Video excerpts from the First Friday dance held April 4, 2014 at SAC Park in Shrewsbury, MA. Dan Gabel and the Abletones with vocalist Elise Roth.
by C. S. Imming.
“First Friday Swing” – Dancing to Dan Gabel and the Abletones, authentic 18-piece Big Band, SAC Park, 438 Lake St., Shrewsbury MA. Plenty of free parking. Conveniently located between route 9 and route 20. 7:00 dance lesson, 8:00-10:30pm listen and dance to New England’s favorite big band attraction!
$15 per person/$10 students. Singles and couples welcome
Large wooden dance floor, full cash bar, table seating, handicap accessible.
More info: www.theabletones.com Or from Dan Gabel: 774-280-1502
See you at the Imperial Ballroom in Mendon on April 25, and back at SAC again on May 2, 2014.
Dan Gabel and the Abletones Big Band with Elise Roth vocals
The Abletones Big Band debut at The Imperial Ballroom in Mendon MA (formerly Myriad, formerly Nipmuc) was a complete success. The floor was filled with jubilant ballroom dancers, many were Abletones’ fans from SAC in Shrewsbury. There was a wide demographic of ages enjoying the return of a real Big Band at Dinner and Dancing at the Imperial Ballroom.
The Big Band played a variety of dances, swing, foxtrot, rhumba, cha cha. The evening began with a cocktail hour at 6pm; people arrived for a 4-course dinner between 7 and 8pm. $39.95 for dinner and dance, $10 for dancing-only at 8pm.
A smaller combo of the Abeltones played for the diners. What Is This Thing Called Love, Avalon, Let’s Do It.
Ross Petot piano, Bill Doyle guitar, Walther Grieneder bass, Jim Gancarz drums (hidden), Dan Gabel trombone
8pm Dan Gabel and the Abletones Big Band appeared in full force with Whispering, Woodchopper’s Ball, String of Pearls, Dan’s Abletones Jive, he wrote to introduce members of the band:
Ross Petot – piano Greg Blair – baritone sax
Bill Doyle – rhythm guitar/banjo Doug Yancey – tenor sax
Walther Grieneder – Bass Richard Garcia – tenor Sax
Jim Gancarz – drums Josh Plotner – alto sax
Mike Piepman – lead trumpet Tyler Birchfield – alto sax
Adam Mejaour – trumpet Craig Robbins – trombone
Dan Fleury -trumpet Joe Burke – trombone
Kai Sandoval – trumpet Leslie Havens – bass trombone
Elise Roth – vocal Dan Gabel leader – trombone
Bei Mir Bis Du Schoen was one of the many really hot numbers; Moon River – a waltz, Vocalist Elise Roth connects with the mood of a song and gives it her own sound – Nat King Cole’s 1942 hit, L-O-V-E. Lead trumpeter Mike Peipman was featured in Hot-Cha Cha Cha . Stan Kenton and Boots Mussulli established bebop in the Milford area. In their memory, the band played a lovely earlier version of Kenton’s Lullaby of Broadway.
The dance floor was in front of the band, and continuously filled with fancy ballroom dancers, (except for the very fast tunes like Strutting With Some Barbecue).
Dan and Elise sang duet on How About You from a Judy Garland-Mickey Rooney movie. From Sunrise Serenade, a Glenn Miller tune, I Know Why And So Do You. In honor of all servicemen, past and present, and also the two firefighters who died last week in the Back Bay fire – they played a powerfully intense American Patrol.
Glen Miller’s In The Mood topped the charts in 1939 in the U.S. and one year later was featured in the movie Sun Valley Serenade. Dan and Elise combined for The Trolley Song that was sung by Vaughn Monroe and Marilyn Duke in 1944. Dan is a font of information on music from the 20-50’s. He just completed his Masters with a biography of Vaughn Monroe, who wrote the lyrics to their next tune, My Devotion.
Elise Roth and saxophones
Elise sang Tonight, reminiscent of West Side Story. Bennie Moten was a pianist/bandleader who was at the center of the Kansas City jazz scene of the 1920s and 30s. Dan Gable and the Abletones are introducing new generations to the fabulous swing music like Moten Swing.
The ‘boss’, Kevin Meehan, requested a Sinatra tune, so they added Witchcraft, sung by Dan Gabel. We had the good fortune of sharing another waltz, Dreamy Old New England Moon; with George the dance instructor at SAC. He provides dance lessons for many big bands in this area.
Blue Tango, Yes Indeed, Almost Like Being in Love, Mack the Knife, Moonlight Serenade. Marvelous! They closed with the Benny Goodman/Gene Krupa classic at New York’s Carnegie Hall, Sing Sing Sing. It was an extraordinary evening, and we hope to see more of Dan Gabel and the Abletones Big Band at the Imperial Ballroom.
You may dance to the Abletones on the first Friday of every month at SAC, The Scandinavian Athletic Club, 438 Lake St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, (508) 757-3948. George starts dance lessons at 7:15pm, the band starts at 8pm. Next one is April 5th – hope you can make it!
Jeff Hughes trumpet, Elmer Drotos clarinet/tenor sax, Dan Weiner guitar, Ross Petot piano, Pete Tillotson string bass, Dave Didriksen drums, Debby Larkin vocals.
Every once in a while we are privileged to be at a Jazz Experience that is priceless. You never know when it will happen, you just have to be lucky. This was one of those evenings. (Jeff Hughes is responsible for many of them, bringing in special guests!) Tonight, it was a pleasure to hear for the first time, reed-man Elmer Drotos, even though he’s been around for many years:
“Saxophonist Elmer Drotos is one of the most virtuosic instrumentalists in the business. He has performed with bandleaders Lawrence Welk and Tex Beneke and toured with Artie Shaw, who called him “one of the best saxophone players I’ve ever heard.”
Jeff kicked this evening off with Benny Carter’s When Lights Are Low, and You and The Night And The Music, with Drotos on clarinet, I Thought About You on tenor sax. You could feel the whole band being lifted up by his intensity.
Debby Larkin, embodiment of Swing!
Even Debby Larkin was affected, flashing a gleaming smile, with a delightful I’ll Always Be In Love With You, and YouTurned The Tables on Me backed by a tenor sax sounding like Ben Webster.
Richard Rodgers’ Have You Met Miss Jones was fierce, Pete Tillotson’s string bass trading 4s with Dave Didriksen’s drums. The two are always in sync, and push the band. Ross Petot keeps it all together, listening carefully to what each instrument is doing, nudging, filling in any blanks.
Jeff Hughes with 1941 hand-made Elden Benge trumpet
Jeff’s trumpet reached a wide range of resonance and tone on Shine; it was WILD!
John and Gisele
Gershwin’s The Man I Love, with Dan Weiner’s sweet sound on custom D’Aquisto arch-top guitar had John and Gisele dancing. They’ve been married over 60 years and still love dancing here at the Sherborn Inn.
Debby was back with an enchanting Dream a Little Dream of Me. She continued with a tune made famous by Billie Holiday, Yours and Mine.
Drotos was featured in a tune reminiscent of Radio and The Cavalcade of Bands, written by Gordon Jenkins, Goodbye. It is a sad tune. Jenkins actually wrote this when he lost his wife and child in childbirth. Published in 1935, it became well known as the closing theme song of the Benny Goodman orchestra. With Drotos on clarinet backed by the rhythm boys, it was mesmerizing! (Thank you for the history lesson, Dan Gabel.)
Debby returned with a swinging What a Little Moonlight Can Do, Love For Sale. Delighting in the melody and words, she swings without a letup!
There were several musicians in the crowd. Vocalist Lisa Yves stepped up with a rousing rendition of I’m Beginning To See The Light. Lisa’s JAZZ FOR KIDS is the result of her dedication to making music exciting, innovative and fun for her young students. www.lisayves.com.
Vocalist Freddy Shaw has been here previously with the Riverside Stompers. He doesn’t need a partner – sings both the male and female voices with Somebody Stole My Gal. He’s a hoot!
Our own Henny Youngman, ie, Myron Idelson, has been here many times. He never repeats a joke, and they can be told in mixed company. This evening he roasted the band, even got a laugh out of Ross Petot! (That’s not easy!) Debby returned with a song dedicated to Bob Sickles, in memory of our late Rockette, Lynn Sickles. All of Me was Lynn’s favorite song, and all the bands here played it for her. She’s here in spirit!
It was a fascinating evening. Fortunately for us, Elmer Drotos is now playing in Greater Boston and Cape Cod. This was his first time at the Sherborn Inn, and he said he really enjoyed playing here with Jeff Hughes, and was looking forward to returning.
Time was running out. Jeff called in Dan Gabel and his Glenn Miller trombone for an upbeat Undecided. With a full stage of fabulous musicians, Jeff sent us home with our fervent wish: We’ll Be Together Again. I sure hope so! We might get lucky again – you never know.
Seacoast Stompers on the new Acton Jazz Cafe stage
Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball clarinet, Scott Philbrick banjo/guitar/cornet, Lee Prager trombone, Frank Stadler leader/piano, Al Bernard tuba, Bobby Reardon drums.
The decor of the café has totally changed, it feels more like a nightclub now, with a full raised stage at the back of the room. Definitely an improvement; same fine food and gracious personnel. Alternating spotlights from blue to red to white give it nice atmosphere, but raise cane with the videos. On this First Saturday of the month, The Seacoast Stompers began as always with their Flagship tune, At The Jazz Band Ball, a 1917 jazz classic done by the ODJB, and one of the earliest and most recorded jazz compositions. Scott was strumming on banjo because Jimmy Mazzy was home looking after Carrie.
Earl Hines’ Monday Date, Scott was on acoustic guitar; Whitney trumpet, Craig soaring clarinet, Lee swinging trombone, Frank piano, Bob drums, Albie’s tuba pushing the whole ensemble. Fabulous!
Frank Stadler doesn’t like to repeat tunes. They haven’t done Moonglow for a while, nice slow dance tune. Charlie was up immediately – he dances with all the ladies. He found an open corner near the bar. Back o’ Town Blues is a nice slow Blues, one of Whitney’s favorite vocals. The musicians followed him, playing passionate solos, with Lee growling on trombone.
After You’ve Gone, trumpet intro with tuba back up, was really great Dixieland; Whitney squeezed in a bit of Little Girl. Frank played beautiful melody on piano, backed by Albie’s chords and Bob’s time keeping.
Scott returned to his cornet, now we had two horns, no waiting; Take Your Tomorrows and Give Me Today. Bix did this with Frank Trumbauer in 1928. They started with fantastic brass, and finished it the same way; it sure was great to have Dave Whitney back. Love is Just Around the Corner, Whitney vocal, the band played full force, stopping on a dime!
There’s always a discussion on the next tune, who will do what? Here was a “good ol’ good one” done by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band also in 1917 – Fidgety Feet had the audiences’ feet tapping. You can’t sit still listening to this Jazz. Albie took a melodic solo on tuba, Scott back on cornet, Bobby wouldn’t let it quit, taking multiple drum endings, nailing the end with a final cymbal crash.
Bob Reardon supports the band with his fine drumming.
Nobody wanted to quit. Louis did Wild Man Blues with his Hot Seven – we had hot banjo, and tuba too.
Bob Crosby’ Bob Cats recorded Irving Fazola’s I’m Coming Virginia.
Fats Waller’s Baby Brown had Dave Whitney on trumpet and vocal, and Scotty on cornet. They have a friendly, compatible competition going.
Song of the Wanderer was a really HOT ONE with Scott on banjo, then he was back on guitar for Someday Sweetheart.
Dave Whitney and Scott Philbrick have a friendly go-round on Mandy, Make Up Your Mind
A request (inevitably) started with a very truncated Saints, and quickly moved to Who’s Sorry Now, finishing with Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of my Jelly Roll.
As usual there was a full house enjoying the fine Dixieland and Swing of the Seacoast Stompers. You can hear them at the Acton Jazz Café on the first Saturday of every month, in the afternoon – easier driving for most of us.
To get the best seat, please make a reservation; email gwenn@actonjazzcafe.com with the subject line reading either RESERVATION or CONTACT, or call them at (978) 263-6161 after 5 pm. http://www.actonjazzcafe.com/ Use 5 Nagog Park Mall on GPS to get directions.
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Seacoast Stompers tunes played on March 1, 2014
Set 1
1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 My Monday Date
3 Moonglow
4 Back o’ Town Blues
5 After You’ve Gone
6 Take Your Tomorrow
7 Love Is Just Around The Corner
8 Louisiana Fairy Tale
9 Fidgety Feet
Set 2
1 Avalon
2 Wild Man Blues
3 Can’t We Be Friends
4 I’m Coming Virginia (W/Verse)
5 Baby Brown
6 Wabash Blues
7 Song of the Wanderer
Set 3
1 Preacher, The
2 Mandy Make Up Your Mind
3 Someday Sweetheart
4 Who’s Sorry Now
5 Jelly Roll (Ain’t Gonna Give You None)
Eli’s All Starswith Bob Winter,the pianist with the Boston Pops; giant of the Boston jazz scene, Bo Winnikertrumpet, Herb Gardnertrombone, Ted Casher clarinet/tenor sax, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger leader/tuba, Jeff Guthery drums and Rebecca Sullivan vocals. Over the past year the band has incrementally morphed from a trio to an octet and sounds more dynamic with each new appearance at the Sherborn Inn. (stay tuned – for more photos and videos)
The original Traditional Jazz bands of Joe “King” Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and W.C. Handy included banjo and tuba in their rhythm sections. Eli Newberger follows their style of Traditional Jazz, playing tuba while leading a band of outstanding musicians.
The music room at the Sherborn Inn was filled with a crowd from Greater Boston, who appreciate Traditional Jazz and Swing. There were many musicians in the audience; even Bill Winiker was here to back his brother Bo.
The All-Stars kicked it off with Ted Casher’s 16-bar clarinet improvisation on Lady Be Good. Winter led vocalist Rebecca Sullivan with a piano intro on I’m In The Mood For Love. Rebecca did many fine vocals, manipulating the phrasing and tempo. On ‘Deed I do, Rebecca performed wonderful scatting conversations with clarinet, trumpet and trombone. My One And Only Love, sung with soul, was performed as a duet with the piano. Lovely.
Ted Back’s Rebecca with soft tenor sax
Ted was featured with Klezmer clarinet intro, singing in growling voice on multiple verses of Bei Mir Bis du Schoen, a tune thatcaught people by surprise. He settled into the Ted we know while singing the chorus. Jeff kept time tapping the rims of his simple Traditional Jazz drum set where he has recently removed the hi-hat, excess cymbals, and tom toms to achieve a more authentic Trad Jazz sound. Excellent.
Eli turned the page to Ellington, with Bob Winter featured on Sophisticated Lady. Bob plays from the heart; constructing deeply moving music. He has extensive performing experience in clubs, television, radio, and theaters, including performances with Henry Mancini, Teddy Wilson, Buddy DeFranco, Mel Torme, Luciano Pavarotti, Eddie Daniels, Stan Getz, Cleo Laine/John Dankworth, and Airto Moreira.
Rebecca returned with Jazzy scatting on S’posing – including a great section of tuba trading 4s with drums, followed by one of Jimmy’s meticulous banjo solos. The More I See You had Rebecca start with melody backed by Ted’s soft tenor. Ted Casher (our own Coleman Hawkins), plays sweet tenor sax. They moved upbeat, with Rebecca singing and scatting along with Winter’s piano.
Chinatown featured Jimmy on banjo and vocal, with Ted on soprano sax solidly amplifying the front line. Jeff let loose on drums, turning it into a swinging tune; Eli had everyone clapping the beat. Delightful performance!
When the band took a break. Herb Gardner sat at the piano and delighted the audience with his skill on the keys while Bob Winter looked on with a gleaming smile. Resilient spirit, Herb was supposed to be in New Jersey the night before, playing for the New Jersey Jazz Society. Our sympathy goes out to them – their concert had to be cancelled because of heavy snow – as were airplane flights, so WE were fortunate to have Herb Gardner here! Sorry, NJJS.
Herb Gardner during the break
Herb played and sang his own version of “The Ground Hog Song”. “I want to hibernate with you until it’s Ground Hog Day”. That’s all we’ll say about that. A solid entertainer, he is a fine piano player and vocalist, as well as famous for his trombone work, and his daughter, vocalist Abbie Gardner.
Bob and Eli on baby grand
The emotional register switched to sunny and warm with Ted featured on a special rendition of Night Train with gut-wrenching tenor sax playing. Fabulous! Jimmy took this vocal scatting, while Bo Winiker played smokey flugel horn. Eli joined Bob for that last, eight-to-the-bar, rocketing chorus of “Night Train.” It doesn’t get any better than this!
Rebecca returned with a swinging, rousing vocal Them There Eyes, with Eli in background. Eli plays tuba behind everyone – but it’s so smooth, you don’t even realize he’s there – the music is subtly enhanced, intensified.
Something new – they played Brubeck’s Take Five; first time they’ve ever played it, and it was the first time Eli played a jazz tune with a 5/4 time signature.
Jeff Guthery on authentic Traditional Jazz Drum
Jeff handled it brilliantly. He was an international businessman – now he’s finally following his dream as a student at Berklee, and playing drums regularly with the All-Stars.
Eli gave Jimmy a choice of songs – that’s always dangerous, as he has a repertoire that goes back to the late 1890′s. He only revisited the early 1930’s for this one – I’ll Never Be The Same; a performance of just Jimmy backed by soft tuba.
Pianist Teddy Wilson used this tune to bring vocalist Billie Holiday and tenor saxophonist Lester Young together at a 1937 session. They would have loved Jimmy and Ely’s version!
Friends and compadres, Jimmy Mazzy and Eli Newberger
What a Difference a Day Makes, Rebecca returned for another nice ballad. She got things moving with up-tempo scatting on Oh, Oh, Oh, What a Little Moonlight Can D, with clarinet, trumpet and trombone bouncing off each other. Bo’s left leg kept jumping up and down with the beat – it was such a barn burner!
Closing time approached, and they closed this marvelous evening with another Dixieland War Horse, South Rampart St. Parade. They did justice to its infinite references to many songs, with Jeff going wild on drums!
Usually it ends in a trumpet flourish, but veteran Herb Gardner took it on trombone, leaving all of us asking for more, more!
There will be more. This was an evening filled with great Jazz played by the best. For those of you who missed it, there will be many more.
Eli’s All-Stars will begin a regular gig the 1st Thursday of every month 7-9:30pm with this same group at the Sherborn Inn. Come join us for some outstanding Traditional Jazz and Swing!
Videos by Kathy Wittman, BallSquare films, sound by Frank Cunningham
Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Café, on a bitter cold January 4th 2014, with Scott Philbrick cornet, Craig Ball clarinet, Lee Prager trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Al Bernard souzaphone, Bobby Reardon drums, Frank Stadler leader/piano. Videos by Harold McAleer.
In spite of the bitterly cold weather, The Acton Jazz Café had few empty seats when The Seacoast Stompers began another year of 1st Saturdays of the month. Many of us were suffering from Trad Jazz withdrawal over the holidays, with the musicians busy playing at private gigs.
Leader Frank Stadler was back with a long list of tunes, offering two at a time, and letting the musicians choose. They are almost all Band Leaders and have minds of their own; sometimes they picked one, sometimes picked totally different tunes. There is much discussion, but it’s all in great fun. Frank is to be commended for patiently managing the divergent personalities that are the Seacoast Stompers.
They started hot and heavy with the Bix version of their theme song, At The Jazz Band Ball, hot solos!
Frank took the intro with bass notes on I Would Do Most Anything For You. Bobby went wild on drums!
Frank Stadler, piano – leader
Take Your Tomorrows and Give Me Today, Swing That Music. Nice tuba solo. The rhythm boys set the dynamic background that gets toes tapping.
Jimmy Mazzy, Al Bernard, Bobby Reardon
Jimmy has his own unique style of playing banjo, and singing. We especially liked his ballad, Sugar, with ecstatic interchange between Philbrick and Prager. They challenge each other. Rose Room got dancers up, with Scott sneaking in Always Chasing Rainbows on cornet.
We all helped celebrate Jack Phelan’s 90th birthday, who was here with his family. Jack is the pianist for the New Liberty Jazz Band and formerly led the Scollay Square Stompers.
Jimmy Mazzy and Jack Phelan
Jack says “The Seacoast Stompers are a great group, and anytime Jimmy Mazzy is with a group it’s even better!”
He said “Frank Stadler is a top notch piano player, with a steady rhythm and steady beat.” “The front line, Craig, Scotty and Lee, are just great! They sound like they rehearsed for weeks, but we know they were improvising, making it up.”
Frank Stadler filled in for Jack with the New Liberty Jazz Band on their 1941 Fire Truck last November 23rd at the Methuen Parade, when it was again cold weather. Jack recommended him.
Jack Phelan has been around Jazz and Jazz Joints for a long time. He was sitting up front and center, where he could hear them discussing what they were going to play next. He said to Scotty, “Since they moved the spittoon from the corner of the saloon, you just can’t spit anymore!” That broke them up!
The band wanted to play the Birthday song for him, instead he requested Ain’t She Sweet and they were happy to oblige.
Frank asked for Fidgety Feet. All agreed, no discussion!
We especially like Jimmy’s ballads, I’ve Got The World on a String.
Bill Flynn and the Missus from New Hampshire found themselves a corner for dancing. He’s a retired Raytheon engineer who writes books for sale on Kindle as a hobby.
Lee Prager
Trombone intro I’ll Take Manhattan, Lee bends over backwards to get those perfect notes. Sweet tune, followed by something peppy – Sunday.
St. Louis Blues is one of the oldest tunes known to the cognoscenti. Tuba intro, imaginative ensemble. They listen to each other and to the music, play mesmerizing blues.
Fantastic ensemble by the front line, Craig Ball, Scott Philbrick, and Lee Prager
Bobby Reardon has two sets of drums with him, he has another job in Stoneham when he leaves the Acton Jazz Cafe. The musicians really appreciate his tasteful, shrewd, drumming.
Bobby Reardon
They closed this set with a romp roaring Sweet Georgia Brown.
Harold McAleer with his video camera.
We are all grateful that Harold McAleer is back. He is dedicated to recording this music for posterity, and spends hours videotaping and editing many videos, especially of the Seacoast Stompers. You can find hundreds of them on You Tube.
There was much more great jazz in store. (see below). We’ll be back with the usual Trad Jazz Crowd, thirsting for this kind of music, on February 1st. We hope to see Jack Phelan back too!!
Seacoast Stompers January 4, 2014 Tunes:
Set 1
1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 Sugar
3 I Would Do Anything For You
4 Take Your Tomorrow
5 Swing That Music
6 Rose Room
7 Fidgety Feet
8 I’ve Got the World on a String
9 Sunday
10 St Louis Blues
11 Sweet Georgia Brown
Set 2
1 It Don’t Mean a Thing If it Ain’t Got That Swing
2 Tin Roof Blues
3 Ain’t She Sweet
4 Curse of an Aching Heart
5 New Orleans
6 Undecided
Set 3
1 Jelly Roll (Ain’t Gonna Give You None)
2 Since My Best Gal Turned Me Down
3 If I had You
4 Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
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!
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.
Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball tenor sax/clarinet, Ken Steiner string bass, Ross Petot piano, Dave Bragdon drums.
White Heat Quintet is a solid Swing Band with memorable Benny Goodman tunes, some Bix, Gershwin, a tribute to Louis Armstrong, and tonight, even some Rudy Vallee.
Craig Ball on tenor sax
Craig started the evening on gut-wrenching tenor sax on Linger a While, presenting a sample of what was forthcoming this evening.
Whitney did his tribute to Louis Armstrong with multi-layered trumpet playing on Gypsy, with a vocal backed by Ross’s fine piano, Craig said, “No wonder he’s called Dean of Swing Trumpet”!
Get Happy was a blistering tune. Bragdon let loose on drums and they wrapped it up with WILD trumpet and clarinet challenging each other, setting sparks flying.
Ross was featured on piano with Gone With The Wind, resurrecting James P. Johnson; Dave’s soft, rolling brushes on snare drum backed Ken’s string bass solo.
Ken Steiner slapping that bass!
Found a New Baby, Whitney led on trumpet, Craig comping on clarinet. We can’t get enough of Ken Steiner’s fantastic slap bass, strings bouncing off the finger board!
San, began with the verse, Whitney’s trumpet sounding like Bix Beiderbecke when he was with Paul Whitman; fun Turkey Trot. Craig’s Benny Goodman clarinet on Begin The Beguine brought back fond memories.
I Would do Most Anything For, Whitney on vocal, drum and string bass were right behind him, Craig playing fast run on clarinet. It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing – Barnburner! They followed with something sweet and slow, Deep Night, written by Rudy Vallee for Vagabond Lover. This was a first for us.
Ross is actually smiling!
Then it was Gershwin time – Ross playing ragtime, Nice Work If You Can Get It, segueinginto a fine Swing number. If you’re looking for SWING, this is the place!
For the last half hour, Craig called for a Swing Jam, inviting musicians to join them. First man up was Marty Lieberman on clarinet with Bye Bye Blackbird. (Marty is responsible for starting Sam’s Jam about 30 years ago.) Peter Gerler joined them on guitar for I Never Knew.
Laurie Young
Vocalist Lorrie Young likes Billie Holiday, stepped up with Can’t Help Loving That Man of Mine. She’ll be back here in a few weeks. Her ‘alter ego’ Stacie Brandon joined her for How High The Moon. (We hope the names are correct.)
Jeff Hughes just listening in the audience finally stepped up with his mellow, melodic flugel horn; I Let a Song Get Out of My Heart, with warm interplay with Whitney’s trumpet. When these two get together, it’s pure magic!
The White Heat Swing Quintet finished with Wholly Cats, that the Benny Goodman Sextet did in 1940 in NYC with Charlie Christian, Cootie Williams, George Auld, Artie Bernstein and Harry Jaeger.
Trumpet and flugel horn duet trading fours in vibrato, fiery clarinet, Ross offering just the right chords on piano, Peter Gerler’s supple fingers on guitar, Bragdon’s driving drums, Steiner slapping that bass – closed a formidable evening of Sensational Swing!
A Group of ‘swingers’ passing by from the dining room stopped dead in their tracks, surprised to find such great Swing here at the Sherborn Inn. They loved it! Let’s hope they return and bring friends.
Jazz Tuber Sextet at the Sherborn Inn, October 1, 2013
Ted Casher clarinet, tenor and soprano sax, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger piano/tuba, Rebecca Sullivan vocals, Andrew Schiller string bass, Jeff Guthery drums, Carolyn Newberger washboard
Jimmy Mazzy and Andrew Schiller
The Jazz Tuber Trio returned to the Sherborn Inn with three new members. Rebecca and Jeff have been with us before, but this was bassist Andrew Schiller’s initiation to the Inn.
The Tuber Trio kicked it off with a rousing HOT Dr. Jazz.
Jazz Tuber Trio
Then Eli moved to piano for Bessie Smith’s Put It Right Here, backing Jimmy’s vocal.
Eli loves to play both tuba and piano. His absolute rapture in making music is obvious, and he shares that joy with his audience.
Eli Newberger
Rebecca is a grad student at the New England Conservatory in jazz voice and contemporary improvisation, Andrew is also at NEC, Jeff is at Berklee College of Music. Eli let them loose with a sauntering swing on Perdido, with Rebecca’s refreshing vocal, and Andrew’s relentless pulse on string bass.
Rebecca Sullivan
Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Eli on piano backing Rebecca. She has a unique approach to the music, slowly nurturing, passionately stretching it out, reaching deep into the soul of the song. Summertime – Marvelous!
Ted Casher
Back Home Again in Indiana, Andrew on bass, Eli was back on tuba, trading 4s with Jimmy’s scatting. Ted’s soprano sax backed Rebecca on It Had To Be You. On Satin Doll he moved to tenor sax enlivening Jimmy’s singing and scatting. His moaning tenor backed Rebecca’s sentiment on Our Love is Here To Stay.
Jeff Guthery
The Tuber Trio with Andrew and Jeff went wild on Birth of the Blues. Never gets dull! Tenor sax took a whirling intro into I Got Rythm, with Eli on piano, Andrew bass, Rebecca vocal, featuring Jeff Guthery’s dynamic drumming.
And always in the wings, Carolyn Newberger came up front for her special Coney Island Washboard Roundolay – with the washboard that has been resurrected from the attic after 50 years. Retirement has its rewards! Jeff summed it up with one word: “Smokin!”
Carolyn now has more time to devote to her artwork, recently back from her showing, In The Moment, at the Harriet Tubman Gallery in Boston. http://www.carolynnewberger.com/
The evening closed with Mean To Me, with Eli back on piano, Jimmy banjo, Ted on soprano sax, Andrew string bass, Jeff swirling brushes on snare drum.
The Jazz Tuber Trio will return November 12th with more surprises. See you there?
