Jazz Jesters with Frank Bachelor, trombone
Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark clarinet/bari sax, Craig Ball clarinet/tenor sax, Ross Petot piano, Al Bernard tuba, Steve Taddeo drums.
The weather outside was 20°, but it was nice and cozy in the Sherborn Inn, with the Jazz Jesters and both fireplaces blazing. Jimmy Mazzy couldn’t make it, and he was missed. But it freed the band to play written arrangements, some of Archie Blyer, some of Dr. John Clark.
They began with their theme Lucky Day. We considered ourselves lucky that it hadn’t snowed – again. Bix is popular with this band. They featured his last recording, Deep Down South, with John on alto and Craig clarinet. These two produce all kinds of magnificent music with two clarinets, alto, tenor, and baritone sax, between them.
Violinist Stuff Smith contributed to the song It’s Wonderful (1938) often performed by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. New England Trumpeter Bobby Hackett liked to play it. Jeff obliged, Clark playing sweet alto sax, Steve Taddeo swishing brushes on the snare drum. It was wonderful!
Ross Petot
With the “Rhythm Boys”, Ross Petot, pianist, teacher, composer, arranger, famous for his stride piano, was featured on I Hate Myself for Being so Mean to You.
Sidney Bechet’s Blame It On The Blues, clarinet and alto sax were in perfect sync, then romping alto sax solo, clarinet hitting the stratosphere, incredible trumpet, Albie’s tuba always pushing, piano adding riffs; the whole polyphonic sound had everyone sitting on the edge of their seats. Fantastic!
Most of them are band leaders. Craig Ball has the White Heat Swing Orchestra, John Clark leads the Wolverine Jazz Band, Steve Taddeo with his The Swing Senders. They love playing this repertoire of the Jazz Decades.
Jeff Hughes is an astonishing leader, subtly signaling, mainly letting them do their own thing. He plays amazing trumpet, but tonight, on a relatively new 1983 Yamaha special bell trumpet, he stayed mostly with the Bix Beiderbecke repertoire. I Need Some Petting. A lovely tune Blue River, muted trumpet intro with piano, two clarinets.
Jeff Hughes
Jeff said John Clark ‘forced’ some arrangements on them. A Jimmy favorite, Mighty River, great with two clarinets, Jeff playing open bell trumpet with clarinet riffs.
Jazz Jesters front line
Sam the Accordion Man was dedicated to Jimmy and Carrie Mazzy, who couldn’t be here.
Jeff invited Frank Batchelor up on trombone for Russian Lullaby. Tricky – they were reading arrangements, Frank was winging it, thanks to Jeff’s signals. He added fine trombone to the Jazz Jesters. Then Jeff let Taddeo loose on drums.
Frank Taddeo (Steve’s Father) and companion Gladys Aubin were here to watch.
Steve Taddeo and Family
The band continued with a quintessential 1920’s tune, You Don’t Like It (Not Much)!. Closed with Fat’s Zonky, dueling clarinets, trumpet and trombone – WILD!.
That sent us back out into the cold with warm hearts! The Jesters are heading for the recording studio at the end of this month, and hope to have something in hand in time for the Essex jazz fest, end of June.
Eli’s All-Stars at the Sherborn Inn, February 4, 2014
Eli’s All Stars photo by Kathy Wittman
Eli’s All Stars with Bob Winter, the pianist with the Boston Pops; giant of the Boston jazz scene, Bo Winniker trumpet, Herb Gardner trombone, Ted Casher clarinet/tenor sax, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger leader/tuba, Jeff Guthery drums and Rebecca Sullivan vocals. Over the past year the band has incrementally morphed from a trio to an octet and sounds more dynamic with each new appearance at the Sherborn Inn. (stay tuned – for more photos and videos)
The original Traditional Jazz bands of Joe “King” Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and W.C. Handy included banjo and tuba in their rhythm sections. Eli Newberger follows their style of Traditional Jazz, playing tuba while leading a band of outstanding musicians.
The music room at the Sherborn Inn was filled with a crowd from Greater Boston, who appreciate Traditional Jazz and Swing. There were many musicians in the audience; even Bill Winiker was here to back his brother Bo.
The All-Stars kicked it off with Ted Casher’s 16-bar clarinet improvisation on Lady Be Good. Winter led vocalist Rebecca Sullivan with a piano intro on I’m In The Mood For Love. Rebecca did many fine vocals, manipulating the phrasing and tempo. On ‘Deed I do, Rebecca performed wonderful scatting conversations with clarinet, trumpet and trombone. My One And Only Love, sung with soul, was performed as a duet with the piano. Lovely.
Ted Back’s Rebecca with soft tenor sax
Ted was featured with Klezmer clarinet intro, singing in growling voice on multiple verses of Bei Mir Bis du Schoen, a tune that caught people by surprise. He settled into the Ted we know while singing the chorus. Jeff kept time tapping the rims of his simple Traditional Jazz drum set where he has recently removed the hi-hat, excess cymbals, and tom toms to achieve a more authentic Trad Jazz sound. Excellent.
Eli turned the page to Ellington, with Bob Winter featured on Sophisticated Lady. Bob plays from the heart; constructing deeply moving music. He has extensive performing 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.
Rebecca returned with Jazzy scatting on S’posing – including a great section of tuba trading 4s with drums, followed by one of Jimmy’s meticulous banjo solos. The More I See You had Rebecca start with melody backed by Ted’s soft tenor. Ted Casher (our own Coleman Hawkins), plays sweet tenor sax. They moved upbeat, with Rebecca singing and scatting along with Winter’s piano.
Chinatown featured Jimmy on banjo and vocal, with Ted on soprano sax solidly amplifying the front line. Jeff let loose on drums, turning it into a swinging tune; Eli had everyone clapping the beat. Delightful performance!
When the band took a break. Herb Gardner sat at the piano and delighted the audience with his skill on the keys while Bob Winter looked on with a gleaming smile. Resilient spirit, Herb was supposed to be in New Jersey the night before, playing for the New Jersey Jazz Society. Our sympathy goes out to them – their concert had to be cancelled because of heavy snow – as were airplane flights, so WE were fortunate to have Herb Gardner here! Sorry, NJJS.
Herb Gardner during the break
Herb played and sang his own version of “The Ground Hog Song”. “I want to hibernate with you until it’s Ground Hog Day”. That’s all we’ll say about that. A solid entertainer, he is a fine piano player and vocalist, as well as famous for his trombone work, and his daughter, vocalist Abbie Gardner.
Bob and Eli on baby grand
The emotional register switched to sunny and warm with Ted featured on a special rendition of Night Train with gut-wrenching tenor sax playing. Fabulous! Jimmy took this vocal scatting, while Bo Winiker played smokey flugel horn. Eli joined Bob for that last, eight-to-the-bar, rocketing chorus of “Night Train.” It doesn’t get any better than this!
Rebecca returned with a swinging, rousing vocal Them There Eyes, with Eli in background. Eli plays tuba behind everyone – but it’s so smooth, you don’t even realize he’s there – the music is subtly enhanced, intensified.
Something new – they played Brubeck’s Take Five; first time they’ve ever played it, and it was the first time Eli played a jazz tune with a 5/4 time signature.
Jeff Guthery on authentic Traditional Jazz Drum
Jeff handled it brilliantly. He was an international businessman – now he’s finally following his dream as a student at Berklee, and playing drums regularly with the All-Stars.
Eli gave Jimmy a choice of songs – that’s always dangerous, as he has a repertoire that goes back to the late 1890′s. He only revisited the early 1930’s for this one – I’ll Never Be The Same; a performance of just Jimmy backed by soft tuba.
Pianist Teddy Wilson used this tune to bring vocalist Billie Holiday and tenor saxophonist Lester Young together at a 1937 session. They would have loved Jimmy and Ely’s version!
Friends and compadres, Jimmy Mazzy and Eli Newberger
What a Difference a Day Makes, Rebecca returned for another nice ballad. She got things moving with up-tempo scatting on Oh, Oh, Oh, What a Little Moonlight Can D, with clarinet, trumpet and trombone bouncing off each other. Bo’s left leg kept jumping up and down with the beat – it was such a barn burner!
Closing time approached, and they closed this marvelous evening with another Dixieland War Horse, South Rampart St. Parade. They did justice to its infinite references to many songs, with Jeff going wild on drums!
Usually it ends in a trumpet flourish, but veteran Herb Gardner took it on trombone, leaving all of us asking for more, more!
There will be more. This was an evening filled with great Jazz played by the best. For those of you who missed it, there will be many more.
Eli’s All-Stars will begin a regular gig the 1st Thursday of every month 7-9:30pm with this same group at the Sherborn Inn. Come join us for some outstanding Traditional Jazz and Swing!
Videos by Kathy Wittman, BallSquare films, sound by Frank Cunningham
Eli Newberger’s All-Star Septet, featuring Bob Winter and Randy Reinhart
Eli’s All Star Septet at the Sherborn Inn, January 14, 2014 Randy Reinhart trumpet, Ted Casher Reeds, Herb Gardner trombone, Bob Winter piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo, Jeff Guthery drums, Eli Newberger tuba, Rebecca Sullivan vocals, Caroline Newberger washboard.
This was delectable hot jazz by musicians playing from the heart, enjoying the challenge of improvising, never quite knowing what was coming next, deeply listening to each other and responding in lively, pulsating jazz.
The All Stars opened with At the Jazz Band Ball, a jazz instrumental first recorded by the ODJB (Original Dixieland Jass Band) in 1917. Eli introduced Randy Reinhart , a celebrated virtuoso on cornet, trumpet and slide trombone, just back from playing in Japan. Randy played lyrical cornet on You Can’t Take That Away From Me, setting the tone for this splendid evening.
Randy Reinhart
Rebecca Sullivan’s phrasing adds to the sweetness of the songs. Blue Skies, Lullaby of Birdland, Them There Eyes sung in her own unique expressive nuances. She has an extraordinary broad range, and uses it to the fullest. Jimmy took the final vocal, with Ted on tenor sax, cornet interweaving with trombone. Fabulous!
Rebecca Sullivan
Rebecca was backed by all the instrumentalists in a poignant Georgia, with tuba solo that shows why Eli was voted best Traditional Jazz Tuba Player in polls by the Mississippi Rag and Jazzology Magazine.
Bob Winter loves playing piano!
Bob Winter has played with the Boston Pops and supported vocalists for over 30 years. He obviously enjoys making fine music and sharing it with us. His stunning harmonies and sudden key changes on Over the Rainbow took our breath away. Some of the band literally gasped. He was featured with a passionate and riveting Satin Doll and backed Rebecca’s capricious Dancing Cheek to Cheek with smooth walking bass notes.
Jimmy Mazzy plays and sings “Tomorrow Night”
Jimmy dug into his storehouse of great early 1900’s tunes and came up with Tomorrow Night. Just Jimmy and banjo; soul warming, he really gets his head around the lyrics:
Ted Casher, powerhouse tenor sax
Ted Casher is a precious gem. He’s a powerhouse on tenor sax, and was featured on a Lady Be Good that raised goose bumps. Let’s hope we get a video of this one! Eventually there will be a DVD,
Dynamic Front Line
What a Difference a Day Makes – the front line was a combustible combination, brilliant polyphonic improvisation with extraordinary give and take. They toned down for the piano solo backed only by Jeff’s fine brushing on the snare drum.
At times Randy’s cornet executed clever embelishments all around Eli’s tuba. Randy was relaxed and enjoying himself. So was the audience, intently listening to this fabulous music.
Only ten minutes left, Randy approached the close with an unforgettable Someday You’ll Be Sorry, a tip of the hat to his idol, Louis Armstrong.
Introducing Special guest, Carolyn Newberger, adding spice to the All Stars with her washboard on Jelly Roll Morton’s Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jelly Roll.
Carolyn Newberger adds zest to the All Stars with washboard
They closed with a quick Tiger Rag, originally played by the ODJB in 1917. Eli’s All Stars played it with equal fiery enthusiasm, with a roaring tuba tiger, great solos – drummer let loose, nice muted trombone by Herb Gardner. Another barn burner! We’re looking forward to more lively New Orleans Jazz in the next version of Eli’s All Stars with Bob Winter, piano (Boston Pops) and Rebecca Sullivan, vocalist (New England Conservatory), and Bo Winiker, trumpet, with Ted Casher, clarinet and tenor sax, Herb Gardner, trombone, Jeff Guthery, drums, Jimmy Mazzy, drums, Eli Newberger, tuba, and guest washboard wizard, Carolyn Newberger at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main Street, (inters. of Rts. 16 & 27) Sherborn, MA Reservations: 508-655-9521 or info@sherborninn.com. Hope to see you there!!
Videos by Kathy Wittman, recorded by WGBH’s Frank Cunningham
Tunes:
1. At the Jazz Band Ball
2. You Can’t Take That Away from Me
3. Blue Skies
4. Georgia on My Mind
5. Satin Doll
6. Stardust
7. Cheek to Cheek
8. Tomorrow (Jimmy’s banjo and vocal)
9. Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jelly Roll
10. Them There Eyes
11. Our Love is Here to Stay
12. Lady be Good
13. Over the Rainbow (piano solo)
14. Lullaby of Birdland
15. What a Difference a Day Makes
16. Some Day You’ll Be Sorry (cornet feature)
17. Tiger Rag
Eli’s All Stars with Bob Winter piano at the Sherborn Inn, December 3, 2013
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.
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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, 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 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?
They Can’t Take That Away from Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
See you there??
Marce
Jazz Tuber Trio Plus Four at the Sherborn Inn, November 12, 2013
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!
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 3rd, with the addition of another titan, Boston’s famous Bo Winiker on trumpet! See you there?
White Heat Swing Quintet at the Sherborn Inn, October 22, 2013
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 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
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 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!
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
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 43rd 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.
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 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 2nd Thursday of the month, November 14th. 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.
Jazz Tuber Sextet at the Sherborn Inn
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 12th with more surprises. See you there?
Jazz Jesters at the Sherborn Inn September 24, 2013
The Jazz Jesters
Jeff Hughes cornet, John Clark alto sax/clarinet, Craig Ball tenor sax/clarinet, Ross Petot piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Al Bernard tuba, Steve Taddeo drums
We know it’s going to be an extraordinary evening anytime Jeff Hughes brings one of his many bands to the Sherborn Inn. The Jazz Jesters like to play the music of the 20’s and 30’s, when it was Bix Beiderbecke time in Davenport.
They began with Ross’s piano intro into Lucky Day, written in 1926 by DeSylva, Brown and Henderson. (They wrote many ‘feel good’ songs like The Best Things In Life Are Free, Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries.) The Jesters have made Lucky Day their theme song.
Getting into Bix mode – Sorry, was recorded by Bix and His Gang. House of David Blues – 1920, done by Fletcher Henderson with tenor sax played by Coleman Hawkins. The first time Jeff heard this one, in beautiful fidelity it was a life changing experience. Craig Ball was our Hawk on tenor sax. He also played gut-wrenching tenor on That’s My Desire.
Ross Petot plays Who’s Sorry Now?
Pianist Ross Petot has many tunes at his fingertips. His stride and intricate multi-layered playing was featured on Who’s Sorry Now. Jimmy says “It’s always a hit at Weddings.” (Who gave him a mike?)
Jimmy Mazzy
Jimmy introduced the 1920’s Song of the Wanderer with a vocal. Our favorite was Jimmy’s Cabin in the Cotton, 1932. Just beautiful! Close second was a smoldering ballad, Without a Song – not just one solo – he sang the whole song, in soulful, quintessential Jimmy.
This was an unusual evening where instead of all taking a solo, more than one musician had the whole song to himself. They are all accomplished artists, Jeff just lets them go.
Steve Taddeo
Bunny Berigan’s The Prisoner’s Song was introduced by Taddeo on drums, and Jeff just let him go for the whole 32 bars. Jimmy abruptly let loose with his infamous Mazzy holler.
Crisp Hughes cornet; he dedicated it to Bobby Hackett.
John Clark and Craig Ball
Oh Baby, done by Benny Goodman in the 1920’s, was a scorcher, Craig Ball on clarinet, Clark on soprano sax, pushed by Albie’s straight four on tuba.
Jeff Hughes on 1905 Henri Lefevre cornet
Jeff played a tender solo, all his own, Dear Ol’ Southland, honest, straightforward, absolutely enchanting. His instrument of choice was a treasurable 1905 Henri Lefevre cornet, (precursor to the Selma Instrument Company). (Henri not only built each instrument by hand, he also built each part.) Remarkable tone.
Remarkable evening. There were hundreds of tunes, they only scratched the surface. More hot stuff of the 20’s and 30’s brought the evening to a close – Cabin in The Pines. Fats Waller’s special, the blistering Zonkie, released Taddeo’s inner Gene Krupa.
Couple passing by couldn’t resist dancing. Yes, they were waltzing!
They sent us home with a beautiful waltz, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, surprising a young couple who had just left the main dining room. They stopped and began waltzing on the dance floor. Maybe they’ll be back. We need more like them!
We are so lucky to enjoy all the talent here in New England. People love Jeff Hughes’ topnotch bands and musicians, when they can hear them; his bands are usually here on the last Tuesday of the month. Bring friends and introduce them to the fine Jazz and Swing at the Sherborn Inn!
The Tuba Man
We do have fun!