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

Scott Hamilton returns to Providence!

Posted on November 9, 2015 by admin

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

by Bill Falk

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

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

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

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

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

Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Primavera Ristorante November 5, 2015

Posted on November 6, 2015 by admin

Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band

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

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

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

Steve Taddeo plays softly too!

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

Phil Person, Berklee College of Music

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

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

John Kafalas trombone and Gerry Gagnon Tuba

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

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

Jack Soref, Django-style guitarist

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

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

Stan McDonald does Bechet on soprano sax

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

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

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

Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men House Party

Posted on November 5, 2015 by admin

Jimmy Mazzy, Moishe Feldman and The Last Minutemen

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

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

The inimitable Jimmy Mazzy

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

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

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

Moishe Feldman

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

Nick Ribush on washboard

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

You can hear Nick Ribush backing Carol playing fine washboard!

Spark plug – Craig Ball

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

Carrie Mazzy, Harold Koch

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

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

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

Marce

The Ramblers at Primavera Ristorante October 29, 2015

Posted on October 31, 2015 by admin

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

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

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

Craig Ball, clarinet

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

Limehouse (1922)

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

Robin Verdier, leader

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

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

Scott Philbrick usually plays cornet.

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

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

Bob MacInnis ensures we hear the melody!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JJHP 2015 Saturday afternoon

Posted on October 10, 2015 by admin

——–> Friday Saturday Evening Sunday

Joel Schiavone welcomes everone.

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

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

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

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

Dan on tenor sax with Brian Nalepka behind him

Dan Levinson on fabulous tenor sax

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

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

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

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

Donn Trenner, photo by Jan Sopelak

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

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

Jim Lawlor, photo Jan Sopelak

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

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

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

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

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

Gen Rose, photo by Jan Sopelak

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sleepy Time Down South

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

Molly Ryan

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

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

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

7 piece Trad Jazz Band with Joel in back

Yerba Buena number, Bienville Blues

Kevin Dorn

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

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

Joel singing hearily backed by Fred on cornet

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

Tom Boates and Gordon Au

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

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

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

Gordon Au joins in Finale

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

Jeff and Joel’s House Party 2015 – Saturday Evening

Posted on October 10, 2015 by admin

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

——–> Friday Saturday Afternoon Sunday

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

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

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

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

Honeysuckle Rose – Fryer gets to sing

Scott and Noel played together in John Sheehan's

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

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

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

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

Molly Ryan captures the crowd with Wrap Your Trouble in Dreams

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

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

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

Jim Fryer dedicates Easy Living to Connecticut

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

Mood Indigo – Tom Boates and Jim Fryer

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

They do Swing That Music!!

Brian Nalepka is also an excellent vocalist.

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

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

Boss gets his chance to shine.

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

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

Lawlor plays drums and sings Exactly Like You

Lawlor sings too!

Molly

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

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

You Took Advantage of Me with Donn Trenner backing Molly

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

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

Barnhart standing with arms folded looking at brass musicians.

Barnhart stunned by all that brass!

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

Amazing clarinet duet on Avalon with Dan Levinson and Noel Kaletsky

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

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

band members laughing as Joel leads fans in song

Everyone gets in on the act for the Banjorama

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

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

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

Gordon and Scott battling on I Ain’t Got Nobody

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

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

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

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

Everyone up for Panama

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

Eli and The Hot Six at Primavera, August 20, 2015

Posted on August 26, 2015 by admin

Eli and The Hot Six, with Dave Burdette

Bob Winter keyboard, Eli Newberger tuba, Jeff Guthery drums, Ted Casher reeds, Dave Burdette trumpet, Herb Gardner trombone/vocals, last set: Caroline Newberger washboard.

The band was still wrapped in the glow of their full house and reception at the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. They were relaxed and jovial; there wasn’t even a set list. Everyone was featured! They played a game – “Let’s stump the trumpet player” – with Bo Winiker’s substitute, Dave Burdette.

But Dave Burdette is one of the most in-demand trumpet players in the country and can play jazz, classical and everything in between. The Dave Burdette orchestra played for 10 years at Boston’s Ritz Carlton Hotel Roof Top.

They began with Do Nothing ‘till You Hear From Me, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Limehouse Blues tore the house down!

Everyone had a chance to solo. There was no amplification whatsoever, but that didn’t stop Herb from singing; Wonderful World, special request for Bill Bailey. They began with the verse, front line magnificent, with Dave on muted trumpet, Jeff reverberating the tuba on the hi hat. It was a never-ending tune, with Eli pointing to each musician to give it a final blast.

Bob Winter, pianist for the Boston Pops, enjoys being part of this band

Bob Winter picked a solo that we haven’t heard for a long time, Rhode Island is Famous For You.
Astounding piano!!

Caroline Newberger arrived, with washboard, for what they called “Tap dancing routine #1” for Tea for Two and Perdido. Caroline added to the rhythm section for the whole last set. She was featured on her special, and one of our favorites, Miami Rumba, accompanied by piano. (Dave’s trumpet sounded like Herb Alpert in the Tijuana Brass.) Jeff maintained the rumba rhythm on temple blocks.

Caroline Newberger on washboard

The combined talents of this front line are remarkable!

Ted Casher, Dave Burdette, Herb Gardner

Eli plays Polka Dots and Moonbeams

With Eli’s prowess on the tuba, he was able to reach low, low and ended up high on Polka Dots and Moonbeams. This brought back fond memories!

Dave Burdette

Dave’s version of Stardust was absolutely haunting, subtly backed by rhythm. Beautiful!

Ted couldn’t resist this tune, came in with clarinet ending with a note that hit the stratosphere!

At The Jazz Band Ball started at a pretty good clip, with fine polyphony. Dave played trumpet softly then with passion, slipping in a bit of ‘Stumbling’.

Herb Gardner sang many tunes as well as playing trombone

Herb sang many tunes, and his marvelous trombone was featured on Rose Room.

Jeff was let loose on Alexander’s Ragtime Band; he enjoys tapping on those variegated temple blocks!

Jeff is expert on temple blocks

Ben Pilch wrote:

“It was my second time seeing the group, Eli & the hot 6 concert on Thursday at Primavera. I enjoyed the concert very much. The group members are obviously excellent jazz musicians who are technically sound and very good improvisers. In addition, they have an obvious camaraderie, joie de vivre, and love of what they’re doing that is charming and infectious.”

“Another facet of their performance that I enjoyed was their spontaneity. Rather than clinging to a set playlist, they seemed often to decide on the spur of the moment what would be a good tune to perform at that moment. This allowed them to easily accept requests, and at this concert there were two, Bill Bailey and Alexander’s Ragtime Band. I enjoyed these performances a great deal, and I was delighted to hear the verses to these songs, less commonly heard than the more familiar choruses. A lovely atmospheric rendition of Stardust was, I thought, another high point. A great show! Ben Pilch (fan and audience member)

Eli and The Hot Seven

We’re declaring Dave Burdette winner of the “Let’s stump the trumpet player” game! The Hot Six +1 closed with Louis’s Sleepy Time Down South.

They’ll be back at Primavera on September 10th and October 15th, September 20th. They are at the FREE family-friendly Autumnal Equinox celebration – 12th Annual Revels RiverSing at Harvard Square’s Winthrop Park. They will be at Ken’s Steak House. They’re also looking forward to their 2nd appearance at Sculler’s Jazz Club on December 17^th. Stay tuned.

The Ramblers at Primavera Ristorante, October 29th

Posted on August 23, 2015 by admin

The Ramblers play Dixieland and Hot Dance music from the Roaring Twenties, including tunes composed by Tin Pan Alley giants like Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Isham Jones. They will be playing on October 29 at Primavera, 20 Pleasant Street, Millis, MA. For this performance, the musicians are Craig Ball, reeds; Bob MacInnis, trumpet and flugelhorn; Scott Philbrick, banjo and trumpet; and Robin Verdier, keyboard.

Craig Ball clarinet, tenor sax

Bob MacInnis

Robin Verdier, keyboard

Scott Philbrick on banjo/trumpet

Go to https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2btM6-mr-udMENvMmFyNzRwbWs to hear their unique sound on Al Jolson’s big hit,California, Here I Come.

High Society Orchestra at Ken’s Steak House August 18, 2015

Posted on August 19, 2015 by admin

Dan Gabel’s High Society Orchestra

Dan Gabel’s High Society Orchestra roared into Ken’s Steakhouse on Tuesday August 18 after a busy summer playing the town gazebo circuit throughout New England. The 11-piece band was “hotter than ever” said one patron, and “Dan Gabel and his bands never disappoint!”

Gabel’s 11-piece outfit featured Elise Roth on vocals presenting favorites and rarities of the 1920s including some rarely-heard verses and patters to some old unpublished songs. Liz of Millbury said “Elise’s voice is the absolute best, and her wardrobe is tops, bar none!”

An enthusiastic crowd came early and stayed late, filling half of the expansive room at the steakhouse. Several couples danced, and the band was extremely well-received by the mixed-age audience. A couple in their mid-20s and one in their late 70’s danced to the band’s catchy dance rhythms. Some first-time listeners were in the audience as well who came for dinner, but were all thrilled to enjoy some live music as well, and even purchase several CDs.

“This is a fantastic space” said Bill Doyle, banjo, guitar, and band manager. “The room has a great, warm, sound, and a nice audience to band connection.” The band concurred.

“Playing here was particularly special for me” said bandleader Dan Gabel. “As the President of the American Big Band Preservation Society, and working on a biography of my hero Vaughn Monroe, it was great to be able to play right next to where Monroe’s Meadows club was, and at Ken’s, a historic venue itself. Also, it’s right here in Framingham where I call home, and a great location. We’re looking forward to next time!”

Dan Gabel

Everyone agreed: there should be a next time. Ken’s Steakhouse is negotiating to bring in more bands, either on a Sunday afternoon or Tuesday evening.

For more information about this band, recordings, and upcoming dates, visit: www.highsocietyorchestra.org

For more on Dan Gabel, visit: www.theabletones.com

Band personnel for Tuesday August 18:

John Clark, Tyler Burchfield, Maureen Amaral: sax and clarinet

Adam Mejaour and Dan Gabel: trumpet and cornet

Steve Piermarini: trombone

Bill Doyle: banjo and archtop guitar

Rick MacWilliams: tuba

Ross Petot: piano

Steve Taddeo: drums

Elise Roth: vocals

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