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

By Marce and C.S.Imming

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

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

A=Scandenavian Athletic Club on Lake Street Shrewsbury

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

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

Video by C.S. Imming

Bill Doyle, guitar

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

Bill Doyle’s nightmarish headset was flashing green lights.

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

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

C. S. Imming took very many Images!