Seacoast Stompers at Bemis Hall, March 14, 2015 with Blair Bettencourt

Posted on March 16, 2015 by admin

Seacoast Stompers

Scott Philbrick cornet, Blair Bettencourt clarinet/soprano sax/vocals, Lee Prager trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Frank Stadler piano/leader, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bob Reardon drums

Daylight!! Afternoons of Dixieland Jazz are rare! It was a pleasure coming to Bemis Hall in Lincoln Massachusetts, even if it was raining, to hear the return of the Seacoast Stompers after a particularly brutal New England winter! The band had to cancel their February concert because of snow. We’ve missed them.

They began with At The Jazz Band Ball, always a barrel-house opener that sets the tone for an afternoon of uplifting, toe tapping, high energy music. Each of these musicians is a pro in his own right; nurtured and inspired by New Orleans music, they are phenomenal!

Scott and Lee studying multiple pages of songs

Frank has maintained a list of each song, where and when it was played.

They are also independent. Frank always brings in a list of tunes to play, but they generally ignore it. Tonight he brought in a complete listing of tunes that he has meticulously maintained since they first began in 2008. They checked out the list, looking for different styles, trying not to duplicate any melody. Each musician chose a tune.

Unfortunately, reed player Craig Ball fell down the previous day and hurt his right hand. He will be in a cast for some time. Blair Bettencourt graciously filled in for him. We’ve known Blair for over 40 years, so it was a pleasure to hear him again.

Scott Philbrick

Scott Philbrick is the ‘music leader’ of the band, letting them choose songs from the list, bringing them together as a team. His cornet generally establishes the melody, and the band sores with him making powerful music.

Everybody Loves My Baby, we love Lee’s trombone. Lee Prager joined the band in 2010 and has been a plus ever since. His deep, burnished, trombone is reminiscent of Tommy Dorsey. We don’t hear him often enough, he really makes a difference. He was also featured on I’ll Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plans.

Three Little Words, In My Dreams with Jim on sweet vocal. An old Basie tune: Things Ain’t What They Used To Be. The Front line had fun with shading on this one. Blair surprised everyone with a long, smearing gliss up the scale, Scott picked it up with some effort doing a slow gliss from low to high on cornet. It was much easier for Lee with that long, slow, slurring, slide on trombone! Nice touch.

Albie listens carefully and provides momentum for the ensembles, and also quietly backs many of the solos. Blair picked Tin Roof Blues, the musicians inspiring each other on this Trad Jazz chestnut. Lee called Mama’s Gone, Goodbye, giving Albie one of many sousaphone solos.

Elke and granddaughter Stella

Elke and Stella were having a ball dancing
in the back of the room.

There was a romping New Orleans take on Jelly Roll Blues, with ultra tight ensemble and great piano. It’s obvious that Frank loves playing piano; he says all Steinway pianos are individuals, handmade by specialized craftsmen. This one in Bemis Hall was built in 1870. Frank said “Playing it is a joy, even though I have a nine-foot Steinway at home”.

Frank Stadler loves playing piano.

Stealing Apples, Fats Waller’s tune made famous by Benny Goodman, was absolutely WILD, followed by a scorching Avalon. This never gets dull!

Bob Reardon posed for this one.

Bob Reardon listens carefully and gives the band just the bang it needs. He picked Limehouse Blues, with a tempo that was frightening-fast. (Forget the list, Bob always asks for Limehouse.)

Bob hit the drums with everything he had, using blue wire brushes. He knows his stuff – he has played for 27 years at the Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus.

Blair Bettencourt on bent soprano sax

Blair Bettencourt plays exciting clarinet. He has a particularly soft way of playing eloquent bent soprano sax. He also sang a couple of songs for us in a smooth, powerful voice.

Jimmy Enright and I were dancing to his clarinet at Bob Connors Yankee Rhythm Kings’ first performance in New England Life Hall in 1975.

Jimmy is extraordinary; he had just arrived from Florida this morning where he performed with the Williams Reunion Jazz Band.

Jimmy Mazzy

How Come You Do Me Like You Do? Sugar, In his own distinctive style, he pleads, cajoles, scats, sweet talks. He picked I Want a Little Girl, backed by Blair playing soft soprano sax, with Scott and Lee on muted cornet and trombone. Nice.

They closed with an upbeat Mandy, and sent us home with sunshine inside, if not outside. You can catch them LIVE at Bemis Hall every month. The Seacoast Stompers will return on April 11th, same time, same station, same fantastic group of musicians. Hope to see you there!

Craig Ball and his sky-writing stratospheric clarinet will be missed by his throng of fans and the many bands he plays in. We wish him a speedy recovery!!

New Black Eagle Jazz Band at Primavera March 12, 2015

Posted on March 14, 2015 by admin

Tony Pringle cornet, Billy Novick clarinet/alto sax, Stan Vincent trombone, Herb Gardner keyboard, Peter Bullis banjo/manager, John Turner string bass, Bill Reynolds drums, special guest Mark Endresen guitar

This was the first time the New Black Eagle Jazz Band has appeared at the new Jazz venue, Primavera Ristorante, and also the first time there’s been a full house – probably around 50 people. Pimavera is very happy with having Jazz here, and it will continue indefinitely.

The Black Eagles are a popular Traditional Jazz Band now in their 43^rd year. Fans came from as far as Albany NY and Fairbanks, Alaska! No doubt, abundant sunshine and clear roads were motivating.

The band began with something we are all feeling, When I Grow Too Old To Dream. Their authentic Trad Jazz was exhilarating. Very few bands today maintain that special beat, and the Eagles elevate it to a real Art, in fact, the only Art that originated in America.

Lake Ponchartrain Blues – Tony’s clipped cornet is the sound that immediately identifies this band. My Memphis Baby, Billy on alto sax, Stan Vincent playing Big Jim Robinson tailgate trombone, on a tune by Narvin Kimball. Kimball was a 1920’s New Orleans banjo player who dazzled audiences with his left-handed single-string technique.

Herb Gardner

Herb Gardner took a solo and vocal on Crazy ‘Bout My Baby. Herb has been playing keyboard at Primavera for many different bands. He normally plays trombone.

(Bob Pilsbury, missed by his many fans, sends greetings from his home in Sudbury and would certainly like to hear from friends and fans. Address: Bob Pilsbury, 11 Barton St. Sudbury MA 01776.)

Bouncing Around is a 1920’s tune that was recorded by Armand J. Piron. Willie ‘the Lion’ Smith and his Cubs recorded The Old Stamping Grounds. The Black Eagles continued with many tunes played by these marvelous musicians. There aren’t many bands that can do them justice! Sam Morgan’s Bogalusa Strut. Louis Russell’s Saratoga Shout.

Rhytm Section, Bill Reynolds drums, Peter Bulllis banjo, John Turner bass

Rhythm Section, Bill Reynolds drums, Peter Bulllis banjo, John Turner bass

The rhythm section is laid back on ballads, but on a hot tune…look out!
Peter Bullis, still wearing his red sox, has been playing that Trad Beat for over 50 years.

Stan Vincen’ts nephew, Mark Endresen, a fine Calypso guitarist, sat in for Pete Bullis on Tomorrow Night, and a spiritual, In The Sweet Bye and Bye. They let Mark go on guitar – marvelous! Mark founded and is featured vocalist of Calypso Hurricane, an exciting, high spirited and internationally known group playing music of the Caribbean Islands. See http://calypsohurricane.com/ .

Joseph Tremitiere was definitely enjoying the music. He was here with his family, celebrating his 100^th birthday.

100 yr-old smiling and enjoying the music. Band - Aid Ron L'Herault and friend in background.

Joseph Tremitiere enjoying himself at 100! He’s sharp as a tack.

Billy Novick was featured on alto sax with Mark Endresen backing, and dedicated the next tune to Joseph: A Hundred Years From Today.

Mark Endresen feels the music as he backs Billy Novick

Peter returned for a number played in the 1920’s by trumpeter Henry ‘Red’ Allen with The Luis Russell Band, Roamin’; Tony’s moaning, muted cornet just went right through you!

Bob Kaelin drove all the way from Albany NY – said he was having withdrawal symptoms since he last saw the band in October. His request was Panama. (Billy Novick had just returned from there.) Bill Reynolds added a monster drum solo, including the drum roll he performs so eloquently. With camaraderie and classic musicianship, this band gives you music that you won’t hear anywhere else!

They closed with an old favorite, Brahms Lullaby, with Tony introducing the musicians who make this band renowned.

They liked the new Primavera venue, and will return here on May 28^th.
You can also hear them at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on April 8, Regattabar in Cambridge on April 17^th, and Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham on April 24^th. Check their web site at www.blackeagles.com.

Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Primavera Ritorante March 5, 2015

Posted on March 5, 2015 by admin

Blue Horizon Jazz Band with Jack Soref and Mike Peipman

Blue Horizon Jazz Band with Jack Soref, Mike Peipman, and Dave Didriksen

Stan McDonald soprano sax/vocals, Mike Peipman trumpet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Jack Soref guitar, Stu Gunn string bass, Dave Didriksen drums.

Stan McDonald was listed as one of the top five soprano saxophone players in the world in a 1985 Mississippi Rag poll. He has played with the likes of Ralph Sutton, Tommy Benford, Buzzy Drootin, Ross Petot, Sammy Price, Benny Waters, Doc Cheatham, Dick Wetmore, Marty Grosz and Scott Hamilton.

Stan McDonald, soprano sax

Stan was interviewed by Dave Radlauer on Jazz Rhythm, where the Bechet-style soprano saxophone master recalled his half-century musical career. The set of 3 one-hour programs are available here http://nejazz.com/oldsite/McDonCD.htm

McDonald always picks the cream of the crop musicians from this area for his Blue Horizon Jazz Band; tonight was no exception.

Mike Peipman raises the roof with West End Blues

Mike Peipman’s fiery trumpet can be delicate and powerful. Mike generally plays modern, contemporary jazz, but displayed his aptitude for classic jazz with an impeccable rendition of Louis Armstrong’s West End Blues. Spectacular!

Combining the careers of lead trumpet player and Jazz soloist, he has toured with numerous groups such as the Artie Shaw Orchestra and the Woody Herman Orchestra.

Gerry Gagnon trombone, Stu Gunn string bass

Gerry Gagnon, veteran BHJB member, anchored the band tonight with his fabulous ‘Jack Teagarden’ trombone. Gerry normally plays with the Boilermaker Jazz Band, all over the U.S. Canada and Europe.

Stu Gunn has a masters degree from the Boston Conservatory. He covers the total range of music from classical to theater to jazz on both tuba and string bass. We remember him with Bob Connor’s Yankee Rhythm Kings. Now he’s with the Boston Symphony and Cape Cod Symphony Orchestras. His solid bass line keeps him on-call with many Trad Jazz bands.

Dave Didriksen

Dave Didriksen filled in for Steve Taddeo with some solid drumming that kept the band on time; essential in Traditional Jazz.

He was followed by the band playing organ-type chorus on Baby, Ain’t I Good To You. Nice!

Dave is drummer for the Wolverine Jazz Band and drummer and Manager for Swing Times Five.
He also owns Willow Books in Acton MA.

Full view of Mollie with scarf down to her knees and big fur hat almost covering her face

Mollie Malone

Chanteuse Mollie Malone was in the audience and stepped up for a fine vocal on Django’s Nuage, in French, backed by Stu Gunn, steadfast on string bass and Stan’s soprano sax

Jack Soref plays high quality Jazz, Gypsy Swing. He introduced many of the tunes on guitar. His interpretation of Django Reinhardt’s romantic Russian tune, Ochi chyornye (Dark Eyes) even surprised the members of the band, and had everyone on the edge of their seats. Jack plays regularly with the Gypsy Swing Band Ameranouche.

We missed Ross Petot’s piano, keeping it all together. But Ross teaches on Thursday evenings, so many bands have had to improvise.

The Blue Horizon Jazz Band will be at Primavera Ristorante on the first Thursday of every month; next will be April 2nd, 7pm.
Our grateful THANKS to Ellen McDonald, who has patiently kept these Traditional Jazz Bands playing LIVE JAZZ for over 20 years!

We hope to see you here next month?

Novel Jazz to warm up Skidompha Library with Hot Swinging Jazz!

Posted on March 2, 2015 by admin

Bill Batty, drums with Novel Jazz at Skidompha Public Library

Bill Batty will be a guest percussionist with the Novel Jazz as they perform classic jazz at Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta, ME, on Thursday, 12 March, 2015, 7PM to 9:30PM. The performance will also feature Barney Balch (trombone), Dave Clarke (guitar), Herb Maine (acoustic bass), Mike Mitchell (trumpet) and one other special guest Lefty McAuslin (tenor and alto sax). This evening initiates their 2015 Skidompha concert series, bringing live jazz to mid-coast audiences. Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free.

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“NOVEL JAZZ” TO WARM UP SKIDOMPHA LIBRARY WITH HOT SWINGING JAZZ – Novel Jazz will be in concert on Thursday, 12 March, 2015 at Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta, ME. They’ll present an evening of classic jazz out of the Great American Songbook. More about the band can be found at their web site (www.mainejazz.net). These events began with the observation that lovers of books often are lovers of jazz. The superb acoustics of Skidompha’s atrium, plus the seating “in the round”, make it a superior place to see and hear jazz, all in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. It was while performing at Skidompha that the band decided to forge deeper into the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Trombonist Barney Balch began visiting the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. to work in their Ellington collection, digging out gems of these musical geniuses and bringing them back to life in summertime concerts.

The musicians of this group have been playing straight-ahead jazz for audiences throughout Maine (and beyond) for several decades. Collectively, they share over two centuries of experience in the jazz idiom. Performing on the 12th of March will be David Clarke (guitar), Mike Mitchell (trumpet), Herb Maine (bass) and Barney Balch (trombone). There will also be two special guests…Bill Batty on percussion and Richard “Lefty” McAuslin on tenor and alto saxophone.

Bill Batty started playing drums at the age of 9; three years later, he was playing professionally on the Maine “bottle club circuit”. He studied privately and also went through the Jazz and Contemporary Music program at University of Maine, Augusta. Bill keeps a full gigging schedule, playing blues with Blind Albert, jump/swing with Three Button Deluxe, straight ahead jazz with The Uptown Rhythm Kings/The BCD Trio, and Caribbean tinged music with steel drum band Steelin’ Thunder. Lefty McAuslin (tenor and alto saxophones) is a regular of the Boothbay Region during the summer months with his solo act. He also has worked in numerous bands, and backed up the famous vocalist Jimmy Dean. In the summer, Lefty performs with Bob Page and the Jazz Babies. Lefty is also known for his ability to play two saxophones simultaneously, a difficult technique first made famous by the late blues artist, Fats Jackson.

Skidompha evenings are informal, jazz in the round. Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18 years, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free. The library is located on Main Street in downtown Damariscotta. Call 207-563-5513 for more information. Skidompha’s winter closure policy is that of the local school district (AOS 93); if the schools are closed, so is the library.

Ditch that cabin fever and come out and hear Novel Jazz…keeping jazz alive and swinging in the midcoast! For more information visit www.mainejazz.netand/or www.skidompha.org.

Eli & The Hot Six with Rebecca Sullivan at Primavera Ristorante February 26, 2015

Posted on March 2, 2015 by admin

Eli & The Hot Six

Bo Winiker trumpet/flugelhorn, Rebecca Sullivan vocals, Ted Casher cllarinet/tenor sax, Herb Gardner trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Bob Winter keyboard, Eli Newberger leader/tuba, Jeff Guthery drums.

by Marce

Eli & The Hot Six is a powerhouse group of accomplished musicians playing music to warm the heart and melt the snows! They are spontaneous, inspiring one another, weaving around each other, with gentle sparkplug Bob Winter of the Boston Pops on keyboard, Jim Mazzy banjo and Jeff Guthery’s masterful drumming.

This was a celebration of the release of their first CD. It is extraordinary in that it contained sketches of each musician by Carolyn Newberger. Fans bought them quickly to obtain autographs of the musicians, at a special discounted price of $10.
Purchase here.
Oh, and the Contemporary Classic Jazz was incredible!

Muscat Ramble kicked off this evening, with Jeff Guthery playing a solo on graduated temple blocks.

Rebecca Sullivan

Rebecca Sullivan warmed the crowd with Gershwin’s Summertime, an upbeat I’ve Got Rhythm. Embraceable You, a tune from the new CD, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.
She drove from New York to get here, and returned afterwards to get to work in the morning at the NY Metropolitan Opera Guild!

Duke Ellington’s Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me, played very slowly, Bo leading with Ted’s clarinet and Herb’s trombone in the background.

Eli Newberger, the roaring tiger

The growl of the rip-roaring tuba-tiger on Tiger Rag. Eli’s dedication and devotion to this music are apparent on his face!

He jumps up and leads the front line parading through the enthusiastic audience; they love this music and enjoyed becoming part of it.

Eli and front line parading through the audience

Parade of the Tigers

Carolyn Newberger is usually sitting quietly, drawing sketches of the musicians. They are works of art, and available with the CD. Tonight she let loose and joined the band on washboard for an energetic Miami Beach Rhumba – fun tune, and they all had fun playing it.

Carolyn standing, playing washboard hanging from her neck

Carolyn plays washboard

Jimmy Mazzy feels the pain

Jimmy agonizes with the blues, almost reading the words of a man who searched for his loved one and found her body at St. James Infirmary. The instrumental solos build powerfully, with Jimmy ending in heartbreaking a capella, sadly, mournfully.

Perdido: Eli says it all in his Notes on the CD: Eli & The Hot Six LIVE, Contemporary Classic JAZZ.
“Ted Casher’ eloquent solo tenor sax builds a rhythmic foundation for this splendid song written by Juan Tizol, a trombonist in the Ellington band. Rebecca jumps in almost as an instrumental voice, extending chorus after chorus of melodic variations, counter rhythms, and little conversations with clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. One can hear why Bob and the horn players, steeped in this music and, indeed, knowing the passing harmonies and final ensemble riffs like the backs of their hands, love her so much. “

Ted Casher, Bo Winiker, Herb Gardner

They closed with Bye Bye Blackbird, first recorded by Gene Austin in 1926. It’s not bye-bye for this band, just the beginning. They will return often, we hope, before their official CD release at Sculler’s Jazz Club on May 21^st. Hope to see you there??

Scullers Jazz Club at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton Boston-Cambridge,
400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA 02134
May 21st – Show: $30, Show & Dinner: $70, Show Time: 8pm 617-562-4111

Eli & The Hot Six LIVE, Contemporary Classic JAZZ

Posted on February 24, 2015 by admin

Recorded live at the Sherborn Inn, Sherborn MA
December 2013 through May 2014

Honeysuckle Rose Rebecca Sullivan
St. James Infirmary Jimmy Mazzy
Oh By Jingo Bob Winter
Perdido Rebecca Sullivan
Chinatown, my Chinatown Jimmy Mazzy
Body and Soul Ted Casher
I Can’t Give You Anything… Rebecca Sullivan
Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen Ted Casher
Just Squeeze Me Rebecca Sullivan
Them There Eyes Rebecca Sullivan
Charlie on the MTA Ted Casher
Tiger Rag Randy Reinhart

TRACK LISTING

Wolverine Jazz Band at Primavera Ristorante, February 19, 2015

Posted on February 22, 2015 by admin

The Wolverine Jazz Band

Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark clarinet and bari sax, Tom Boates trombone, Ross Petot keyboard, Jimmy Mazzy banjo, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums

An energetic, rambunctious Wolverine Jazz Band raised the temperature on this very cold February evening with uplifting, toe-tapping Traditional Jazz at Primavera Ristorante. This was the band’s first time here. They checked out the sound with Ain’t Misbehaving and were very pleased.

Just a few days after Mardi Gras, this was an evening of tunes from the essential spirit of early New Orleans up to the 1950’s. They played a mix of Armstrong, Oliver, Ellington, Bix and Whiteman, many tunes from their last CD ( 12^th ), Moonlight, and some from their next one, yet to be named.

Jeff on trumpet, wearing black shirt and paper-boy's cap

Jeff Hughes plays Michigander Blues

New Orleans Mardi Gras,
Clarence Williams’ Cake Walking Babies, Shake it And Break It; from their next CD, a ‘baker’s dozen’, Michigander Blues.

The Chant, a Mel Stitzel tune arranged by Jelly Roll Morton, resurrected fond memories of the early Sticky Wicket Days, as did Panama.

The front line, Tom Boates, Jeff Hughes, leader John Clark

Jimmy is world renowned on banjo and vocals. He chose the next tune, Mill’s Brothers’ ‘Till Then.

#1 Fan, Betty Weaver, persuaded John to sing, he chose Oceana Roll, a tune depicting the arrival of the US Navy in Japan in 1911. They ended it with a line of Anchors Aweigh.

John Clark played Rose Room on low register clarinet, backed by a playful trombone and trumpet playing an entirely different tune.

John on baritone sax

Clark took out the baritone sax, with Jeff on flugelhorn, for a “good ol’ good one” done by Louis Armstrong and Velma Middleton in 1951, That’s My Desire.

Tom Boates sings Honky Tonk Town

Tom Boates, who drove 125 miles from Connecticut to get here, was featured on trombone and vocal, putting heart and soul in a New Orleans tune recorded in 1940 by Sidney Bechet and Louis Armstrong – Down in Honky Tonk Town,

The Wolverine Jazz Band is backed by the dynamic duo of Rick MacWilliams pushing on tuba, keeping the music lively, and Dave Didriksen on drums, keeping it on time.

Rick MacWilliams

Dave Didriksen

Tom Boates plays tribute to Harry Arnold

Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans, was Tom Boates’ tribute to Connecticut trombonist Harry Arnold, who died a year ago January. They both played in the Hartford Jazz Orchestra that is now featured at the Arch Street Tavern in Hartford every Monday night.

Jimmy in red shirt, singing and playing banjo

Jimmy Mazzy, the one and only!

Tight ensemble on Frankie Trumbauer’s There’ll Come a Time; a Lil Hardin tune, Do What Ory Say, with Jimmy scatting. The band sat out as he began the verse to Stealing Away Blues, singing and playing banjo as only he can.

Jeff Hughes sings

It’s always a pleasure to listen to Jeff Hughes sing. He introduced a cute ditty, Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia, that was recorded by the Boswell sisters with the Dorsey Brothers Band in 1932.

Pianist extraordinaire, Ross Petot teaches on Thursday evenings. He is pianist for many bands, so we’ve really missed him at Primavera. Fortunately, this was School Vacation Week – we were very happy to have him back!

Ross on keyboard. Primavera has no piano.

Ross Petot on keyboard

Down to the wire, the band had a romping New Orleans take on the Original Jelly Roll Blues, 100 years old this year, and a wild wind up with another hot tune, Panama.

Hot Traditional and Dixieland Jazz will continue at Primavera for the rest of the year – you can bet The Wolverine Jazz Band will be a significant part of it, when they aren’t playing at a festival someplace. So far, they are invited to The 25th Annual America’s Jazz Classic in Washington State in June, and The Bar Harbor Jazz Festival Maine in July. There will be more.
You can purchase any of their fine CD’s at www.wolverinejazzband.com.

Jazz Jesters at the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival 2014

Posted on February 14, 2015 by admin

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

Once again the Jazz Jesters brought their Hot Dance music of the Jazz Decades to the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival, with plenty of 20’s and 30’s early Bix and Bunny Berigan. They play many of their own arrangements with have tight ensembles and exciting solos. Unfortunately, most of those pictures were lost, so we’ve picked some substitutes.

They started with This is My Lucky Day – Henderson 1926, with piano intro, Jimmy scatting. Anytime they can can perform together is a lucky day – they’ve made this their theme song.

Craig Ball was featured on high register clarinet for the 1930’s Three Little Words.

The band played early Bix in his Wolverine Days, before he joined Goldkette, with John on baritone sax: I Need Some Petting

John Clark on baritone sax

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

1940’s Tommy Dorsey with Craig on clarinet, John on alto sax, I Know That You Know.

Jeff Hughes sings snappy Golden Gate

Jeff Hughes’ love of this music radiates out of every pore. Hot tempo on custom-made tuneable bell Yamaha trumpet for Al Jolson’s Golden Gate. Jeff even sang the vocal.
(He found the old sheet music list for this music one weekend going through an antique store.)

Davenport Blues with Jeff on flugelhorn:

Al Bernard

Pushing the band is Al Bernard, wrapped in sousaphone.

Ross was featured with the rhythm section on Cole Porter’s most famous tune, the 1929 What Is This Thing Called Love, beautiful ballad, Jimmy wailing it in Mazzy style, with Ross backing him on stride piano.

Ross Petot

John on alto, Craig on clarinet Blame it On The Blues

Paduca

Pardon My Southern Accent Jimmy vocal, with great tenor sax by Craig.

Steve lets loose on drums (at Sherborn Inn)

Steve Taddeo lets loose on drums

They let Steve Taddeo go on Fats Waller’s 1920 Zonkie. He loosened the snare drum to give it the Gene Krupa treatment. (It’s inevitable.)

Steve stayed in Gene Krupa mood. Jimmy started the verse on Irving Berlin’s Russian Lullaby, Jeff adding some fabulous Bunny Berigan.

The one and only, Jimmy Mazzy

1920 Walter Donaldson’s Sam, The Accordion Man featured Jimmy.
They closed with Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?

The Jazz Jesters reminded us of New Orleans, Bix and Bunny, St. Louis, Kansas City, Chicago, all the places the early jazz from the 20’s and early 30’s was played.

Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks at Essex Winter Series, February 8, 2015

Posted on February 12, 2015 by admin

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks

By Jean Hadley
Photos: Ed Ohr

Stu Ingersoll Jazz Concert
Jeff Barnhart, Jazz Artistic Advisor

The Essex, Connecticut Winter Series bring the finest music, in live performances, to the Connecticut River Valley and Shoreline Region; Sunday was an outstanding example.

People familiar with Vince Giordano and his Nighthawks know they are in for a performance unequaled by anyone on the scene today.

Vince has a plethora of information and an unsurpassed collection of Hot Jazz from the l920’s and 1930’s. It is mind boggling to hear him, in an easy manner, recite the history of this music; details that only he has stored in his mind’s archives. His love of this music began when he was only five; living in Brooklyn, New York.

Among his many, many accomplishments and awards, one recent award is most outstanding. In 2012, Vince and the Nighthawks won a GRAMMY in the 54^th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for their work on “Boardwalk Empire.” The music soundtrack is available on CD and may be purchased on line.

Moving along, to Sunday’s outstanding performance, the auditorium was filled to capacity. When Jeff Barnhart appeared, on stage to introduce the band, he received appreciative applause not only for his work with the series but for his talent and contribution to the world of jazz.

When the Nighthawks began to play, a hush came over the entire auditorium. The audience, settled in for two hours of historical entertainment, sat on the edge of their seats listening not only to the music but, also the mountain of information Vince revealed about each selection. The way Vince presents a concert fills his patrons with the feeling of wanting more and more; and wishing the performance hours were longer.

I used to write about each selection, the author, year it was written, however, with the advent of the computer, it is very easy for the reader to do his/her own research. I prefer to write more about audience reaction and where the musicians are in OKOM. People like Vince and his Nighthawks are a prime example of this. OKOM is true Americana music. Everything that followed the beginnings in 1895, evolved from these humble beginnings. Yesterday was a prime example of how many are continuing to pay homage to our 120 year old music. Kudos to Vince, his Nighthawks ensemble and all musicians here and aboard. Both men and women continue, in there endeavors, to recreate OKOM and captivate audiences. The attendance was certainly proof just how much OKOM is still alive and well.

Each and every one of the Nighthawks was outstanding. However, over many years, I have watched three musicians “blossom” into beautiful flowers….if I may use this metaphor; outstanding, in their work, Jim Fryer, Dan Levinson and Jon-Eric Kellso. Of course, each and every one of the remaining musicians has his own compelling artistry.

The Nighthawks repertoire was filled with music by Jelly Roll Morton, Paul Whiteman, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Earl Hines, King Oliver, Fletcher Henderson, Bix Beiderbecke and the list was endless.

Vince on vocals, Andy Stein on “phone fiddle” and several numbers when the front line used “megaphones” (1920.) Unfortunately missing was Rudy Vallee.

Not forgotten and reminding us that the “washboard and banjo” played a huge part in our early music; Paul Wells (percussion) entertained us with his “washboard artistry” while Ken Salvo did his part on the banjo.

photo by Ed Ohr

Vince called Jeff on stage to play his own beautiful arrangement of “In the Mist” written by Bix Beiderbecke (and perhaps the last song Bix wrote.) It is amazing how much knowledge and understanding Jeff has for his music.

Jeff has entertained audiences since he was a youngster. I have been told, at a very, very young age and, before my introduction to the Millpond Tavern in Northford, CT, he sat in with the Galvanized Jazz Band.

And, so we came to the end of our time together. The audience was applauding for more but, of course, all good things must come to an end. Vince reminded his audience that CD’s were available. http://vincegiordano.com/music

This said; what a great way to continue hearing the Nighthawks and CD’s by other musicians in his ensemble.

Jean Hadley

Hot Steamed Jazz Festival June 20-22, 2014

Posted on February 10, 2015 by admin

That was the Finale of the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival 2014 – Jimmy Mazzy singing “We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when…” Many of us started to cry. The Jazz at the Festival was fantastic, but the attendance was not.

by Marce
Videos by Eric Devine

Traditional and Dixieland Jazz has been featured at the Essex Steam Train since 1986 – when it was The Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival. When TGCTJF moved to Moodus CT, a dedicated group of Trad Jazz aficionados, including Joe and Shirley Bombaci, hoped to maintain some Traditional Jazz in Essex. With staunch volunteers and supporters, they created the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival, that celebrated it’s 20th anniversary in 2012. I’ve been to every one, and it’s been very difficult getting my heart around this.

In 2014, Ten bands performed in simultaneous sessions under two tents on the grounds adjacent to the Essex Steam Train. A Gospel service on Sunday was performed by Jeff Barnhart, who also led the Festival All Star Band.

Eric Devine (CineDevine) published many of the VIDEOS Check them out. A few are presented here.

The Festival began Friday night with Art Hovey’s talented students – The “Route 17 Stompers” mostly from Durham, Connecticut, which is just up Route 17 from the site of the old Millpond Tavern; hence the name.

Art Hovey’s Route 17 Stompers

The Bands:

– Jeff Barnhart, Connecticut’s own jazz pianist virtuoso

– Galvanized Jazz Band from Connecticut with Cynthia Fabian
Fred Vigorito cornet, Fred Vigorito Jr. cornet Russ Whitman reeds, Bill Sinclair piano, Ben Griffin trombone, Art Hovey tuba/bass, Tom Palinko drums

– Dan Levinson’s New Millennium All Stars with Molly Ryan from New York, and John Hokum trombone, Mike Davis cornet, Jan Frankel piano, Rob Akins bass, Rich Levinson drums,

– Sunnyland Jazz Band
Bob Barta – Banjo, Vocals
John Klumpp – Trumpet, Vocals
Art Hovey – Tuba

– Wolverine Jazz Band from Massachusetts
John Clark – reeds
Jeff Hughes – cornet
Tom Boates – trombone
Ross Petot – piano
Jimmy Mazzy – banjo / vocals
Rick McWilliams – tuba
Dave Didrickson – drums

– Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band from Connecticut

Tom Brown – Trumpet
John Clark- Reeds
Noel Kaletsky – Reeds
Skip Hughes- Trombone
Ben Griffin – Trombone
Shari Lucas – Piano
Steve Keeler – Guitar
Albie Bernard – Tuba
Bill Logozzo — Drums
Michele Berting – Vocals

–

Gospel Service on Sunday was officiated by Jeff Barnhart, with help from Jason Senn and The Festival All Stars: Noel Kaletsky, Lou Green, Emily Asher, Lou Bocciarelli, Al Bernard, Skip Hughes, Tom Palinko

Emily Asher and Skip Hughes

Lou Bocciarelli and Al Bernard

Skip Hughes put heart and soul itno Old Rugged Cross. Jeff said it: “That, Ladies and Gentlemen, is what we call sharing our gifts!”

WOW!

– Ivory and Gold

– Ben Maugher’s Vintage Jazz Band from Pennsylvania
Ben Mauger (cornet), Brian Priebe (trombone), Bob Rawlins (reeds), Bob Kreitz (piano), Bruce Campbell (Bass), Larry Bortz (drums)

– Riverboat Ramblers led by local musician and entertainer John Banker, with Joe MacWilliams keyboard, Sherman Kahn reeds, Bab Barta banjo, Sal Ranello drums and washboard.

– Festival All Stars led by Jeff Barnhart – Jeff collected many musicians for different sets. This one has Jeff Hughes trumpet, Noel Kaletsky and Craig Ball reeds, Al Bernard sousaphone, Tom Palinko drums.

– Jazz Jesters from Massachusetts

Jeff Hughes – trumpet
John Clark – reeds
Craig Ball – reeds
Jimmy Mazzy – banjo / vocals
Ross Petot – piano
Albie Bernard – tuba
Steve Taddeo- drums

The Hot Steamed Festivals always concludes with The Galvanized Jazz Band marching from the Louis Armstrong Tent to the Hole in the Wall Gang Tent to join whatever band is playing there – this time it was Jeff Hughes’ Jazz Jesters, with Jimmy Mazzy banjo and vocals. They were joined by Sarah Spencer.

The music and musicians at the 2014 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival were fantastic. Many of the Fans who have been here since the beginning were here, but with more canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. But as in other Festivals across the country, there weren’t enough of us to make the Festival break even.

We were told by management of The Essex Steam Train that we can’t hold it here anymore. As Jimmy was singing the Finale, “We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when”, we left the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival in tears.
Eric Devine (CineDevine) published many of Bands’ VIDEOS Check them out.

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