Swing Times Five with Debby Larkin and Jack Senier

Posted on August 27, 2013 by admin

Swing Times Five with Debby Larkin by Marce

Happy 75th Birthday Jerry Wadness – at the Sherborn inn August 27, 2013

Photos by Bennett Green

Jeff Hughes trumpet/flugelhorn, Dan Wiener guitar, Pete Tillotson string bass, Dave Didriksen drums, Debby Larkin vocals. Pianist Ross Petot was taking his eldest son to college so Jack Senier filled in. Jack is Boston’s greatest jazz and swing pianist, a seasoned veteran.

All the tunes played this evening came from 1938, the year Jerry Wadness was born. It was a good year – great tunes for a great guy. Jerry and Geri Wadness are ‘regulars’ at the Sherborn Inn. Last week, Jerry filled several CDs with tunes from 1938, complete with details of each tune, and offered them to Jeff Hughes; he made good use of them.

Boston’s Jack Senier (Marce photo)

Special guest pianist Jack Senier kicked it off with Artie Shaw’s Theme Song, Back Bay Shuffle, followed by Benny Goodman’s Don’t Be That Way, Hughes on Elden Benge trumpet, the band soaring with him. Dan Weiner’s guitar began Who Could Ask For Anything More? Indeed!

How about charismatic Deb Larkin singing a popular torch song of 1929, Moanin’ Low. From Young Man With a Horn, I Should Care. Jeff moving to flugelhorn for Gershwins’ Nice Work If You Can Get It.

Jack Senier’s pearly notes and chords were featured with the rhythm boys on two tunes, I’ll Never Be The Same, and Lullaby In Rhythm. No wonder he’s considered one of New England’s finest pianist. And Jack came to realize that this is an extraordinary audience – they LISTEN passionately to the music and support the musicians.

Lynn Sickle

Bob and Lynn Sickle were here as usual, sitting next to the piano. Debby sang Lynn’s favorite song for her, All of Me. Bob’s birthday was coming up, so I Put a Spell On You was dedicated to him.

Jeff Sings “You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby”

The 1938 Harry Warren–Johnny Mercer tune, You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby was dedicated to Sue Lewis’s upcoming birthday with Jeff singing and playing crisp, clear trumpet. Sue is often seen dancing on the Inn’s but fine dance floor. Senier made the piano sing, Tillotson’s string bass trading fours with the drums. John & Gisela Brunaccini have been married for 65 years – they skillfully glided across the dance floor all evening!

Dan Weiner and Pete Tillotson

Tenderly featured Dan Wiener on guitar with the Rhythm Boys. Jeff was into Count Basie’s Lester Leaps In, when Jeff Stout leaped in for fantastic two trumpet interplay. Drummer Dave Didriksen kicked it up, driving the band.

Waitress Sara Green arrived with Jerry’s birthday cake, large enough to share, and we all wished Jerry a happy 75^th birthday.

Young waitress Sara Green brings in Jerry's Birthday Cake

Sara brings in Jerry’s Birthday Cake

Jerry Wadness blows out the candles

Comedian Myron Idelson

The band took a break for our favorite comedian, funny man Myron Idelson. Myron can go on for hours telling new jokes appropriate for mixed company. “My Mother-in-law took a trip to the Thousand Islands.” “Why didn’t she spend a week on each?”

Deb and hubby Jeff Stout

Jeff Hughes played a wistful Kurt Weill September Song.

More 1938 tunes – Bunny Berigan’s I Cried For You, I Wished On The Moon, Artie Shaw’s Begin The Beguine, Duke Ellington’s Prelude To a Kiss.

Deb also did Ms. Brown To You and The Things We Did Last Summer. Dakota Staton recorded a tune that everyone thought came from the 70’s – but it was Irving Berlin’s Late, Late Show.

Approaching the finale, Deb hit lilting rhythm with Billie Holiday’s What a Little Moonlight Can Do, with the two soaring trumpets. We’ll Be Together Again – Senier and the rhythm boys kept playing while Deb and Jeff Stout, Gail and Stan Brown hit the dance floor. Jeff Hughes danced with Sue Lewis. The front line returned to the stage, finishing the tune with swinging piano, flugelhorn and trumpet.

1938 was a very good year for great tunes. Swing Times Five was happy to oblige and performed wholeheartedly for this special birthday. Many happy returns, Jerry! Thanks for a great evening.

Neville Dickie at the Sherborn Inn, June 4, 2013

Posted on June 4, 2013 by admin

Neville piano, Jeff Hughes trumpet, Stan McDonald reeds, Dave Bragdon drm

Neville Dickie and Band

The Sherborn Inn was packed elbow-to-elbow with eager fans for celebrated British pianist Neville Dickie’s 12th appearance at the Sherborn Inn on Tuesday, June 4, 2013.

After mixing with his fans, Neville sat at the baby grand and revived a fount of pieces from the 1920’s with ragtime, boogie, stride – pop. With drummer Dave Bragdon, he started on the 1920’s Charleston Mad, from one of his many albums. He turned to Dave and asked “What do you fancy doing?” They came up with a sunny and warm version of Benny Goodman’s Red Sails in the Sunset.

Neville and Dave

Dickie generally plays solo piano in concert. Not here; he takes it easy and becomes part of the band, giving him a chance to relax, walk around, talk with his enthusiastic fans.

Stan McDonald

Stan McDonald joined them on soprano sax, with Jeff Hughes on trumpet for James P. Johnson’s If I could Be With You, Neville starting with the verse, Stan on vocal and saxophone. Roses of Piccardie, It Had To Be You, with Neville’s clever backing and multi-layered playing.

Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams. Jelly Roll Morton’s Tijuana, crisp soprano sax.

Jeff was featured on a boogie that they created on the moment, The Sherborn Boogie, Jeff getting glorious sounds from a rare 1946 Martin Committee Olds Trumpet. (Jeff has a vast collection of instruments, and he makes them all sound great!)

Jeff Hughes feature

During the break, Ross Petot kept the piano hot, giving us umpteen inspiring variations of Gershwin’s Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia. He has a fantastic left hand of his own, definitely with some James P. Johnson influence.

Ross Petot and Neville

He slipped into some eight-to-the-bar (probably for Neville’s sake) and played his specialty stride piano on Stairway to Paradise.

Neville joined him for four-handed piano, two pyrotechnicians playing an ingenious variety of choruses.

Neville said he’s happy to see the same faces here, year after year, and remembered Lynn Sickle. She was in her special chair – always next to the piano, here with Janet Borgman. Neville played his own swinging version of All of Me, Lynn’s favorite – he remembered.

It’s hard to tell who is having the most fun here, Neville or the fans. He relaxes, tells tales, he’s “one of the guys”.

He says “Musicians like to drink, and I’m no exception. I read that liquor is the root of all evil, so I gave up reading.”
“I quit drinking once, it was the worse 20 minutes of my life!”
“I enjoy playing here at the Sherborn Inn; Stan provides the music, Ellen provides great beer”.

Neville relaxes

Ross took over at the piano and gave him a chance to mingle with the crowd.
Soprano sax and trumpet traded fabulous fours on Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor, Stan singing. After You’ve Gone was another lively one.

Ross Petot and Band

Dave & Neville returned with a sweet Keeping Out of Mischief Now, segue into a racing tempo on Handful of Keys, Neville’s fingers leaping across the keyboard. Marvelous.

Dave was featured on drums with Nagasaki, because Neville never could find a drummer who could keep up with his flying fingers. He continued playing at a dizzying pace, but Dave Bragdon kept up with him!
Neville reprised the first boogie ever written, Pine Top Smith’s Sheik of Araby, with the left hand leaping back and forth on the keyboard.

There was a request for him to play solo piano – which is his general mien; he does for hours at most other venues. With Dave’s accompaniment, he played Willie the Lion Smith’s finger breaking Swanee River Boogie. He said “It’s a joy to do this gig – Sutton & Surrey.”

Too soon, the band closed with a sizzling Found a New Baby. As he was leaving, heading for New Jersey, Neville said “Please Keep supporting live jazz.”

We sure will. Thank you for being here with us, Neville, see you again next year!!

You may catch Neville when he’s at home in the Sutton Jazz Club, Thomas Wall Centre, Benhill Avenue, Sutton, Surrey, England. The Club was formed by Pat and Neville Dickie in 1989 and is noted its music, as well as Neville’s famous prawn vol-au-vents. They also serve a wide choice of hot food, such as fish, chicken, meat pie, saveloy, or vegeburger, all served with chips, and backed by Neville’s Trio comprising of Neville Dickie (piano), Terry Lewis (bass), and Norman Davey (drums). Top class musicians from the United States, Europe, Australia and, of course, Great Britain, join them each month.

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

A Super September Symphony with the Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble at the Sherborn Inn, September 4, 2012

Posted on September 4, 2012 by admin

Bob MacInnis cornet/flugelhorn, Craig Ball reeds, John Clark alto sax, Robin Verdier leader/piano, Albie Bernard tuba, Bill Reynolds drums.

The Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble is the creation of pianist/arranger Robin Verdier; it is unique. This isn’t Traditional Jazz, or Dixieland. This is the fabulous dance music of the 20’s and 30’s – when couples actually danced together.

Robin Verdier

Composers and lyricists get most of the credit on a tune, arrangers are listed – sometimes. But what an arranger does to a melody changes its whole concept and tone.

When the arranger is a retired Physicist from MIT, you can bet that the arrangements are going to be precisely defined and intricate, requiring professional, reading musicians. They even had a rehearsal, and everybody showed up!

Robin researches each tune and gives us a brief narrative on it’s creator and history, along with some intriguing details.

The front line was Bob MacInnis on cornet, reed-men John Clark on alto sax, Craig Ball clarinet. They opened with Okay Baby, fine dance tune.

Bob & Sabrina had the dance floor all to themselves for a Fox Trot.

The Roaring 20’s and 30’s were the start of the Swing Era and ‘new’ dance styles. Somebody should tell the Balboa and Lindy Hopper crowd about this Ensemble – they would love it!

These artistic musicians play exceptionally sophisticated ensemble, with few solos, but Craig Ball had Bechet’s 1938 lovely Southern Sunset all to himself – on soprano sax, of course.

Bill Reynolds’ drums and Al Bernard’s tuba kept the rhythm burning. Dave’s drum introduced a 50’s jazz tune, Nullabor, probably named after a desert in Australia – maybe an aborigine song, with heavy drum accents. Nice clarinet by Craig, then outstanding ensemble, closing with more thunderous drums.

A new arrangement, Byron Gay’s Fate included traces of Native American drums. Al’s tuba doesn’t just push the beat – it is integrated into the group, and smartly in sync with Clark’s alto sax on Lena, Queen of Palesteena.

What-Cha-Call-’em Blues by Steve L. Roberts is not well known. The original title was extremely vulgar and didn’t make it into today’s PC society. Peppy dance tune, maybe Lindy Hop? This talented group performed it perfectly – you could tell by the smile on Robin’s face.

He created a new arrangement for Irving Berlin Puttin’ On The Ritz, beginning with a funeral dirge (?) before going upbeat into the more familiar tune.

There was one tune composed by Fats Waller that was not associated with Fats because Fletcher Henderson recorded it first in 1927. Mine All Mine; excellent brief solos followed by the distinguished ensemble that sets this group apart.

Robin’s Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble never leaves without a Gershwin tune. They started with the verse on My One And Only, exciting ensemble, leading into lively alto sax by John Clark, backed by the rhythm boys.

Bob MacInnis was featured on flugel horn for Candy Lips, the ensemble interweaving a trace ofAlice Blue Gown.

Robin’s imaginative piano solo was backed only by Reynolds’s rim tapping. Nice!

In spite of his meticulous timing, we seldom make it to the end of Robin’s program. But they only missed one tune this time – the musicians are improving. They closed with Con Conrad’sMoonlight.

Here is Robin Verdier’s detailed Program for a A Super September Symphony.

We’ll get to Daybreak (Mississippi Suite, final theme) next time.

web site: https://sites.google.com/site/verdiersite/mcje

Jazz Jesters at the Sherborn Inn July 24, 2012

Posted on July 24, 2012 by admin

Jeff Hughes trumpet/leader, John Clark reeds, Craig Ball reeds, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Ross Petot piano, Albie Bernard tuba, guest drummer Steve Taddeo.

When people want to be entertained, they generally go out for dinner, drinks, music, fun conversation, but Traditional Jazz followers are very picky; they aren’t looking for ‘background music’. They want to hear their music first – everything else is just superfluous. No talking while the music is playing, please!

Jeff Hughes is one of their favorite band leaders for that reason – Jeff has a band for all seasons, and tonight was ours. We knew it was going to be a fun night when Craig Ball walked in at the last minute (Craig always comes in at the last minute) and spotted another reed player, John Clark, asking him “What are we doing?” John replied, “I don’t know.”

Jeff distributed charts and they found out. They started with a 1927 tune that symbolized the feeling we all had today, This is My Lucky Day.

Jeff dug down deep for some very old material, the best and hottest of the 20’s and 30’s, some we have never heard before – and probably the musicians too. They had fun with it, inspiring and provoking each other, adding their own interpretations to these old tunes. It was an enlightening and entertaining evening! They really enjoy playing together. Their camaraderie is infectious – we all were having a good time. Couldn’t help it.

Not Much we’ve heard before, but not Dream Kisses. Another tune Bix recorded in a 1930 session with Jack Teagarden, Deep Down South.

Guest drummer Steve Taddeo, usually loud and flamboyant like Gene Krupa, played fine restrained trad, with the use of brushes on the snare drum and his special 1939 cymbal (the original cymbal that Buddy Schutz played on Benny Goodman’s Angels Sing). Good job, Steve!

Ross was featured in pulsating, effervescent stride on Cole Porter’s Riding High. Albie Bernard, driving the band on tuba, took a high spirited solo on Breakaway.

Jimmy had the vocal on Oh Miss Hannah, and Changes with Jeff backing him on his 1946 Olds trumpet.

Jeff let Taddeo cut loose with this one, with drum sticks beating energetic Gene Krupa style!

There aren’t many Mouldy Figs left here – Bea Page is our finest. The band walked up to her table, playing a swinging Happy Birthday, and continued with her favorite tune Moon Glow.

Manager Phil Cocco caught Bea by surprise for her “29th birthday” with a delicious birthday cake prepared by the chef – that she shared with all of us.

Back to the ‘stage’ – John Clark on clarinet and Craig Ball on tenor sax with a poignant duet on Irving Berlin’s Russian Lullaby.
Memories of the Depression in the1930’s – I’m In The Market.
A 1911 tune that is still being played in colleges today, Sweetheart of Sigma Chi.
The band played Who, dedicated to another fan, Joan Murray. (Her birthday is in August.)

Jeff took out the flugelhorn for a sweet When Day is Done. 1910? Jolson’s Golden Gate(California Here I Come.) Weary Man Blues. There Ain’t No Land Like Dixieland,Cottage for Sale, Old Folks.

They sent us home with Farewell Blues.

This is a new band for Jeff Hughes, separate from the Jazz Jesters Novelty Orchestra, that sounded much more like the Paramount Jazz Band. Nevertheless, he delved deep into the Jazz Decades for tonight’s performance – and we hope there will be many more like it. Wish we had a video!!

Friends and Family join Al Ehrenfried for his 90th Birthday at the Sherborn Inn

Posted on June 19, 2012 by admin

by Marce
videos by Hal McAleer

Al Ehrenfried celebrates 90th at the Sherborn Inn
Videos by Harold McAleer

Family and Friends filled the Sherborn Inn June 19th to help Al Ehrenfried celebrate his 90th birthday. Al plays marvelous string bass with many local bands, and regularly with the Blue Horizon Jazz Band.

Blue Horizon Jazz Band

Left to right, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Jeff Stout trumpet, Dave Bragdon drums, Al Ehrenfried string bass, McDonald, Ross Petot piano, and Peter Gerler guitar.The Blue Horizon Jazz Band, lead by Stan McDonald, soprano sax and clarinet, plays on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Sherborn Inn.

All By Myself kicked off the evening, with a Stan McDonald vocal – but Al certainly wasn’t – with family from all over the country and many music friends joining him.

Jeff Hughes

John ‘Urbie’ Kafalas

Lee Prager

Frank Stadler

Jim Mazzy

John Clark

Dave Didriksen

Dan Weiner

Steve Taddeo

BHJB continued with a Sidney Bechet tune, Lastic. When I Leave The World Behind, great soprano sax with cornet comping. Tijuana.

McDonald featured onBlues in the Air – it has a fine Blue Horizon clarinet solo in the middle.

Manager of the Sherborn Inn, Phil Cocoa, had a delicious chocolate cake ready for all to enjoy. Al’s artist friend Alice presented him with a special birthday card that she created “Cool Cat”.

Vocalist Mollie Malone sings a breathless “Marilyn Monroe”Happy Birthday to Al accompanied by the band with Frank Stadler on piano..

Band Two was lead by Jeff Hughes, with Lee Prager trombone, John Clark clarinet, Jimmy Mazzy banjo, Frank Stadler piano, Dan Weiner guitar, Dave Didriksen drums, and of course Al on string bass. He played with every band – all evening.

Steve Taddeo dropped in for a couple of tunes. Al suggested a Gershwin tune from the Swng Era, S’Wonderful.

Baby Ain’t I Good to You, fantastic front line Kafalas, Hughes, Clark – followed by Weiner guitar solo. Jimmy slipping into his infamous scat.

Dave Didriksen, of the Wolverine Jazz Band, back on drums providing a crisp, tight Dixieland Beat for Louis Armstrong’s Someday You’ll Be Sorry.

Jeff Stout trumpet and Jeff Hughes on long Conn cornet are a great combination anytime!

Frank Stadler introduced Found a New Baby, Lee Prager trombone challenging Al to a trombone/bass duet – as he often does with the Seacoast Stompers. Al is up to the challenge!

They dedicated Dr. Jazz to oncologist John McGrath, internist Dr. Bailen, a surgeon, and any other Doctors in the audience.

The last set started with the BHJB, an appropriate June Night. John ‘Urbie’ Kafalas joined the band on trombone. Two trombones! John played with this band many years ago, and has been audio-taping many bands, especially Jimmy Mazzy, over 25 years. Check him out at http://kafalas.net/jazz/ .

More Bechet, beautiful Lotus Blossom, Stan on soprano sax of course, ending with the last note in the stratosphere! Marchand de Poisson (Fish Vendor). Al’s string bass took the intro to Lady Be Good.

The rest of the musicians wandered in for the Finale, a Blues that was composed the year Al was born – Blues in C.

Gerry Gagnon, Urbie Kafalas, Jeff Stout, Dave Bragdon, Al Ehrenfried, Stan McDonald, Ross Petot, Peter Gerler, Jeff Hughes, John Clark

The Finale had almost everybody. Harold McAleer videotaped the whole evening, and we hope to get many of them up here eventually. Next to him is Ellen McDonald, Manager of the Blue Horizon Jazz Band, and the ONLY person responsible for our Tuesday Night Jazz at the Sherborn Inn for 17 years!! THANK YOU, ELLEN!

Al and the Blue Horizon Jazz Band will continue to be here on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Join us!

New Black Eagle Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, May 10th

Posted on May 10, 2012 by admin

Videos by Eric Devine

The Old Stomping Ground

Bugle Boy March

Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble Melodious May Musical Melée at the Sherborn Inn, May 1, 2012

Posted on May 1, 2012 by admin

by Marce

Monte Carlo front line, Bob MacInnis, Blair Bettencourt, John Clark

This isn’t Traditional Jazz. As the name implies, it’s Ensemble. Emphasis is placed on the musicians working together, and their chemistry was there from the start. Musicians tonight were Bob MacInnis cornet/flugelhorn, Blair Bettencourt clarinet and soprano sax, John Clark alto sax and clarinet, Robin Verdier piano, Bill Reynolds drums, and last, but certainly not least, Albie Bernard on that monster tuba.

Robin Verdier meticulously picks every tune and arrangement like a painter creating a complex masterpiece, and re-creates the dance bands of the 1920’s. (see complete listing at the bottom). Butt it’s still fresh and harmonious in the hands of these talented New England musicians.

Robin rolls up his sleeves, sits at the piano with his back to the band. There is powerful stride and solid interplay between both hands.

He leads.

He blends together new ideas and constantly refreshes the material.

Program

It was very different from his Slide & Guide September of 2010 or the Frabjous Fall Fling of November 2011.

It was different from the beginning. If Dreams Come True featuring two clarinets, with MacInnis first on Flugelhorn and then cornet, ensemble sounding off like chimes.

How Am I To Know? Robin inserted a Stan Kenton piece of Eager Beaver that fit very nicely in the middle……

….perfect tempo for Dr. Dave and Helene – who love to dance!

Irving Berlin was one of the most prolific composers. His C U B A was not exactly PC:

Cuba, where wine is flowing
And where dark-eyed Stellas
Light their fellers’ Panatellas

Albie gets a rare solo on this one.

My Dreams, by another one of Robin’s favorite composers, Tiny Parham. The front line is absorbed in Robin’s intricate arrangements. They get it right – and there are smiles all around, especially on Robin, and sighs of relief from the band.

Blaire played soprano sax with passion and intensity on Sidney Bechet’s Southern Sunset. We hadn’t heard him for some time. In the late 70’s, some of us were dancing to the Yankee Rhythm Kings in the back of New England Life Hall in Boston, with Blair on reeds.

He retired in 2006 after 36 years as Music Director and Coordinator for Westford Academy, and still maintains an active schedule as a performer on clarinet and saxophone. It was a special treat having him back!

The first set ended with a Fats Waller tune, that he never actually recorded but just about everyone else did, Come on And Stomp, Stomp, Stomp. Great upbeat tune!

The Sherborn Staff took this opportunity to surprise manager Phil Cocco with a Happy 75^th birthday cake. It was Phil who welcomed The Blue Horizon Jazz Band, and other Traditional and Dixieland Jazz, to the Sherborn Inn over 17 years ago.

Phil’s wife and family were gracious enough to share him with his other “Jazz Family”. We all enjoyed the delicious cake!

Back to business – Bob MacInnis gave a gripping performance that touched everybody on a complex arrangement of Oriental Blues. Hearing that Bob MacInnis is back from Florida is like finding a treasure every spring.

But he’s actually been back since mid-April, in time to play with the New Liberty Jazz Quartet at the Red Sox opener, as well as the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park, and also in parades in West Roxbury, Arlington and Lexington. He doesn’t waste much time; he plays every night in Naples Florida!

Shadows on the Swanee was relatively modern for this Ensemble – 1932. Lost1936.

Lena, Queen of Palesteena – latin beat –
Robin temporarily moved to tambourine.

Lu Watters, Yerba Buena Strut – ensemble intro, nice clarinet by Blair, and Clark on alto sax. (Yerba Buena is a small island outside of San Francisco. )

Time was running out. The third set had a combination of two tunes, Quincy Stompand Blame it on The Blues. Then two ‘Crazy’ tunes in a row, Crazy ‘bout My Baby, with ensemble intro, then sax, cornet, clarinet solos, backed by Billy’s rim tapping on the drum and Albie’s tuba covering the bass lines. (This was the first time they’ve done it.) Next, Crazy Rhythm, for these jazz musicians, is inescapable.

And of course, you can’t go back to the 1920’s without theCharleston!

Nancy Carter, from North Easton, performed it flawlessly.

Sonny Clay’s Cho-King – MacInnis used his hand for a mute on cornet, with the clarinet and sax comping. Bill Reynolds on choke cymbal. Perfect!

Reynolds is a long time jazz drummer on the Boston scene, he plays regularly with the New Black Eagle Jazz Band and is a faculty member in the jazz program at the University of Connecticut.

He’ll be one of the guest artists at Jazz Vermont Band Camp for Grownups August 12-17th at the Mount Snow Grand Summit Resort in West Dover, VT.

Finale – running out of time – Mule Face Blues started in a frenzy – Robin playing rapid stride, John Clark intense on alto sax, ensemble building momentum, the whole band was running WILD!

These were the Roaring Twenties, and we were there, if only for a brief moment. This was a fitting ending to a pleasurable trip back in time with our favorite Historian and his Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble.

Blue Horizon Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, April 17, 2012

Posted on April 17, 2012 by admin

by Marce

Stan McDonald leader/soprano sax and clarinet, Jeff Stout trumpet, John Kafalas trombone, Ross Petot piano, Peter Gerler guitar, Al Ehrenfried string bass, Dave Bragdon drums. Stan dedicated this evening to a former drummer who died recently, Jimmy Kay.

Stan has always been a rambunctious rebel at heart. Less than a month after hip surgery, he was back with his Blue Horizon Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn for their regular monthly performance. Nothing could keep him away!

The band felt the energy, and played their hearts out. They started appropriately with I Got Rhythm, Four or Five Times, and an old Trad standard, Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of my Jelly Roll, with Jeff Stout’s powerful trumpet taking the melodic lead, and Stan McDonald prodding him on soprano sax, then moving to clarinet.

Jeff Stout, Professor at the Berklee College of Music, follows several great trumpet players who have played with this band, such as Walter Miller.

Jeff, relaxed and meticulous, adds power to every melody. Armand Piron’s Mama’s Gone, Goodbye was fantastic.

Stepping in from the audience, Jeff Hughes gave Jeff Stout a break and relieved him for a couple of tunes. His cornet is as long as a trumpet and can be just as powerful, or soft, as he chooses.

I Would Do Anything For You. Nice soft cornet by Hughes, backing McDonald’s vocal.

In the 1970’s, Stan played with its composer, pianist Claude Hopkins.

Ross Petot took the intro to Blue Turning Grey over You, with a stirring guitar solo by Peter Gerler, followed by cornet and trombone awe-inspiring trading 4’s. Fantastic!

Peter switched to banjo for Margie, playing full chord melody style, with Stout back on trumpet, Stan on rich low-register clarinet, culminating in a thrilling coda!

Jelly Roll Morton wrote this tune in what is termed “His Mexican period.” However it was named after a bar in Kansas City. Tijuana. Ross Petot was featured on piano, because Stan was welcoming some visitors from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to the Sherborn Inn.

Rejep Sultanov, Director of Soltan Dag, Educational Center of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and Murdan Orazmuradov, Business Manager of the Central Council of Youth Organization of Turkmenistan, were accompanied by a lady from their Embassy who acted as translator. They were guests of Royce Anderson and The International Center at Worcester Tech, and like all of us, enjoying this spirited, timeless Jazz. It was quite an honor to have them all here. (Royce is a guitarist who played with the Blue Horizon at the Foundry in Walpole back in the 1980’s.)

McDonald was pleased, doing what he loves best, playing Traditional Jazz, especially Sidney Bechet.

His soprano sax on Lotus Blossom was intense and powerful, ending in a high D.

The “Rhythm Boys” are the foundation of the band; Dave Bragdon on drums and Al Ehrenfried on string bass, provide a splendid pulse that propels the others.

Jeff Hughes joined the band for the finale, a gripping tune that became popular among soldiers in the First World War, It’s a Long, Way To Tipperary.

Stan McDonald insists on the best; he has always had excellent musicians. It was a relief to see him back so soon, playing again with this top-notch Blue Horizon Jazz Band. For those who have known him for a long time, it wasn’t surprising.

The Blue Horizon Jazz Band continues at the Sherborn Inn on the 3rd Tuesday of every month (except December). Management picks up the $10 admission fee for anyone under 40 years of age, so bring your family, friends, in-laws. They will enjoy it. This kind of Jazz embodies a carefree, happy spirit, it’s infectious.

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

Tag Archives: Sherborn Inn

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