I am not a jazz musician, nor am I knowledgeable about music, so this review expresses my feelings as an undying fan of over 70 years. I thought the band was sensational. They were really “hot” as they romped through many great standards with outstanding improvisation around the melodies. Jeff Hughes did a terrific job both leading the group and playing the trumpet. He blended everyone’s talents wonderfully – especially since his usual group of stalwarts were augmented by the addition of Jack Soref on guitar and Kellian Adams on vocals.
Soref plays in the style of the master gypsy guitarist Django Reinhart. He was phenomenal, and he blended in with his new mates quite easily, Jeff gave him plenty of time to show how terrific he is.
Jack Soref, gypsy Jazz guitar
Kellian can belt out tunes focusing mostly on middle range. She provided a change of pace nicely.
Kellian Adams Pletcher is a Joy!
Herb Gardner was outstanding on the keyboard as usual. He also entertained us with a couple of solos on the trombone.
Herb Gardner, keyboard and trombone
Herb’s daughter Sarah Nova was in the audience. She showed us she has the
inherited talent of her father when she got up and sang.
Sarah Gardner Nova
John Clark is an extremely versatile reed man as he alternated playing clarinet, soprano sax and baritone sax – all with excellent results.
John Clark on baritone sax
Steve Taddeo is really into it on drums. He’s wonderful setting the beat and soloing.You can tell the he really loves playing, and it rubs off on the audience.
Steve Taddeo on his brand new Slingerland Drums
Al Bernard handles the tuba great as he anchors the rhythm section – plus he solos excellently.
Al Bernard, tuba, rhythm,
Unfortunately, the heavy rain kept the crowd down, but Jeff and the group will return to the Primavera on October 22nd.
Come see them perform – you’ll love their music and they are a congenial, friendly bunch appreciative of everyone who comes to see them play.
The music took me back to the days when jazz was extremely popular, and bands like this played all over New England. I wish I could see more of this band – they are so great. They really have no weaknesses for an old time jazz fan like me.
Gary Bohan cornet, Paul Monat cornet/tuba, Pete Collins clarinet, Dave James (Caponigro) Keys, Steve Taddeo drums
Paul Monat introduced us to some new faces with his Jailhouse 4+1 and lit up Primavera Ristorante on July 23rd. The Band is patterned after the Firehouse 5 + 2, but because of the late notice, Paul wasn’t able to line up more than five free musicians. Disney has ‘Firehouse’ patented, hence the Jailhouse 4+1. The Quintet lit Primavera on fire!
Paul Monat brought his monstrous brass bass along with his Wild Bill Davison influence on cornet. Cornetist Gary Bohan easily plays a range of styles including klezmer, jazz, mainstream, big band and Dixieland. Clarinetist Pete Collins was still streaming, fresh from his own Jazz Band Ball’s performance at Lobsterman’s Wharf in East Boothbay, Maine. Steve Taddeo was turbulent on his brand-new Slingerland Drums.
Last but not least, on the keyboard Dave (Caponigro) James is a band by himself. He is performing somewhere in the greater Boston area almost every night. His keyboard subs for trombone, banjo, vibraphone, you name it, and he is also a great vocalist. He played a memorable solo on keyboard, providing his own comp, and singing a soulful Rosetta.
Dave (Caponigro) James
Together the Jailhouse 4+1 sizzled! Jeannine in the audience exclaimed, “Who needs two more?”
Chinaboy.
Pete Collins, leader of The Jazz Band Ball Band
Clarinet lead on Indiana, piano slipped in some Yankee Doodle Dandy, before they let Steve loose on drums.
Found a New Baby, Avalon; Pete went wild on Way Down Yonder in New Orleans.
Abbondanza – Paul on his remarkable 5-valve tuba, Steve backing with clutch cymbal. Dave’s keyboard feigning a trombone.
Steve Taddeo backs Paul’s tuba
Tuba was featured on Them There Eyes, Paul intense on that monster brass. Steve on solo tapping every drum, cymbal, block, bell. Basin St. Blues. Keeping Out of Mischief Now, Dave singing with rhythmical cadence.
Shine
Gary Bohan and Paul Monat are amazing together
Memories of You with both cornets resurrected fond memories; Gary driving and adding distinctive shadings and tone, Paul emulating Wild Bill. Pete played low register clarinet; Dave played his own comp on keyboard solo.
The two cornets let loose on Swing That Music; keyboard playing banjo. WILD! They slowed for a sweet Honeysuckle Rose, Gary’s clear tone cornet, Pete sounding like Pete Fountain, Keyboard was playing vibraphone. Never got dull!
When You’re Smiling – Surprise – Pete Collins did the vocal! Pleasing voice. We’ve been following him for years, never heard him sing before.
Dinah – you know this was WILD! Ensemble intro, amazing duet between drums and Paul on cornet. It’s Taddeo’s theme song – he was ready with his Krupa walk around, heading for our table and tapping on everything in site, making melody out of several wine glasses.
It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing – The Jailhouse 5 had the Swing!
They brought the tempo down with a fine melody, Roseroom. Paul closed this hard driving performance with The Saints.
Paul Monat is determined to bring in new sounds with a Jailhouse 5+2. He’s here for the summer, so stay tuned for some more fireworks!
Ed Harlow presented the first Soular Jazz Festival on the grounds of the First Parish Church, 40 Church St. Northborough, MA. The Bands were Boston Horns, Gringo Kings, Yabuno/Ettun/Barshay, and Jason Palmer Quartet.
The Soular Jazz Festival is a celebration of life, music and technology. The festival brings great local and international jazz artists and the innovators and entrepreneurs of green technologies together. Their goal is to spread the promise of a better future through music and sharing ideas that preserve our planet for future generations.
Member cooks hamburger with solar heat
There were examples of Soular’s green technology at a hamburger grill and also large covered pot.
Sit and Charge phone!
There even was a bench where you could sit and recharge your phone battery.
(Full 3-hour video of the whole Soular Jazz Festival by Kathleen Dalgliesh of Northborough Cable Access Television is below.)
Gringo Kings front line:
Gringo Kings front line
Ed’s own band, the Gringo Kings at 1st Soular Jazz Festival in Northborough, MA
Trumpets – Garret Savluk, Bobby Gallegos
Alto – John Clark
Tenor – Ed Harlow
Trombone – Clayton DeWalt
Piano – Amy Bowles
Bass – Keala Kaumeheiwa
Drums – Bertam Lehmann
Rhythm Section with Amy Bowles piano:
Gringo Kings Rhythm Section
Here is the full 3:12 hour video of the whole Soular Jazz Festival by Kathleen Dalgliesh of Northborough Cable Access Television with the Boston Horns, Gringo Kings, Yabuno/Ettun/Barshay, and Jason Palmer Quartet:
Ed is asking for your support in your time, talents and money to make the Soular Jazz Festival possible. Volunteer, become a vendor and/or make a tax deductable donation here: http://soularjazzfest.com/new-page/
We’re looking forward to the next Soular Jazz Festival!!
Paul Monat cornet, John Clark tenor sax/clarinet, Craig Ball clarinet, Gerry Gagnon tuba, Bill Doyle guitar, Ross Petot piano, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve Taddeo Drums, Caroline Griep vocals, and special guest Jack Soref, guitar.
Harold McAleer videos,
Marce photos
Steve Taddeo presented his Swing Senders at Bemis Hall on June 10th, with an amalgamation of New England’s finest musicians, and special guest, Jack Soref on guitar. With a great four-piece front line and two guitars, we were guaranteed an evening of outstanding Swing!
They began with Steve’s explosive drum intro into Savoy. Paul Monat said It was like being in a Gene Krupa concert!
Caroline Griep does it all with style.
Caroline Griep puts heart and soul into I Can’t Give You Anything but Love, with the Quintet of John Clark on tenor sax, Craig Ball clarinet, Soref playing Django style guitar, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve drums.
Paul Monat Wishing Upon a Star
Paul Monat was featured on When You Wish Upon a Star, citing his idol, Wild Bill Davison. The high ceiling of this large hall provided a beautiful echo enhancing Paul’s excellent cornet.
Caroline was back for Slow Boat to China. Her voice is rich, with a great range and many layers.
Justin was featured on Just You, Just Me, bowing the base in rich harmony, bolstered by intricate improvised solos.
On one tune, Taddeo joined him with their own version of “Big Noise From Winnetca”
Justin and Steve mimic Ray Bauduc and Bob Haggart
Harold filmed an impressive video of the Swing Sender’s Theme Song, Dinah.
There was an innovative interchange between the two guitars on Everybody Loves My Baby, backed by two clarinets. They all love making music!
Jack Soref, Bill Doyle
Dave Didriksen sits in.
Steve asked Dave Didriksen to sit in on Flat Foot Floogie. Dave is a fine drummer, and manager of the group Swing Times Five with Debby Larkin.
Dave took over the drums. He said it was worth it to give Steve Taddeo a rare chance to sing. Who knew Steve could sing?
Caroline returned with a soaring vocal on Jeeper Creepers.
The band broke into quartets; the first featuring Jack Soref on a tune we had been anticipating, Django’s Minor Swing, with Bill Doyle adding rhythm guitar, Justin on string bass, and Steve drums. Judge for yourself:
John Clark on tenor sax
Can’t We Be Friends was led by John Clark with a brilliant interchange between tenor sax and string bass.
Ross Petot makes sure there are no blank spaces.
Moonlight in Vermont captivated the audience with only Ross Petot backing Caroline Griep – just the two of them, letting the song shine through. Beautiful!
Djangology gave Soref another chance to feature his expertise on Django Rheinhardt. For half of 2011, Jack studied the music of Django Reinhardt at its source by moving to Paris, France. We hope to hear more from him in the future.
Finale, with a drum intro into Stomping at the Savoy. Wonderful solos… concluding with Steve Taddeo’s extended solo on his Antique 1939 Slingerland Drums, in high energetic and buoyant style, crossing cymbals, using press rolls and cymbal techniques. The room exploded!
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This really was a Dream Team! The musicians and audience were high from this fantastic Swing music and didn’t want it to stop. John Clark continued with I Got Rhythm, fine trombone by Gerry Gagnon and classic interchange between Craig Ball clarinet and Jack Soref. They hadn’t discussed how to end this, so Taddeo made it a wrap!
Steve Taddeo always come through with the finest musicians and amazing Swing. Save the date: Wednesday, August 12th. Steve is bringing back the marvelous Midiri Brothers to Bemis Hall. Details to follow.
Wolverine Jazz Band at Ken’s Steak House, Sunday afternoon
Review of Wolverine Jazz Band at Ken’s Steak House, May 3, 2015 – by Myron Idelson
On May 3rd, 2015, the venerable restaurant, Ken’s Steak House in Framingham Massachusetts launched a new venue for Traditional Jazz. Hosted by the Wolverine Jazz Band, led by John Clark, the music made by seven formidable talents from 4pm to 7pm blew all credibility by reaching new heights of Jazz brilliance.
The members of the Band: John Clark clarinet and bari saxophone, Jeff Hughes cornet, Jimmy Mazzy banjo and vocals, Ross Petot piano, Tom Boates trombone, Rick MacWilliams tuba and Dave Didriksen drums… were all guilty of playing excessive, appealing, ingratiating, bright, inventive, and intense extraordinary music causing a seismic shaking of Musical Joy, registering a 10 on the Richter Musical Scale.
The music played by the Wolverines was a Blue Ribbon Salute to their talents… and the audience became immensely wealthy. The unusual arrangements, the swinging tempos, the integrity of the Jazz in the slow tempos, the exciting refreshing impressive new insights showed the seven Giants were possessors of fantastic tone and range with never a hint or sound of a pallid solo.
The pleasing Hot choruses, the brilliant arrangements, were infusing and sparking the boys to unmitigated and scintillating new heights. There was never even a minor flaw the entire evening. It was a full and rich shattering experience – we were in the presence of ‘Musical Diety’. The future of Ken’s is predictable – more of the same with a parade of other bands to follow.
The Opening Night of our second new venue takes place on May 19th, 2015 at the Sheraton Inn in Needham, Massachusetts, 7pm to 9:30pm. The Wolverine Jazz Band as our host ensures us, once again, of another arousing night of Great Traditional Jazz.
Ken’s Steakhouse and The Sheraton Inn will offer a “Who’s Who” of Traditional Jazz.
Recorded in 2009 with Dave Whitney – Leader, Trumpet/Cornet and Vocals
Sophia Steven, Vocals
Trumpets – Joe Musumeci, Mel Deveau, Don Heathcock and
Scott Philbrick (also guitar)
Trombones – Scott Hills, Jay Keyser, Stu Gunn
Sax and Clarinet – Sil D’Urbano, Bob Drukman (alto),
Ben Goldstein, Blair Bettencourt (tenor)
Kathleen Howland (baritone),
John Clark (alto, tenor and clarinet),
Ben Goldstein – tenor solo on Skirts, Clarinet solos on Tuxedo Junction and Roll’ em
Piano- Steve Dale, Bass-Dave LeBleu, Drums – Reid Jorgensen.
arrangements by Chris Powers except Theme and Pete Kelly’s Blues by Steve Dale
recording and mixing by Peter Kontrimas PBS Studios, Westwood MA
photo credits-Harold MacAleer, Sarah Musumeci (full band).
Thanks to Joseph J. Grassia at the WunderBar Recording Studio, Concord MA
In Loving Memory – Lorraine Whitney and Mel Deveau
Dave Whitney Orchestra with Sophia Stevens Photo by Marce
Scott Philbrick cornet, Craig Ball clarinet, Steve Piermarini trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Frank Stadler leader/piano, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bob Reardon drums
The Seacoast Stompers were back at Bemis Hall at their regular daylight time, 2-5pm, Saturday afternoons – great time to listen to great Jazz. They are wonderful, lyrical players, inspire one another, enjoying what they do, pleasing their audience. We especially enjoy Jimmy’s many songs. (We’ve been listening to Jimmy for over 43 years, and he is still unique.)
They began as always with their theme song, At The Jazz Band Ball. Frank Stadler leads the band, but Scott Philbrick is their ‘music’ leader. Frank held a list of tunes they would play. Something new had been added – all the endings were kept short and abrupt. Each one caught us by Surprise!
This was Craig Ball’s first sorti after breaking bones in his hand when he slipped on ice four weeks ago. He still should have had at least two weeks recovery, but was climbing the walls. So he returned to playing clarinet with a swollen left hand, clarinet still reaching for the stratosphere!
Everybody Loves My Baby – check out that clarinet.
I Would Do Most Anything For You, Scotty racing so fast on cornet, it almost made us dizzy, it was a Wowzer!
Moving to more moderate tempo, Mama’s Gone, Goodbye, Jimmy at his best with Albie’s powerful brass, Stadler offering just the right chords, drum tapping on crash cymbal.
Jimmy solo backed by Frank Stadler on piano and Al Bernrd tuba, plus drum not pictured
China Boy (video by Marce)
Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home had Scott playing sweet smooth cornet with Jimmy backing on banjo.
Upbeat Lady be Good, band in great New Orleans polyphony with exciting individual solos, Scott sneaking in tidbits of other tunes, Jimmy’s banjo pushing the beat with Bob beating hard on every drum he had!
Frank said that half of the tunes in this idiom seem to be in the key of F. So they moved to Rose Room, in the key of A♭, Scott’s cornet almost talking. Nice dance tune; there’s room at the back of the hall for dancing.
Al Bernard wrapped in sousaphone
Albie not only pushes the beat wrapped in sousaphone, but softly responds to solos In My Honey’s Loving Arms.
Strutting With Some Barbecue was wild!
Mood Indigo had an extraordinary cornet and trombone duet, with Scott throwing in some wa wa on muted cornet.
Scott Philbrick and Steve Piermarini in great muted duet
Jimmy’s choice, Nagasaki, in B♭, cornet leading, trombone playing counterpoint, Jimmy startling vocal. Piano took the intro to My Monday Date with Jim vocal.
It’s been a long time since they played I Ain’t Got Nobody, Pieranunzi playing fine growling muted trombone. Blue Lu, Bob Reardon with left stick on snare drum, right on splash cymbal, pushing the band.
Bobby’s choice of tunes – he always picks my favorite, Limehouse Blues. Piano intro, Bob’s brushes on tom tom drums, arms flailing in the air.
Bobby Reardon hitting all the drums!
E♭ banjo 16 bar intro into Louisiana, band following with exciting Dixieland Jazz.
Chicago was HOT, a barn burner with Jimmy scatting. Another upbeat, Found A New Baby with Jim vocal, Bob ended it with a stinging crash cymbal.
Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate. Frank loves playing this 1870 Steinway!
They closed with another rouser, Swing That Music. Bobby wouldn’t let it end, playing two moving drum encores.
They also played Swing That Music here in January, with Dave Whitney on cornet and Scotty on banjo. This was before Craig broke his hand. That tune is always an excellent closer.
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This music touches the heart and spirit. The musicians consider themselves lucky to be jazz players; they love this music. The don’t use charts, they listen to each other, improvising, sometimes challenging each other. They don’t necessarily get rewarded, except from the crowd that shows appreciation by applauding their marvelous talent.
Seacoast Stompers will be moving to a new venue. It’s been fun being here at Bemis Hall, thank you Harold McAleer and Vern Welch for making it possible. Next month on Saturday, May 9th, the Seacoast Stompers move to ACT IV, (formerly Acton Jazz Café) now at Jameson’s Restaurant, 26 Andover St, Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 still from 2-5pm. Come have a good meal (5 ½ Stars), a drink, and enjoy this great band!! We hope to see you there – bring a friend.
Harold McAleer with trusty video camera
We expect Harold will be taping at Jameson’s restaurant also. We hope they have good lighting!
Blue Horizon Jazz Band with Paul Monat and Al Ehrenfried
The Blue Horizon Jazz Band presented a romping New Orleans take on Sidney Bechet’s jazz and blues, with the five-piece group working together in a true spirit of cooperation. We were surprised to find cornetist Paul Monat substituting for trumpeter Jeff Stout, who has had a death in the family. Al Ehrenfried, string bass, came out of retirement for this evening.
It was a five-piece band, with Stan McDonald and Paul Monat cornet, holding the front line with the superb backing of the rhythm section, pianist Ross Petot, Al Ehrenfried bass, and Steve Taddeo drums.
They kicked it off with the New Orleans sound with Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland, and continued with Ross Petot’s robust piano intro to What Is This Thing Called Love.
Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jelly Roll, Bechet’s I Remember When, Everybody Loves My Baby. The two were in sync, twining around each other. Stan started Lastic on clarinet, with Paul playing a long, sustained, note. The two make some powerful music together, drums and string bass maintaining the Traditional Jazz Beat.
When You and I Were Young Maggie. Bechet’s Blues In The Air, nice blues lead by Stan McDonald.
Ross was featured on Lucky Day, backed by string bass and drums.
Ross Petot Featured
It was Steve Taddeo’s birthday. Monida surprised him with a cake while the band played the Birthday Song.
Happy Birthday, Steve!
Stan and Paul in unison on Bechet’s Marchand de Poisson. Bechet’s Fantasy, Paul slipped in some of his mentor, Wild Bill Davison.
When I Leave The World Behind, had Stan on vocal, great soprano sax; continuing on Lonesome Road. Getting into overtime now with Bechet’s Dans Les Rues D’Antibes, with Al playing a superb bass solo, backed by Steve’s adept drumming.
It was an unforgettable evening. The Blue Horizon Jazz Band will return as usual on the 3rd Tuesday of month, August 19th with more surprises.
Paul Monat will be in New England until September, when he returns to Florida. Stay tuned.
Dave Whitney All Stars with Christine Fawson, in a Tribute to Louis Armstrong at the Sherborn Inn with Dave Whitney trumpet/vocals, Christine Fawson trumpet/vocals, Ted Casher reeds, Dan Gabel trombone, Reid Jorgensen drums, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve Dale piano, Jon Wheatley guitar
Louis Armstrong had many “All Star” groups in his lifetime, but Dave Whitney concentrated on tunes that began in the early to late 20’s. Dave’s All-Stars were marvelous right from the Sleepy Time Down South kick-off; Jon Wheatley’s guitar in Back Home in Indiana,Royal Garden Blues that Louis played from 1947 into the 1960’s. Front line enjoy playing together. Music affects emotions; this music makes people happy.
Dave & Ted complain Bucket’s Got a Hole In It videos by Harold McAleer
Ted Casher
Ted actually played with Armstrong, when he was at Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts. Reed players Joe Darensbourg was off playing Ski Ball at the arcade when the band was ready to start. Louis looked around and said “Hey, wanna play?” Ted joined him on stage. Later in the band room, they found that Joe had won a Kewpie Doll.
To brighten the evening, Christine Fawson was introduced on trumpet and vocal. Dave and Christine make beautiful music together, the kind that brightens your day, whether they’re playing trumpet or singing.
Canal St. Blues, Christine is Louis, and Dave is Joe “King” Oliver.
Dave and Christine complement each other
Dave and Christine vocal – You’re Just In Love
Stomping at The Savoy, Reid Jorgensen made use of every instrument on the drums.
I Love You Samantha, Dave vocal with Justin Meyer and Jon Wheatley
Louis did a German Folk Song called The Faithful Hussar. It originated in Dusseldorf. Marvelous guitar by Jon, and string bass solo by Justin. This is Louis’s version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_j1LWUSwgQ
Dan Gabel really gets into Satchmo/New Orleans mood with St. James Infirmary Blues
Love is Just Around The Corner – a salute to bass players, with rhythm section.
Justin Meyer in tribute to bass players
Jon was featured on George Van Epps’ Tango El Bongo, Reid drumming with his hands.
Swing That Music was WILD!
In his Big Band of the 30’s, Louis played The Saints. Dave did the vocal, naming each member of the band, with Christine harmonizing on trumpet.
They closed with Sleepy Time Down South, fantastic trumpet solo, backed by rhythm section.
The whole evening was delectable! Everyone left with happy hearts and smiling faces.
Tune List:
Short intro Sleepy Time Down South
Back Home Again in Indiana
My Bucket’s Got a Hole In It
Royal Garden Blues
Kiss to Build a Dream On
Sweet Georgia Brown
Margie
Big Butter and Egg Man
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
Can’t Take That Away From Me
Stomping at The Savoy
Samantha
The Faithful Hussar
Canal St. Blues
Love is Just Around The Corner
Bourbon St. Parade
Tango el Bongo
Swing That Music
You’re Just in Love
Wonderful World
Saints
Sleepy Time Down South
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!
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 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’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 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’.
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…………
>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“
