon, Price, Craig, Palinko, Noel. Jeff dedicated this one to the Stock Market, I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling; great string bass with Gordon comping on trumpet. Jeff expressed what everyone else was feeling – This Joint is Jumping!

Jeff and Joel’s House Party promotes and preserves Classic Traditional Jazz with twelve hours of toe-tapping Joyful Jazz, with a continuous flow of outstanding musicians playing with passion and intensity. This is only a small sample – you must experience this yourself.

It has been said that This is better than an invitation to dinner at a fine restaurant and a show, and a lot more fun!

Many thanks to all the Volunteers who made this possible!

We’re looking forward to the next one on October 11, 12 and 13, 2013. Jeff and Joel will present a special Friday night event: from Paris, France, Daniel Barda, trombone, and Alain Marquet, clarinet, members of the Paris Washboard, supported by many more outstanding musicians. www.pariswashboard.org, Hope to see you there!

That weekend will sell out quickly – only 80 seats available per session. Get your tickets now! Registration Form

Jeff & Joel’s House Party October 13-14, 2012

Posted on October 24, 2012 by admin

JAZZ LIVES – Michael Steinman, said it all: VERTIGO!

Photos by Eric and Sherral Devine

Next party: April 20-21, 2013Top: Noel Kaletsky, Sal Raniello, Genevieve Rose, Freddy Vigorito, Ross Petot, John Clark, Paul Monat
Stairs: Pam Pameijer, Craig Grant, Jim Fryer, Vince Giordano, Bob Barta, Jeff Barnhart, Joel Schiavone

Because of the decline in Traditional Jazz Festivals, Joel and Donna Schiavone again opened their 1804 home to eager Jazz aficionados.

At the last House Party, Jeff Barnhart picked the band, gave it a leader, and let them improvise JAZZ. This time, he picked the band (but anyone could opt in or opt out), picked a leader, gave them a theme “Play some Louis”, Play some Eddy Condon” Play some Blues”, “Play something HOT”. But only for two tunes.

Then the musicians moved out to the right, next band moved in from the left. It was absolute insanity! There were musicians and instruments constantly moving through the audience. But what else would you expect at Jeff and Joel’s House Party?

Paul Monat had the first band, with Jim Fryer trombone, Noel Kaletsky clarinet, Jeff Barnhart piano, Bob Barta banjo/vocal, Genevieve Rose string bass, Sal Raniello drums

I lost track of how many bands, or how many tunes (over 100).

I’m sorry I made you cry
Someday You’ll be sorry
Jazz Me Blues

two cornets

two clarinets

Two trombones- turbulent duet!
Shimme she-wobble

Only ONE –

Vince Giordano, whose music for Boardwalk Empire won a Grammy award this year.
Back Home Again in Indiana

Breeze

Paul Monat traded 4’s with himself on cornet and tuba.My Gal Sal

On the more serious side – Believe it or not, Jeff Barnhart does have a serious side.
He chose classical music for himself, Frederic Chopin – Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op.9 No.2

Ross Petot, New England’s best kept secret, pianist, teacher, composer, arranger. In his own signature stride piano, Gone With The Wind. He made the melody come alive.

Noel on clarinet, with Pam and Ross: Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans.
Dinah – I love Pam’s Trad beat!
Craig Grant on trombone: Milenberg Joys

Paul & Freddy, two cornets, Vince on bass sax, Storyville Blues

Dinners and breakfast were First Class, thanks to Carol and Glenn Ott.

photos by Marilyn Snow

Dippermouth Blues:

Genevieve Rose’s set had Jeff on piano, Barta banjo, Pam drums for Shanty in Old Shanty Town. She was unfamiliar with these tunes and has never played most of them.
A resourceful pro, she listened to the others, played rich tones, and maintained a powerful, full beat. Amazing!

Joel recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of “Your Father’s Mustache”
at Carnegie Hall.

Of course we had sing-alongs – with a four-piece banjo band, Joel, Bob Barta, Noel, and even Vince Giordano. Everyone got into the act. (I wish the camera had been on Michael Steinman!) Marce

Pam on washboard

Vince on drums

Jim Fryer on euphonium, with Sal Raniello and Jeff on piano: The Gypsy

This music spans all ages. Special surprise guest, ‘Red’ Balaban singing Porter’s Love Song To a Chamber Maid. Balaban played at Your Father’s Mustache in New York. He worked extensively as a sideman, for musicians such as Wild Bill Davison, Eddie Condon, Gene Krupa, Dick Wellstood, and Kenny Davern. He co-led Eddie Condon’s house band with Ed Polcer from 1975; other noted musicians in this outfit included Vic Dickenson, Warren Vache, and Connie Kay. The club closed in the mid-1980s. Balaban continues playing today in Connecticut. (Wikipedia)

Jeff introduced Fourteen-year-old Andrew Ferno, who covered the music spectrum with fine piano renditions of Do The Hucklebuck and Thelonius’s Blue Monkk.
Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, CT

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

Tag Archives: Joel Schiavone

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Jeff and Joel’s House Party, October 11-13, 2013

Jeff & Joel’s House Party, April 2013

Next one: October 12-13, 2013 with special Friday Night Event (on the 11th) featuring: Daniel Barda, trombone and Alain Marquet, clarinet from France!!
Registration Form

videos by Eric Devine CineDevine

Athens Abell’s Home Grown Highways

Jeff & Joel’s House Party October 13-14, 2012

Next one: October 12-13, 2013 with special Friday Night Event (on the 11th) featuring: Daniel Barda, trombone and Alain Marquet, clarinet from France!! Registration Form

videos by Eric Devine CineDevine

Athens Abell’s Home Grown Highways

Next one: October 12-13, 2013 with special Friday Night Event (on the 11th) featuring: Daniel Barda, trombone and Alain Marquet, clarinet from France!!
Registration Form