Eli’s All Stars with Bob Winter piano at the Sherborn Inn, December 3, 2013

Posted on December 3, 2013 by admin

Eli Newberger leader/tuba, Bob Winter piano, Rebecca Sullivan vocals, Bo Winiker trumpet/flugelhorn, Herb Gardner trombone, Ted Casher reeds, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Jeff Guthery drums, Carolyn Newberger washboard.

Everyone was at the top of their form at the Sherborn Inn on Tuesday, December 3rd at the Sherborn Inn, the Last Tuesday Jazz for this year.

Bob Winter approached the piano and started playing Undecided. After 32 plus years of playing piano for the Boston Pops, and backing all its vocalists, he’s very comfortable at the piano. (It was in perfect pitch because Jimmy Mazzy gave it an emergency tune up.)

Bob Winter duo with Bo Winniker Photo by Kathy Wittman, ball square FILMS

Bo Winiker on flugelhorn

Bo Winker joined Winter on silky-smooth flugelhorn for a duo performance, as the remainder of the band slipped in.

Winiker made a magnificent contribution all evening on trumpet and flugelhorn, and backing vocalist Rebecca Sullivan.

Rebecca Sullivan in red amd white dress and red sweater with one button tied at the center.

Rebecca is in the graduate program at the New England Conservatory of Music, and an asset to the Boston music scene. She was adventurous and deeply expressive. Stardust, Perdido, Honeysuckle Rose, My Old Flame,The Man I Love, and Memories of You, are full of passion, zest, virtuosity, lovely expressive nuances, and fabulous interactions between Rebecca and instrumentalists.

I Can’t Give You Anything But Love

Ted Casher clarinet, Bo Winiker trumpet, Herb Gardner trombone

Ted Casher, Bo Winiker, Herb Gardner

Rebecca’s voice and Bob’s piano are captured beautifully on Someone to Watch Over Me. Winter’s solo variations on Over the Rainbow and Charleston Rag were astounding, provoking gasps of delight from both musicians and audience. He gave Eli’s tuba a workout on Tico Tico!

Eli Newberger attacks the tuba!

Jeff Guthery

After returning from Asia and Europe, Jeff Guthery is finally fulfilling his dream of attending Berklee College of Music. He knows when to stay out of the way, or kick it up on all genre of music. In Traditional Jazz he mainly uses brushes on snare drum and cymbals, tapping on the woodblock on Fidgety Feet,

Bo was featured on trumpet on a magnificent Moonlight in Vermont. The ubiquitous Ted Casher played with energy and syncopation on clarinet, tenor and soprano sax.

Jimmy Mazzy is famous for his self-taught single-string picking on banjo. I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Winter followed, emulating on single notes, then continued with electrifying piano.

Herb Gardner, monster trombone and piano player from New York, recently moved to Massachusetts. Welcome, Herb! Herb and Jimmy’s Trombone Charlie (Herbie) was delightful.

Carolyn with eyes closed playing washboard with spoons

Carolyn enjoys playing washboard!
Photo by Kathy Wittman

Carolyn Newberger was featured on Coney Island Washboard, with Jimmy speaking the words. Marvelous ensemble backing Ted’s powerful soprano sax in stop time.

Rebecca closed with a sultry My Old Flame, backed by gut-wrenching tenor sax. The evening was intensely pleasurable and full of spine-tingling moments, filmed for video by Kathy Wittman of Ball Square Films, and recorded by WGBH’s Frank Cunningham. The upcoming videos will be great! Stay tuned.

There will be another special evening at the Sherborn Inn January 14th, 2014, when Eli’s All Stars return with cornet player Randy Reinhart. For those who don’t know him, here he is with most of this band at a Gershwin night at the Tavern Club in Boston two Valentine’s Days ago:

Strike Up the Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NsUbQFSlio

They Can’t Take That Away from Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZpJ6VKXLk0

See you there??

Marce

Jazz Tuber Trio Plus Four at the Sherborn Inn, November 12, 2013

Posted on November 12, 2013 by admin

Piano, Banjo, Vocalist, Tuba, Drum, Ten Sax, Trombone

Jazz Tuber Trio Eli, Jimmy and Ted, Plus Bob Winter piano, Rebecca Sullivan vocals, Jeff Guthery drums, Herb Gardner trombone, Carolyn Newberger washboard

It certainly was an exciting evening at the Sherborn In on November 12, with Boston Pops’ pianist Bob Winter joining The Jazz Tuber Trio. Bob Winter has been the pianist for the Boston Pops for over 30 years, but also has extensive experience in clubs, television, radio, and theaters, including performances with Henry Mancini, Teddy Wilson, Buddy DeFranco, Mel Torme, Luciano Pavarotti, Eddie Daniels, Stan Getz, Cleo Laine/John Dankworth, and Airto Moreira.

Bob Winter

Bob set the mood with piano intro to an upbeat Found a New Baby, just as New York’s Herb Gardner walked in carrying his trombone case. Surprise!

Herb Gardner moved to NY in 1963 and began touring with Wild Bill Davison, Kenny Davern and Dick Wellstood, was a regular at the Metropole, Jimmy Ryan’s and Eddie Condon’s nightclubs. He’s appeared with virtually all of the classic jazz musicians in the New York City. He just walked in, took out the trombone, sat down and started playing.

Ted Casher and Herb Gardner

We love this marvelous hot jazz. You never know what’s going to happen next! Instrumental titans playing delectable hot jazz!

No holds barred – combustible combinations of piano, tenor sax, trombone, Eli’s tuba maintaining a deep underpinning bassline, Jeff Guthery laying down the beat with brushes.

Jeff Guthery mostly uses brushes

Eli introduced vocalist Rebecca Sullivan, an accomplished vocalist and teacher, with a three-octave range. She’s learning something new at the New England Conservatory of Music, with Eli Newberger assigned as her mentor. She’s an emotionally powerful performer, singing very slowly, which takes considerable skill.

Squeeze Me.

Eli called for a fast tune, Bob responded with a lovely solo on Ida. (Here he is at the Tavern Club in Boston 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtAF92TCxtE)

Rebecca makes the songs personal and passionate.

Silky-smooth Satin Doll, Rebecca sings it in her own style, stretching out words and syllables, adding unexpected emphasis, going from low to high when least expected.

In a more romantic tune, a lovely Someone To Watch Over Me. We were mesmerized and only caught a partial video.

I can’t Give You Anything But Love, Rebecca almost talking the vocal, backed by Winter on piano. Eli said “He plays in unconventional keys to support her exceptional range, with an amazing lower register.”

The unpredictable reed-man, Ted Casher began the Ukrainian Ochi Chyornye with tenor sax in Klezmer style, the band slipping in with Dark Eyes. Eli’s turbo charged bass riffs gave it energy and drive.

Rebecca, with Jimmy and Eli

Mean to Me, Rebecca feeling the song.

Jimmy took off in his own unique single-string banjo with Fidgety Feet, Jeff backing him with brushes on snare drum. Fans had fidgety feet! Winter finished the last chorus with multi-layered intense piano.

Carolyn Newberger had spent most of the evening listening to the music while drawing portraits of members of the band. Carolyn’s Portraits.
(Her works “In The Moment” had a Showing last month at The Harriet Tubman Gallery Boston.)

She sat in on washboard for Louis Armstrong’s 1936 Don’t Forget To Mess Around When You’re Dancing the Charleston, Jimmy on vocal. The washboard began to come apart, but Carolyn maintained her cool, set it on the floor, holding the instrument vertical and in one piece, never missed a note playing spoons through the whole tune. Bravo!

Caroline Newberger, resourceful washboard maven, joins the rhythm boys

Carolyn Newberger, resourceful washboard maven, adds rhythm

Eli plays tuba like a solo instrument with energy and drive on Perdido, supported by Jeff’s brushes, the ensemble connecting in breathtaking tempo, led by clarinet and tenor sax. Listeners were dancing in their seats!

They closed with romping polyphonic ensemble on Royal Garden Blues, Jimmy scatting, each instrument taking a final solo.

Great fun! And we’ll be doing it all again on December 3^rd, with the addition of another titan, Boston’s famous Bo Winiker on trumpet! See you there?

Dan Gabel’s TAG Trio at Music at Mendon, United Universalist Church, Mendon MA November 3, 2013

Posted on November 3, 2013 by admin

Drum, piano, trombone, at front of UU Church Hall

Dan Gabel TAG Band, Taddeo Anadolis Gabel

Dan Gabel trombone/vocals, Nikolas Anadolis piano, and Steve Taddeo drums

Blackstone Valley Music students opened with a fine a capella Trio, Vito Caccavelli guitar/voice, Nathaniel Thompson voice, Jane Walker violin/voice

13 yr-old boy on guitar, young boy in middle, girl at right with violin

Nathaniel Thompson voice, Vito Caccavelli guitar/voice, Jane Walker violin/voice

Wee Dark Engine Room:
In that wee dark engine room,
Where the chill seeps through your soul,
How we huddled round that wee pot stove
That burned oily rags and coal.

How the winter blizzards blow, and the whaling fleet’s at rest,
Tucked in Leigh harbor’s sheltered bay, safely anchored ten abreast.
The whalers at their stations, as from she’d to she’d they go,
Carry little bags of coal with them, and a little iron stove.

They sang every chorus, taking us on the ship with this powerful, warm song about a little iron stove. They closed with Amazing Grace, a well known spiritual. We’re thankful to Blackstone Valley Music for encouraging these young musicians in their love of music!

Dan Gabel’s Tag Trio was the feature – Tag for Taddeo, Anadolis, and Gabel.

The three in black suits with bright red vests posing for picture

Dan Gabel TAG Trio

Nikolas Anadolis is from Greece, and had just returned from playing piano in Romania and Germany. A fine trio they are, and definitely enjoy playing the music of the 30’s and 40’s. They added some new material, and a few Folk songs from various countries.

Dan Gabel reaching deep down for his Crosby Crooning

Dan Gabel, crooner

They began with their theme, Whispering, Dan Gabel beginning with the verse, crooning in his best Bing.

Dan Gabel brings out Tommy Dorsey.

All of Me, was a “good ol’ good one” with Nikolas’ flying fingers all over the piano, Taddeo playing boom-chick softly with brushes. From the mid-20’s, If I Had You brought out the Tommy Dorsey sound.

Steve Taddeo using soft brushes on drums

They moved to Cole Porter tunes, always good terrain, with two pop tunes and one not so well known. Dan really laying it on thick like Eddy Cantor in the 1928, Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall In Love, winding it up in a British accent.

Cole Porter’s 1946 I Love You in a rhumba beat, Nikolas exhibiting his classical training. From 1956 High Society, the seldom heard I Love You Samantha. Found a New Baby, tom tom drums took the intro, with Dan on growling trombone, Taddeo let loose on drums.

Nikolas stretched out on this solo with Hoagie Carmichael’s Nearness of You.
Classic Masterpiece!

grimacing as he seriously plays classical

A played a Greek folk tune that Nik taught Dan translates to Leave Your Cares to the Wind. Love Is Just Around The Corner, was recorded by guitarist George Van Epps around 1946-49 with drummer Nick Fatool, (born in Millville MA in 1915).

They left us with a parting song, Fat Waller’s fabulous Honeysuckle Rose, delightful piano, Taddeo still on brushes. (He never let the full Gene Krupa loose the way he usually does.) The audience still said this was the finest performance they’ve heard in this series of Music at Mendon.

Music at Mendon is supported by the Congregation with some grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. This was the last presentation for the year; they will return in March 2014, and we’re sure there’s be some form of Dan Gabel Trio!

Steve Taddeo has his own Swing Senders Swing band in Waltham, and also Directs the Dick Donovan Big Band Monday nights at the American Legion, 140 River Rd. Middleton MA.

Dan Gable and The Abletones Big Band play on the first Friday of the month at the Scandinavian Athletic Center at 438 Lake St. in Shrewsbury at 7:30pm

Nikolas Anadolis attended music academies in Greece. He applied to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he received a full International Presidential Scholarship. www.nikolasjazz.com//.

Nik & Dan will be playing in a Community Outreach Program, spreading cheer all over New England over the coming Holidays. Watch for them!

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Café, November 2, 2013

Posted on November 2, 2013 by admin

videos by Harold McAleer

taken from back of cafe, band up front, crowded tables

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Cafe

Scott Philbrick Cornet, Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball reeds, Lee Prager trombone, Frank Stadler leader/piano, Al Bernard tuba, Bobby Reardon drums

At The Jazz Band Ball, the Seacoast Stompers warned us in advance that this was going to be delectable hot Jazz, with another full house at the Acton Jazz Café. They added some new songs, Why Do I Like To Myself About You? and included some old Dixieland Chestnuts, Royal Garden Blues, After You’ve Gone, Baby Brown.

Stadler makes full use of the Café’s beautiful Yamaha Baby Grand. He plots a loose course, giving the musicians room to make suggestions, and they do – most of them are accustomed to leading their own bands.

Frank bent over keyboard of Yamaha Baby Grand

Frank Stadler leads band from the Yamaha Baby Grand

Bobby playing drums - bass drum has picture of his NH plate - KRUPA

Bobby Reardon keeps the band in time. Photo by Harold McAleer

Albie pushes with his powerful tuba, Jimmy’s single string banjo at high velocity, Bobby Reardon steering them discreetly.

Al Bernard in back wrapped in sousaphone, Jimmy Mazzy up front singing

Albie and Jimmy

With that fabulous rhythm behind them, the front line is free to explore with great solos and ensemble, mixing harmonies. This Joint is Jumpin’!

Jimmy’s vocals come from the heart; as if he’s crying for his lost love.
If I Had You,

Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone, Old Fashioned Love, A Hundred Years From Today, Song of the Wanderer.

He’s scatting on Japanese Sandman.

Whitney interweaves innumerable snippets of tunes with his trumpet, and also does some vocals: the 1930’s tune Fats wrote on a restaurant bill, I’m Confessing, Mobile, Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby. He’s scatting on Baby Brown.

Craig playing clarinet, Lee quiet in background

Craig Ball, leader of White Heat Swing Orchestra

The ensemble connects on Sheik of Araby. Craig Ball’s clarinet is almost kissing the mic on Stevedore Stomp. He’s in soft tone on I’m Beginning to See The Light.

Dave and Scott duelling on trumpet and cornet

Dave and Scott go at it!

Trumpet and cornet are teasing and testing each other on Devil and The Deep Blue Sea. As Time Goes By Dave’s sweet trumpet is backing Scott’s cornet. They take turns leading and comping on all the tunes.

Lee Prager fills in the short gaps

LEE Lee Prager is constantly listening, filling in any gap. That takes talent!

We look forward to the amazing exchanges between the trombone and cornet. There’s a friendly duel between Lee and Scott at least once in every session – trombone keeping up with the cornet’s myriad notes up and down the register. It’s all in great fun!

By now the tension is so hot Jimmy loses it on It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing. Trading fours scatting with the band, he bursts out with his infamous scream, signifying another winning session!

They will repeat it on the first Saturday of next month, December 8^th. Don’t miss it!

Seacoast Stompers tune list – Nov 2, 2013 – Acton Jazz Cafe

Set 1
1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 As Time Goes By / Sleepy Time Down South
3 Royal Garden Blues
4 After You’ve Gone
5 Why Do I Lie To Myself About You
6 If I had You
7 Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
8 I’m Confessing
9 Song of the Wanderer

Set 2
1 Sheik of Araby
2 Mobile
3 Please Don’t Talk About Me
4 Old Fashioned Love
5 Baby Brown
6 All Of Me

Set 3
1 Joint is Jumpin, the
2 Hundred Years From Today, A
3 Stevedore Stomp
4 Japanese Sandman
5 Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby
6 I’m Beginning to see the Light
7 It Don’t Mean a Thing If it Ain’t Got That Swing

Dan Gabel and the Abletones, new Venue – SAC Park, Shrewsbury

Posted on November 1, 2013 by admin

Dan Gabel and the Abletones Big Band, with vocalist Elise Roth at SAC Park

By Marce and C.S.Imming

Dan Gabel and The Abletones Big Band with vocalist Elise Roth, at NEW LOCATION, SAC Park, (Scandinavian Athletic Club) 438 Lake St. Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 757-3948 E-mail info@sacpark-shrewsbury.com.

The first thing you need to know is that Lake Street, Shrewsbury, is NOT on the Lake. If you can see the lake, you’re either in Worcester or on Quinsigamond Ave. in Shrewsbury. Lake St. comes off Route 9 at one end and Rt. 20 at the other end – where it sharply veers off away from the Lake.

A=Scandenavian Athletic Club on Lake Street Shrewsbury

Back in the 40’s, is was The Gazebo, and featured famous artists such as the Artie Shaw Orchestra. It was a fitting setting for Dan Gabel and The Abeltones on this First Friday, November 1, 2013. It’s a warm, friendly place, with large shiny, slippery, wood dance floor, and full bar; perfect for dancing, listening, mingling and sharing all things Big Band.

This was the premiere of the First Friday Series at SAC Park. They began with dance lessons. Being the day after Halloween, the musicians all wore costume hats and performed powerful music to a delighted crowd of Swing and Ballroom dancers. Swing, Ballads, Boogies, Cha Chas, Waltzes, Tangos, you name it – they played it, with a new splendid singer, vocalist Elise Roth.

Video by C.S. Imming

Bill Doyle, guitar

The Halloween set included Artie Shaw’s Nightmare, Nelson Riddle’s Witchcraft. Moon songs, Moon River, Blue Ray.
Will Bradley’s Orchestra recorded this swingin’ jazz tune in 1940 – Celery Stalks at Midnight. Drummer Jim Gancarz took the vocals, while Gabel took over the drums!

Bill Doyle’s nightmarish headset was flashing green lights.

Tunes were dedicated to the Red Sox’s winning team, who had just captured the World Series. Massachusetts, and a tune that Dan wrote, Live Free or Die. There was a terrific tenor sax duel between Ed Harlow and Mike ? on a tango, Sally’s Song. Dan changed the words to Everybody Loves Rhode Island to Everybody Loves the Red Sox.

He wrote Abletones’ Jive – cleverly introducing each musician. They will return on the first Friday of every month, sharing all things Big Band. If you can’t wait, check out their CDs.

C. S. Imming took very many Images!

White Heat Swing Quintet at the Sherborn Inn, October 22, 2013

Posted on October 24, 2013 by admin

Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball tenor sax/clarinet, Ken Steiner string bass, Ross Petot piano, Dave Bragdon drums.

White Heat Quintet is a solid Swing Band with memorable Benny Goodman tunes, some Bix, Gershwin, a tribute to Louis Armstrong, and tonight, even some Rudy Vallee.

Craig Ball on tenor sax

Craig started the evening on gut-wrenching tenor sax on Linger a While, presenting a sample of what was forthcoming this evening.

Whitney did his tribute to Louis Armstrong with multi-layered trumpet playing on Gypsy, with a vocal backed by Ross’s fine piano, Craig said, “No wonder he’s called Dean of Swing Trumpet”!

Get Happy was a blistering tune. Bragdon let loose on drums and they wrapped it up with WILD trumpet and clarinet challenging each other, setting sparks flying.

Ross was featured on piano with Gone With The Wind, resurrecting James P. Johnson; Dave’s soft, rolling brushes on snare drum backed Ken’s string bass solo.

Ken Steiner slapping that bass!

Found a New Baby, Whitney led on trumpet, Craig comping on clarinet. We can’t get enough of Ken Steiner’s fantastic slap bass, strings bouncing off the finger board!

San, began with the verse, Whitney’s trumpet sounding like Bix Beiderbecke when he was with Paul Whitman; fun Turkey Trot. Craig’s Benny Goodman clarinet on Begin The Beguine brought back fond memories.

I Would do Most Anything For, Whitney on vocal, drum and string bass were right behind him, Craig playing fast run on clarinet. It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing – Barnburner! They followed with something sweet and slow, Deep Night, written by Rudy Vallee for Vagabond Lover. This was a first for us.

Ross Petot with a big smile - very unusual!

Ross is actually smiling!

Then it was Gershwin time – Ross playing ragtime, Nice Work If You Can Get It, segueing into a fine Swing number. If you’re looking for SWING, this is the place!

For the last half hour, Craig called for a Swing Jam, inviting musicians to join them. First man up was Marty Lieberman on clarinet with Bye Bye Blackbird. (Marty is responsible for starting Sam’s Jam about 30 years ago.) Peter Gerler joined them on guitar for I Never Knew.

Laurie Young

Vocalist Lorrie Young likes Billie Holiday, stepped up with Can’t Help Loving That Man of Mine. She’ll be back here in a few weeks. Her ‘alter ego’ Stacie Brandon joined her for How High The Moon. (We hope the names are correct.)

Jeff Hughes just listening in the audience finally stepped up with his mellow, melodic flugel horn; I Let a Song Get Out of My Heart, with warm interplay with Whitney’s trumpet. When these two get together, it’s pure magic!

The White Heat Swing Quintet finished with Wholly Cats, that the Benny Goodman Sextet did in 1940 in NYC with Charlie Christian, Cootie Williams, George Auld, Artie Bernstein and Harry Jaeger.

Trumpet and flugel horn duet trading fours in vibrato, fiery clarinet, Ross offering just the right chords on piano, Peter Gerler’s supple fingers on guitar, Bragdon’s driving drums, Steiner slapping that bass – closed a formidable evening of Sensational Swing!

A Group of ‘swingers’ passing by from the dining room stopped dead in their tracks, surprised to find such great Swing here at the Sherborn Inn. They loved it! Let’s hope they return and bring friends.

Blue Horizon Jazz Band’s Indian Summer at the Sherborn Inn, October 15, 2013

Posted on October 24, 2013 by admin

Blue Horizon Jazz Band, with Dave Didriksen drums

Stan McDonald clarinet/soprano sax, Jeff Stout trumpet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Ross Petot piano, Peter Gerler guitar, Al Ehrenfried string bass, Dave Didriksen drums.

Blue Horizon Jazz Band, now celebrating 18 years at the Sherborn Inn, performed another evening of fine Traditional Jazz, with a superb front line backed by the splendid rhythm section.

Stan started on clarinet for Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland, moving to soprano sax, complemented by the powerful trumpet of Jeff Stout and tailgate trombone of Gerry Gagnon. Gee Baby Ain’t I Good To You, Rose of the Rio Grand. Four or Five Times is always played in a slow beat.

All By Myself – Berklee Professor Jeff Stout was introduced to ‘new’ old tunes played by the Bechet-Spanier Big Four. 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.

Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me, Stan conjuring the echo of Sidney Bechet on soprano sax, with trumpet and trombone following in rhythmic harmony.

Stan McDonald sings Lotus Blossom

Lotus Blossom, Stan singing one of his favorites.

Ross’s lovely piano solo was backed by Dave’s soft brushes on snare drum. Stan closed it with crisp high note on soprano sax.

Ross on piano, Peter Gerler behind him on guitar

Ross Petot, pianist extraordinaire

PIanist extraordinaire, Ross Petot’s artistry as a stride pianist is renowned; he played improvised New Orleans stride on W. C. Handy’s Ole Miss, backed by Peter Gerler’s guitar.

Kansas City Man Blues was a sublime piece of ensemble playing. Bechet recorded it with Bob Wilbur in 1947.

Gerry Gagnon, Dave Didriksen, Jeff Stout

Al Ehrenfried

Marie Elena was played in Habanera style, front line inspired by the burning tempo. Didriksen listened carefully, anticipating where they were heading, with Al Ehrenfried’s pulsing string bass beside him. Exciting!

Gagnon, head back, mouth wide open, drummer Didriksen in back, smiling.

Gerry Gagnon belts it out!

Lonesome Road, Stan began on vocal, then gave Gerry Gagnon a chance to belt it out. Astounding! He could reach the back of a theater without a mic!

Stan doesn’t stray far from Bechet, returning with Marchand de Poisson.

They Closed with rapturous Indian Summer, this month’s theme. This timeless song was written by Victor Herbert in 1919 but not made famous until 1940 by Sidney Bechet. In 1978, Stan recorded his own compelling version (available on Blue Horizon Records). http://bluehorizonjazzband.com/

Marce

New Black Eagle Jazz Band luncheon at Sherborn Inn, October 23, 2013

Posted on October 23, 2013 by admin

New Black Eagle Jazz Band

Tony Pringle leader/cornet, Stan Vincent trombone, Billy Novick clarinet and alto sax, Bob Pilsbury piano, Peter Bullis banjo and red sox, Jess Williams string bass, Bill Reynolds drums

Starting into their 43^rd year this month, the NBEJB still has it – the Traditional Jazz that draws crowds. Everybody was elbow-to-elbow at the Sherborn Inn’s Wednesday luncheon, just like the old days at the Sticky Wicket. People were bussed in from Senior Centers and enjoyed the Inn’s fine food and especially the music. There were still some Stickey Wicket ‘regulars’ here, loyal fans, who have followed the band for all those years.

large crowd in back, couple at table for 2 in front, half of the crowd at the Sherborn Inn

Part of crowd at the Sherborn Inn’s luncheon

The Band played many of their old chestnuts, Tony singing When Your Hair Has Turned To Silver. I’m Travellin’ – Jesse Williams is the newest member; he injects new vigor into the band. (He was probably beginning first grade when the band started at the Wicket.) Louisian-I-A, Tony on vocal.

Scott Joplin’s 1920’s ragtime by Arthur Marshall – Kinklets, is actually a pre-jazz number published in 1906. They didn’t improvise but Pilsbury played it as a fine ragtime number, Jesse bowing the bass.

Earl Hines 1930’s Rosetta. Together. Duke’s East St. Louis Toodle-oo, Billy on super sax. Mahogany Hall Stomp.

Jesse Williams slapping bass

Billy’s incomparable tenor sax was featured with the Rhythm Boys on Body and Soul. Peter’s plink, plink, plink, banjo maintaining the Trad Jazz Beat, and still wearing his red sox. (The Boston Red Sox won the World Series Pennant Race a week later!)

Billy and rhythm section, Peter wearing his red sox

Billy featured on Body and Soul. Note Peter’s red sox.

Stan Vincent solo on Old Rugged Cross

Jesse’s string bass echoed Peter’s banjo on Old Rugged Cross. Bill’s soft, skillful drum roll backed Stan’s fine tailgate trombone solo.

They finished with another Sticky Wicket chestnut – Panama. Two hours went by too quickly!! The crowd loved every minute of it!

The Eagles will be back here at 7pm on their usual 2^nd Thursday of the month, November 14^th. Check out their site and available CDs at http://blackeagles.com/.

The Sherborn Inn lunches are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 11:30am-2pm. Good deal: Great music, 3-course luncheon, tax and gratuity, complete for only $25.

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Cafe, October 5, 2013

Posted on October 5, 2013 by admin

All but the piano, with Hal McAleer video-taping by the piano

Seacoast Stompers (with videographer Harold McAleer)

These musicians love making music, playing Jazz, and this audience loves listening to them. It’s a symbiotic relationship – and never gets dull. You never know what will happen next. The Seacoast Stompers do not repeat songs – Frank Stadler has kept a list of every song they’ve played at the AJC in the last five years, so the tunes are seldom repeated.

Surprise! Frank announced that this afternoon they would be doing EXACTLY the same set list as their first gig, 5 years 3 months ago at The Acton Jazz Café. Then it was at night at 452 Great Road, a six-piece band, with Frank Stadler piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Jeff Hughes cornet, Ben Goldstein clarinet, Steve Taddeo drums and Bob McHenry string bass (whose idea it was to getStadler on piano

Now on October 5, 2013, there was Frank leader/piano and Jimmy banjo/vocals, Scott Philbrick cornet, Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball clarinet, Lee Prager trombone, Albie Bernard sousaphone, and Bobby Reardon drums at the new Acton Jazz Café, 103 Nagog Park. It doesn’t get any better than this – as demonstrated by the full house. Bob McHenry was sitting front and center, enjoying the band.

They started with their theme song, a blistering At The Jazz Band Ball, then Mama’s Gone, Goodbye – Jimmy vocal, the four-piece front line melding seamlessly.

Front line
Scott, Dave, Craig, and Lee

Scott and Dave are always a combustible combination, Trumpet and cornet duet on From Monday On. Baby Won’t You Please Come Home. Combination playing vibrato on There’ll Be Some Changes Made.

They slowed down for Memories of You, Scotty doing cornet intro, Jim on vocal with almost imperceptible tuba and trumpet backup.

Mandy Make Up Your Mind – we never get enough of Jimmy Mazzy’s singing. (For the few who are not aware, he’s like olives – an acquired taste; people all over the world love Jimmy, especially in Europe) New Orleans, Hoagie’s favorite tune, heartfelt vocal by Dave Whitney.

Jimmy Mazzy

Dave Whitney

Bobby concentrated on tom toms for Stealing Apples. He has a different drum set for every genre of music, The Dixieland set has three toms, bass, snare drum, cow bell, top hat and a couple of cymbals. He strives for simplicity, purity in his playing, and the energy and precision he lays down is undeniable.

Bobby Reardon and his Dixieland Drum Set

Keeping Out of Mischief Now, Jim on vocal. Craig Ball is in complete command of the upper register on Ain’t Gonna Give You None of My Jelly Roll.

I’m Coming Virginia.

Bobby plays Saturday nights at the Kowloon in Saugus, so he’s ready, always dressed in white shirt and black bow tie (untied) but not tonight; black shirt – no tie. He said he was in mourning because he couldn’t play his favorite tune. So they deviated from the 2008 set list – and substituted Bobby’s favorite (and mine!) Limehouse Blues.

Rhythm Section, Al Bernard sousaphone, Jim Mazzy banjo, Bobby Reardon drums

Jim Mazzy, Al Bernard, Bobby Reardon, Rhythm Section

Al Bernard provides the drive and “punch’ behind the band, and plays solos with the dexterity, control, and articulation of the much smaller instruments. Take Your Tomorrows, and Give Me Today. Joe Darensbourg’s Louisian-I-A, dynamic clarinet backed by rhythm in stop-time. Jimmy had the vocal on a HOT Kansas City. I Would Do Most Anything For You, Whitney vocal, and sneaking in snippets of songs with his trumpet.

Look out for Jimmy’s specials – back in 2008, he substituted his own lyrics for the Banking Crisis with The Whiffenpoof’s Song (The Lambs Song). This time he did a parody of the Tea Party, that we won’t go into here because we’ve already lost too much $upport.

Craig Ball on soprano sax

Craig moved to a sweet soprano sax, authentic Bechet sound, for Singing The Blues.

Verne often gets to pick the last tune, a fine choice to end this evening of remembering 2008, with a barnstorming Swing That Music.
Seacoast Stompers will return with the same personnel playing amazing Dixieland Jazz at the Acton Jazz Café, 103 Nagog Park, Acton MA, on November 2^nd, the first Saturday of the month as usual. See you there!

* * *

Tunes on 2013-10-05 at AJC by Seacoast Stompers
set 1
At The Jazz Band Ball
Mama’s Gone Goodbye
From Monday On
Baby Won’t You Please Come Home
There’ll Be Some Changes Made
Memories Of You
Mandy Make Up Your Mind
New Orleans
Stealin Apples
set 2
Keepin Out Of Mischief Now
Jelly Roll (Ain’t Gonna Give You None)
I’m Coming Virginia (W/Verse)
Limehouse Blues
Take Your Tomorrow
Louisi-An-I-A
set 3
Kansas City request
I Would Do Anything For You
The Lamb’s Song (political diatribe) jimmy special
Singin the Blues
Swing that Music

Jazz Tuber Sextet at the Sherborn Inn

Posted on October 1, 2013 by admin

Eli on piano, clarinet, banjo, string bass, and drums

Jazz Tuber Sextet

Jazz Tuber Sextet at the Sherborn Inn, October 1, 2013

Ted Casher clarinet, tenor and soprano sax, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger piano/tuba, Rebecca Sullivan vocals, Andrew Schiller string bass, Jeff Guthery drums, Carolyn Newberger washboard

Jimmy Mazzy and Andrew Schiller

The Jazz Tuber Trio returned to the Sherborn Inn with three new members. Rebecca and Jeff have been with us before, but this was bassist Andrew Schiller’s initiation to the Inn.

The Tuber Trio kicked it off with a rousing HOT Dr. Jazz.

Jazz Tuber Trio

Then Eli moved to piano for Bessie Smith’s Put It Right Here, backing Jimmy’s vocal.
Eli loves to play both tuba and piano. His absolute rapture in making music is obvious, and he shares that joy with his audience.

Eli Newberger

Rebecca is a grad student at the New England Conservatory in jazz voice and contemporary improvisation, Andrew is also at NEC, Jeff is at Berklee College of Music. Eli let them loose with a sauntering swing on Perdido, with Rebecca’s refreshing vocal, and Andrew’s relentless pulse on string bass.

Rebecca Sullivan

Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Eli on piano backing Rebecca. She has a unique approach to the music, slowly nurturing, passionately stretching it out, reaching deep into the soul of the song. Summertime – Marvelous!

Ted Casher

Back Home Again in Indiana, Andrew on bass, Eli was back on tuba, trading 4s with Jimmy’s scatting. Ted’s soprano sax backed Rebecca on It Had To Be You. On Satin Doll he moved to tenor sax enlivening Jimmy’s singing and scatting. His moaning tenor backed Rebecca’s sentiment on Our Love is Here To Stay.

Jeff Guthery

The Tuber Trio with Andrew and Jeff went wild on Birth of the Blues. Never gets dull! Tenor sax took a whirling intro into I Got Rythm, with Eli on piano, Andrew bass, Rebecca vocal, featuring Jeff Guthery’s dynamic drumming.

And always in the wings, Carolyn Newberger came up front for her special Coney Island Washboard Roundolay – with the washboard that has been resurrected from the attic after 50 years. Retirement has its rewards! Jeff summed it up with one word: “Smokin!”

Carolyn now has more time to devote to her artwork, recently back from her showing, In The Moment, at the Harriet Tubman Gallery in Boston. http://www.carolynnewberger.com/

The evening closed with Mean To Me, with Eli back on piano, Jimmy banjo, Ted on soprano sax, Andrew string bass, Jeff swirling brushes on snare drum.

The Jazz Tuber Trio will return November 12^th with more surprises. See you there?

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

Tag Archives: New England Traditional Jazz