Thursday Jazz Is Pleased to Present
Jazz at Primavera Ristorante www.primav.com/ 20 Pleasant St. Millis MA 02054
Reservations (508) 376-2026 7:00 to 9:30pm Admission $12
American Jazz from the Roaring 1920’s through the Swing Era of the 1940’s. Come Enjoy Hot and Authentic Dixieland, New Orleans,Chicago style and Big Band music for listening and dancing.
$12 admission will be collected in cash by the hostess seating you. We apologize but we cannot charge the admission to your credit card. Resv. (508) 376-2026
All arranged by Ellen McDonald. Thank you, Ellen!!
Phil Person trumpet, Ted Casher reeds, Herb Gardner trombone, Bob Winter piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger tuba, Bob Tamagni drums, Carolyn Newberger washboard, Elaine Woo vocals
The Hot Six kicked it off with one of our favorites, Limehouse Blues.
Elaine Woo stepped up to sing Mandy, Make Up Your Mind, a song she never heard before. Reading notes, getting into the tune (as she always does) gesticulating, making eye contact with Jeannine James and me, sitting front and center.
Elaine Woo
Eli leads with a bold spirit that encourages spontaneity and creativity. He asked the members to do the next tune like Sidney Bechet did it, with the front line playing very slowly, while rhythm section played in double time. Result was an unbelievable Down By The Old Mill Stream.
Bob Tamagni
Innovative drummer Bob Tamagni, drummed with his hands, while Jimmy Mazzy sang Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out.
Elaine introduced Belinda Rathbone for an obscure tune by Johnny Mercer, Legalize My Name. Elaine talked about composer Harold Arlen, who composed Get Happy. Later she introduced Nat Coolidge for a vocal on Summertime. She followed with I’ve Got a Crush on You and Nice Work if You Can Get it
The videos will show you how tight and hard driving these musicians are, how they listen to each other and to Eli, and play amazing music.
Ted Casher played smoldering tenor sax on Our Love is Here to Stay:
how tight and hard-driving
Never get enough of that tenor sax!
Bob Winter
Bob Winter was featured on keyboard with a tune between Klezmer and Dixie – Lena From Palistina.
Instrumental – Royal Garden Blues
Herb Gardner
Herb Gardner was featured on trombone and vocal with a tune by James P. Johnson and Andy Razaf, Porter’s Love Song to a Chambermaid.
What followed was a fantastic Washington and Lee Swing.
Jimmy Mazzy with Eli Newberger
Our one-and-only Jimmy Mazzy played and sang Stars Fell on Alabama. We are so fortunate to have him here in Massachusetts!!
Carolyn Newberger popped in at the last minute, just returned from setting up her Watercolors Art showing at The Becket Arts Center in the Berkshires: Opening reception, July 14, 2-4 pm. She brought the washboard and joined in on I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover.
Carolun Newberger on washboard with The Hot Six
The evening was brought to a close with Jimmy singing Indiana.
Eli and The Hot Six are here at Primavera every 3rd Thursday of the month with fabulous Jazz and Swing. Join us next month on July 18th at 7pm.
You’ll always find Jeannine and me sitting front and center.
Marce
Tunes:
Limehouse Blues,
Mandy, Make Up Your Mind,
Old Man River,
Nobody Knows You when You’re Down and Out,
Legalize My Name,
Get Happy,
Lena From Palestina,
Our Love Is Here To Stay,
Porter’s Love Song To a Chamber Maid,
Washington & Lee Swing
VOCAL Set
Summertime,
I’ve Got a Crush on You,
Nice Work if You Can Get It,
Royal Garden Blues,
Stars Fell on Alabama,
I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover, Carolyn washboard
Indiana
Neil Flewelling/cornet, Phil Hower piano, Dave MacMillan banjo, Blair Bettencourt clarinet/mini sax, Frank Batchelor trombone, Gerry Gagnon tuba, Rich Malcolm drums
by Marce
Riverboat Stompers blew the roof off Primavera Ristorante, playing Our Kind Of Music – Traditional Jazz! They don’t waste any time – play one tune after another, many, many great tunes! (See list below.) Neil Flewelling, cornet, Gerry Gagnon on tuba, Dave MacMillan filling in for Jimmy Mazzy, singing and strumming a fine banjo.
They hit the ground running with Darktown Strutters Ball. Neil sang When You’re Smiling, Rich Malcolm keeping time – drumming with his hands. Avalon was even Hotter, ensemble parts twining around each other. Dave took the vocal on From Monday On.
Blair Bettencourt
Blair Bettencourt has a wonderfully relaxed style on clarinet and mini sax, playing warm and vibrant tones on both instruments. He’s never been in this band before, but he’s been around for over 30 years and knows the music. He listened and focused on the tunes, playing amazing solos. It was a pleasure to hear him again.
Frank Batchelor
There Are Smiles that Make Us Happy, tuba playing 4/4 time, Blair Bettencourt on mini-sax.
Frank Batchelor playing trombone with flawless, earthy, intonation, used his hand as a mute.
Pretty Baby is on their new CD – see below.
Neil Flewelling and Rich Malcolm
Neil Flewelling, leader pro-temp in the absence of Steve Straus, directed the musicians, played melody on cornet and sang his heart out with All of Me, the band segueing into Five Foot Two.
Gerry Gagnon
Marvelous ensemble on My Blue Heaven, with Gerry showing his stuff on tuba, playing straight four / four beat without taking a breath, giving the band energy and drive.
Phil Hower
Phil is constantly playing keyboard in the background; keeping everyone on their toes.
Exactly Like You, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Neil vocal.
Tina Cass
This turned into a Happy Birthday tune for Tina Cass, whose birthday was Sunday. She and Ralph are heading for Canada and will return in five weeks. We’ll miss them. They are always sitting front and center, inspiring the band.
The Riverboat Stompers continued with New Orleans tunes that we all love, Down To New Orleans segueing to Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans. Then showing us what it was like in N. O. with Struttin’ With Some Barbecue.
Dave MacMillan
Way Down Yonder in New Orleans – Dave MacMillan playing around in falsetto voice. Fun!
He knows innumerable old tunes and sang many, including Sunny Side of the Street, From Monday On, There are Smiles.
Rosetta:
Bourbon St. Parade was a Barn Raiser! Blair letting himself go on clarinet, pushed by Rich Malcolm’s drums.
Richard Malcolm
Rich is a rare treasure. No slam-banging, showing off. He kept it simple, keeping them in proper time, with subtle tapping on snare drum, rims, hi hat.
We couldn’t believe it was almost over. Where did the time go?? Neil said they would close with a Rap song. We waited apprehensively –
until he came up with Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams.
We will – until they return on September 12th. Come join us – guarantee you will be exhilarated!!
Tunes:
Darktown Strutters Ball
Found a New Baby
When You’re Smiling
Sunny Side of the Street
Avalon
Ain’t Misbehaving
From Monday On
Pretty Baby
Smiles
Rosetta
All of Me
My Blue Heaven
Exactly Like You
I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
Happy Birthday to Tina Cass
Down To New Orleans
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
Strutting With Some Barbecue
Way Down Yonder in New Orleans (cut short)
Bourbon St. Parade
Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams.
* * *
CD
Get their new Audio CD – just out – and It’s About Time.
— That’s the Name of the CD!
from: Steve Straus – stephen.straus@comcast.net
Frank Batchelor trombone, Neil Flewelling cornet, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Phil Hower piano, Gerry Gagnon tuba, Rich Malcolm drums. We heard fantastic, Toe Tapping Traditional Jazz, with just a short break from beginning to end!
Frank and Neil shared leadership because Steve Strauss was unable to be here. We missed his clarinet and jovial repartee.
There were no announcements. Before each tune, Neil and Frank spent about a minute discussing keys and tempos with the rest of the band, and then, except for one short break, played solid, Classic Jazz from 7 to 9:30pm.
The hot sounds of the jazz age came alive as soon as they hit the first note in Original Dixieland One Step.
Jimmy Mazzy
The inimitable Jimmy Mazzy singing and scatting many songs, Somebody Stole My Gal, introducing Sweet Lorraine, It’s a Sin To Tell a Lie, Blue Turning Grey Over You, and more.
Jimmy will be honored as the 2019 American Banjo Museum’s Hall of Fame inductee in the category of Performance, 4 string Banjo. Hall of Fame ceremonies are held the weekend following Labor Day each year, as part of the ABM’s Banjofest weekend. He is definitely an asset in many bands!!
Neil Flewelling
Cornetist Neil Flewelling took over vocal for I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.
Neil drove two hours to get here, stopping on the way to pick up Marce. A dedicated musician, he shared the lead with Frank. Neil plays cornet with passion and emotion coming through his horn, inspiring others to play better.
The band played livewire ensemble. Rose of Washington Square. Someday Sweetheart. One of Neil’s favorites – Sleepy Time Down South. Bei Mir Bis Du Schoen. Floating Down to Cottontown. Muskrat Ramble was a barn burner!!
Gerry Gagnon
Pierre Lemieux was unable to be here. His enormous footprint was filled by Gerry Gagnon, who transforms the ungainly horn into a viable solo instrument. He plays in the Boilermaker Jazz Band, Blue Horizon Jazz Band, and more. He let loose on that monstrous tuba starting with Coney Island Washboard Roundolay.
Rich Malcolm
Rich Malcolm, staff member at Berklee College of Music, knows Trad Jazz drums, a rare treasure. He kept it simple, maintaining that beat, keeping them in proper time, with subtle tapping on snare drum, rims, hi hat. Backing vocals and solos, he only used a soft, discreet hi hat. He let loose on Coney Island Washboard, Somebody Stole My Gal.
Phil Hower
Phil Hower offers suggestions on keys and more, relentlessly listening to the other members of the band. He shrewdly enhances or complements each one, and plays inspiring solos of his own. it was all great Jazz.
Frank Batchelor stood guard in the band, discussing the next tune, listening to suggestions.. Generally they started with a duet, Neil on cornet, with Frank playing riffs and embellishment behind him. Then each took a solo, and nodded at whoever would play next.Each musician is a Jazz Titan in his own right, so there was no hesitating. They generously supported each other without interrupting and stirred up some Fantastic Traditional Jazz!!
Frank Batchellor and Neil Flewelling lead the band,
Louisiana Fairytale was on their list. But they chose If I Had You, eerily similar, which was far down on the list. There just wasn’t enough time to do all the tunes. Jimmy took the vocal. Worked out fine.
The Band backs Jimmy on Somebody Stole My Gal.
The evening was coming to a close; we wished there was more time!!
Neil closed out this evening of great Jazz, singing Ain’t She Sweet.
They will be back!! Join us next year on January 31 and March 14. You’ll hear some fantastic Traditional Jazz! The Riverboat Stompers never disappoint.
Jeff & Joel’s House Party was fantastic again! The weekend was almost sold out, and more than 40 people have made their reservations to save their seats for next year. I wasn’t able to attend, but thanks to Eric Devine, we have videos and photos! MarceFreddy Vigorito said:“The Jeff and Joels House Party, was Oct 12, 13, 14, and it was spectacular. It was Paris Washboard Super Swing with: Alan Marquet, Charlie Provost, Louis Mazetier, Daniel Barta, Michel Bonnet! Plus, Noel Kaletsky-clar/sax, Fred Vigorito-cornet, Neil DeFeo-tromb, Steve Taddeo-drums, Albie Bernard-tuba, Lou Bocciarelli-bass, Jeff Barnhart-piano, and Joel Schiavone-banjo! It was a fabulous weekend! I can’t say it any better than Lou Bocciarelli, one of the finest bass players in the world! Here’s what he said to his fellow musicians and those responsible for the event”. Lou Bocciarelli: “Hello All . . .Thanks for a wonderful weekend of beautiful music, great performances, funny stories, lots of laughs, and the joy of sharing our time together. This was special. Thanks to the volunteers who gave of their time and caring nature. You made us feel special and important. To the musicians, your performances were joyous and gracious. Your easy and inclusive manor made it easy to deal with the terror of wondering if I would “know” the next song. Joel and Jeff your dedication is appreciated and your jokes and stories were . . . well your dedication is appreciated. Thank you for including me as well as my son Cole. Very special. All the best, Lou”
Cole Bocciarelli, joins band on trumpet.
Lou continues: “I’d like to add that we had three new performers this year, two from Paris Washboard, washboard player Charles Provost, and cornetist Michele Bonnet. They were fabulous! We also had drummer Steve Tadeo from Mass who was a real crowd pleaser with his Krupa style, and Neil DeFeo from Royaton who dazzled the fans and the musicians with his incredible technical ability.” “Thank you Jeff and Joel, and the volunteers, especially Bob and Robin Rich. This was their first year managing the event, and they did a great job, and from the feedback we got, the food was fabulous too! So, you all know what to do now, plan to be a part of this wonderful event next year, November 1, 2 and 3, 2019! http://jeffandjoelshouseparty.com.”
Paris Washboard Super Swing
Eric Devine (CineDevine) was on hand with his fine videos of the performances. Here are some of them. Stay tuned for more; as they become available, links will be added. Eric Devine: “I had a fabulous time at the 9th edition of Jeff & Joel’s House Party again this year. Hope you enjoy this 1919 composition by Clarence Williams and Spencer Williams:”. Royal Garden Blues Michel Bonnet, trumpet, Fred Vigorito cornet, Noel Kaletsky, reeds, Daniel Barda, trombone, Neil Defeo trombone, Louis Mazetier piano, Lou Bocciarelli, bass, Steve Taddeo drums, Joel Schiavone, banjo.
There’ll Be Some Changes Made Paris Washboard Super Swing Vipers Drag Louis Mezetier, piano I Never Knew Fred Vigorito, cornet Alain Marquet, reeds Daniel Barda, trombone Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Albie Bernard, tuba Charles Prévost, washboard: Judy Postemsky said:
Joel Schiavone and Marty Fay
Friday night was close to sold out; if you saw empty chairs, it is because many folks prefer to sit at the round tables, where they can get up more easily, graze the great food. I believe everyone attending was more than pleased with the outstanding food organized and prepared by Robin and Bob Rich. Many of us helped to set up and serve the food on Saturday and Sunday. The musicians were wonderful throughout all three days! Joel did just fine – playing his banjo and singing his tunes as he has always performed in the past! Crazy ‘Bout My Baby – 4 handed piano, Mezetier and Barnhart It Had To Be You Fred Vigorito, cornet Alain Marquet, reeds Neil Defeo, trombone Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Albie Bernard, tuba Charles Prévost, washboard Joel Schiavone, banjo Lonesome Me – Louis Mezetier This was Steve Taddeo‘s first time at these House Parties. He said: “The House Party was awesome! I was nervous driving down there for my first time. But after my first rim shot on the Slingerland Drum Set, I felt like a million dollars playing with all those Greats! I even had a chance to sit in with the Paris Washboard’s Charles Provost.
Al Bernard, Charles Provost and Steve Taddeo
Caravan – Check out hand drumming at 6:15 – both drummers!
Taddeo lets his Gene Krupa loose: Found a New BabyCheck back below as Eric Devine’s adds more videos of this fabulous 3-day weekend:
Somebody Stole My Gal
Michel Bonnet, trumpet Alain Marquet, reeds Neil Defeo, trombone Louis Mazetier, piano Lou Bocciarelli, bass Steve Taddeo, drums
It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that Swing
Michel Bonnet, trumpet Fred Vigorito, cornet Alain Marquet, reeds Daniel Barda, trombone Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Lou Bocciarelli, bass Steve Taddeo, drums Joel Schiavone, banjo
Baby Won’t You Please Come Home Michel Bonnet, trumpet Fred Vigorito, cornet Noel Kaletsky, reeds Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Lou Bocciarelli, bass Steve Taddeo, drums
Despite the heavy rain Noreaster there was a sizable crowd anticipating Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders with Special Guest Dan Levinson, this fine afternoon. Featured were Jeff Hughes and Pat Stout trumpet, Dan Levinson, John Clark and Craig Ball reeds, Dan Gabel trombone, Justin Meyer bass, Bill Doyle guitar, Ross Petot piano and Steve Taddeo drums and Leader. Guest vocalist Debbie Nordyke.
It was a top notch dream band and the greatest musicians in New England.
For those of us who couldn’t make it, Harold McAleer took videos. Thank you, Harold!!
Debby Nordyke sings Blue skies. John Clark on bari sax goes toe-toe with Dan Levinson on tenor sax,
Don’t Be That Way – Starting with Dan on clarinet, all get to improvise a solo
Just The Way You Look Tonight
Steve Taddeo featured – even tried Tap Dancing with Found a New Baby- 11.4 minutes:
Dan Levinson winds up the concert in Bemis Hall on Oct 27, 2018
with a hot tune – Stomping at the Savoy
The audience was not disappointed! Steve Taddeo brought together a top-notch group of musicians this afternoon at Bemis Hall. Thank you, Harold McAleer for sharing.
Dan Levinson enjoyed playing along with them, and said he’d like to return next year with his family!! Steve will keep us informed. Stay tuned!
Bo Winiker leader/trumpet, flugelhorn, Phil Person trumpet, Ted Casher clarinet/tenor sax, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Zac Casher drums, also Bill Winiker on drums and various vocalists
Bo Winiker was leader of Eli and The Hot Six this Thursday because Eli and Carolyn Newberger were vacationing in Vietnam and Cambodia. Bill Winiker was also here, and brought their Mom, Annette. The Winiker Band played at the legendary Parker House in Cambridge Square for 28 years. That’s where the ‘boys’ grew up; but they lived in Millis, MA, so the Primavera Music Room was full!
Velma Casher and Annette Winiker photo by Bill Winiker
It was such a pleasure to meet Annette Winiker, still spry at age 92!
Bill took a picture of her with Ted Casher’s wife, Velma.
Bo had the band playing toe-tapping Traditional Jazz for the whole first set before moving to vocalists and swing! It was a great night, with hot solos and delightful counterpoint.
Jimmy Mazzy
The first set started with an instrumental South, then Jimmy singing Basin St. Blues, and scatting in Strutting With Some Barbecue. .
Phil Person
Phil Person’s warm, sweet trumpet was featured with Do Nothing ‘Till you Hear From Me. Phil is a skillful interpreter of the melody, as well as muted trumpet commentary behind vocals.
Zac and Ted Casher
Sweet Sue from New Orleans, Jimmy Mazzy’s unique interpretation, with energetic interchange between The Dynamic Duo – Ted and Zac Casher.
Nat Coolidge photo by Bill Winiker
Nat Coolidge sang with Eli and The Hot Six at the Fundraiser for Windrush Farms recently. He’s been involved with it for 40 years; It serves special needs kids, helping them ride horseback – and they even have a horse riding Olympics. They really enjoy it! Tonight Nat sang Hoagie Carmichael’s Georgia on my mind, adding some Jimmy Durante lyrics – sounding like Vaudeville!
Bill Winiker
Bill and Bo Winiker made a Cd for their 50th anniversary in Jazz. The title track was Getting Some Fun Out of Life. Bill Winiker took over the drums and they played it now, dedicated to their late Father, Ed, who had started the Winiker Band in 1962 where Annette played string bass.
Zoe Musmon
Set two had two young vocalists named Zoe. The first Zoe Musmon sang the beautiful waltz, Che Sera Sera.
She connected with the audience, singing to each of us, with Benny Goodman’s Stomping at the Savoy.
Bo called on Bob Winter to play a tune that describes him perfectly – The Piano Man. He loves to play the piano, and was with the Boston Pops for over 30 years.
Surprise! Elaine Wu walked in – she was at another program, but left early to be here! That’s dedication – We call her our “Dr. Jazz”. She took over, beginning with the verse on I’m Old Fashioned, backed by Ted Casher on tenor sax. She led the band – continuing with Blame It On My Youth, and Oscar & Hammerstein’s Nobody Else But Me, explaining that “That’s about an adolescent, who wants to be anybody else, until she falls in love”. The Band gave her a grand finale!
Elaine Wu leads the band
Nat was back with They Can’t Take That Away From Me, and Rodgers & Hart’s The Lady Is A Tramp.
Zoe Stewart
Next came the second Zoe – Zoe Stewart, from Milford MA who sang After You’ve Gone by Henry Creamer and Turner Layton. She already has her own special timing, took the band by surprise by modulating her voice. She will be going to college in the fall for Musical Theatre.
Jimmy Mazzy returned, singing Swing That Music and Stars Fell on Alabama.
Bo on smoky flugelhorn
Moving quickly along towards the finale,, Zoe Musman came back with Cole Porters’ Night and Day and Cheek to Cheek, Bo on smoky flugelhorn.
This evening flew by so fast! We could hardly believe it was already over!
Bo kept it moving pressing these amazing musicians, and just having fun being the leader.
He closed it with You’re a Lucky Guy. (please excuse my shaking – Marce)
Eli and The Hot Six are at Primavera Ristorante on the 3rd Thursday of every month (except December.) We hope you’ll join us next month on November 15thfor more fantastic Jazz!
Stan McDonald soprano sax, Phil Person trumpet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Jack Soref guitar, Stu Gunn double bass, Rich Malcolm drums
Stan McDonald
They started with a cheery Spreading Joy. It was going to be a great night!
Then Stan took off on soprano sax on Sidney Bechet’s Lotus Blossom; Bechet was his role model.
He led the band on All By Myself, and What Is This Thing Called Love – with Gerry using his hand for a mute. A fast and furious Everybody Loves My Baby began with the verse, then played with energy and syncopation. That closed the first set.
Birthday Time: The Band played Happy Birthday for both Stan and Ellen McDonald, whose birthdays were at the end of August, and also for fans Jerry Wadness (same as Ellen) and Bob Sickle whose birthday was today.
Gerry Gagnon took leadership at the second set, continuing with a fast In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree, with Stu Gunn playing melody on his double bass.
Gerry said they would play a “song of revenge”; and surprised us with Who’s Sorry Now?
This band is pushed by the fantastic rhythm trio. Jack Soref was featured on his favorite Gypsy Guitar with Whispering, with only Stu and Rich..
Jack Soref feature
Rich Malcolm
Rich Malcolm is a tasteful drummer, not overtaking the band, but always listening to the players, and adding a tap on drum or cymbal here and there for emphasis…and always keeping that indispensable beat.
My Blue Heaven with Rich getting some solo drumming.
Stu Gunn
Stu Gunn gets carried away, sashaying back and forth with the beat;
Sweet Sue
Phil Person
Phil Person takes the lead with wonderful open bell trumpet, trombone playing harmony on one of our favorites, Tin Roof Blues.
I’m Confessing That I Love You was dedicated to us, their faithful fans. The feeling is mutual!! Sunny Side of The Street continued with fine ensemble – pals sharing favorite tunes. Nat King Cole’s usually sweet Mona Lisa was a surprise, with a Louis Prima Shuffle – who knew?? Hot and Fabulous!
Playing off the cuff, there was a discussion on what to do next. Somebody wanted a Fats Waller tune; they decided on Fats Waller and Harry Link’s I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Fallin. Fabulous, freewheeling, supporting each other, listening to the others’ invented lines, then adding their own improvisations.
Continued upbeat – Girl of My Dreams, Gerry Gagnon sang with heart and soul, emotional power!. Another surprise!
He sent us home humming Sweet Coquette.
Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band will return on the first Thursday of next month, October 5th. Join us for more Sidney Bechet – and many more surprises!
Jack Soref guitar, Jim Guttman bass, Jameson Stewart guitar,
The last decade has seen a flowering of Django Reinhardt’s legacy, with bands and festivals popping up internationally. The Jack Soref Trio is an exciting gypsy jazz ensemble. Reaching both forward and back in time, it pays homage to the music of Django Reinhardt, while simultaneously enriching the tradition with its own compositions, arrangements and swinging improvisations.
Jack Soref
Jack is one of the pillars upon which Boston’s considerable gypsy jazz scene rests. A Wisconsinite, graduated from Berklee, started hanging with European itinerants, moved to France in order to live and play with them. (He still wears their weird pointed shoes.) He has performed with such gypsy jazz luminaries as Adrien Moignard, Gonzalo Bergara, violinist Tim Kliphius and the great German Sinto musician Titi Bamberger.
Jameson Stewart
Jameson Stewart is originally from California, but has been performing on the East Coast in many different musical styles, on many different instruments, for the last 8 years. When Jameson’s not on the road, he can be found playing Django style guitar with Jack on Tuesdays at The Burren in Somerville. Just about every other night of the week, he can be found playing Upright bass, bass guitar, Tenor Banjo, mandolin, or guitar, somewhere in New England.
Jim Guttman
Bassist Jim Guttmann has played everything from klezmer to classical — and most styles in between. He’s been with the Klezmer Conservatory Band (KCB) for 38 years. The KCB was almost single-handedly responsible for launching the modern klezmer music revival. Guttmann has remained with the group ever since, appearing on all ten of their recordings; touring Europe, Australia, and America; and performing and recording with Joel Grey and Itzhak Perlman.
The Band kicked off the first set with “Rosetta”-
Rosetta
They also played tunes by modern Django Style guitarists like “When I was a Boy” written by Spanish guitarist Biel Ballester, or “For Sephora” a composed by Sinti (the gypsy tribe Django comes from), virtuoso Stochelo Rosenberg
Each set included many of Jack Soref’s original compositions like the moody, “Rain on the Terrace” about the Memorial Union Terrace in Madison Wisconsin.
Swing numbers like “It Might be True”, and it’s sister tune “Some Things Are”
His high energy waltzes “Valse Jacek” “Valse Kilsyth” or the uptempo, minor key, romp “Stompin at Atwood’s”
Guitarist Jameson Stewart was featured playing the lead on the band’s arrangements of
“It Had to be You” by Jones, & Kahn and Django Reinhardt’s “Artillerie Lourde”
When he plays at the Primavera, Jack always likes to dedicate a tune associated with Sidney Bechet, to Stan and Ellen McDonald. Tonight, it was “Georgia Cabin”
The band also played some sweet, classic tunes like “Me, Myself, and I” by Gordon, Roberts, and Kaufman (on which Jack sang in front of an audience for the first time)
“I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling” by T. ‘Fats’ Waller and “Hummin’ to Myself” by Fain, Magidson, and Siegel.
Jack is here at Primavera on the 1st Thursday of every month with The Blue Horizon Jazz Band. Join us September 6th?
Bo Winiker trumpet, flugelhorn; Phil Person trumpet; Ted Casher clarinet, tenor and soprano sax, Bob Winter piano, Eli Newberger tuba, Bob Tamagni drums; plus Elaine Wu vocals, Carolyn Newberger washboard. (Missing: Herb Gardner and Jimmy Mazzy)
This is a group of superb musicians who meet here once a month under the guidance of leader Eli Newberger, because they enjoy playing together! There was no set theme, so each musician played what was in his heart, resulting in amiable ensemble improvisations and rousing counterpoint.
The Hot Six played Memories of You in a tribute to Aretha Franklin, that phenomenal vocalist who died the day before. Eli was eager to inform us that she played tuba in a band, way back when she was in High School! It was a fine tribute, ending in a tuba fanfare
Eli Newberger tribute to Aretha Franklin
.
Belinda Barhbone
Elaine Wu joined the band with a Leonard Bernstein song from On The Town, We’ll Catch Up Some Other Time.
She introduced Belinda Rathbone who sang No Moon At All and Just In Time; Bob Tamagni playing the melody on drums.
Bob Tamagni
Bob makes a lot of music with a very simple drum set – snare drum, small bass drum, cymbal. He doesn’t need anything more – he can do anything with it!
Elaine Wu sang a riveting Route 66, special request from “Regulars” Despine and Bill Gray. Eli took the intro, with Ted Casher on tenor sax.
Phil Person
Not usually a Jazz tune – the Band played Gone With The Wind, straight from the heart, with inspired solos. Phil was amazing on muted trumpet.
Carolyn Newberger, washboard wizard
The evening was full of surprises. Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom Time was played in the Perez Prado style, with Carolyn Newberger joining them on washboard. It was a riot!
Bo Winiker
Bo Winiker sang a Billie Holiday tune, Getting Some Fun Out of Life, which they certainly do! He also sang a song about Bob Winter – That Piano Man, with fabulous duet by Bo and Phil on trumpet
Bo Winiker and Phil Person freewheeling
With no trombone or banjo, the two trumpets had unrestrained freewheeling on many tunes including In The Good Old Summertime and At The Jazz Band Ball. They were wild!
Dr. Melvin Gluskin
Another surprise guest – Bob Winter’s dentist, Dr. Melvin Gluskin, came up and played fine harmonica on Moon River slipping in a bit of Over The Rainbow.
Ted Casher
Ted Casher was featured on smokey tenor sax – with I’ve Got Rhythm. Beloved by all his students, the man has rhythm, and fluid command of the jazz language.
There was a full house, including Elaine Wu’s sisters who were vising from California. Elaine dedicated her last set to her first grandchild, a beautiful baby girl, Shandra, singing from The Bells’s of St. Mary’s, Aren’t You Glad You’re You, Carol Hall’s Jenny Rebecca, and Love – and celebrating the everlasting love a Grandma has for her Grandchild. Welcome to the world, Shandra!
Elaine Wu sings to new granddaughter
At The Jazz Band Ball was a barn-burner! Followed by an upbeat Just You, Just Me.
They closed with Strike Up The Band,
When these musicians get together it’s magic!
We vowed to be back here next month on September 20th for more of Eli and The Hot Six!
