Wolverine Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, September 9, 2014

Posted on September 9, 2014 by admin

Wolverine Jazz Band will be celebrating 19 years together in December

Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark reeds, Tom Boates trombone, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Ross Petot piano, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums

All stellar Jazzmen who invoke the spirit of New Orleans Jazz, The Wolverines returned to their monthly gig at the Sherborn Inn. We are fortunate that they rehearse their CDs with us! Bored with playing their nearly 20 years of material, they searched for new things. (Jimmy has a million of ’em.)

They began this first Jazz evening of September at the Inn with a salute to Fall, Jimmy singing a sweet Shine on Harvest Moon.

They shuffled around the early part of the 20th century with Walter Donaldson’s Love Me or Leave Me, King Oliver Creole Jazz Band’s Mable’s Dream, it’s on their new CD.

They have many King Oliver tunes in their book. King Oliver had one of the best and most important bands in early Jazz, but he didn’t have many vocals. Jimmy came up with I’m Lonesome Sweetheart.

Tom Boates, one of the top trombonist in New England

Tom Boates was featured on New Orleans Stomp; Kid Ory would have approved!

Dave Didriksen’s drumming pushed the front line into lovely polyphonic sound, with Rick adding a fine tuba solo.

Dave Didriksen

Rick MacWilliams

Ross Petot, stride pianist

Ross was featured on I Hate Myself for Being So Mean To You! with a raucous interchange between trombone and clarinet.

I’m in Seventh Heaven will also be on the CD. (Where did they find all of these that we never heard of before???)

John Clark has become proficient at baritone sax.

A new tune for them was one J. C. Johnson wrote for the Paul Whiteman Band, played by Bix Beiderbecke, When. Jimmy vocal, with fabulous baritone sax by Clark.

A tune written by a trombone player, Santo Pecora, She’s Crying For Me, John on bari sax, had Tom on nice muted trombone, backed by drum & tuba.

Jimmy with left fingers wrapped around neck of the banjo. He learned from listening to radio and couldn't tell how they were holding it.

Jimmy has a unique hold on the neck of the banjo that no one can replicate.

Another Classic tune on their new CD, Jimmy sings the verse on a sweet September in the Rain.

Roll on Mississippi, Clark running the gamut up and down the scale on clarinet, Jimmy played his usual fantastic single string banjo.

Jabbo Smith’s Michigander Blues was dedicated to both Sue Lewis & Bob Sickle’s birthdays (actually last Tuesday.) Happy Birthdays, Kids!

There’ll Come a Day, San Antonia Shout, King Oliver’s 1930 Olga. John Clark took a rare vocal on Oceana Roll. He sounds fine! Who Wouldn’t Love You, a fast tune Jimmy did with the Paramount Jazz Band.

Couple in their 90's swinging on the dance floor

John & Gisela Bruneccini danced the night away celebrating their 66th Anniversary.

John & Gisela Bruneccini danced away celebrating their 66th Anniversary.

Jeff has a varried collection of antique trumpets and cornets.

Django’s Nuage is on the new CD. Jeff was amazing on his 1953 Selmer “Balanced Action” finely ornamented trumpet.

The finale, a good ol’ good one, Panama; Boates squeezed in a snippet of ‘It’s a Small World.” on trombone. (He had to be quick!)

This was a marvelous evening spent with our favorite musicians. This was not a rehearsal, it was more of a demonstration – the CD is ready and will be available in November. The Wolverine Jazz Band will bring their magical Traditional/Dixieland Jazz back to the Sherborn Inn on Tuesday, October 7th. Don’t miss it!

Eli’s All-Stars at the Sherborn Inn, 4 September 2014

Posted on September 4, 2014 by admin

Eli’s All-Stars

Phil Person trumpet, Ted Casher clarinet, tenor and soprano sax, Herb Gardner trombone, vocal, Bob Winter piano, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger tuba, Jeff Guthery drums,

Fresh from two sold-out performances with the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the All-Stars were raring to go. Trumpeter Phil Person completed an exciting front line, subbing for Bo Winiker.

front line, soprano sax, trumpet, trombone, sitting on high stools

Ted Casher, Phil Person, Herb Gardner

They started hot and heavy with Tijuana, a hot Latin tune. It set the tone for the rest of the evening with these world-class musicians. Herb Gardner’s trombone took the intro on Spencer Williams’ 1926 Basin St. Blues, Jim singing, followed by banjo and tuba.

Ted took center stage with a fiery Lady Be Good on tenor sax. The band followed with a brassy Twelfth St. Rag that resonated off the ceiling!

Ted in front of band blasting on tenor sax.

Ted suggests that the ladies be good.

This Jazz is pure pleasure! Always creative, Eli presented brand new material. They tried out differing duets on a Stan Rubin tune, Miss Ida Blue, first clarinet with piano, then banjo and trombone, backed by a soft ensemble. They tried three different endings until they found the one they liked.

Ted’s Harlem Nocturne on tenor sax was absolutely tantalizing; we never get enough of that wrenching tenor sax! Also can’t get enough of Jimmy Mazzy’s unique style of singing, Someone to Watch Over Me, S’Wonderful. He did a mournful, heartbreaking version of Al Jolson’s Swanee; the depth of his loneliness resounding in his voice. They don’t need any more vocalists!

Bob winter was featured in another piano solo with The Man I Love; fingers delicately floating over the piano, creating a masterpiece.

Bob Winter, pianist for the Boston Pops

Herb Gardner returned on trombone and singing Nice Work If You Can Get It.

Herb Gardner

Nice work! Herb keeps busy leading Stan Rubin’s Band at Swing 46 in Manhattan every Wednesday, backing the American powerhouse vocal trio, Red Molly, or playing piano for the New Black Eagle Jazz Band.

Phil Person was an apt substitute for Bo Winiker. Phil is an Assistant Professor at Berklee, and has performed with Al Grey, Buddy Defranco, Tony Bennett, Keely Smith, Jack Jones, Scott Hamilton, Dick Johnson, Phil Wilson, Kay Starr, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Margaret Whiting, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (directed by Buddy Morrow), Alan Dawson, Ricky Ford, Howard Johnson, and Ray Santisi, among others.

Phil Person was featured on Wait ‘til You Hear From Me, playing fluid, sweet trumpet. Remarkable talent!

Bob Winter played a cool piano intro to South, with Ted on pure soprano sax, Jeff tapping temple blocks.

Jeff tapping on temple blocks, Ted on Sop Sax

Jeff keeps Traditional Jazz Beat on graduated temple blocks

Jimmy on banjo, Eli on reverberating turbo-charged tuba. The two create synergetic magic.

It was one of the highlights of the evening!

Jimmy was featured on a tune that nobody else but Eli seemed to know, Tomorrow Night.

It’s obvious Bob enjoys playing with the All-Stars, and listening to Jimmy and Eli.

Ted Casher sang his signature song with gusto, supported by Phil’s trumpet, I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead You Rascal You. (He dedicated it to Arthur S. DeMoulas.) The tempo picked up with outstanding trumpet, piano, tuba – all building up to a WILD conclusion! What a way to close an afternoon of amazing Jazz here at the Sherborn Inn.

Where was Carolyn Newberger? Carolyn was sitting at the band table, sketching away as usual – she’ll have some great ones of the band.

One of her watercolors was recently accepted into the 14th Biennial North American Open Show of the New England Watercolor Society. The exhibition will be from October 15 to November 8 at the Plymouth MA Center for the Arts, 11 North St. Reception is October 18 from 2-4pm.

On September 13th Eli’s All-Stars kicked off Highland Jazz’s 32nd Concert Series in Newton, MA. They’ll be back again at the Sherborn Inn on Thursday, October 2nd. Don’t miss this one! November and December Thursdays have been cancelled because of too many Holiday Functions.

See you October 2nd??

Marce

Billy Novick clarinet, Guy Van Duser guitar, September 2, 2014

Posted on September 2, 2014 by admin

Billy Novick and Guy Van Duser

Billy Novick and Guy Van Duser were featured at the ongoing Tuesday Jazz Series at Sherborn Inn on September 2nd.

About Billy: Billy moved to Boston from New York and attended Berklee College of Music for a year, met some musicians, and fell into the local ’70s music scene, playing in various bands. While rehearsing for a dance performance in 1976, Novick was introduced to the innovative guitarist Guy Van Duser, and the two began a collaboration that continues to flourish. In 1986 Novick became reeds player for the New Black Eagles Jazz Band. He has also done considerable composing and arranging. “When I was a kid I wanted to be a composer even more than a musician.” Billy wrote New Orleans Farewell.

A Studio Musician, Billy has been featured on more than 250 recordings as a sideman or arranger for other artists. He’s also written and played background music for commercials – you’ve probably heard him on TV or Radio. He received worldwide recognition for his score of The Great Gatsby with the Washington Ballet at the Kennedy Center. (They practiced on us at the Sherborn Inn.)

The delights of tonight’s performance were many, both are true artists and great story tellers. They took off with a roaring Royal Garden Blues, followed by a fluid, sweet Embraceable You. They tested the audience on a number they played when they first came together 30+ years ago, both singing and harmonizing on Ready For The River. Sweet! Muscat Ramble, James P Johnson’s Love; a Scott Joplin Rag, Easy Winner, is easy on piano, but difficult on guitar. Not for Van Duser.

Victor Young’s Indian Summer. They faked their way through some Mariachi before moving back to our kind of music, a second line dirge played at New Orleans Funerals – Sing On. Fats Waller’s Jitterbug Waltz.

St. Louis Tickle came from 1906 World’s Fair and then became a Dixieland Tune. Billy explained that Midnight in Moscow was originally meant to be Nightime in Leningrad, but The Soviet Ministry of Culture, one of the most important government offices in the Soviet Union, insisted it become Evening in Moscow. They changed the lyrics and the version. The British Jazz group, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen had a hit with the song in 1961 under the title Midnight in Moscow. And there you have it!

Guitar verse and melody on Stardust were breathtaking!

About Guy: We wondered why Guy wraps his fingers completely around the neck of his guitar; it’s because his fingers play both chords (down) and melody (up) at the same time. He was recovering from a cut on his index finger on right hand. We’re thankful he was here, and that it wasn’t his thumb! He has practically invented a finger-picked guitar style, closer to jazz piano than guitar.

He explains it at Berklee, where he is a Professor in the Guitar Department: “I’m kind of the oddball. I’m here because a lot of people are curious about this technique, finger style. I show them how to take melodies on the guitar—solo line melodies—and play those melodies while playing the chords at the same time. You’re trying to get two layers going. You’re using mostly your thumb just to play the lower notes of the chord while the fingers pick out the melody notes on the upper strings. The fingerpickers do that in such a way that the thumb is alternating back and forth on the string, being the rhythm as well. So I’m not just playing the chord under the note, I’m recreating a beat: boom-chick, boom-chick, boom-chick.”

They played tunes we never heard of, and others recorded by many bands. S’Posing was recorded by Fats, Miles Davis, Sonny Stitt. Billy sings it! “Mine” was the only popular song to come out of the Gershwin show ‘Let ‘Em Eat Cake.’ Scott Joplin’s Spicey Cake Walk. was a rouser!

1931 – I’ll See You In My Dreams. Guy explained that nobody sets it up with the lyrics on the verse like Ukulele Ike (Cliff Edwards) did. He was the featured voice for Jiminy Cricket for all those Disney years. Guy did it singing the lyrics on the verse just as Ike did. Effective.

Isham Jones’ Wabash Blues sold two million records in 1921, cementing Jones’s niche in the musical pantheon of the early Twenties. Billy and Guy closed this evening with their own captivating version.

This was a refreshing and informative evening with Billy Novick and Guy Van Duser. Billy Novick’s Blue Syncopators will perform again with the Sacramento Ballet Company in California October 23-26. http://www.sacballet.org/ Tickets are available.

The Great Gatsby with Billy Novick’s Blue Syncopators

Guy Van Duser will be playing solo guitar September 13th 8pm at Coffeehouse off the Square, Old Ship Church, Hingham, MA

You can find where Billy and Guy will be teaming up at http://www.billynovick.com/. marce@nejazz.com

Dave Whitney All Stars with Christine Fawson at the Sherborn Inn June 10, 2014

Posted on July 10, 2014 by admin

Dave Whitney All Stars with Christine Fawson, in a Tribute to Louis Armstrong at the Sherborn Inn with Dave Whitney trumpet/vocals, Christine Fawson trumpet/vocals, Ted Casher reeds, Dan Gabel trombone, Reid Jorgensen drums, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve Dale piano, Jon Wheatley guitar

Louis Armstrong had many “All Star” groups in his lifetime, but Dave Whitney concentrated on tunes that began in the early to late 20’s. Dave’s All-Stars were marvelous right from the Sleepy Time Down South kick-off; Jon Wheatley’s guitar in Back Home in Indiana, Royal Garden Blues that Louis played from 1947 into the 1960’s. Front line enjoy playing together. Music affects emotions; this music makes people happy.

Dave & Ted complain Bucket’s Got a Hole In It videos by Harold McAleer

Ted Casher

Ted actually played with Armstrong, when he was at Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts. Reed players Joe Darensbourg was off playing Ski Ball at the arcade when the band was ready to start. Louis looked around and said “Hey, wanna play?” Ted joined him on stage. Later in the band room, they found that Joe had won a Kewpie Doll.

To brighten the evening, Christine Fawson was introduced on trumpet and vocal. Dave and Christine make beautiful music together, the kind that brightens your day, whether they’re playing trumpet or singing.

Canal St. Blues, Christine is Louis, and Dave is Joe “King” Oliver.

Dave and Christine complement each other

Dave and Christine vocal – You’re Just In Love

Stomping at The Savoy, Reid Jorgensen made use of every instrument on the drums.

I Love You Samantha, Dave vocal with Justin Meyer and Jon Wheatley

Louis did a German Folk Song called The Faithful Hussar. It originated in Dusseldorf. Marvelous guitar by Jon, and string bass solo by Justin. This is Louis’s version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_j1LWUSwgQ

Dan Gabel really gets into Satchmo/New Orleans mood with St. James Infirmary Blues

Love is Just Around The Corner – a salute to bass players, with rhythm section.

Justin Meyer in tribute to bass players

Jon was featured on George Van Epps’ Tango El Bongo, Reid drumming with his hands.

Swing That Music was WILD!

In his Big Band of the 30’s, Louis played The Saints. Dave did the vocal, naming each member of the band, with Christine harmonizing on trumpet.

They closed with Sleepy Time Down South, fantastic trumpet solo, backed by rhythm section.

The whole evening was delectable! Everyone left with happy hearts and smiling faces.

Tune List:
Short intro Sleepy Time Down South
Back Home Again in Indiana
My Bucket’s Got a Hole In It
Royal Garden Blues
Kiss to Build a Dream On
Sweet Georgia Brown
Margie
Big Butter and Egg Man
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
Can’t Take That Away From Me
Stomping at The Savoy
Samantha
The Faithful Hussar
Canal St. Blues
Love is Just Around The Corner
Bourbon St. Parade
Tango el Bongo
Swing That Music
You’re Just in Love
Wonderful World
Saints
Sleepy Time Down South

Riverboat Stompers at the Sherborn Inn, July 8, 2014

Posted on July 9, 2014 by admin

Riverboat Stompers at the Sherborn Inn, July 8, 2014

Larry Baxter trumpet/vocals, Steve Straus clarinet/soprano sax/vocal, Frank Batchelor trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Phil Hower piano, Pierre Lemieux tuba, Rich Malcolm drums.

The Riverboat Stompers played some serious Dixieland Jazz at the Sherborn Inn; great front line with excellent rhythm section, feeling and loving the music. They hit it off hot and heavy with Dark Town Strutters Ball, Jimmy on vocal.

Jimmy sings most of the vocals – good reason to come hear this band! Jimmy was at his best after returning from the America’s Jazz Fest in Olympia Washington.

Exuberant front line; they love playing together, with lighthearted jesting. They all played kazoo on Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone.

Larry Baxter, Steve Straus (leader) Frank Batchelor

Larry Baxter’s trumpet carried the melodies, and some vocals. Heartfelt lyrics on St. James Infirmary and in perfect French he sang C’est Si Bon, with Jimmy responding. That was a first for us! Baxter added some of his own made-up stanzas, surprising even the band. There were many, but we only caught the words ‘strawberries and cream’.

Straus generally plays warm and vibrant clarinet, but took out the soprano sax on Blue Turning Gray Over You, His only vocal was Lulu’s Back in Town. Frank Batchelor’s euphonious trombone was especially prominent on Toot, Toot, Tootsie.

They continued with a harmonious medley with Jimmy supplying the lyrics, Five Foot Two, Four Leaf Clover, Toot, Toot, Tootsie, Baby Face.

Phil Hower mesmeric pianist, he listens intently, fills in the open spaces, and lays down a solid foundation for the soloist. Marvelous piano interludes complemented Jimmy’s vocal on Rosetta.

Bourbon St. Parade, Jazz Me Blues, Muscrat Ramble, Dr. Jazz, were HOT! Little known sweet song – Our Love Was Meant To Be – was written by Fats Waller. Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone, I’m Confessing That I Love You. All backed by top-notch base-line from Pierre Lemieux on tuba and a captivating beat by Rich Malcolm on drums.

Pierre Lemieux and Rich Malcolm

It was excellent Dixieland from beginning to end. They closed with a soulful vocal by Larry, We’ll Meet Again, starting in very slow waltz-time, ending in high-spirited, energetic polyphonic jazz!

Avid fan – piano player’s wife.

The most enthusiastic fan was Sue Hower, motivating the band from beginning to end, clapping to the beat and shouting out her support.

Hats off to all the musicians’ wives – they deserve a gold medal!! The men couldn’t do this without them.

The Riverboat Stompers now have a new web site created by Frank Batchelor that will have all their upcoming performances and booking info. Check it out! http://www.riverboatstompers.com/

Sherborn Inn Tuesday Night Schedule 2014-2015

Posted on May 29, 2014 by admin

SHERBORN INN TUESDAY JAZZ
7:00-9:30pm $10 unless otherwise noted

Dec 23 Free-for-all Jazzboree*
*Free admission Dec 23. Numerous Tuesday Jazz musicians will be here to
thank you for 19 years supporting Tuesday Jazz at the Sherborn Inn.

In January the Sherborn Inn ownership will change. The new owners have not indicated they will continue a jazz program. We understand they plan to renovate or redecorate during January and February. We hope you will continue to dine at the Inn after the sale goes through. The buyers have an excellent reputation for the food they serve at their restaurant La Morra in Brookline.

There is one more jazz night in 2014 at the Sherborn Inn. On December 16th come thank the Blue Horizon Jazz Band, responsible for beginning and nurturing the long run of jazz at the Sherborn Inn. On December 23rdthe Tuesday Jazz Musicians invite you to attend a “Free-for-all Jazzboree” with numerous Tuesday Jazz musicians from many bands who wish to thank YOU for your support over these 19 years. No admission charge December 23rd.

After we finish celebrating 19 years of Tuesday Jazz we may be moving the series to Primavera Ristorante in Millis where it will become Thursday Jazz, beginning January 15th 2015 with the Blue Horizon Jazz Band.

Wolverine Jazz Band is scheduled February 19th. Final details are being worked out. Primavera is 15 minutes away from the Sherborn Inn at 20 Pleasant Street, Millis MA 02054 (off Route 109) Stay tuned for the Primavera Ristorante schedule.

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

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.

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

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

Tag Archives: Sherborn Inn

Wolverine Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, September 9, 2014

Eli’s All-Stars at the Sherborn Inn, 4 September 2014

Billy Novick clarinet, Guy Van Duser guitar, September 2, 2014

Dave Whitney All Stars with Christine Fawson at the Sherborn Inn June 10, 2014

Riverboat Stompers at the Sherborn Inn, July 8, 2014

Sherborn Inn Tuesday Night Schedule 2014-2015

SHERBORN INN TUESDAY JAZZ
7:00-9:30pm $10 unless otherwise noted

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders at the Sherborn Inn

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

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

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