New Black Eagle Jazz Band at Ken’s Steak House April 17, 2016

Posted on April 19, 2016 by admin

New Black Eagle Jazz Band

Tony Pringle cornet, Stan Vincent trombone, Billy Novick clarinet/alto sax, Herb Gardner piano, Peter Bullis banjo, Pete Tillotson string bass, Bill Reynolds drums

The NBEJB is in its 44^th year, but they’re still called ‘New’, and still playing to a full house as they did at the Sticky Wicket in 1971. Original members still with the band are Tony Pringle, Stan Vincent, and Peter Bullis. They kicked it off in tight ensemble with Sweet Fields.

Tony Pringle

Leader Tony Pringle sang Willie The Lion Smith’s The Old Stomping Grounds. (Tony’s old stomping grounds were in Liverpool.) The band hasn’t played a Duke Ellington tune in a long time; they amended that with Black and Tan Fantasy, Tony on muted cornet. Bill ended it with his famous drum roll.

Billy Novick has had considerable influence on the band for over 30 years. He was featured on exhilarating alto sax on If Dreams Come True, trading 4’s with Reynolds’ drum.

Billy Novick Alto Sax with Rhythm Section

Bill Reynolds

Original drummer Pam Pameijer relishes retirement in Florida with wife Huguet. He sometimes returns for special occasions. Meantime, Bill Reynolds enjoys maintaining the Traditional Jazz Beat on snare drum, body weaving with the rhythm. He often taps on choke cymbal, as when the band let loose on Georgia Camp Meeting, Herb’s piano playing riffs.

Herb Gardner

The band plays so tight that they leave no ‘holes’ for the pianist – it’s a real challenge. Bob Pilsbury retired after 43 years, then Herb Gardner joined the band.
He says he gets a real “High” playing with them. He cleverly weaved in fine stride piano on Hear Me Talking To You, and played elegant solo on Jabbo Smith’s Sweet And Low Blues, with Peter strumming banjo.

Peter with mouth open, wearing red sox, strumming banjo

Peter Bullis

Manager Peter Bullis keeps the flame of Traditional Jazz alive strumming, as in Bouncing Around, with Billy Novick interweaving clarinet on Stan’s trombone solo. Pete is still wearing his red sox especially woven for him by a fan.

Stan was featured on Shine, remembering Preservation Hall trombonist, Jim Robinson. Robinson played Short Dress Gal as a spiritual – this band played it with spontaneity. They kept a spiritual for the last set, In The Sweet Bye and Bye, from the Raymond Navarro movie, using chords changed by Billie & DeDe Pierce.

Stan Vincent plays Shine with the rhythm section

Pete Tillotson

The band has had several string bass players over the years. Pete plays regularly with Swing Times Five. This was his debut with this band, his chords steering the band and keeping it in time. He also is adept at bowing the bass.

Groupie Ron L’Herault has been following the band since its inception and is still selling their CDs. They have some copies of their 40^th anniversary CDs with their former members playing Traditional Jazz from 1971 to 2011.

They closed with a breathtaking Love Song of the Nile, in tight ensemble, with Billy Novick adding body language, shoulders swaying with his saxophone. It finished with another of Reynolds’ notorious drum rolls.

The New Black Eagle Jazz Band is determined to keep this uniquely American Art Form alive. They recently returned from playing in Vermont, and have an active schedule planned for this year. Watch for them!

Eli and The Hot Six at Primavera Ristorante, March 10, 2016

Posted on April 14, 2016 by admin

by Marce

Bo Winiker trumpet/flugelhorn, Ted Casher clarinet/tenor and soprano sax, Kenny Wenzel trombone, Bob Winter keyboard, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger tuba, Elaine Woo vocals

The Hot Six were full of surprises last month! Substitutes tend to make changes in the sound of a band; even one sub makes a difference. But we had two subs and a delightful addition this evening! Bob Tamagni was on drums for Jeff Guthery. Herb Gardner was out with a broken hip so trombonist Kenny Wenzel filled in.

The delightful addition was vocalist, Elaine Woo (another Doctor) who immediately captured us, picking just the right tempo and interacting with the audience.

The band started with a Bossa Nova on Muskrat Ramble, setting the mood for an evening of delectable, hot music.Their livewire ensembles were spontaneous and creative!

vocalist in bright red sleeveless blouse

Elaine Woo

Eli introduced Elaine Woo, who is a Primary Care Physician in Geriatrics.She was a joy! She seemed delighted to be here and her pleasure came through, captivating us with fine vocal on Who Could Ask For Anything More, Embraceable You; with Ted on tenor sax and Bo on flugel horn. This was a killer! Elaine couldn’t stand still, and was dancing and quietly humming along behind the soloists.

Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me featured Bo playing warm melodic lines on muted trumpet, Bob Winter playing rich tones on keyboard, with soft drumming by Tamagni. Winter suddenly jumped the beat, setting the band into breakneck tempo!

Jimmy sings C’est çi Bon

They slowed the pace Jimmy singing a beautiful ballad made famous by Eartha Kitt, C’est çi Bon.

Elaine returned with Just in Time, picking up just the right tempo. She was softly humming behind soloists, and ended it with expert scat singing. She continued with Cole Porter’s It’s All Right With Me, with Tamagni softly slapping a tambourine in the background.

Bob’s drum set is very sparse; bass, snare, small tom and one cymbal. But his drumming and expressions are priceless! He says drums are just as musical as any other instrument, and demonstrated by playing melody on drums on San.

Tamagni hitting one drum stick with another held on drum

Kenny on trombone and Bo on trumpet played an amazing duet on Limehouse Blues.

Jeannine James birthday surprise.

The tune was cut short so they could play Happy Birthday for Jeannine James, who was celebrating here with her daughter. and some friends.

Jeannine is one of the ‘regulars’, here every Thursday at Primavera.

Ted Casher has to be the busiest musician in New England – he’s playing almost every night! He was at his best tonight playing a breathtaking solo on Stardust, with Kenny Wenzel on trombone.
Stardust

Kenny Wenzel is at Martini’s in Plymouth every Tuesday.

Bob Winter loves to play piano.

For the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day, Bob Winter played Little Town in the Old County Down.

Bob loves to play piano (or in this instance, keyboard) and takes absolute rapture in making music. He followed with When Irish Eyes Are Smiling with everyone joining in singing.

Medium-fast, Get Happy, his keyboard was backed by tambourine; smooth flugelhorn, with Tamagni taking a romping drum solo. Eli closed it with a curt tuba phrase: “Shave and a haircut, two bits.”

Bo was on smokey flugelhorn again on Errol Garner’s Misty, with trombone and tenor sax playing harmony, followed by Jimmy’s inimitable vocal. We never get tired of listening to Jimmy sing ballads.

With time running out, Eli surprised us on Royal Garden Blues, with a rousing tuba solo backed only by the front line playing in stop time.

Hot Six front line, Ted Casher, Bo Winiker and Kenny Wenzel

All of these seasoned veterans have the expertise gained from years of experience. They have a special passion for the music, respectfully listening and supporting each other – playing as much for each other as for the fans.

They returned April 14th, and it was even more fun! We’re working on that one now.

They will be at Primavera regularly for your listening pleasure on the 3rd Thursday of every month – next one is May 19^th. Come join us for some matchless, timeless music!

Dave Whitney Big Band at Ken’s Steak House, April 3rd 2016

Posted on April 8, 2016 by admin

14-pc Big Band, 4 saxes, 4 trumpets, 2 trombones, guitar/vocalist, piano, string bass, drum

Dave Whitney Big Band

By Marce
Videos by Harold McAleer

Saxophones
Lou Stamas alto sax
John Clark tenor sax/clarinet
Bob Drukman alto sax
Ted Casher tenor sax/clarinet

Trumpets
Dave Whitney, leader
Joe Musumeci
Jeff Hughes
Gary Bohan

Trombones
Scott Hill
Mike Strauss

Guitar: Karen Quatromoni,
Piano Steve Dale,
Bass Dave LeBleu,
Drums Reid Jorgensen

Because of two bands playing at the same time, we arrived late – just in time to catch a memorable arrangement of Duke Ellington/Juan Tizol’s straightahead swing of Perdido.

Dave Whitney started the second set with a Dixie Band, playing a superb Dixieland arrangement of Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jelly Roll..

Dixie Band

He continued with a tune from Louis’s Hot 5, Struttin’ With Some Barbeque.
Harold McAleer took a break from videotaping to enjoy a dance with Sue Lewis.

Georgia on my Mind had a unique beginning, with just Dave’s trumpet and LeBleu’s string bass. Dave LeBleu has been with this Big Band since it’s inception and consistently offers up an earthy tone, flawless intonation, and fluid finger work. Joe Musumeci has been with the band close to 20 years and is now lead trumpeter.

John Clark was on hot clarinet for Fletcher Henderson’s Stealing Apples, with Steve Dale on piano and Jeff Hughes trumpet.

Karen Quatronomi

The Band’s new vocalist, Karen Quatromoni gives an indomitable singing performance, with clear voice reminiscent of Anita O’Day. Her vocal on East of the Sun was followed by fine solos. She aced the Benny Goodman arrangement with Peggy Lee, Let’s Do It, and Johnny Mercer’s Harlem Butterfly.

Ted Casher was on clarinet for Karen’s version of You Turned The Tables on Me.

The band continued with Harry James & His Band, The Music Makers, with a tune of the same name, featuring the saxophone section. Lou Stamas led on alto sax with Moment to Moment.

Sax leader Lou Stamas

Keeping them on their toes, Whitney pulled a switch on the group with Les & Larry Elgart’s Paradise.

This was John Clark’s birthday weekend, and he had the good fortune of fulfilling an item on his ‘Bucket List’, playing tenor sax with our living legend, Ted Casher. Lionel Hampton’s Flying Home was the highlight of this evening!!

Leader Dave Whitney

The Dave Whitney Big Band continued with Horace Henderson’s Big John Special that Benny Goodman played at his Carnegie Hall Concert, with Dave’s majestic trumpet and John Clark’s rich and mellow clarinet.

Billie Eckstein’s Band did Blues For Sale; Chris Powers wrote it. Dave gave the band extra solos and completed it with his own fine vocal.

Will Hudson, Eddie De Lange’s Sophisticated Swing was popular in the 1930’s, Jimmy Dorsey had nothing on this band!

Mike Strauss was featured on trombone on an up-tempo, bouncy swing from the postwar Les Brown orchestra, Lover’s Leap.

Time for some fun – with Karen and Dave singing together on Daddy. This was Bobby Troup’s first hit in 1941, done by The Sammy Kaye Orchestra.

Dave and Karen duet on “Daddy”

Dave makes good use of the musicians – Stomping at the Savoy featured John Clark on clarinet, Gary Bohan trumpet, and Steve Dale piano.

The Rhythm Boys were tucked into the right corner. Dave LeBleu string bass, Steve Dale piano, and Reid Jorgensen drums are the foundation of the Dave Whitney Big Band.

The Rhythm Boys

They wound up this fabulous evening with their closing theme, a Steve Dale arrangement, nice and slow, with Dave Whitney’s trumpet on Pete Kelly’s Blues.

Dave made this a 14-piece Big Band for a reason – like Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw, it’s all about SWING! Their next gig is Sunday June 5th 1-3pm at Canobie Lake Park, 85 N Policy St, Salem, NH 03079.

Marce

Seacoast Stompers at Berlin’s 1870 Town Hall, April 3, 2016

Posted on April 7, 2016 by admin

The Seacoast Stompers

by Marce
Videos by Vern Welch

Scott Philbrick cornet, Lee Prager trombone, Craig Ball clarinet, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Frank Stadler keyboard, Al Bernard tuba, Bobby Reardon drums.

The Seacoast Stompers were back for the first time since October and obviously happy to be playing together again. The new venue is the renovated 1870 Town Hall at 12 Woodward Avenue in Berlin MA. Berlin is a scenic town with acres of orchards set in a low range of hills between the Nashua River and Assabet River Valleys, easily accessible on I-495.

Under the watchful gaze of the Rev. William A. Houghton, who dedicated the Town Hall in 1870 and Chandler Carter who paid off the municipal debt, the band entertained a full house of Berlin residents eager to hear good jazz and support their neighbor, trombonist Lee Prager. He said “This is the nearest venue I’ve played In 55 years.”

Hall from the rear, with all aluminum chairs filled

Berliners filled the 1870 Town Hall

Frank Stadler, leader

Frank Stadler is leader of the Band, and his playing is based on a masterful respect for the melody.

Scott is the conductor, delegating players for each tune, varying solos between them.

They began with a joyous romp on their theme song, At The Jazz Band Ball, and Mama’s Gone, Good Bye reverberating off the high steel ceiling.

on muted cornet and trombone (with Al's tuba behind them)

Scott Philbrick and Lee Prager

Lee requested Strutting With Some Barbecue. Scott and Lee challenge and inspire each other on trombone and cornet. We’ve missed the riveting interaction between these two!

Jimmy Mazzy and Al Bernard

Jimmy Mazzy sang many songs, and was featured on After You’ve Gone with his inimitable vocals.

He scatted on Some Of These Days while trading 4’s with Albie’s tuba. They keep the music fresh with their amazing creativity!

Lee led on a melancholy Basin St. Blues and added to the sweetness of the song by ending it with a virtuosic flourish. He was featured on I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plans, on smooth open bell trombone, with Bobby softly backing with brushes across snare drum.

Bobby Reardon

Bobby Reardon plays drums with marvelous precision, He keeps the band in time by tapping on the snare drum and ride cymbal, only letting loose on a couple of tunes when Scotty directs him.

Frank took the intro when they moved up tempo on Ain’t Gonna Give You None of My Jelly Roll, the band in livewire ensemble.

Craig Ball

Craig’s clarinet was featured with his sky-writing stratospherics on Stealing Apples. Bobby backed him on hi hat, then let go on drums!

This was just the first set! There were only two sets, short evening, so the band kept the program moving along without needless delays. It’s been way too long since we’ve heard this powerhouse group of musicians playing together!

For six years, they played monthly at the Acton Jazz Café, with a repertoire of tunes from the 20’s and 30’s. Arrangements were spontaneous and ad lib with a variety of styles and tempos from smooth swing to groovy blues and hot driving Dixie. Check them out.

This event was sponsored by The Friends of the Berlin Library. We hope they will consider bringing the Seacoast Stompers back!

Jack Soref Trio at Primavera Ristorante, February 25, 2016

Posted on February 25, 2016 by admin

by Peter Gerler

Jack Soref Trio, Jack, Greg Toro, Jameson Stuart

Millis, MA, 2/25/16. This lovely town is a schlep from where I live in Newton. On a cold February night, it took a solid hour to get to Primavera restaurant, where the young gypsy jazz guitarist Jack Soref brought his trio to play for an appreciative audience of perhaps 18 people. But let it be said: Jack’s not in it for recognition. He’s in it for the tradition.

“Gypsy jazz” appeared in the world largely through the genius of the French guitarist Jean “Django” Reinhardt, whose iconic sound parallels that of Louis Armstrong in American jazz. (Django wept when he first heard Armstrong. “He was like a large animal, mute and dazed in the blaze of the sun,” a colleague recalled.)

Interestingly, the word “tradition” usually evokes older, simpler styles—folk and roots music, country melodies, even the old brass band marches. In the case of gypsy jazz, the prognosis is denser. To play it right, you have to practically begin as a virtuoso.

The best players are of European manouche extraction. They grew up with it, around the caravans. There was dancing, which fueled the rhythm. Whereas American folk-music guitarists might first learn a simple G chord, youthful gypsy players sought to articulate Django’’s lightning-fast, intricate melodies with full, complete tone. Sort of like being born as Jascha Heifetz. Or as Sisyphus.

Jack Soref on custom made Grande Bouche guitar

Jack, a Wisconsinite, dove right in. 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.)

It’s a reversal: when American jazz came around with its je-ne-sais-quoi swing, the world turned toward New Orleans and Chicago. Django and his cohort even pulled inspiration from the seminal American guitarist Eddie Lang. Today, American “gypsy” players model themselves after the Parisians.

also made by luthier Dan Hunt of Worcester

Jameson Stuart on custom made Petite Bouche guitar

Greg Toro on double bass

Soref’s trio is well on their way up the mountain. Their set swelled with standards from both sides of the pond—Dream of You, Sweet Georgia Brown, Menilmontant, Coquette--played with musicality and adventure.

On Valse Jacek, listeners were practically delivered to European soil. On All Of Me, (“Take my lips, I want to lose them”), Jack’s guitar whined, “Take me already!” The rhythm guitarist Jameson Stewart and the bassist Greg Toro held down a strong foundation.

All of Me

On Nuages, the veteran swing vocalist Mollie Malone sat in, singing in rippling French with ache, regret, and hope.

The last decade has seen a flowering of Django’s legacy, with bands and festivals popping up internationally. (It comes alongside the current resurgence of swing dance among Millennials.) In any case, the music has its addicts, young and old, whose life goal is to reincarnate as Django. They talk incessantly of altered chords and alternate fingers, and of their guitars, many of which they custom-order hand-made. But it’s not so much the technique: they have heard the downstage, ringing pompe of Django Reinhardt.

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Photos and Videos by Marce

Swing Times Five with Debby Larkin at Ken’s Steak House, February 21, 2016

Posted on February 21, 2016 by admin

Swing Times Five – Dave Didriksen, Dan Weiner, Bob Sinicrope, Jeff Hughes, Ross Petot

Jeff Hughes cornet/flugelhorn, Dan Weiner guitar, Ross Petot piano, Bob Sinicrope string bass, Dave Didriksen drums, Debby Larkin vocals.

This is an unusual combination of instruments for playing Swing, but SWING they did, just as well as any big band!! They captivated the crowd by rekindling fond memories, starting with their theme song, When Lights Are Low, with Jeff on cornet. His rhythmic concept on cornet and flugelhorn lifted the whole band. He moved to flugelhorn for a Johnny Mercer tune, Dream.

Debby Larkin

Vocalist Debby Larkin sings with authority, good voice and knows just the right style, whether singing a rousing number or a ballad. She sang many Frank Loesser tunes, If I Were a Bell, Everything But You. Slow Boat to China was a rouser! Billie Holiday’s Moanin’ Low; an all-time favorite All Of Me, upbeat and swinging; even Tommy Dorsey’s Opus One. She shook things up with the satirical Everything I’ve Got Belongs To You, looking at hubby Jeff Stout, sitting at a front table.

Singing I Fall In Love Too Easily, she was backed by Jeff Hughes on dark, smokey flugelhorn. They charmed the audience, many of whom were seniors nostalgically reconnecting the music to memories of their youth.

Jeff on flugelhorn, with Sinitrope in background

Jeff Hughes on silky smooth flugelhorn

Jeff left the audience spellbound with incredible intonation on Jerome Kern’s I’m Old Fashioned, ending with a virtuosic coda. Perfect! People will remember this one for a long time!

Ross looking down at keys playing Yamaha piano

Ross Petot

Ross Petot is a great performer of Gerschwins, he was featured on Of Thee I Sing, and referring to the current political season, Who Cares? He performs unceasing rhythmic motion on the fine Yamaha piano. He picked an odd one, All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm, backed by Dan Weiner’s fingers floating across the guitar.

Dan Weiner on swinging guitar

Dan was featured on Lullaby of The Leaves, dazzling guitar, fingers flying; his spontaneity is very much representative of the swing era.

They picked many tunes from the American Song Book:
Dorothy Fields/Jimmy McHugh Doing The New Lowdown
Julie Stein’s It’s You Or No One.
Sammy Cahn’s I’m Falling in Love.
Sinatra’s All The Way
Irving Berlin’s A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody
Cole Porter’s I’ve Got You Under My Skin

John and Gisela love to dance, and this is their kind of music! They had a family reunion with their three daughters. John persuaded one of them to dance.

couple in their 90's dancing up a storm!

John and Gisela Bruneccini

John and one of his daughters

John and Gisela and four adult daughters

John and Gisela Bruneccini Family

Bob Sinicrope

George Gershwin’s They Can’t Take That Away From Me gave Bob a solo, playing melody on upper register.

Bob Sinicrope’s string bass gave support and richness that moved the music along. Bob is head of the Jazz Program at Milton Academy, and an old friend of Jeff’s.

Dave Didriksen

Dave Didriksen is a fine drummer, softly brushing across cymbals and snare drum behind solos; he lets the soloists shine. He finally let loose on Frank Loesser’s The Lady’s In Love With You, showing he can romp with the best of them. (He also manages the band and it’s website www.swingtimesfive.com and books all the dates at Ken’s Steak House.)

They closed with the band and Jeff’s flugelhorn softly backing Debby on Sky Lark. Magnificent! Taking an “Exit Poll” – everyone said this was one of the best music they’ve heard!

The Swing Spirit continues to thrive with the unique Swing Times Five and vocalist Debby Larkin. We hope to hear more from them! Check out their great Swing CD, Raincheck; email Dave Didriksen at info@swingX5.com.

Riverboat Stompers at Primavera Ristorante, February 11, 2016

Posted on February 11, 2016 by admin

Riverboat Stompers

Neil Flewelling cornet, Steve Straus clarinet, Frank Batchelor trombone, Phil Hower keyboard, Eric Baldwin banjo/guitar, Pierre Lemieux tuba, Rich Malcolm drums

Steve Straus

Steve Straus leads this rambunctious band on clarinet and soprano sax with amiable, good natured humor.

Members of this band come from towns all over Eastern New England. They mix old New Orleans music from the 20’s with tunes from the ‘recent’ 60’s. They obviously love this music – they’ve dedicated their lives to it.

Steve asked the band to sound like a Basie Band, then they played Irving Berlin’s 1911 Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Steve giving it a surprise ending with a soprano sax coda. His sax is sweet on Paper Moon, but dynamic on Floating Down To Cotton Town. He moved to clarinet with a vocal on a tune we’ve never heard before, You Meet The Nicest People In Your Dreams.

Valentine’s Day was approaching – the evening was interspersed with love songs. But Valentine’s Day isn’t always about loving relationships, as portrayed in his vocal, Floating Down That Old Great River. This comic song was recorded in 1915, and is typical of the kind of entertainment popular during Vaudeville.

Eric Baldwin

At the start of Fats Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin’, we realized Eric Baldwin was playing rhythm banjo, adding strength to the middle of the rhythm section.

He’s been featured on guitar for years with some of his own bands. He moved to guitar for Hoagie Carmichael’s Nearness of You, nice dance tune. He is currently teaching at Indian Hill Music Community in Littleton, MA and works as a sideman in many local bands.

Pierre LeMieux

Pierre LeMieux’s plays bass lines on tuba and extends that by turning the monstrous horn into a viable solo instrument.

Pierre leads the Mill City Jazz Band that plays in the Merrimack Valley in Memorial Concerts-in-the-Park, Strolling sidewalk music during town activities, Feaster-Five activities, Fund raisers, Senior Centers, and private parties.

He plays in parades with the Jambalaya Jazz Band, in the Shriners Swing Band, Mario Carrabba’s Big Band, and some Octoberfest German bands.

They played two early popular tunes, It’s a Sin To Tell a Lie, a 1936 song by Billy Mayhew and Write Myself a Letter, a 1935 tune by Fred E. Ahlert. Pierre gave it a nice tuba solo. He was trading 4’s with Frank’s trombone on Making Whoopee.

Frank Batchelor

Frank’s trombone sound is deep and lush, and melodic and mellow when using several mutes. He adds stimulating accompaniment to the front line.

Frank manages the band and its website – no easy task!
http://www.riverboatstompers.com/

Rich Manning

You feel the rhythm rather than hear the drum beats by Rich Malcom. He plays in good taste. His unique moves highlight the structure of the music by changing color, density, and dynamics.

On the snare drum, he softens reverberation by holding one stick to the drum and tapping with the other, or else tapping sticks together; or he plays softly with his fingers. Even his solo was reserved on It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.

Phil at the keyboard, smiling at the camera

Phil Hower

Phil Hower introduced Irving Berlin’s Putting On The Ritz with a piano vamp. He was featured on a warm My Funny Valentine, with guitar backup, Steve playing low register clarinet solo, Frank muted trombone, and Neil’s bold cornet.

Phil’s playing offers just the right chords behind all the soloists. . Phil Hower’s heroes are the great stride pianists of the 1920’s and ’30’s, and he does his utmost to emulate their technique and style, like Jelly Roll Morton’s Why.

Once in a While was a barn burner, with Steve leading the band. Tommy Dorsey’s version was #1 in 1937.

Neil Fluelling

Neil Lewelling was featured on Sleeping Time Down South. He plays a 60’s Getsen cornet, beautiful rich tone, playing spontaneous improvisations. He’s played trumpet for 50 years, until he recently discovered this cornet, handed down from a couple of friends. He plans on playing cornet for the next 50 years!

The final tune came as a surprise, we didn’t realize time had run out. They sent us home with sweet New Orleans Traditional Jazz: Up a Lazy River.

They are wonderful and dynamic musicians, fun to watch and great to listen to. You can hear them March 6th at Ken’s Steak House and March 24th back at Primavera Ristorante. Hope to see you there!

Marce

Galvanized Jazz Band At Elim Park Cheshire, CT February 9, 2016

Posted on February 9, 2016 by admin

7 pc Trad Jazz Band, no banjo, 2 cornets

Galvanized Jazz Band with Skip Hughes singing

by Jean Hadley
photos by Angie

Fred Vigorito cornet, Bill Sinclair piano, Bob Bequillard drums , Art Hovey tuba/bass, Russ Whitman reeds, Skip Hughes trombone/vocals, Jim Fryer trombone and Mark Vigorito cornet.

The Galvanized Jazz Band once again entertained the residents of Elim Park, an Assisted Living facility nestled on a beautiful piece of New England property between Hamden and Wallingford Connecticut. Nelson Hall is Elim Park’s beautifully architecturally and acoustically designed performing arts center which can hold an audience of 300.

As people entered Nelson Hall, they were greeted by a large and friendly staff of resident volunteers. For many years, Elim Park volunteers have been doing a wonderful job. Thank you!

Elim Park Volunteers

Once the crowd settled down and the lights were lowered, the band, which had assembled at the rear of the hall, started their parade down the aisle to the stage. Following in the Second Line were the “Parasol Ladies” led by Jean Hadley…strutting to Bourbon Street Parade. With beads flying, parasols swinging, this put the audience in the mood for a Mardi Gras celebration.

The audience was pleased to be joined by three very talented guests; Jim Fryer, Skip Hughes and Fred Vigorito’s son Mark (cornet like his dad) and all the way from New Hampshire.

Galvanized Jazz Band with Mark Vigorito cornet, Jim Fryer trombone, and Skip Hughes vocalist

Songs like BASIN STREET, TIN ROOF BLUES (remember when Kay Starr made it a hit in 1953?) Added to the list was WHEN I LEAVE THIS WORLD BEHIND and, an audience participation number led by Jim Fryer…WHY DON’T YOU GO DOWN TO NEW ORLEANS? Skip Hughes beautifully delivered two spiritual numbers….JUST A CLOSER WALK and AMAZING GRACE. And, of course, many more familiar numbers.

Jim Fryer

Skip sitting and singing, string bass behind him

Skip Hughes

Bill Sinclair on piano

Fred and Mark Vigorito

Although the audience wanted the music to continue, it was the bewitching hour, time to bring a delightful evening to a close with the “Saints” and a parasol parade.

Thanks to Fred, Bill, Bob, Art, Russ, Skip, Jim and Mark for an evening of fabulous Traditional Jazz. They entertained and inspired the residents and friends of Elim Park!

By Jean Hadley
Photos by Angie

Joel Shiavone’s “Music for the Divorced”

Posted on February 6, 2016 by admin

By Jean Hadley
Photos by Sue Finn

Galvanized Jazz Band Fred Vigorito – Leader, Cornet, Russ Whitman – Reeds, Herb Gardner – Trombone, Bill Sinclair – Piano, Art Hovey – Bass, Tuba, Bob Bequillard – Drums, Cynthia Fabian – Vocals.

Special Guests Gim Burton banjo, Pat Keogh guitar/vocals, Andy Rubenoff piano/vocals, Herb Gardner trombone

With an almost packed house, Joel’s fans waited anxiously (not knowing what to expect) for his “divorce” list of songs. Joel, being the showman he is, one never knows what will happen.

Joel selected musicians, from here in Connecticut and Massachusetts, who delivered their artistry in elegant tuxedos. Nice job!

The evening began with Joel front and center with….”I’ll be glad when you’ve gone.” Followed by Cynthia Fabian singing…..”You gotta see mama every night.”

The following songs were also perfect for the “Divorce CD” that CineDevine was recording. Very apropos was Berlin’s …” All Alone”…. “Please don’t talk about me when I’m gone”.

“These foolish things”…. “I had someone else” … and the list went on…. These songs can be either painful or amusing depending on who is listening. However, the intention was to entertain and so it did!

Cynthia is always wonderful with her fine voice and deliverance. She and Joel performed several duets which they did very nicely and to the delight of the audience.

Pat Keogh

Pat Keogh (guitar) graced the stage with a rendition of “Bay Blues” and “Bye, Bye Love”. Pat is nothing short of a guitar virtuoso. Pat hails from Wallingford, CT.

Andy Rubenoff and Bill Sinclair took turns at the piano. This made for an interesting evening as each has his own unique style.

Andy Rubenoff and Bill Sinclair

Gim Burton and Joel (dueling banjos) did a fine job of “Bye, Bye Blues.” Gim is one of Joel’s “Your Father’s Mustache” entourage. Abe Rubenoff was on piano.

Gim Burton and Joel Schiavone, Andy Rubenoff on piano

Anyone, who knows Joel Shiavone, knows they are in for a great evening of entertainment. This evening was one of those. Unfortunately, all things must end and so it did.

Many thanks to Maureen Cunningham for all her many years of helping Joel and supporting OKOM.

Kudos to Sue Finn for her pictures. Good job!

Bob Bequillard

Russ Whitman and Art Hovey

Dynamic Duo, Bob Bequillard and Art Hovey

Joel and Pat Keogh

The Boss

Herb Gardner and Freddy Vigorito

Wolverine Jazz Band at Ken’s Steak House January 31, 2016

Posted on January 31, 2016 by admin

Wolverine Jazz Band

Jeff Hughes cornet, Tom Boates trombone, John Clark leader/clarinet/bari sax, Ross Petot piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums

by Marce

It doesn’t get any better than this!! Each musician has an infinite flow of music in him; together their relentless drive make them titantic! They played songs from various CDs including their latest, #14, and tested out songs for the next one in the works. They also inserted some rarely heard Dixie like Cushion Foot Stomp and some standards There were many surprises!

Jimmy Mazzy kicked it off with The Curse Of An Aching Heart; and the rarely heard Sugarfoot Stomp – out came John’s baritone sax.

Tom Boates and Jeff Hughes raised the 1915 Weary Blues to new heights, with Jeff playing a short melodic phrase, Tom repeating it, sometimes slightly varied or in a different pitch. Amazing!

Tom Boates

Jeff Hughes

Tom was featured on Ory’s Creole Trombone. John joined him on bari sax for Sidney Bechet’s Passport to Paradise, buoyed by the splendid rhythm section. He sang W. C. Handy’s Beale St. Blues, adding some scatting. Connecticut is fortunate to have this stellar musician in their neighborhood!

Dynamic Duo – the Wolverine’s rhythmic engine.

Dave Didriksen

Rick MacWilliams

Jeff Hughes had many requests, starting with Elmer Shobel’s Prince of Wails, the front line playing tight New Orleans polyphony.

Phenominal Front Line

The 1929 Rhythm Aces’ Michigander Blues is on their Baker’s Dozen CD, #13 with a tuba solo by Rick MacWilliams, dramatic and straightforward.

Come Back Sweet Papa was composed in the 50’s by drummer Paul Barbarin.

Ross Petot

Ross was featured on his own version of Caravan, one of our favorites, with the band joining him; glorious piano ending. He likes playing this fine Yamaha piano.

Jimmy Mazzy

Another surprise – Jimmy Mazzy actually crooned Frank Sinatra’s All The Way, with Sinatra’s unfaltering enunciation. We understood every word! Jimmy’s ballads are extraordinary, but this one was astounding.

John Clark on baritone saxophone

He introduced a nice jazzy number, done by the Blue Steele Orchestra in WWI, Sugar Babe I’m Leaving. The Wolves went wild with John again on bari sax.

Approaching 90 years-old, couple dancing fox trot

John and Gisela Bruneccini are fine dancers

Ken’s had a full house, with many loyal fans returning from the Sherborn Inn. There were dancers in the crowd. John and Gisela were happy to dance to a sweet ballad, Stairway to the Stars. Gisela is a war bride. They met during WWII in England when John was playing trumpet in the U.S. Army Band. They set a fine example for us; people congratulated them on their fine dancing.

Dr. David and Mrs. Bailen brought their whole family.

Husband and wife, son, daughter-in-law, grandson and 2 granddaughters

Dr. David and Helene Bailen and Family

Sue Lewis

Sue Lewis loves dancing too. It’s a joy to watch her!

John Clark surprised us with a vocal on Irving Berlin’s At The Devil’s Ball. He’s a fine singer, but generally leaves the singing to Jimmy. (Thank you, Betty Weaver, who has been pushing him to sing for years.)

Rick MacWilliams requested Moonlights, playing a fine tuba with clarinet playing softly in background.

Their next CD will bring memories of Ray Smith’s Paramount Jazz Band, with a takeoff on Robin Verdier’s arrangement of Who Wouldn’t Love You. That one moved the dancers.

Jimmy was featured on a new vocal, Strangers, with interesting interaction between bari sax and tuba. They did justice to Satanic Blues, originally played by the ODJB, Original Dixieland Jazz Band, in London in 1919.

Then came the biggest surprise of all – Sarah Spencer was here from Connecticut; she joined the band on tenor sax and singing. We haven’t seen Sarah in years! She plays in Traditional Jazz Style, and has dedicated her life to this music. Originally from England, she has her own band, Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Band.

Sarah on tenor sax, Ross on piano behind her

Sarah Spencer on tenor sax

She began with her own matchless vocal on Love Song of The Nile, then played tenor sax in New Orleans revival style, with interplay by John Clark on bari sax. Words can’t describe the explosion of wondrous sounds!

Swing That Music was the final tune of the evening, John and Sarah inspiring each other trading fours for sixteen bars, then Jeff leading and Tom stealing his riffs for the next sixteen bars, as they did in the beginning. Jimmy went wild on banjo and song; Ross made the Yamaha sing. The rhythm section adding to the drive and momentum, reveling in pure sound and enjoyment! The audience gave them rousing applause. Whew!

Wolverine Jazz Band with Sarah Spencer

The Wolverine Jazz Band will be back February 18^th at Primavera Ristorante, and March 20^th at Ken’s Steak House.

Swing Times Five will be at Ken’s Steak House February 21^st, the only band in February at Ken’s.

Sarah Spencer will have a new CD out in the Spring, maybe called Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic All-Stars, featuring Jimmy Mazzy and Mike Owen trombone (from England). Stay tuned.

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

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