All the Blue Horizon Jazz Band ‘regulars’ were back!!
This was a special evening with no summer substitutes; all the Blue Horizon ‘regulars’ were back with their powerful brass front line.
Jeff Stout and leader Stan McDonald make a powerful team. Stu Gunn’s steady bass gives them freedom to fly!
They began with All By Myself, Stan taking the first of many vocals. Jeff’s trumpet was crystal clear on Roaming, Ross’s piano picking up riffs. Their repertoire consisted of tunes from the 20’s to the 40’s, strongly based on melody. They have a genuine passion and feel for this music: Tishumingo, Bechet’s Lastic, Roses of Picardie, Gershwin’s Strike Up The Band. Rosetta was hard-charging and wild! Honky Tonk Town had Stu weaving from side to side with the beat.
The front line is bolstered by the deep rich tone of Gerry Gagnon’s trombone.
Stan played a forceful soprano sax solo on Save It Pretty Mama. He played low register clarinet on a rhythmic Wild Man Blues, with every instrument taking spontaneous, off the cuff solos on its many breaks.
I Would Do Most Anything For You, Taddeo maintained a resourceful Traditional Jazz beat on his Swingerland drums all evening with the use of brushes,wood block, bell, choke cymbal and pinging the hi hat stand.
Ross Petot was featured with the rhythm section on You Can’t Take That Away From Me, keeping the music fresh by using his magical left hand as a walking bass line instead of his famous stride piano. Marvelous!
Ross Petot strayed from his famous stride piano to keep the music fresh.
Trumpet and sax were perfectly synchronized on When I Leave The World Behind, undergirded by Steve’s drums and Stu’s pulsating string bass.
The band has had fine substitutes like Paul Monat cornet and John Kafalas trombone over the summer (Gerry moved to impressive tuba). But it was refreshing to have the whole band back for the Fall Season. They sent us home with a gentle, sweet, Rose of San Antone.
The Blue Horizon Jazz Band is in its 19th year at the Sherborn Inn. They’ll all be back, along with our New England Fall Foliage on October 21st. Take a nice ride and join us!
Joe Midiri clarinet and soprano sax, Paul Midiri vibes, trombone, and drums, Ian Frenkel piano, Jeff Hughes and Paul Monat cornet, John Clark clarinet and bari sax, Dan Gabel trombone, Bill Doyle guitar, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve Taddeo drums, and special guest vocalist Elise Roth.
Steve Taddeo finally assembled his “Dream Band”, with The Midiri Brothers, Ian Frenkel, and members of Taddeo’s Swing Senders. They blew the roof off a full house at the Sherborn Inn on Tuesday, August 12th. Many are leaders of their own bands. John Clark, impressive impresario, kept them (more or less) under control.
Harold McAleer’s videos give you a taste:
Midiri Brothers kicked it off Running Wild.
Special guest vocalist Elise Roth was featured on Johnny Mercer’s Jeepers Creepers, Milton Berle’s theme song Near You, and Am I Blue. Elise was gracious to sub for The Swing Senders’ vocalist, Caroline Griep, who was absent because of a death in the family. Elise Roth is the regular vocalist for Dan Gable and The Abletones.
Special guest vocalist, Elise Roth, with Dan Gabel, Justin Meyer , and Bill Doyle
Two masters of the cornet, Jeff Hughes and Paul Monat; Paul revived some of his Wild Bill spirit in their duet on Someday You’ll Be Sorry.
The Midiris had us in tears with Bechet’s Si Tu Vois Ma Mère.
Crucial members of the rhythm section, Bill Doyle and Justin Meyer kept the rhythmic fires burning, providing a solid foundation that let the others fly!
Bill Doyle, guitar
Justin Meyer, string bass
Joe sings some Blues,Paul moves to trombone. We love this music – you never know what will happen next!
Dan Gabel trombone, Elise sings Am I Blue?
This was indomitable pianist Ian Frenkel’s first appearance at the Inn, and we hope it won’t be the last. A true artist, Ian is well known and appreciated all over Connecticut.
Ian Frenkel, fingers flying across the keys.
John Clark, Ian Frenkel, Steve Taddeo: You Do Something To Me
Don’t Be That Way, Royal Garden Blues, After You’ve Gone, Big Bear Stomp, Wolverine Blues, all imaginative and swinging.
Taddeo was using a 1939 Slingerland Radio King drum set (identical to what Gene Krupa used) and the vintage cymbals (Avedis Zildjian) from the late Buddy Schutz. He was featured with his infamous 8-minute drum solo walk-around on Stomping at the Savoy, tapping on anything within reach!
Finale! Everybody lets go with Taddeo’s theme song, Dinah, with Paul Midiri and Steve Taddeo battling on drums,
That definitely was not rehearsed!
This was an incredible evening. Many of these amazing musicians will be BACK for a reprise, with the Swing Senders or with their own bands. The Midiri Brothers are heading for Oregon, Idaho, California, Clearwater Beach. But they’ll be back. Stay tuned.
Blue Horizon Jazz Band with Paul Monat and Al Ehrenfried
The Blue Horizon Jazz Band presented a romping New Orleans take on Sidney Bechet’s jazz and blues, with the five-piece group working together in a true spirit of cooperation. We were surprised to find cornetist Paul Monat substituting for trumpeter Jeff Stout, who has had a death in the family. Al Ehrenfried, string bass, came out of retirement for this evening.
It was a five-piece band, with Stan McDonald and Paul Monat cornet, holding the front line with the superb backing of the rhythm section, pianist Ross Petot, Al Ehrenfried bass, and Steve Taddeo drums.
They kicked it off with the New Orleans sound with Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland, and continued with Ross Petot’s robust piano intro to What Is This Thing Called Love.
Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jelly Roll, Bechet’s I Remember When, Everybody Loves My Baby. The two were in sync, twining around each other. Stan started Lastic on clarinet, with Paul playing a long, sustained, note. The two make some powerful music together, drums and string bass maintaining the Traditional Jazz Beat.
When You and I Were Young Maggie. Bechet’s Blues In The Air, nice blues lead by Stan McDonald.
Ross was featured on Lucky Day, backed by string bass and drums.
Ross Petot Featured
It was Steve Taddeo’s birthday. Monida surprised him with a cake while the band played the Birthday Song.
Happy Birthday, Steve!
Stan and Paul in unison on Bechet’s Marchand de Poisson. Bechet’s Fantasy, Paul slipped in some of his mentor, Wild Bill Davison.
When I Leave The World Behind, had Stan on vocal, great soprano sax; continuing on Lonesome Road. Getting into overtime now with Bechet’s Dans Les Rues D’Antibes, with Al playing a superb bass solo, backed by Steve’s adept drumming.
It was an unforgettable evening. The Blue Horizon Jazz Band will return as usual on the 3rd Tuesday of month, August 19th with more surprises.
Paul Monat will be in New England until September, when he returns to Florida. Stay tuned.
Neville Dickie piano with Jeff Hughes trumpet, Stan McDonald soprano sax, Steve Taddeo drums
Neville Dickie tours the U.S. every year around this time. Neville is from Surrey, England and is known worldwide for his stride piano, boogie woogie, with a powerful left hand and flashy fingering on the right hand. We all looked forward to his 13th appearance at the Sherborn Inn; thanks to Ellen and Stan McDonald.
He was joined by Steve Taddeo on drums, Stan McDonald on soprano sax, and Jeff Hughes trumpet. He is a charming entertainer, and enjoyed having a few beers and renewing acquaintances with the fans that come out to hear him every year. They come from all over New England – he fills the house.
Neville began his renowned “showing off for the Company”, backed by Steve Taddeo, with Jimmy McHugh’s Doing The New Lowdown, marvelous.
He said there’s nothing complete without Fats Waller, Keeping Out of Mischief Now. He’s known for his rapid left stride, but we like his active right hand toying with the melody.
He once heard Stan and Ross Petot play the Harlem Hotcha, written by James P. Johnson. It was originally done by the Omer Simeon Trio with Johnson on piano, Simeon clarinet and Pops Foster bass. Neville’s lightening left hand was supported by Steve feeling his way on snare drum and hi hat, trying not to be intimidated by the famous Dickie.
Neville invited Stan McDonald and Jeff Hughes to join them, with a piano intro to Rose of The Rio Grande. Neville played chugging, rocking chords, Stan on hot soprano sax also did the vocal, Jeff’s trumpet softly in the background. Neville started with the verse on a Darktown Strutters Ball, fingers floating over the keys. Stan on sax and singing.
Back to the duo of Neville and Steve with I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter, Neville playing in 6ths and left hand patterns like Jelly Roll Morton, giving his playing a “New Orleans” flavor. (I was coached by Ross Petot.)
Neville had several DVD’s for sale, he included a free CD with each one sold. He played ingenious stride on one of the tunes on his Back to Boogie DVD, Bells of St. Marys. He explained how the composer, Douglas Furber, was on a boat leaving South Hampton in England when he heard the Bells of St. Marys as the boat was leaving. It inspired him to write the tune. Dickie ended the piece with dramatic bell sounds on piano. Going back to boogie woogie, he turned to the jazz style of Albert Ammons with his 1940’s boogie, Shout for Joy.
Neville invited Stan and Jeff back. Neville’s right hand played warm, soulful, cascading piano to Jeff’s glorious horn solo on Bunny Berigan’s I Can’t Get Started. Sweet!
Jeff Hughes and Neville Dickie play Bunny “Berigan’s I Can’t Get Started”
Neville said “You won’t hear anything better than that!” We totally agree.
Neville enjoys sharing the stage, playing backup piano in the quartet for Maggie. The Ensemble’s powerful performance, with Stan’s scorching soprano sax turned Tijuana into a barn burner!
Stan’s scorching sax
Our own dynamic pianist, Ross Petot, sat at the piano playing haunting and elegant melodies during intermission. His hands crossed playing stride on I Hate Myself For Being So Mean To You by Isham Jones; Somebody Loves Me, Who’s Sorry Now, But Not For Me, Love For Sale, King of Araby.
New England pianist Ross Petot
In the middle of Araby, Neville returned and took over the treble end of the piano. The two together are remarkable piano pyrotechnicians. The baby grand vibrated with impeccable rhythm! We look forward to this every year!
Neville Joins Ross at piano
They trade places, playing 4-handed piano
Taddeo joins the pianists
Neville back at the piano with the volatile Finger Breaker. Jelly Roll Morton composed Finger Breaker; Willie ‘the Lion’ Smith called it Finger Buster. Either way, it’s extremely fast and difficult. Harlem Blues went from Blues to intense Boogie. It was the first blues ever published – 1940 – by Blue Note founder, Albert Lion.
Quartet resumes with All By Myself, Jeff backing Neville with soft trumpet; James P Johnson’s Old Fashioned Love, Stan on sax and vocals. Neville boogied with a hispanic tinge on Dardanella.
Steve back with Neville playing marvelous left-hand boogie woogie on Golden Earrings, from the movie with Marlene Dietrich. Swanee River Boogie was ecstasy! We never get enough boogie!
Closing time was approaching; Neville wanted to give Taddeo a chance to play. He said he’d make it easy, started Honeysuckle Rose with a slow, rolling left hand. Steve went along, adding a soft drum roll. By now he was comfortable with Neville, and tore into his Gene Krupa walk-around routine, stepping away from the drums with sticks tapping the beat, tapping on anything within reach, table, glasses, dishes, never missing a note. That caught Neville and the ladies at the nearest table by surprise! He tapped on, back towards Neville and returned to the drums to audience applause.
George Hannah
Steve has been teaching drums to student George Hannah. George sat in on drums, playing just the right accents and sounds with Neville on Indian Summer. We’ve been watching him grow up with drums – he’s come a long way!
The quartet returned with Wild Man Blues, with trumpet in glissando, staccato phrasing. They closed this evening with sax and trumpet intro to Lover Come Back To Me.
Myron Idleson called this the Mount Rushmore of Jazz Concerts. He said their talent is a gift from God, and their playing is their gift to God. I’ll add ‘to us too’.
Neville headed for New Jersey to play with the Midiri Brothers for the Tri State Jazz Society, then on to Maryland. If you’re ever in England, Neville and wife Pat started the Sutton Jazz Club where he plays monthly at The Thomas Wall Centre, Benhill Avenue, Sutton, Surrey. http://www.jazzpiano.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/advance_dates.htm
We look forward to having him back here again next year.
Steve will be in concert with the Midiri Brothers here on August 12th. Dick Donovan’s Big Band directed by Steve Taddeo is at the American Legion, 140 River Rd. Middleton MA every Monday evening.
Jeff will be back at the Sherborn Inn with The Wolverine Jazz Band, Swing Times Five, and Debby Larkin, Dave Whitney, Dan Gabel. They all want him. And He’ll still be wearing a hat.
Stan’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band will be back at the Sherborn Inn June 17th.
We are so fortunate to have all this marvelous jazz!! I count my blessings every day!
TAG Trio: Steve Taddeo, Nikolas Anadolis, Dan Gabel
Dan Gabel’s TAG Trio (Taddeo-Anadolis-Gabel) performed for the second time at Music at Mendon, held at the Unitarian Church in Mendon MA. Thanks to Rev. Ralph Clarke, with a grant from the Mendon Cultural Council and aided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Music at Mendon has great performances once a month in the Spring and Summer.
The TAG Trio plays music of the 1920’s from the Great American Song Book, with a varied program of ballads, melodies, and Jazz written by some of America’s greatest composers. Dan started this evening singing the verse of their theme song, Whispering, written by Vincent Rose. It was most famously recorded by Paul Whiteman and his Ambassador Orchestra on August 23, 1920
Dorothy Fields-Jimmy McHugh Exactly Like You, was followed by Cole Porter’s last effort as a composer, a song he wrote for the movie High Society, I Love You Samantha. Dan’s sweet trombone was backed by Nikolas’ magic fingers softly playing harmonies behind him.
A 1921 tune done by the great Jazz singers The Boswell Sisters, Mildred Bailey, Eddy Condon – There’ll Be Some Changes Made was total improvisation, Dan playing trombone, Nikolas watching him carefully and playing counter melody, Taddeo softly tapping choke cymbal, hitting cowbell for emphasis.
Art Hickman pioneered Big Bands; he was the first to include saxophones. In 1917 he had one of his biggest successes with the song “Rose Room“, which was named after the hotel room. In 1919 Rose Room was done by Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. Nikolas started slowly playing stride piano, then worked up to sophisticated, creative piano. Dan’s trombone played warm and sentimental.
Staying in the 20’s, 1928 I Don’t Know Why I Love You Like I Do, Dan invited the audience to sing along, a few did, while he resumed his “inner Bing”.
The mood changed with a 1950’s Greek tune played by Nikolas. The name of the tune is “Asta ta malakia sou” , in greek “Ασ’τα τα μαλάκια σου”. He says in Greece they play the same song in many of their movies. Translated it means “Let yourself go, feel free.” Fast waltz – absolutely WILD piano!
Leo Robbin & Ralph Rainger wrote Easy Living, done by Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson on piano. Nikolas enjoyed the drum backup and kept turning around to smile at Steve, softly tapping on choke cymbal. Steve doesn’t always play this softly on drums.
A ‘good ol’ good one’, (there’s one in every performance) that they played recently with Steve’s Swing Senders at the Sherborn Inn – Sweet Sue. It was a GOOD ONE!
Getting back to Cole Porter, they played a tune that Sinatra sang – Your Sensational, Dan singing in his lowest crooner voice. (He’s practicing Sinatra tunes for his next appearance at The Imperial Ballroom just down the street in Mendon on April 25th.)
Closing tune – time to let the Tiger Out – with The Swing Senders’ theme song Dinah. Taddeo let his exulting Gene Krupa loose on drums. Krupa is his idol. Dinah hit the crowd like a bombshell!
Steve Taddeo goes wild on drums
He attempted his famous Krupa walk-around, but was too restricted by the altar’s balustrade, so he just kept drumming onanything within reach.
Steve attempts ‘walk around’ tapping anything in reach
It was an amazing ending to an hour of great 1920’s ballads, melodies, swing and Jazz.
Both Dan and Nikolas will be graduating from the New England Conservatory of Music in May. Dan will be around New England for many years. Nikolas is hoping to join the faculty at the University of Lausanne on Lake Geneva, Switzerland. But he will be playing in Festivals all over Europe. We will miss his smiling face, and he’s promised to return whenever he can. www.nikolasjazz.com/
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
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 12th – mark your calendars – with the Midiri Brothers, Joe on reeds and Paul on vibes. WOW!
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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
Dan Gabel trombone/vocals, Nikolas Anadolis piano, and Steve Taddeo drums
Blackstone Valley Music students opened with a fine a capella Trio, Vito Caccavelli guitar/voice, Nathaniel Thompson voice, Jane Walker violin/voice
Nathaniel Thompson voice, Vito Caccavelli guitar/voice, Jane Walker violin/voice
Wee Dark Engine Room:
In that wee dark engine room,
Where the chill seeps through your soul,
How we huddled round that wee pot stove
That burned oily rags and coal.
How the winter blizzards blow, and the whaling fleet’s at rest,
Tucked in Leigh harbor’s sheltered bay, safely anchored ten abreast.
The whalers at their stations, as from she’d to she’d they go,
Carry little bags of coal with them, and a little iron stove.
They sang every chorus, taking us on the ship with this powerful, warm song about a little iron stove. They closed with Amazing Grace, a well known spiritual. We’re thankful to Blackstone Valley Music for encouraging these young musicians in their love of music!
Dan Gabel’s Tag Trio was the feature – Tag for Taddeo, Anadolis, and Gabel.
Dan Gabel TAG Trio
Nikolas Anadolis is from Greece, and had just returned from playing piano in Romania and Germany. A fine trio they are, and definitely enjoy playing the music of the 30’s and 40’s. They added some new material, and a few Folk songs from various countries.
Dan Gabel, crooner
They began with their theme, Whispering, Dan Gabel beginning with the verse, crooning in his best Bing.
Dan Gabel brings out Tommy Dorsey.
All of Me, was a “good ol’ good one” with Nikolas’ flying fingers all over the piano, Taddeo playing boom-chick softly with brushes. From the mid-20’s, If I Had You brought out the Tommy Dorsey sound.
Steve Taddeo using soft brushes on drums
They moved to Cole Porter tunes, always good terrain, with two pop tunes and one not so well known. Dan really laying it on thick like Eddy Cantor in the 1928, Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall In Love, winding it up in a British accent.
Cole Porter’s 1946 I Love You in a rhumba beat, Nikolas exhibiting his classical training. From 1956 High Society, the seldom heard I Love You Samantha. Found a New Baby, tom tom drums took the intro, with Dan on growling trombone, Taddeo let loose on drums.
Nikolas stretched out on this solo with Hoagie Carmichael’s Nearness of You.
Classic Masterpiece!
A played a Greek folk tune that Nik taught Dan translates to Leave Your Cares to the Wind. Love Is Just Around The Corner, was recorded by guitarist George Van Epps around 1946-49 with drummer Nick Fatool, (born in Millville MA in 1915).
They left us with a parting song, Fat Waller’s fabulous Honeysuckle Rose, delightful piano, Taddeo still on brushes. (He never let the full Gene Krupa loose the way he usually does.) The audience still said this was the finest performance they’ve heard in this series of Music at Mendon.
Music at Mendon is supported by the Congregation with some grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. This was the last presentation for the year; they will return in March 2014, and we’re sure there’s be some form of Dan Gabel Trio!
Steve Taddeo has his own Swing Senders Swing band in Waltham, and also Directs the Dick Donovan Big Band Monday nights at the American Legion,140 River Rd. Middleton MA.
Dan Gable and The Abletones Big Band play on the first Friday of the month at the Scandinavian Athletic Center at 438 Lake St. in Shrewsbury at 7:30pm
Nikolas Anadolis attended music academies in Greece. He applied to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he received a full International Presidential Scholarship. www.nikolasjazz.com//.
Nik & Dan will be playing in a Community Outreach Program, spreading cheer all over New England over the coming Holidays. Watch for them!
Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark and Craig Ball Reeds, Ross Petot piano, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Al Bernard tuba, Steve Taddeo drums, and special guest Bob MacInnis on cornet.
This is My Lucky Day – always is when the Jazz Jesters start their theme song and bring Hot Dance music of the Jazz Decades to the Sherborn Inn; plentiful 20’s and 30’s early Bix and Bunny Berigan. We were especially delighted to have a surprise guest sitting in!
Ross playing stride piano
Dot Prescott was remembered with Ross Petot featured on stride, But Not For Me. The first time they ever played it was in concert at the Prescott Traditional Jazz Library at UNH, with Johnny Battis.
Radio – remember radio, when the DJ would play something familiar, then sneak in something new? Jesters played Breakaway, and sneaked in Con Conrad’s Broadway Melody.
What’s the Use is one of Steve Taddeo’s favorites, by Isham Jones. Bobby Hackett recorded it on the Commodore label. Craig was featured on clarinet with Three Little Words.
Reedmen Craig Ball and John Clark
The dynamic reed-men Craig Ball and John Clark are as expressive as the multi-reeds sections of a Big Band, changing combinations, saxophones on Song of India, clarinets on East Coast Trot. They inspire each other, alternating alto and tenor sax and clarinet, and challenge the leader by changing the program on him.
The charts you see are just suggestions for chords. No one tells these spirited Jazz musicians how to play, (although Jeff sometimes gets head arrangements to work).
Bob MacInnis
Surprise treat was the appearance of Bob MacInnis on cornet. He’s back!! Better than ever! Eight-piece band, with trumpet and cornet, played fantastic ensemble on Bix’s Deep Down South.
Steve Taddeo
Taddeo was behaving himself with sensitive, smooth brushwork, and soft tapping on choke cymbal. He’s getting the hang of this Trad Jazz!
Jeff let him loose on Irving Berlin’s 1927 Russian Lullaby, then Steve’s inherent Gene Krupa materialized, backed by the band in stop time. Fabulous!
Jimmy Mazzy, with Steve Taddeo and Al Bernard
There Ain’t No Land Like Dixieland, Melody From The Sky, Cabin in the Pines, Jimmy Mazzy vocals. Eat your heart out, Europe!
Jeff gave Jimmy his choice from the myriad collection of tunes stored in his genius brain. They ducked for cover, never knowing what Jimmy will come up with. This time it was Sam the Accordion Man.
Pardon My Southern Accent, Jeff Hughes taking a very expressive vocal. MacInnis added “Another one I don’t know”, but jumped right in.
They closed with a WILD Fats Waller stride tune. Dismissing us with Fats is a good choice, making sure we all return – Zonky. We’ll come back September 24th and November 28th to hear more of these outstanding Jazz Musicians!
Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders were enriched by the presence of The Midiri Brothers at this year’s final performance of Classic Jazz at Lincoln Library in Lincoln, Massachusetts, on May 22, 2013.
Personnel: Midiri Brothers, Joe reeds, Paul vibes, trombone and drums; John Clark reeds, Jeff Hughes trumpet, Scott Philbrick cornet/guitar, Bill Doyle guitar, Dan Gabel trombone, Ross Petot piano, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve Taddeo drums, Caroline Griep vocals. They looked and sounded like a Big Band – ten pieces of the finest Swing you would ever want to hear!
Caroline Griep
Joe Midiri
Charismatic vocalist Caroline Griep flashed a gleaming smile and regaled us with Just You, Just Me, Jeepers Creepers, All of Me, improvising and scatting with Bill Doyle on guitar on Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.
She enjoys singing, and her pleasure comes through.
Paul Midiri
Consummate entertainers, the Midiri Brothers drove from New Jersey to Massachusetts to be here with the SteveTaddeo’s Swing Senders. Joe is a monster on reeds, whether on alto or soprano sax, or clarinet, had us on the edge of our seats when he hit D above high C and held it for a long note.
Lionel Hampton’s Flying Home, 1939-41, Paul flying on vibes. Steve closed it with the drum walk-around that is his specialty. “Got that Harold?”
Ross was featured on Crazy Rhythm, with Bill Doyle on guitar and Scott cornet and Paul Midiri playing drums.
A trio, band within a band, had Clark on clarinet, Steve drums, Ross’s marvelous stride piano, You Do Something To Me.
Stomping at the Savoy piano did the intro with the two fabulous guitars of Bill Doyle and Scott Philbrick, John on bari sax, Dan trombone, Jeff on trumpet, Joe clarinet, Paul vibes, Steve drums. A scorcher!
Joe was on alto sax for his infamous version of Sunny Side of the Street, singing in the Louis voice he does so well.
Midiri Brothers were featured on Avalon. ’nuff said!!
Dan Gabel and Jeff Hughes
Dan Gabel and Jeff were featured in a mellow Day Dream, a beautiful instrumental written by Billy Strayhorn and Duke.
Fred Waring’s Sleep is usually a Midiri’s full band feature, and it was marvelous with all the instruments, with drum intro, hot clarinet at each end.
They closed with the Swing Senders theme song, Dinah – video below in two parts, with hard driving tempo, Midiri on clarinet, Gabel trombone, ending with Paul and Steve battling it out on the drums. Videos by Harold McAleer.
Dinah Part 1, Dan Gabel takes off on trombone.
The sticks vie for dominance on this closing number of the Swing Senders at Bemis Hall — Harold McAleer videos.
Dinah Part 2
WOW!
Bob and Dan MacInnis
Can’t tell you how great it was to see another set of brothers here – Bob and Dan MacInnis. Welcome back!!
Charlie and Evelyn find a space to dance no matter how crowded it is!
This was an impressive evening of solid, hard driving Swing, with the Midiri Brothers joining the Swing Senders. Steve Taddeo assures us there will be more to come this summer.
Meantime, the Midiri Brothers left at midnight for that long ride home. They are seasoned musicians and inveterate entertainers!
Steve’s “Dream Team”, with Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark clarinet and bari sax, Ross Petot keyboard, Justin Meyer string bass, and himself, Steve Taddeo on drums, was televised at Milford’s new Community Center TV station on South Main Street, to be broadcast locally in Milford, Hopedale, Mendon and Upton, Comcast Channel 8, Verizon 40. Video
Steve showed his admiration for Gene Krupa with Don’t Be That Way. Ross introduced Crazy Rhythm with a nice groove, with Clark taking over on clarinet, trumpet comping. Piano intro with the verse to I’ve Got a Right to Sing The Blues, Jeff Hughes featured on that beautifully toned Yamaha tuneable bell trumpet.
You Do Something To Me, written by Cole Porter, was the first number in Porter’s first fully integrated-book musical Fifty Million Frenchmen (1929). Ross performed in his specialty stride piano.
Next was some early George Gershwin, I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise. Nice trumpet. John Clark took out the baritone sax for Billy Strayhorn’s Day Dream. Beautiful!
They closed with a barn-burning Dinah, with Steve doing his drum-walk-around to the string bass and sneaking in some of Bob Haggart and Ray Bauduc’s Big Noise From Winnetka, Steve drumming on the string bass, somebody sneaking in the whistling! It was WILD!
Justin Meyer, a superb free lance bassist, plays full rich tone on acoustic string bass.
A consummate side man, he lifts any band he plays with.
Our favorite ex-DJ, Harry Platcow, now Professional Photographer, features local Jazz musicians at Milford TV several times a month.
Thank you, Harry!!
Steve Taddeo and the Swing Senders with Special Guest Stars – The Midiri Brothers of New Jersey, will present a Live Jazz Concert – Free! at Classic Jazz at Lincoln Center, Bemis Hall, Bedford Rd. Lincoln MA on Wednesday, May 22 – 7:30. Mark your calendars!
Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders were enriched by the presence of The Midiri Brothers at this year’s final performance of Classic Jazz at Lincoln Library in Lincoln, Massachusetts, on May 22, 2013.
