Dave Whitney Big Band at the Sherborn Inn

Posted on May 7, 2013 by admin

Dave Whitney Big Band

This is one exciting thirteen piece Big Band that transported us back to the days of Benny Goodman, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Woody Herman and more!
Trumpets: Joe Musumeci, Mel Deveau, Jeff Hughes, Dave Whitney
Trombones: Scott Hills, Jay Keyser
Reeds: Art Bakopolus, Bob Drukman, John Clark, Blair Bettencourt
Piano, Steve Dale; Bass, Dave LeBleu, Drums, Reid Jorgensen

They began with a number one hit for Benny Goodman, Jersey Bounce. This was the perfect introduction to the fabulous swing bands of the 30’s to 50’s; we became totally immersed in the Swing Era.

Dave’s theme song, a tune that Fats did with both a small and big band, When Somebody Things You’re Wonderful, was taken from an album Dave did in 1975 with Blair Bettencourt.

They presented a great New Orleans medley from the Chris Powers Orchestra – Chris was a New England band leader and arranger. Dave Whitney, Dave LeBleu, Joe Musumeci, Scott Hills and Arthur Bakopolus were in that band. Sophia Stevens was a vocalist with the band, but couldn’t be here this evening.

In a Medley of New Orleans tunes, Joe Musumeci raised goose bumps on his solo of Darkness on the Delta,

Joe Musumici

Usually Sophia has the vocal on Embraceable You, with Dave on trumpet solo and lead alto Arthur Bakopolus.
Bakopolus played inspiring solo work on that Jimmy Dorsey tune, and also on a Duke tune done by Johnny Hodges, All Of Me.

He set sparks flying on Jimmy McHugh’s Sunny Side of the Street.

Arthur Bakopolus, lead alto sax

In the early 30’s, Bing Crosby recorded a nice dance arrangement, Paradise. The dancers loved it!

Moving to a Latin beat, they played My Adobe Hacienda, a tune from the Wolverine Jazz Band’s CD, Give Me Some Tempo.

Dave Whitney

Dave

Dave is known as “The Dean of New England Trumpeters.” In 1985, Chris Powers and Dave recorded a tune with a Johnny Mercer routine, Sugar Blues, Whitney assuming the warbling, wa wa trumpet. A fine upbeat tune, it is still available on the George Buck label.

Blair Bettencourt on vocal!

Spotlight was on Blair Bettencourt – who knew he was such a fine vocalist???

He was in rare voice on Guy Lombardo’s hit, Everywhere You Go.

From a ‘new’ book, 1970, Engelbert Humperdinck’s After The Loving. Beautiful! The Audience was singing with him.

They stayed on the mellow side with Irving Berlin’s How Deep Is The Ocean, featuring Berklee Professor Steve Dale.

Steve was also highlighted on L-O-V-E, Love.

Steve Dale, piano, arranger, with Whitney in background

Steve Dale, pianist and arranger

Our favorite of the whole evening was a medley they played at Angelica’s called a ‘Baker’s Dozen’, actually a marvelous mini-tour of the Big Band Era!
Glenn Miller’s 1939 In The Mood, the most popular song of that era!
1938 Don’t Be That Way
Tommy Dorsey’s 1944 Opus One
Long John Silver 1948
Jimmy Lunceford’s For Dancers Only
Stan Kenton’s theme song, Eager Beaver
Jan Savitt’s 720 in the Books
Count Basie’s One O’Clock Jump
Woody Herman’s Woodchopper’s Ball
Artie Shaw’s 1938 Begin the Beguine
Les Brown’s Band of Renown, Leap Frog
Duke’s 1941 A Train
Harry James’ 1941 Back Beat Boogie, Dave taking the lead.

WOW! Those old tunes are still the best of all!

He stumped the audience with the last one – nobody knew it: Boston Tea Party. This is their new chaser for sets, theme of Mal Hallet – a popular New England band.

Scott Hill’s trombone was superb on Juan Tizol’s Caravan.

Scott has been with the band since its inception.

He continued with the Tommy Dorsey, Jack Leonard, Bunny Berigan, 1937 original arrangement of Marie, with Band backup, and Dave on vocal.

Scott Hill

Tuxedo Junction was recorded by just about every band!

Erskin Hawkins had a great arrangement of Savoy. Two of our favorite Jazzmen, Jeff Hughes on muted trumpet, John Clark clarinet, gave it the Big Band Sound.

From Duke’s library, Whitney got his chops ready for a mini concerto using Rex Stuart’s half-valving technique, Boy Meets Horn. Spectacular!

They featured a “little band within a big band”, as in Tommy Dorsey’s Clambake Seven, a Dixieland group that had a small band in their big band performances. But Dave used Bob Crosby’s March of the Bob Cats instead, (Dave Cats?) with Blair tenor sax, Jeff and Dave trumpets, John clarinet, Jay Keyser trombone, Steve Dale piano, Dave LeBleu bass. Fabulous!!

Little Band within a Big Band

MIT’s Jay Keyser is hilarious! He has so many anecdotes about traveling with his wife around the world. They had just returned from India, Cuba, Lake Como. They’ve been married for 23 years and been to 52 countries. He even wrote a book about it: I Married a Travel Junkie.

Jay Keyser trombone, with Blair on tenor sax

Jay Keyser, with Blair on tenor sax

Jay’s superb trombone was featured on Rose of the Rio Grande, a tune Lawrence Brown used to play with Duke Ellington.

Dave dug out a special mute for the next one, done by Eddy Freeman of Boston’s North Shore, Georgia On My Mind with Dave LeBleu. Great.

From the 1920’s mid-west Territory Bands, Dave’s vocal flirted with today’s PC on Tiny Hill’s Skirts, John Clark on tenor with the ’Dixieland Boys’.

Jeff Hughes

Piano took the intro to Count Basie’s Moten Swing, featuring Jeff Hughes’ on Yamaha Tuneable Bell Trumpet. Nice tone!

His passionate solo on Django’s Nuages was extraordinary; it’s one of our favorites.

John Clark went WILD with Duke’s version of Fats Waller’s Honeysuckle Rose.

John Clark, reeds

Dick Cathcart was the jazz trumpeter behind actor Jack Webb’s portrayal of the legendary Pete Kelly in the 1955 film Pete Kelly’s Blues. Pete Kelly’s Blues was the Dave Whitney Big Band’s ‘Goodnight Song’, an arrangement done by pianist Steve Dale. Marvelous!

Dave Whitney Big Band

Let’s not overlook the dynamic rhythm makers, whose driving tempo keeps the band in line…

Reid Jorgensen

Dave LeBleu

The Dave Whitney Big Band will be at Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire for a another trip into the Swing Era on June 2^nd from 1-3 (in the ballroom) – seniors over 60 get in free. Also Southgate Shrewsbury July 9^th 7pm. See you there??

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Cafe

Posted on May 4, 2013 by admin

Videos by Harold McAleer

Frank Stadler – piano and leader, Jimmy Mazzy – banjo, Blair Bettencourt – reeds, Scott Philbrick – cornet, Dave Whitney – trumpet, Lee Prager – trombone, Al Bernard – sousaphone, Bobby Reardon – drums.

Leader Frank Stadler announced that there would be an exception to the usual tune selection; this time they would play only old favorites and most requested tunes. They generally avoid repeating tunes! He left the choice of tunes to the guys, varying the tempos.

An obvious change was Blair Bettencourt on clarinet and tenor sax. It’s been a while!

In the late 70s, Marce and Jimmy Enright were dancing at the back of New England Life Hall to the two-beat jazz of The Yankee Rhythm Kings with Jimmy Mazzy and Blair Bettencourt,

The Seacoast Stompers first tested the sound system with a snippet of At The Jazz Band Ball.

Sound-check was done by none other than Fran D’Agostino, who runs the Jazz Jam every Tuesday here at the AJC.

He got it right!

The Seacoast Stompers have built up a significant following of devoted fans that fill the Café on the first Saturday of the month. Alice and Cathy Riley came in from Seekonk, Jack Phelan, pianist for the New Liberty Jazz Band from Swampscott, Dave and Nancy First from Carlisle, Eve Welts, Sally Meyer and friends from Lincoln, Al Ehrenfried, Alice Brunton of Acton, dancers Evelyn and Charlie have been here from day one. The Amoskeag Strummers were well represented.

There’s not much space for dancing; but dancers will make room:

Charlie & Evelyn

Alice & Al

It was great to see Bob McHenry, former Seacoast bassist sitting up front and center, enjoying the music.

Blair Bettencourt’s tenor sax turned Sweet Georgia Brown into a real rabble rouser!

Fabulous tenor sax on a dazzling Stealing Apples

Bob & Marjorie McHenry enjoy Blair’s playing

Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams. Jimmy vocal. He couldn’t resist “Dedicated to Luca Brazzi, swimming with the fishes.” (from Boardwalk Empire).

Time to take it down a bit with Mama’s Gone, Goodbye, Jimmy vocal, Whitney playing marvelous wa wa trumpet.

Cornet, trumpet, trombone, with gut-wrenching tenor sax were fabulous on another old favorite, and most often requested, Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans. Dave with poignant vocal; if you ever visit New Orleans, you can’t leave it behind – it becomes a part of you.

T’ Ain’t No Sin To Take Off Your Skin and Dance Around in Your Bones (Walter Donaldson). Scotty knew many more verses..

I Would Do Most Anything For You, Claude Hopkins’ theme song. Claude was a world famous Boston pianist, and has returned to play in the area with many of our local musicians.

Classy, polished piano performance by Frank.

He requested a ‘down tune’ (as opposed to an upbeat tune). Everybody looked at Jimmy. I’ll Be a Friend With Pleasure.

Dave Whitney, jazz historian, gave interesting backgrounds to all these tunes. “Louis would say Margie is a good ol’ good one.”

Scotty and Lee, both on muted instruments challenging each other – incredible! We love it!

Make Love to Me, a 1954 pop song by Jo Stafford, became a No. 1 hit, using the New Orleans Rhythm King’s music from the 1923 jazz standard Tin Roof Blues…

Sweet intro into Tin Roof Blues,
fantastic clarinet, wa wa cornet and trombone. We love it!

Jimmy’ unique single string banjo was backed by Al Bernard, wrapped in sousaphone.

Bobby Hackett and Jack Teagarden made hits out of a lively Oh Baby from the 1920’s.

Carrie Mazzy came up for fine vocal on A Good Man Is Hard To Find.

Jim & Carrie were packed and ready to go to the Keswick Festival in England.

Hubby Jimmy followed with One Meat Ball, hinting about a restaurant (not the AJC!)

Frank said it was time for a barn burner. This is one of the most requested Classic tunes.

Goodman had a hit with both his big band and quartet.

Strutting With Some Barbecue was played in indescribable tempo!

Tough on a trombone – Lee breezed through it.

Time for a Swing tune. Jimmy with Duke Ellington’s I’m Beginning To see The Light, a Harry James hit in 1944. Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone, had friendly, competitive duet with cornet/trumpet.

Sunny Side of The Street, Dave Whitney scatting vocal, with Blair’s tenor sax, tuba, and piano playing harmony.

Frank asked Dave to pick a tune – he likes Back o’ Town Blues. He and Jimmy have done this before, with Jimmy responding with his own Mazzy quips. Scotty’s multiple notes hit the top of the register, almost squeaking.

Dave was on low, growling trumpet; he never disappoints his public.

Finally Frank asked Bobby Reardon for a tune.

From the seedy side of London, he picked a real war horse, Limehouse Blues. The Seacoast Stompers terminated as fiery as they had begun.

They’ll be back, Frank hopes with the full crew (they are all independent minds!) on the first Saturday of every month for the rest of the year. With their fans in tow, they’ll be here on June 1.

Jazz Jesters at the Sherborn Inn April 30, 2013

Posted on April 30, 2013 by admin

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

Ross was toying at the piano as usual as we arrived. I Can’t Get Started, Honeysuckle Rose.

Craig Ball came in at exactly 7 P.M. right on time! (He has just returned from a class reunion in England.)

These are busy musicians, Ross plays in several bands and teaches, Craig leads the White Heat Swing Orchestra, John Clark’s Wolverine Jazz Band was at the the Choo Choo Jazz Fest in Chattanooga, Tennessee May 3rd. Steve leads the Swing Senders and directs the Dick Donovan Big Band. Jeff has many bands, the most active being Swing Times Five and the Jazz Jesters.

Jeff distributed arrangements and they soared with their theme This Is My Lucky Day, Craig on tenor sax, John Clark on clarinet. (Baritone sax was left at home.)

Jeff kept these tunes from the 20’s and 30’s refreshing by varying the solos, pointing to an instrument, as if he’d just thought of it. The musicians were ready, carefully keeping an eye on him, and the arrangement, and reacted with inspiring solo work.

Jeff Hughes and John Clark

Jeff is in firm control of the band, except for Jimmy. Jimmy lives in his own world, in the Jazz Decades.

Jack Teagarden liked Ben Pollack’s Diane. There isn’t a trombone in this band, but Craig’s smooth tenor sax did just fine, getting the dancers up early.

They played a couple of early Bix tunes, before he joined Goldkette, when he was in the Wolverines. There Ain’t No Land Like Dixieland started with Jimmy & Jeff in sync – the two go back many years to Ray Smith’s Paramount Jazz Band.

In 1926 Bix recorded and wrote a tune dedicated to his home town, Davenport Iowa, Davenport Blues. Craig took the lead, Jeff and John playing harmony.

Staying in the Bix tradition, with the Wolverines before he became famous, I Need Some Petting, and a Gershwin fox trot Kicking The Clouds Away

Jeff thanked Steve Taddeo for being here. He said, “Steve plays drums better than anybody.” Taddeo was on a 1939 Slingerland Drum Set, with cymbals that were given to him by Bud Schutz who played with the Benny Goodman and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras. Exudes energy!

Steve is a Gene Krupa devotee. For these tunes from the Jazz Decades, he maintained the Classic Jazz beat with a Krupa original, pinging the Hi Hat stand.

A Walter Donaldson tune featured Jimmy scatting on Changes. Lovely, one of our favorites.

The Kentucky Derby was coming up this Saturday; of course they had to play My Old Kentucky Home. Jimmy’s heartfelt vocal sounded as if he was really homesick for Kentucky. (We’ll ask him if he’s ever been there, when he returns from the 22nd Keswick Jazz Festival in England.)

Jean Goldkette first recorded this in 1926 in Detroit, Idolizing. That band included Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Joe Venuti and Bix Beiderbecke.
Jeff tapped out a break-neck beat, chorus and then verse, eyes were focused on the arrangements, all except Jeff, and Jimmy – he doesn’t need them, ever.

From Billy Hill’s Empty Saddles in the Old Corral, Jeff introduced There’s a Cabin in the Pines, with Jimmy vocal. That was another tune from the Paramount Jazz Band.

One of Jeff’s favorite memories is hearing a recording of Bunny Berigan playing Louis Alter’s A Melody From the Sky. Jimmy gave it his own unique interpretation.

Hearing Jeff sing Broadway Melody, was a special treat. It comes from a 1929 American musical film – the first sound film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture.

“all talking, all singing, all dancing picture!”

Jimmy returned with a sweet version of It’s Wonderful. After that tender vocal, Vincent Youman’s 1920 I Know That You Know was absolutely WILD!

Jeff has an envious collection of instruments. This magnificent tone trumpet was custom-made for him last March at the local Osmun Trumpet in Acton, MA. They adapted a 1972 Yamaha Tuneable Bell with a wide trumpet bell that would have a warm cornet sound. Just what he wanted.

Many bands of the 30’s and 40’s delved into Classical, then changed the repertoire to Jazz. Rimsky- Korsakov’s Song of India was Bunny Berigan’s last recorded solo. The Jazz Jesters nailed it with trumpet, alto and tenor sax, prompting someone to say “That’s a piece of woik!”

Albie was featured on House of David Blues, by Elmer Schoebel, and recorded by Coleman Hawkins in 1923.

We caught that handsome fella hiding behind the tuba.

Jeff said that “High Society Blues by James Hanley had a beautiful 1930’s bittersweet feeling at the beginning of the 1929 Depression.” From High Society Blues, Jimmy sang Charles Lawman’s I’m in the Market For You, followed by another depression tune, Cottage For Sale.

Enough of that! This is a time to Be Happy!

The mood changed with the Finale, an upbeat, joyful Zonkie. They let Steve go on drums. He gave it the full Krupa treatment with a rousing, cacophony of sound, concluding with his famous drum walk-around.

9:30pm – we were supposed to be out of here, but nobody wanted to leave. They squeezed in one more tune.

Craig Ball took over. Craig’s clarinet went full scale from high to deep rich tones on Laughing at Life.

It was the right ending to a perfect evening:

“Lose all your blues laughing at life
Live for tomorrow, be happy today
Laugh all your sorrows away
Start now and cheer up
The skies will clear up
Lose all your blues laughing at life”

Jeff delved deep into the Jazz Decades for tonight’s performance – and we hope there will be many more like it. That would keep us happy! We’ll all be back for more.

Jeff’s Jazz Jesters will return May 28th – see you here!

New Black Eagle Jazz Band

Posted on April 24, 2013 by admin

at the Sherborn Inn luncheon
April 24, 2013

New Black Eagle Jazz Band

Tony Pringle cornet, Stan Vincent trombone, Billy Novick reeds, Bob Pilsbury piano, Jesse Williams string bass, Peter Bullis banjo, Bill Reynolds drums

Memories of the Sticky Wicket!! 100 people were packed in at the Sherborn Inn’s Senior Jazz Luncheon, to hear the New Black Eagle Jazz Band, now in it’s 41st year, play some of their most memorable tunes. Many Seniors are bussed in from local Senior Centers.

It was like old times, as the band opened with the familiar beat of the New Orleans parade – Second Line.

Stan’s Trombone had the first solo, with Billy on alto sax, and Tony’s clipped cornet that defines the Eagle’s sound.

(Billy Novick has been asked to write some of the music for Hemingway’s: The Sun Also Rises, World Premier at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. in DC.)

Billy Novick

Everybody wanted the tables in front of the band! But they were reserved early on by Sticky Wicket ‘Regulars’, the few who are still with us. There is no long U-shaped table with 12 people like the one that circled the band at the Sticky Wicket.

Jesse Williams, youngest member of the band, performed superb bowing on string bass, supporting Bob Pilsbury on an early Duke tune, Misty Morning.

Jesse Williams bowing on string bass

Precious – Love Nest evoked memories of the George Burns-Gracie Allen television show.

Harking back to our Grandmother’s time, Stan Vincent played trombone solo and sang the love song, You Tell Me Your Dream, And I’ll Tell You Mine.

Stan Vincent, Peter Bullis, Jesse Williams

Pete Bullis’ beat on banjo carries on the Traditional Jazz sound that is the heart of this band. (Yes, he was wearing his Red Sox.)

Elder statesman of the band, Bob Pilsbury, went even farther back in time with his vocal of Love Song of the Nile, a song associated with Theda Bara, a vamp from the old silent films.

Bob Pilsbury

They closed the first set with an early 30’s tune by the Luis Russell Orchestra, an up-tempo Roamin’.

‘Groupies’ Elizabeth and Marilyn were in their 20’s when they started listening to the Black Eagles, and still faithfully follow the band.

Three former Sticky Wicket ‘regulars’, Elizabeth, Marilyn, and Marce

“We didn’t get the front table, but we enjoyed a fine 3-course dinner, complete, for only $25. Choice of Salmon in Cream Sauce, or Chicken Parmesan, complete with salad, vegetable, desert and coffee.” Marce

The second set began with a rabble-rousing Saratoga Shout – named after a club in Harlem, not the Saratoga Springs race track.

Froggy More Rag featured Billy’s brilliant clarinet solo backed by the rhythm boys, while Tony headed to the bar for a beer.

Bill Reynolds and Jesse Williams back Billy Noick

Everyone was back for more Black Eagle eloquent ensemble on Duke Ellington’s 1931 pop tune, In a Sentimental Mood.

A couple named Frankie and Connie was celebrating their Wedding Anniversary. Tony mischievously considered dedicating Frankie & Johnny for this happy occasion, but thought better of it, and settled for When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver; much more appropriate, and appreciated.

Bill Reynolds let loose on drums, prompting much applause from the audience, right in the middle of his stellar performance!

Ed Reynolds

Bill Reynolds

Bill Reynold’s remarkable drums and Jesse’s unrelenting pulse on amplified string bass drive the band. They put a fresh snap into the old tunes.

They approached the end of the evening with Special Delivery Blues, a mournful blues recorded by blues singer Sippie Wallace with Louis Armstrong in 1929. They closed with an upbeat Weary Blues. (Peter finally got to play a banjo solo.)

Time just flew by listening to this fantastic LIVE jazz! Brahm’s Lullaby ushered us out the door.

The Band will be back at their regular appearance here on the 2nd Thursday of the month, May 9th.

Tony Pringle relaxes.

Tony Pringle

To keep informed of their other performances, sign up for the New Black Eagle Jazz Band NEWS and schedule by joining Tony’s e-newsletter.

tony@blackeagles.com

Jeff & Joel’s House Party, April 2013

Posted on April 20, 2013 by admin

Next one: October 12-13, 2013 with special Friday Night Event (on the 11th) featuring: Daniel Barda, trombone and Alain Marquet, clarinet from France!!
Registration Form

videos by Eric Devine CineDevine

Athens Abell’s Home Grown Highways

April 20-21, 2013 It was an absolute BLAST!!

Fifteen great New England, New York, New Jersey and Florida musicians assembled by the genius of Jeff Barnhart presented a kaleidoscope of marvelous, toe-tapping Traditional Jazz and Swing (and some of Your Father’s Mustache, some Country and Rock) at the historic Schiavone home in Guilford, Connecticut.

Featured on trumpet – Lew Green & Gordon Au; reeds – Noel Kaletsky & Joe Midiri; trombone – Craig Grant & Paul Midiri; piano – Jeff Barnhart & Ian Frenkel; banjo/guitar – Bob Price, John Gill, & Joel Schiavone; bass/tuba – Brian Nalepka & Frank Tate; drums – Tom Palinko, Kevin Dorn, and John Gill; vibes – Paul Midiri.

This House Party started Saturday noon with non-stop music for four hours, continued Saturday evening and again Sunday. JazzMen were on the move constantly – in through one room, out through the other. (Move it! – one way only!)

This was better than any Festival!! Joel and Donna opened their historic 1804 home, removed the furniture, and added padded chairs to two ‘parlors’. The Green Room was in the kitchenette – but the musicians mingled with the crowd.

Jeff Barnhart at top of staircase with arms outstretched

King of the Hill!

Jeff Barnhart hand-picked the musicians, named a leader, and said “Play!”

The leaders gathered their troops for a strategic conference on tunes; some of them had never even met before.

Oh how they played!! It was MAGIC from beginning to end!

They enjoyed challenging each other and new associates with the wit and freedom that only comes from jazz improvisations.

They came in all sizes, every one a star! They were having fun, and it was infectious.

Very tall Frankel, less tall Green, less tall Kalesky, and even less tall Gordon Au

Looking up to the boss!

Buffet was delicious, thanks to Carol and Glen Ott! Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday brunch all included. Dinner included tortellini carboniera, chicken marsala, whole wheat pasta & vegetables, eggplant parmesan, baked ziti, chicken & broccoli. Salads: baby spinach & mushrooms, spring mix with cranberry & pita bread. Caesar dressing, raspberry vinaigrette, and balsamic. Many desserts, pies, cheesecake.

On to the fabulous music!!

Lew Green led his group on Winin’ Boy Blues, Jeff Barnhart vocal, Noel Kaletsky clarinet, Paul Midiri trombone, Brian Napelka tuba, John Gill drums.

We finally had the opportunity to see and hear the multi-talented John Gill.

Multi-talented John Gill plays all the instruments!

Joel interviewed John Gill for Your Father’s Mustache when he was 17. In the 70’s, he moved to San Francisco and played drums, banjo and soprano saxophone with Turk Murphy.

Here he played guitar, drums, trombone and a rare 8-string banjo.

A Bing-Crosby type Crooner, he also entertained us with Wise Guys, Pennies From Heaven, Found a Million Dollar Baby.

He was on guitar for a Country set honoring Johnny Cash, Folsom Prison (twice, by request.) The only tune that was repeated in these marvelous twelve hours.

Harking back to the 50’s and 60’s he was accompanied by Jeff on piano, Brian on string bass, Kevin drums on Blueberry Hill. The fans were merrily singing along; Blue Suede Shoes, Jerry Lee Lewis’s Great Balls of Fire.

Jeff Barnhart led a Bix group, with Lew cornet, Craig trombone, Bob Price banjo, Joe Midiri clarinet, Palinko drums, Nalepka on tuba – Singing The Blues.

He turned the ‘stage’ over to the Bass players – Brian Nalepka, bass and leader, supported by Joe, Bob, and Tom. Price’s banjo took the intro to Keep Your Sunny Side Up, with Brian on vocal.

Nice slap bass!!

Brian, founding member of the Manhattan Rhythm Kings, is a busy New York free lance musician. He was recovering from a broken leg.

He played a fantastic slap bass on Margie!

Jeff begins with the verse on Always, with Noel, Gordon, Craig, Bob on banjo, Frank string bass, and Tom drums.

New York’s Gordon Au, with a 1950’s Selmer Trumpet from Paris similar to the one Louis Armstrong used, led the “Swing Six” with Riverboat Shuffle. Fabulous!

Gordon leads a nice rendition of I Wish You Love, marvelous solos.

The future of Traditional Jazz and Swing is in good hands with these two gentlemen from New York. It will be around for a long time. Thank you! Gordon Au Grand St. Stompers

Powerful trumpet player,

Kevin Dorn, TJC, The Big 72

Torch bearer of Trad Jazz, NY drummer Kevin Dorn

“Wild Man” Gordon shook the rafters …. with the help of Noel & Jeff, John Gill on drums, Bob Price banjo, Brian Nalepka tuba.

Craig Grant takes the lead on trombone for Lover Come Back To Me with Frank Tate on string bass, Palinko on drums. Kudos to the audience – they listenedd; there was no talking while the music was playing, we could even hear every note of Frank Tate’s marvelous string bass.

Congenial hot banjo player from Florida, Bob Price played straight-man for envious teasing.

Bob started playing with Your Father’s Mustache when he was only 15. His dexterous fingers flew across the frets on an Eddy Peabody opener, Sweet Sue.

Interlude with two great pianists, Jeff Barnhart reaches back to 1833 for Chopin’s Clair de Lune, starting out seriously Classical, then jumping into Jazz. Ian Frankel chose an intricate, swinging You Do Something To Me.

Ian Frankel on old upright piano, upright keys all visible in front of him

Ian Frankel – Powerful, flashy fingering!

It was unbridled insanity with the two of them playing wild, four-handed piano on Lady Be Good. Jeff is tall, but Ian stands 6 foot 8 inches.

Jeff stands on the piano stool to shake Ian's hand

From one hot pianist to another…

It was way past the time for Joel’s Banjo Set.
We are all aware that the primary reason for the House Party is so Joel Schiavone can play his banjo to an appreciative, live audience, and lead his dedicated volunteers in the Sing-Alongs. Joel loves this; he’s in his Glory reminiscing in Your Father’s Mustache,.

Banjo sing-along from Your Father’s Mustache

Jeff Barnhart piano and Tom Palinko drums accompanied Joel, John Gill and Bob Price on banjo, along with Craig Grant. Craig and Joel go way back to 1961 with a Dixieland Band, The Seven Sons of Harvard. Craig also played trombone with Your Father’s Mustache.

Volunteers and fans were singing along, just like ‘the good old days’ Glory, Glory Hallelulia, Dixie, Carolina in the Morning, Mammy, Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Daisy, And the Band Played On, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, and the grand finale – 1918 The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise (great trombone!)

Jeff and Brian joined the vocals on Hello Mary Lou.

“If your having as much fun as we are, you’re drunk!” Jeff

This was the first time vibes were introduced at a Jeff and Joel’s House Party, with the inimitable Midiri Brothers, with Paul on vibes, Joe reeds. Brother Joe challenged Noel Kaletsky to a duel on clarinet. Spectacular! Believe it or not, this lively tune is Sleep.

Moonglow, Midiri Brothers set, with Ian Frankel piano, Frank Tate string bass, and Kevin Dorn drums.

Paul Midiri solo on vibes with Irving Berlin’s wistful What’ll I Do.

John Gill returned to the mic with guitar for American Roots – Rock & Roll. My Little Runaway, Folsom Prison. Jeff Barnhart dedicated You Ain’t Nothing But a Hound Dog to Joel Schiavone. (We aren’t going to touch that one!)

Gordon and Lew playing trumpets sitting down, under a large portrait of a naked lady

Lew Green and Gordon Au judiciously chose to sit down, but not out – and continued playing trumpets.

Jeff lead the Fats Set – with Frank Tate, Gordon, Price, Craig, Palinko, Noel. Jeff dedicated this one to the Stock Market, I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling; great string bass with Gordon comping on trumpet. Jeff expressed what everyone else was feeling – This Joint is Jumping!

Jeff and Joel’s House Party promotes and preserves Classic Traditional Jazz with twelve hours of toe-tapping Joyful Jazz, with a continuous flow of outstanding musicians playing with passion and intensity. This is only a small sample – you must experience this yourself.

It has been said that This is better than an invitation to dinner at a fine restaurant and a show, and a lot more fun!

Many thanks to all the Volunteers who made this possible!

We’re looking forward to the next one on October 11, 12 and 13, 2013. Jeff and Joel will present a special Friday night event: from Paris, France, Daniel Barda, trombone, and Alain Marquet, clarinet, members of the Paris Washboard, supported by many more outstanding musicians. www.pariswashboard.org, Hope to see you there!

That weekend will sell out quickly – only 80 seats available per session. Get your tickets now! Registration Form

Blue Horizon Jazz Band

Posted on April 16, 2013 by admin

in it’s 18th year at the Sherborn Inn
April 16, 2013

Stan & Ellen McDonald introduced Classic Jazz to the Sherborn Inn over 18 years ago. Thankfully, it continues every Tuesday, showcasing fine Traditional & Dixieland Jazz and Swing.

The Blue Horizon Jazz Band plays regularly on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Members are Stan McDonald leader/soprano sax & clarinet, Jeff Stout trumpet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Ross Petot piano, Peter Gerler guitar, Al Ehrenfried acoustic string bass, and Dave Bragdon drums. Peter Gerler was in New Orleans enjoying the French Quarter Jazz Festival, so there was no guitar or banjo this evening.

McDonald was really in high spirits, started straightaway on clarinet with a bouncy Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland, and then on soprano sax with What Is This Thing Called Love, supported by the multitalented musicians. Instead of playing successive solos, the front line alternated each solo with tight, intricate ensemble – all spontaneous. He always has had the best musicians in the Blue Horizon Jazz Band.

Jelly Roll’s Roaming is an old war horse. Yama Yama Man included an exciting duet with Gerry on trombone and Stan on soprano sax.

Jeff Stout played powerful trumpet on Good Ol’ New York with Stan on vocals. Save It Pretty Mama. Yes, We Have No Bananas was backed by Gerry’s fine, muted trombone.

Old Folks at Home was changed to the name we are all familiar with, Swanee River, a great New Orleans tune, with Stan stomping off the beat with his foot.

Piano led into a tune they have never played before, There’ll Be Some Changes Made, an upbeat tune with the band playing skillful propulsive rhythms.

Sidney DeParis recorded the next one sometime in 1945-46 with pianist James P. Johnson.

Our own ‘James P. Johnson”, Ross Petot let loose with a high-powered rendition of Harlem Hotcha

Stan McDonald was in rare form after recovering from a hip injury from last year.

He was at ease singing many of the songs, and his clarinet solo on Bechet’s Petite Fleur was marvelous!

He was featured on both soprano sax and clarinet on Sidney Bechet’s Bechet’s Fantasy backed by the combustible rhythm combination of Al Ehrenfried, Dave Bragdon and Ross Petot.

Bechet recorded this in New York in 1946 with Art Hodes piano, Al Nicholas clarinet, Pops Foster bass and Danny Alvin drums. Stan sounds just like Bechet.

Ross took the intro to Lotus Blossom, done by the DeParis Brothers, Sidney and Wilbur in the 50’s and 60’s. They kept New Orleans Jazz alive;

Fabulous trumpet by Berklee Professor Jeff Stout!

Spreading Joy is what this band does! Finale was Wild Man Blues with the band in polyphonic ensemble, Al’s fine string bass solo, closing with clarinet and trombone in a dynamic finish!

There is great LIVE New Orleans Tradtional/Dixieland Jazz, Swing every Tuesday at the Sherborn Inn. Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band continues to share it’s passion with us, in its 18th year, on May 21st.

See you there!

Jazz Tuber Trio + 3

Posted on April 2, 2013 by admin

At the Sherborn Inn, April 2, 2013

The Trio, with Ted Casher on reeds, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger tuba/piano, have been joined by a fine drummer, Jeff Guthery drums, for some really Hot Jazz.

The biggest surprise this evening was Rebecca Sullivan, a grad student at the New England Conservatory in jazz voice and contemporary improvisation. Eli is one of the NEC board members who’s participated in the mentoring program since its inception in the mid-1990’s. She and Eli were “assigned” there to one another in the Fall as “mentor” and “mentee.”

Although Eli had heard that Rebecca was great, he had no idea how great. “Did she ever bless us with her swinging and moving interpretations of this familiar material?” Eli.

She certainly did. She’s a natural, charming entertainer, with passion for the music.

She began with Gershwin’s Our Love is Here to Stay, and Sunny Side of the Street.

I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Somewhere Over The Rainbow with her own unique version of the verse.

She instantly captivated the audience with her phrasing and tempo, drawn out pearly notes.

My Old Flame

I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby

The Tubers pulled out an old war horse, That’s A Plenty. They deeply listen to each other and to the music itself, making it energetic and exciting.

The inexhaustible Ted Casher began Bei Mir Bis Du Schoen mixing klezmer clarinet and swing, with Eli backing on tuba and Jeff wild on drums. He introduced Just Squeeze Me (But Don’t Tease Me) on tenor sax, with Rebecca enjoying some high spirited scatting with Ted.

In complete control of the band, Ted is master on clarinet, tenor sax, soprano sax and even a dynamic vocal of Charlie on the MTA.

Now you citizens of Boston,
Don’t you think it’s a scandal
That the people have to pay and pay
Vote for Tom Menino
Fight the fare increase!
Get poor Charlie off the MTA.

You will hear him playing all over the six New England States, thanks to his most avid supporter, his wife Vel. (Thank you, Vel!)

We’ve been listening to Jimmy Mazzy since the early 70’s when he was playing with the New Cabaret Jazz Band at Billy Mitchell’s Postime in Nantasket Beach. He hasn’t changed a bit, and we’re still just as fascinated with his banjo and vocals: an exuberant Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now), Just a Gigolo sounding like a soft love song, Jeff backing him on drums with nice soft brushes. Put it Right Here (Or keep it out there) Eli playing barely detectable low notes on tuba.

Jeff Guthery first played here last January with the Jazz Tuber Trio. Jeff is enrolled in Berklee College of Music.

With rhythmic pattern and tempo, and whispering brush strokes and accents, he plays HOT Traditional Jazz as if he were born to it!

Eli has an enormous commitment to two professions, preventing child abuse, and music. He is world famous for his tuba, but also gets very emotional playing the piano!

Jimmy Mazzy and Eli have been friends for close to 40 years. Weekend seminars on abuse at Children’s Hospital conducted by Eli and Carolyn Newberger in the early 70’s had intermittent breaks of tuba and banjo demonstrating abuse in the songs of the 20’s and 30’s.

Carolyn Newberger was playing washboard back in the mid-1960’s when she and Eli were Resident Directors at Yale’s International House for foreign students. They started a Friday Night Café, where musicians could Jam, and she played washboard.

Eli and Carolyn, who is an artist (see drawings below), child psychologist, and musician, have succeeded in sharing both their personal and professional lives, working together on several projects and often sharing the stage.

On their 50th anniversary, Eli pulled the washboard out of the attic, and Carolyn is back to being an enthusiastic player. With Carolyn on washboard, Ted on soprano sax, Jimmy banjo and scatting, all backed by tuba, we heard a vibrant rendition of Coney Island Washboard Roundelay.

This evening was filled with fast moving, energetic hot jazz. It was also an intimate, informal musical experience with friendship and camaraderie between the musicians and their followers and supporters. We’ll all be back.

The Jazz Tuber Trio, with Rebecca Sullivan and Jeff Guthery, will return to the Sherborn Inn on August 6, October 1, November 12, and December 3rd. Mark your calendars!

And remember the name – Rebecca Sullivan. You’ll be hearing more from her! http://www.rebeccasullivanjazz.com

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

Tag Archives: New England TraditionalJazz Plus

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