Novel Jazz at Skidompha Public Library, April 24, 2014

Posted on April 8, 2014 by admin

HOT NOVEL JAZZ TO WARM UP YOUR SPRING

Novel Jazz Septet at Skidompha Public Library photo by Elaine Jones

Jazz up your SPRING at Skidompha Library! Novel Jazz Septet will be performing classic jazz at Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta, ME, on Thursday 24 April, 2014, 7PM to 9:30PM. The performance will feature Barney Balch (trombone), Mickey Felder (piano), Bryan Jones (alto sax), Dave Clarke (guitar), Michael Mitchell (trumpet), plus special guest Peter DeKlerk (acoustic bass) This evening begins their 2014 Skidompha season, 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.

* * * * *

It has been a cool spring but get ready for some hot jazz! Novel Jazz returns to Skidompha Public Library, Main Street, Damariscotta on Thursday, 24 April 2014, from 7-9:30 PM for a special evening of jazz in the library’s atrium. This will be the band’s first Skidompha performance for 2014. These events began with the observation that lovers of books often are lovers of jazz. Moreover, the superb acoustics of Skidompha’s atrium, plus the seating “in the round”, make it a superior place to see and hear the performance, all in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. 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.

As is their habit, they’ll be playing a wide selection of compositions from the Great American Songbook but they’ll also feature works by jazz greats Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, their musical “cornerstones”. Performing will be Barney Balch (trombone), Mike Mitchell (trumpet), Mickey Felder (piano), Dave Clark (guitar), Bryan Jones (alto saxophone), Mark Macksoud (drums) and special guest Peter DeClerk (acoustic bass). Peter is an accomplished performer on both acoustic and electric bass, specializing in jazz and musical theater. He has performed regularly in clubs and theaters throughout Maine since moving his gig north from Pittsburgh five years ago. He works as a member of the Maine Jazz Cooperative and the Gerry Wright Trio in addition to freelancing. Peter teaches bass and electronic music at Colby College (and he also composes and does sound design for theater at Colby).

Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free. We encourage parents to bring their children, the future of this art form. The library is located on Main Street in downtown Damariscotta. Call 207-563-5513 during business hours for more information.

Don’t miss Novel Jazz at Skidompha Library in April (Jazz Appreciation Month). They’ll put jazz in your spring and spring in your step!

Dan Gabel’s TAG Trio at Music at Mendon, April 6, 2014

Posted on April 6, 2014 by admin

TAG Trio: Steve Taddeo, Nikolas Anadolis, Dan Gabel

Dan Gabel’s TAG Trio (Taddeo-Anadolis-Gabel) performed for the second time at Music at Mendon, held at the Unitarian Church in Mendon MA. Thanks to Rev. Ralph Clarke, with a grant from the Mendon Cultural Council and aided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Music at Mendon has great performances once a month in the Spring and Summer.

The TAG Trio plays music of the 1920’s from the Great American Song Book, with a varied program of ballads, melodies, and Jazz written by some of America’s greatest composers. Dan started this evening singing the verse of their theme song, Whispering, written by Vincent Rose. It was most famously recorded by Paul Whiteman and his Ambassador Orchestra on August 23, 1920

Dorothy Fields-Jimmy McHugh Exactly Like You, was followed by Cole Porter’s last effort as a composer, a song he wrote for the movie High Society, I Love You Samantha. Dan’s sweet trombone was backed by Nikolas’ magic fingers softly playing harmonies behind him.

A 1921 tune done by the great Jazz singers The Boswell Sisters, Mildred Bailey, Eddy Condon – There’ll Be Some Changes Made was total improvisation, Dan playing trombone, Nikolas watching him carefully and playing counter melody, Taddeo softly tapping choke cymbal, hitting cowbell for emphasis.

Art Hickman pioneered Big Bands; he was the first to include saxophones. In 1917 he had one of his biggest successes with the song “Rose Room“, which was named after the hotel room. In 1919 Rose Room was done by Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. Nikolas started slowly playing stride piano, then worked up to sophisticated, creative piano. Dan’s trombone played warm and sentimental.

Staying in the 20’s, 1928 I Don’t Know Why I Love You Like I Do, Dan invited the audience to sing along, a few did, while he resumed his “inner Bing”.

The mood changed with a 1950’s Greek tune played by Nikolas. The name of the tune is “Asta ta malakia sou” , in greek “Ασ’τα τα μαλάκια σου”. He says in Greece they play the same song in many of their movies. Translated it means “Let yourself go, feel free.” Fast waltz – absolutely WILD piano!

Leo Robbin & Ralph Rainger wrote Easy Living, done by Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson on piano. Nikolas enjoyed the drum backup and kept turning around to smile at Steve, softly tapping on choke cymbal. Steve doesn’t always play this softly on drums.

A ‘good ol’ good one’, (there’s one in every performance) that they played recently with Steve’s Swing Senders at the Sherborn Inn – Sweet Sue. It was a GOOD ONE!

Getting back to Cole Porter, they played a tune that Sinatra sang – Your Sensational, Dan singing in his lowest crooner voice. (He’s practicing Sinatra tunes for his next appearance at The Imperial Ballroom just down the street in Mendon on April 25th.)

Closing tune – time to let the Tiger Out – with The Swing Senders’ theme song Dinah. Taddeo let his exulting Gene Krupa loose on drums. Krupa is his idol. Dinah hit the crowd like a bombshell!

Steve Taddeo goes wild on drums

He attempted his famous Krupa walk-around, but was too restricted by the altar’s balustrade, so he just kept drumming on anything within reach.

Steve standing, drum tapping on half-wall.

Steve attempts ‘walk around’ tapping anything in reach

It was an amazing ending to an hour of great 1920’s ballads, melodies, swing and Jazz.

Both Dan and Nikolas will be graduating from the New England Conservatory of Music in May. Dan will be around New England for many years. Nikolas is hoping to join the faculty at the University of Lausanne on Lake Geneva, Switzerland. But he will be playing in Festivals all over Europe. We will miss his smiling face, and he’s promised to return whenever he can. www.nikolasjazz.com/

Nikolas Anadolis graduates from NEC in May.

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders at the Sherborn Inn

Posted on April 1, 2014 by admin

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders

Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark clarinet/bari sax, Dan Gabel trombone, Ross Petot piano, Bill Doyle guitar, John Deardon string bass, Steve Taddeo leader/drums, Caroline Griep vocals.

by Marce
videos by Harold McAleer

You gotta jump, jive, and then you wail! Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders blew the roof off the Sherborn Inn on April 1st. No foolin’! With three Band Leaders in the front line, and Taddeo’s pulsating drums, who would expect anything less! The musicians were eager to play as soon as they arrived, and hit it off with a swinging Don’t Be That Way; they obviously love what they’re doing.

Caroline Griep

Steve called up the band’s vocalist Caroline Griep, a naturally charming entertainer, with an infectious smile and marvelous voice.

She enjoys listening to this band just as much as singing with them. She knocked our socks off with Jeepers Creepers.

The band was ferocious; Bugle Call Rag was solid swing with updriving tempo.
Pianist Ross Petot’s was featured on a powerful It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing!

Dan Gabel

Sweet Sue, with trombonist Dan Gabel, had the dancers up on the floor. Dan leads The Abletones Big Band that will be playing April 4th at SAC in Shrewsbury and the Imperial Ballroom April 25th.

Steve Taddeo is famous for his drum solo walk-around. Look out – he’s dangerous with those drum sticks: Diga Diga Do

Dan Gabel muted trombone, John Clark baritone sax, with the band forcefully Swinging The Blues

You Are Too Beautiful brought John and Gisela Brunacelli back up on the dance floor – they danced all night. You’re Nobody ‘Till Somebody Loves You, sweet ballad by Caroline, brought out Steve’s Dad, Frank Taddeo and his companion Gladys Aubin.

John & Gisela Brunicelli

Steve Taddeo's Dad dancing with companion

Frank Taddeo Gladys Aubin

Steve introduced a new drummer, George Darrah that freed Steve up for a vocal on Flat Foot Floogie with The Floy Floy. George has been sitting in with The Dick Donovan Band directed by Steve Taddeo since he was 7 years old!

Jeff Hughes on 1953 Selmer trumpet

Jeff Hughes was featured on trumpet with I surrender Dear.

He also sang the vocal made famous by Louis Prima, Slow Boat to China, backed by guitar.

Bill Doyle

Bill Doyle’d arch-top guitar accentuates the rhythm, and backs vocals; he is an essential part of the band.

I Know That You Know was a super trio – clarinet master John Clark passionate, Ross Petot intense on piano and Steve Taddeo playing crazy rhythm on a snare drum.

Caroline returned with All of Me, with the band flaring behind her. Clark on baritone sax competing with Hughes’ trumpet on vibrato. Never gets dull!

They closed with the Swing Senders Theme Song, Dinah. George Darrah back on drums, Steve on floor tom – A Killer Diller drumming duet.

The Swing Senders definitely do not need amplification – the Band Swings loud and clear. They’ll be back here on August 12^th – mark your calendars – with the Midiri Brothers, Joe on reeds and Paul on vibes. WOW!

* * * *

Harold McAleer is in the process of editing many videos. They will be added as they are approved – come back again, and again!

Don’t Be That Way
Jeepers Creepers
Fly Me To The Moon
Sweet Sue
New Kind of Love
Bugle Call Rag
Sunny Side
Diga Diga Do (drum walk around)
Happy Birthday (Bill Doyle & John Clark)
Flatfoot Floogie with The Floy Floy
You Are Too Beautiful
It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing
Swinging The Blues
You’re Nobody ‘Till Somebody Loves You
You Do Something To Me
Slow Boat to China
I Know That You Know (Trio)
I Surrender Dear
All Of Me
Dinah

Dan Gabel and the Abletones at the Imperial Ballroom

Posted on March 28, 2014 by admin

17-piece big band, lead by trombonist Dan Gabel

Dan Gabel and the Abletones Big Band with Elise Roth vocals

The Abletones Big Band debut at The Imperial Ballroom in Mendon MA (formerly Myriad, formerly Nipmuc) was a complete success. The floor was filled with jubilant ballroom dancers, many were Abletones’ fans from SAC in Shrewsbury. There was a wide demographic of ages enjoying the return of a real Big Band at Dinner and Dancing at the Imperial Ballroom.

The Big Band played a variety of dances, swing, foxtrot, rhumba, cha cha. The evening began with a cocktail hour at 6pm; people arrived for a 4-course dinner between 7 and 8pm. $39.95 for dinner and dance, $10 for dancing-only at 8pm.

A smaller combo of the Abeltones played for the diners. What Is This Thing Called Love, Avalon, Let’s Do It.

Ross Petot piano, Bill Doyle guitar, Walther Grieneder bass, Jim Gancarz drums (hidden), Dan Gabel trombone

8pm Dan Gabel and the Abletones Big Band appeared in full force with Whispering, Woodchopper’s Ball, String of Pearls, Dan’s Abletones Jive, he wrote to introduce members of the band:
Ross Petot – piano Greg Blair – baritone sax
Bill Doyle – rhythm guitar/banjo    Doug Yancey – tenor sax
Walther Grieneder – Bass Richard Garcia – tenor Sax
Jim Gancarz – drums Josh Plotner – alto sax
Mike Piepman – lead trumpet Tyler Birchfield – alto sax
Adam Mejaour – trumpet Craig Robbins – trombone
Dan Fleury -trumpet      Joe Burke – trombone
Kai Sandoval – trumpet    Leslie Havens – bass trombone
Elise Roth – vocal                                           Dan Gabel leader – trombone

Bei Mir Bis Du Schoen was one of the many really hot numbers; Moon River – a waltz, Vocalist Elise Roth connects with the mood of a song and gives it her own sound – Nat King Cole’s 1942 hit, L-O-V-E. Lead trumpeter Mike Peipman was featured in Hot-Cha Cha Cha . Stan Kenton and Boots Mussulli established bebop in the Milford area. In their memory, the band played a lovely earlier version of Kenton’s Lullaby of Broadway.

The dance floor was in front of the band, and continuously filled with fancy ballroom dancers, (except for the very fast tunes like Strutting With Some Barbecue).

Dan and Elise sang duet on How About You from a Judy Garland-Mickey Rooney movie. From Sunrise Serenade, a Glenn Miller tune, I Know Why And So Do You. In honor of all servicemen, past and present, and also the two firefighters who died last week in the Back Bay fire – they played a powerfully intense American Patrol.

Glen Miller’s In The Mood topped the charts in 1939 in the U.S. and one year later was featured in the movie Sun Valley Serenade. Dan and Elise combined for The Trolley Song that was sung by Vaughn Monroe and Marilyn Duke in 1944. Dan is a font of information on music from the 20-50’s. He just completed his Masters with a biography of Vaughn Monroe, who wrote the lyrics to their next tune, My Devotion.

Elise Roth and saxophones

Elise sang Tonight, reminiscent of West Side Story. Bennie Moten was a pianist/bandleader who was at the center of the Kansas City jazz scene of the 1920s and 30s. Dan Gable and the Abletones are introducing new generations to the fabulous swing music like Moten Swing.

The ‘boss’, Kevin Meehan, requested a Sinatra tune, so they added Witchcraft, sung by Dan Gabel. We had the good fortune of sharing another waltz, Dreamy Old New England Moon; with George the dance instructor at SAC. He provides dance lessons for many big bands in this area.

Blue Tango, Yes Indeed, Almost Like Being in Love, Mack the Knife, Moonlight Serenade. Marvelous! They closed with the Benny Goodman/Gene Krupa classic at New York’s Carnegie Hall, Sing Sing Sing. It was an extraordinary evening, and we hope to see more of Dan Gabel and the Abletones Big Band at the Imperial Ballroom.

You may dance to the Abletones on the first Friday of every month at SAC, The Scandinavian Athletic Club, 438 Lake St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, (508) 757-3948. George starts dance lessons at 7:15pm, the band starts at 8pm. Next one is April 5th – hope you can make it!

Swing Times Five at the Sherborn Inn, March 25, 2014

Posted on March 25, 2014 by admin

Guitar, drums, string bass, trumpet, piano, tenror sax

Jeff Hughes’ Swing Times Five

Jeff Hughes trumpet, Elmer Drotos clarinet/tenor sax, Dan Weiner guitar, Ross Petot piano, Pete Tillotson string bass, Dave Didriksen drums, Debby Larkin vocals.

Every once in a while we are privileged to be at a Jazz Experience that is priceless. You never know when it will happen, you just have to be lucky. This was one of those evenings. (Jeff Hughes is responsible for many of them, bringing in special guests!) Tonight, it was a pleasure to hear for the first time, reed-man Elmer Drotos, even though he’s been around for many years:

“Saxophonist Elmer Drotos is one of the most virtuosic instrumentalists in the business. He has performed with bandleaders Lawrence Welk and Tex Beneke and toured with Artie Shaw, who called him “one of the best saxophone players I’ve ever heard.”

Jeff kicked this evening off with Benny Carter’s When Lights Are Low, and You and The Night And The Music, with Drotos on clarinet, I Thought About You on tenor sax. You could feel the whole band being lifted up by his intensity.

Debby Larkin, embodiment of Swing!

Even Debby Larkin was affected, flashing a gleaming smile, with a delightful I’ll Always Be In Love With You, and You Turned The Tables on Me backed by a tenor sax sounding like Ben Webster.

Richard Rodgers’ Have You Met Miss Jones was fierce, Pete Tillotson’s string bass trading 4s with Dave Didriksen’s drums. The two are always in sync, and push the band. Ross Petot keeps it all together, listening carefully to what each instrument is doing, nudging, filling in any blanks.

Jeff Hughes with 1941 hand-made Elden Benge trumpet

Jeff’s trumpet reached a wide range of resonance and tone on Shine; it was WILD!

John and Gisele

Gershwin’s The Man I Love, with Dan Weiner’s sweet sound on custom D’Aquisto‎ arch-top guitar had John and Gisele dancing. They’ve been married over 60 years and still love dancing here at the Sherborn Inn.

Debby was back with an enchanting Dream a Little Dream of Me. She continued with a tune made famous by Billie Holiday, Yours and Mine.

Drotos was featured in a tune reminiscent of Radio and The Cavalcade of Bands, written by Gordon Jenkins, Goodbye. It is a sad tune. Jenkins actually wrote this when he lost his wife and child in childbirth. Published in 1935, it became well known as the closing theme song of the Benny Goodman orchestra. With Drotos on clarinet backed by the rhythm boys, it was mesmerizing!
(Thank you for the history lesson, Dan Gabel.)

Debby returned with a swinging What a Little Moonlight Can Do, Love For Sale.
Delighting in the melody and words, she swings without a letup!

There were several musicians in the crowd. Vocalist Lisa Yves stepped up with a rousing rendition of I’m Beginning To See The Light. Lisa’s JAZZ FOR KIDS is the result of her dedication to making music exciting, innovative and fun for her young students. www.lisayves.com.

Vocalist Freddy Shaw has been here previously with the Riverside Stompers. He doesn’t need a partner – sings both the male and female voices with Somebody Stole My Gal. He’s a hoot!

Our own Henny Youngman, ie, Myron Idelson, has been here many times. He never repeats a joke, and they can be told in mixed company. This evening he roasted the band, even got a laugh out of Ross Petot! (That’s not easy!)
Debby returned with a song dedicated to Bob Sickles, in memory of our late Rockette, Lynn Sickles. All of Me was Lynn’s favorite song, and all the bands here played it for her. She’s here in spirit!

It was a fascinating evening. Fortunately for us, Elmer Drotos is now playing in Greater Boston and Cape Cod. This was his first time at the Sherborn Inn, and he said he really enjoyed playing here with Jeff Hughes, and was looking forward to returning.

Time was running out. Jeff called in Dan Gabel and his Glenn Miller trombone for an upbeat Undecided. With a full stage of fabulous musicians, Jeff sent us home with our fervent wish: We’ll Be Together Again. I sure hope so! We might get lucky again – you never know.

Jazzin’ With The Stars – 2014

Posted on March 19, 2014 by admin

JAZZIN WITH THE STARS CONCERT APRIL 12 BENEFITS
AUTISM SERVICES AND RESOURCES CONNECTICUT;
APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

Concert features 50s artist Dave Somerville with
The Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band with a guest vocalist
on the autism spectrum

Jimmy Jay in black jacket, white wide-brim hat

Jimmy Jay, DJ to the Stars

(Middletown, CT)—
On Saturday, April 12 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, The Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band will be united with guest star Dave Somerville of the 50s group, “The Diamonds” in a Jazzin’ with the Stars concert at John Winthrop Middle School,1 Winthrop Hills Rd, Deep River, CT. The MC for the event will be Internet radio host and DJ to the Stars, Jimmy Jay.

Jason Senn, Essex vocalist on autism spectrum

Young vocalist, Jason Senn of Essex, CT, who is on the autism spectrum, will also perform with the band. This is the third concert in the successful “Jazzin’ with the Stars” series, conceived by philanthropist Bill Logozzo, The Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band’s founder and drummer.

In honor of Autism Awareness month, proceeds from the concert will benefit Autism Services & Resources Connecticut (www.autismconnecticut.org). Based In Wallingford, CT, the organization offers education and information on the complete range of treatments and providers, without advocating any particular intervention, approach or program so that families, and to the extent possible, individuals with autism, can select the services and supports that are most appropriate for their individual circumstances. This philosophy is driven by the recognition that autism presents itself differently in different people, and that no one intervention has been proven to be 100% effective.

Dog Days Adoption (www.godogdays.org) of Essex, CT will also benefit from the concert proceeds. The group, run entirely by volunteers, organizes adoption events and provides financial assistance, rescue and education about making a smart dog adoption choice.

“A Direct Heartbeat To Your Soul”

The Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band performing at Mohegan Sun Casino

The Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band has been performing throughout Connecticut for more than 10 years, including regular appearances at Smarty’s in Niantic, CT, Oliver’s Tavern, Essex, CT, the Wolf Den at the Mohegan Sun Casino and area jazz festivals, including The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival in Essex, CT. Heartbeat’s music covers the spectrum of the history of jazz and often includes a variety of musical styles from ragtime and New Orleans Dixieland to swing and gospel, with a little boogie-woogie thrown in.

At the Jazzin with the Stars concert on April 12, the band will be made up of some of New England’s most proficient jazz musicians: John Clark (reeds), Noel Koletsky, (reeds), Fred Vigorito (cornet/trumpet), Skip Hughes (trombone and vocals), David Uhl (bass), Steve Keeler (guitar), Shari Lucas (piano) and Bill Logozzo (drums).

Dave Somerville, Lead Singer of The Diamonds

Special Guest Star

Dave Somerville, Guest Star
A leader in 50s rock and roll, Diamond Dave Somerville was the original lead singer in the group, The Diamonds, with such hits as “The Stroll,’ “Little Darlin’” and “Why Do Fools Fall In Love.” In February 1956, they signed a long-term contract with Mercury records and had many Billboard hits to their credit, including “Little Darlin’” that was the third best-selling single of 1957. From 1955 to 1961, Somerville’s lead voice defined the sound of The Diamonds on all their timeless hits. After charting 16 times in Billboard, The Diamonds were honored with Canada’s prestigious Hall of Fame Juno Award for their “contribution to international music.” In the process, Diamond Dave’s singing influenced the evolution of many legendary artists including Bob Dylan and Carole King. One of The Diamond’s biggest fans was Elvis.

Along the way, he explored television, commercial production and the musical stage. He collaborated on the title song for the hit television series, “The Fall Guy” and was the co-writer of the title song for Willie Nelson’s No. 1 country album, “the Troublemaker.” Trained at the University of Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music, Somerville also studied acting with Leonard Nimoy, TV’s “Mr. Spock” and guest starred on many TV shows, including the original “Star Trek” series. He has also been heard on voice-overs for hundreds of spots for radio, television and cable. He has played venues from Carnegie Hall to Trump’s Taj Mahal.

The Diamonds have been honored and inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, The Doo Wop Hall of Fame and The Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the April 12th Jazzin’ with the Stars concert are $30 per person ($10 for children under 12). A “Meet ‘n Greet” with the guest artists and band will follow the concert. For information and tickets, visit www.jazzinstars.com or
contact (860) 767-1663.

Monte Carlo Jazz Quintet at the Sherborn Inn, March 4, 2014

Posted on March 18, 2014 by admin

This was not our usual Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble, founded in 1998, playing classic jazz and hot dance music from the 20’s and 30’s specially arranged by the leader and music director, pianist Robin Verdier.

Robin Verdier leader/arranger/piano, Craig Ball and Billy Novick reeds, Al Bernard tuba, Ed Reynolds drums

With John Clark off to a Mardi Gras Party and Bob MacInnis still in Florida, Craig Ball was left alone on the Front Line; enter Billy Novick. Robin provided arrangements for two reeds, and they complied. Most of the time.

Arrangements are important to the sound of a song. Every song changes when played in a different arrangement. Robin takes the original arrangements of the pop dance tunes of that time, and adapts them to create technically sophisticated melodies. That is the Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble. But whenever there’s a sub in a band, there are subtle changes; but Billy Novick is definitely not subtle.

They kicked it off hot and heavy with ‘Deed I Do, a 1926 jazz standard composed by Fred Rose with lyrics by Walter Hirsch. Then they moved to a relatively modern 1940 composer, Django Reinhardt, the two virtuoso reed players intertwining clarinets with Nuages.

Craig Ball and Bill Novick

Pretty 90 yr. old lady in white coat jacket with black flower

Lynn Sickle

Robin paid tribute to the late Lynn Sickles; we lost our beautiful Rockette in December. At almost every performance at the Inn, you would find Lynn in her special chair next to the piano, with hubby Bob. All musicians at the Sherborn Inn played All of Me for Lynn. She is sorely missed!

Robin always has a prepared list of what the band will play, but tonight he threw in a “Lucky Strike Extra”, Ray Henderson’s Alabamy Bound; not the same as the 1920’s tune Alabama Bound Rag. Craig was fabulous on clarinet with Billy’s alto sax playing riffs, rhythm section providing quick underlying pulse.

Robin featured more great composers – Walter Donaldson’s Love Me Or Leave Me, with fluid sweet melody on piano. A 1926 tune by Anthony Lessof, How Can I Be Blue, with Craig on soprano sax and Billy on clarinet.

From a two-reed band on Chicago’s South Side, they played Vincent Youmans’ I Know That You Know. I Remember When from another important composer and reed player, Sidney Bechet in 1958 – that’s very late for Monte Carlo. Playing ragtime and stride from the heart, Robin finished the set with Lady Be Good.

Robin Verdier, with Al Bernard in background

Three years ago a tune kept running through Robin’s head and he couldn’t figure out where it came from. It was from the New Black Eagle Jazz Band repertoire, a tune written by Billy Novick in 1989 – Remembering You. He writes in this early style to preserve this kind of music, including the score for the Washington Ballet’s “The Great Gatsby”.

Irving Berlin’s 1950 – The Best Thing For You Would Be Me is Robin Verdier’s 2^nd most modern tune. Britain’s Ray Noble wrote both lyrics and music during the British dance band era known as the “Golden Age of British music”. Noble imported musicians from the U.S. and wrote Native American Tunes. In 1938, he wrote Cherokee (Indian Love Call).

By now the two reed players didn’t need any arrangements– Craig let loose with clarinet heading for high heaven, Novick right behind him. Robin’s marvelous piano raced to keep up. Bill Reynolds went wild on drums, slipping in his infamous piano roll.

Bill Reynolds

Robin eased them back to the Monte Carlo era. In 1928 Isham Jones wrote Down Where The Sun Goes Down. Reliable Albie on tuba was mellow, not pushing. Same era, Sammy Fain’s You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me. 1922 China Boy, Craig went wild on soprano sax. They tried to get many in 1930, I Got Rhythm, Billy Novick pushing Craig on with saxophone; Craig likes aiming for high register clarinet.

Craig and Billy go wild.

After some discussion, they continued with a sweet and lyrical 1917 Smiles. Craig played fiery clarinet on the1922 My Honey’s Loving Arms. The 1928 Victor Young ‘s Sweet Sue had Robin’s fine fingering on piano, drum tapping lightly, Albie softening chords on tuba.

1939 the world moved to Swing, that’s when Lu Watters started the Yerba Buena Jazz Band; what we call two-beat, West Coast Jazz. The Yerba Buena worked at Big Bear Lake, so Lu wrote a tune called Big Bear Stomp. The Monte Carlo Quintet were aiming for a big finale. They closed with Running Wild, tuba and drums pushing the soprano sax, clarinet and piano.

It was one very special evening of classic jazz and hot dance music! The Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble will return May 13th, with or without substitutes. Hope to see you there!

not mentioned

Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me.
Al Jolson California Here I Come got in some stride.

Blue Horizon Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, March 18, 2014

Posted on March 18, 2014 by admin

Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band

Stan McDonald soprano sax/clarinet, Jeff Stout trumpet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Ross Petot piano, Stu Gunn string bass, Steve Taddeo drum

This has been a bad winter for Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band. Fierce winter storms have forced the cancellation of the Band’s dates in both January and February, so we all had our fingers crossed for March. It was cold, but no precipitation, so he was able to perform the New Orleans Rites and Riffs of Spring, with plenty of Sidney Bechet and many beautiful New Orleans tunes. His Knowledge of Traditional Jazz is remarkable.

Stan dedicated this evening to Lynn Sickles, a fan who passed away January 18^th. Our hearts go out to hubby Bob, who was here this evening; they were married 46 years. Family, friends and music help lighten the loss. Lynn’s favorite song was All of Me, and the band started with a glorious version of it, Jeff Stout taking the lead on trumpet with McDonald offering complicated counterpoint on soprano sax. Steve Taddeo holding choke cymbal on hi hat. Stu Gunn holding a steady beat on string bass, and we love the mellow sound of Gerry Gagnon’s tail-gate trombone.

Blue Horizon Jazz Band always has musicians with expertise who play in countless other bands in the area. They love what they’re doing, and play with passion and intensity, with no arrangements. When You and I Were Young Maggie, Earl Hines’ You Can Depend on Me, Strike up the Band, Marie Elena, my favorite Tijuana and more.

Gerry Gagnon, Steve Taddeo, Jeff Stout

Jeff Stout, Stu Gunn, Stan McDonald

Four or Five Times, originally done by the The Bechet-Spanier Big Four, was one of the more closely arranged tunes. They also did All By Muself. The Big Four consisted of soprano sax and trumpet with only guitar and bass – but the Blue Horizon also has invaluable trombone, piano and drum.

Stan plays Honky Tonk Town, Ross Petot on piano

Ross Petot was featured on What Is This Thing Called Love, playing his inimitable stride. Lovely!

Sidney Bechet (May 14, 1897 – May 14, 1959) was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer. He was one of the first important soloists in jazz, and was perhaps the first notable jazz saxophonist with forceful delivery, well-constructed improvisations, and a distinctive, wide vibrato. Stan McDonald has been one of his staunchest afficionados, so several of his tunes were included: Blues in the Air, Lastik, Lotus Blossom, Rose de Picardie, Marchand de Poisson.

They ran out of time before completing all the songs on McDonald’s list, so they closed with When I Leave The World Behind.

Spring has finally arrived – it’s been a long winter! Hopefully no more snow storms! The next performance of The Blue Horizon Jazz Band will be April 15th, and thereafter on the 3^rd Tuesday of every month at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main Street, (intersection of Rts. 16 & 27) Sherborn, MA. $10 Please call for reservations at 508-655-9521 or info@sherborninn.com. See you there?

Marce

Wolverine Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn March 11, 2014

Posted on March 11, 2014 by admin

Wolverine Jazz Band

Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark leader/clarinet/bari sax/vocal, Tom Boates trombone/vocal, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Ross Petot piano, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums

The Wolverines are busy preparing for their trips to Festivals and their regular summer venues. They’ve been invited to the Hot Steamed in Essex, CT, America’s Dixieland Jazz Festival in Olympia, WA, Arizona Classic Jazz Fest. They rehearse with us at the Sherborn Inn – how fortunate is that??

They will be busy locally this summer: June 1, Melrose (noon-4); July 9 – Willows at Westboro; July 29 – Southgate at Shrewsbury; July 30 – Sherborn Center; August 20 – Norwood; August 21 – Natick Senior Center.

However, St. Patrick’s Day was approaching, so instead of their theme song, they kicked it off with an popular tune – Wearing of the Green, a song about the Irish rebellion of 1798.

We had special guests up from Connecticut – their first time here – Jean Hadley, Joan Boutelle , and friend/driver Angie. Thanks for coming folks!!

Inspired by one another, the Wolverines play incredible Dixieland, Satanic Blues, John Clark already on baritone sax, Tom Boates growling trombone. Smokin’!

They tried out new tunes, preparing for their next CD, creating arrangements as they played them. “Some mighty fine guesses going on here.” Chimes Blues will be on their new album, Ross Petot playing chimes on piano.

Jeff Hughes watches Ross Petot play fantastic piano

Jeff Hughes watches Ross Petot play amazing stride piano

We’re always ready for a Jimmy Mazzy vocal, and there were many: T’aint So. (Yes, ‘tis!) Come Rain or Come Shine. Lonny Johnson’s Tomorrow Night, a 1920’s tune that changed over the years from the 40’s to 50’s Rock & Roll; even Elvis recorded it. Jimmy’s special ballad, After You’ve Gone with Jeff soft trumpet behind him; Rick MacWilliams majestic tuba solo. Sound of the Wanderer, a 1920’s tune that featured Helen Hughes, incredible interplay between trumpet and trombone.

Sunset Cafe Stomp was a Charleston. It was named after the Sunset Cafe, also known as The Grand Terrace Cafe, a jazz club in Chicago in the 20’s to 40’s.
Recorded by Louis Armstrong:
“Gentlemen, ladies too
Push ’em round n round
They loose their head
They’ll drop dead …. doing the Sunset Stomp.”

Tom Boates and Jim Mazzy

Eubie Blakes Memories of You sweet Clark clarinet feature, Tom on muted trombone.

Tom Boates set sparks flying on Snake Rag!

Zero by Santo Pecora, New Orleans trombonist was HOT!

John Clark finds his voice

From their latest CD, a fun tune, Egyptian Ella, with John Clark vocal.

Jeff Hughes, trumpet

This band never disappoints! They showed what a good band can do. There were many more great tunes.

They closed with a big hit at all the festivals, Dinah, Jeff Hughes’ sharp trumpet intro with banjo riffs, gave Dave Didriksen a chance to let go on drums; it was so hot it triggered the famous Jimmy Mazzy shout!

Hot Band!

They’re more than ready for the upcoming festivals. We don’t mind sharing them. You can even Hire them. They’ll be back here again on April 29^th and June 14^th (for those of you keeping track.) Folks come from all over; Marilyn will probably be driving from down Maine.

Hope to see you here! Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main Street, (inters. of Rts. 16 & 27) Sherborn, MA Reservations: (508) 655-9521 or info@sherborninn.com. Please make a reservation – the Wolverines tend to fill up the room.

Marce

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Café, March 1, 2014

Posted on March 10, 2014 by admin

Seacoast Stompers on the new Acton Jazz Cafe stage

Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball clarinet, Scott Philbrick banjo/guitar/cornet, Lee Prager trombone, Frank Stadler leader/piano, Al Bernard tuba, Bobby Reardon drums.

The decor of the café has totally changed, it feels more like a nightclub now, with a full raised stage at the back of the room. Definitely an improvement; same fine food and gracious personnel. Alternating spotlights from blue to red to white give it nice atmosphere, but raise cane with the videos.
On this First Saturday of the month, The Seacoast Stompers began as always with their Flagship tune, At The Jazz Band Ball, a 1917 jazz classic done by the ODJB, and one of the earliest and most recorded jazz compositions. Scott was strumming on banjo because Jimmy Mazzy was home looking after Carrie.

Earl Hines’ Monday Date, Scott was on acoustic guitar; Whitney trumpet, Craig soaring clarinet, Lee swinging trombone, Frank piano, Bob drums, Albie’s tuba pushing the whole ensemble. Fabulous!

Frank Stadler doesn’t like to repeat tunes. They haven’t done Moonglow for a while, nice slow dance tune. Charlie was up immediately – he dances with all the ladies. He found an open corner near the bar.
Back o’ Town Blues is a nice slow Blues, one of Whitney’s favorite vocals. The musicians followed him, playing passionate solos, with Lee growling on trombone.

After You’ve Gone, trumpet intro with tuba back up, was really great Dixieland; Whitney squeezed in a bit of Little Girl. Frank played beautiful melody on piano, backed by Albie’s chords and Bob’s time keeping.

Scott returned to his cornet, now we had two horns, no waiting; Take Your Tomorrows and Give Me Today. Bix did this with Frank Trumbauer in 1928. They started with fantastic brass, and finished it the same way; it sure was great to have Dave Whitney back. Love is Just Around the Corner, Whitney vocal, the band played full force, stopping on a dime!

There’s always a discussion on the next tune, who will do what? Here was a “good ol’ good one” done by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band also in 1917 – Fidgety Feet had the audiences’ feet tapping. You can’t sit still listening to this Jazz. Albie took a melodic solo on tuba, Scott back on cornet, Bobby wouldn’t let it quit, taking multiple drum endings, nailing the end with a final cymbal crash.

Bob Reardon supports the band with his fine drumming.

Nobody wanted to quit. Louis did Wild Man Blues with his Hot Seven – we had hot banjo, and tuba too.

Bob Crosby’ Bob Cats recorded Irving Fazola’s I’m Coming Virginia.

Fats Waller’s Baby Brown had Dave Whitney on trumpet and vocal, and Scotty on cornet. They have a friendly, compatible competition going.

Song of the Wanderer was a really HOT ONE with Scott on banjo, then he was back on guitar for Someday Sweetheart.

Dave Whitney and Scott Philbrick have a friendly go-round on Mandy, Make Up Your Mind

A request (inevitably) started with a very truncated Saints, and quickly moved to Who’s Sorry Now, finishing with Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of my Jelly Roll.

As usual there was a full house enjoying the fine Dixieland and Swing of the Seacoast Stompers. You can hear them at the Acton Jazz Café on the first Saturday of every month, in the afternoon – easier driving for most of us.

To get the best seat, please make a reservation; email gwenn@actonjazzcafe.com with the subject line reading either RESERVATION or CONTACT, or call them at (978) 263-6161 after 5 pm. http://www.actonjazzcafe.com/ Use 5 Nagog Park Mall on GPS to get directions.

* * * *
Seacoast Stompers tunes played on March 1, 2014

Set 1
1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 My Monday Date
3 Moonglow
4 Back o’ Town Blues
5 After You’ve Gone
6 Take Your Tomorrow
7 Love Is Just Around The Corner
8 Louisiana Fairy Tale
9 Fidgety Feet

Set 2
1 Avalon
2 Wild Man Blues
3 Can’t We Be Friends
4 I’m Coming Virginia (W/Verse)
5 Baby Brown
6 Wabash Blues
7 Song of the Wanderer

Set 3
1 Preacher, The
2 Mandy Make Up Your Mind
3 Someday Sweetheart
4 Who’s Sorry Now
5 Jelly Roll (Ain’t Gonna Give You None)

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

Tag Archives: New England Traditional Jazz