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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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 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 18th at Primavera Ristorante, and March 20th at Ken’s Steak House.
Swing Times Five will be at Ken’s Steak House February 21st, 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.
Jeff’s Jazztetwith vocalistMara Bonde at Thursday Jazz, January 28, 2016 at Primavera Ristorante
This is one smokin’ band! Performing before a packed house, Jeff Hughes led the group through three great sets. His solos throughout the night on trumpet and flugelhorn were outstanding, as was his leadership of an extremely talented, upbeat band. Craig Ball excelled on clarinet and alto sax – producing many terrific solos. Jeff and Craig played off each other perfectly. Herb Gardner on keyboard is always steady working with the rhythm section –using his vast experience to great advantage whether backing up the front line or soloing. Steve Taddeo on drums set a great beat, plus he brought the house down with a Krupa solo on “Jabberwocky.” Ken Steiner makes the upright bass sing. He did a marvelous job helping the group rock, plus he threw in some fine solos. Eric Baldwin on guitar complimented the great rhythm section, and showed he can really swing.
The band was swinging all night, plus they featured Mara Bonde on vocals. It was unusual to have a soprano combine with a swinging group like this one, but it worked very well once they adjusted to each other after one or two numbers. I don’t recall ever seeing this attempted, but the crowd loved it. In fact, those in attendance enjoyed everything they saw and heard all night.
Mara opened with an upbeat version of “The Song is Ended”, then did several ballads beautifully. She added a wonderful touch to a great evening.
All in all, the performance was memorable to me. It possessed all the right ingredients – great band, excellent singer and a happy tone. I’m sure everyone there loved it. If you get a chance, go to see and hear these performers.
Bill Falk
Mara Bonde
Jeff backs Mara on I Thought About You
Steve Taddeo plays Krupa on Jabberwocky
Mara sings My Funny Valentine
Ken Steiner – one of a kind!
Craig is featured on I Would Do Anything For You
Rhythm Boys, Eric Baldwin, Ken Steiner, Herb Gardner
Tunes:
1st set
The Song is Ended – Mara uptempo
I Thought About You – Mara
S’Wonderful
Someone to Watch Over Me
Ciribiribin – instrumental
They Can’t Take That Away From Me – Mara
720 In The Books – instrumental
2nd set
Jabberwocky
It’s Been So Long
You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To – Mara
Funny Valentine – Mara
I Get a Kick Out Of You – Mara
It Might As Well Be Spring – Mara
Blue Lu – Craig Ball feature
3rd set
Nearness of You – Mara
‘Till There Was You – Mara
I Would Do Anything For You – Craig Ball feature
Speak Low – Mara
Thou Swell – Mara (closure)
Bill’s Seafood Allstars Fridays 7pm to 9pm
at Bill’s Seafood Restaurant, 548 Boston Post Rd, Westbrook, CT 06498
(860) 399-7224 www.billsseafood.com
January 22, 2016
Bill Sinclair piano, leader
Tom Boates trombone, vocals
Noel Kaletsky reeds
Lou Bocciarelli bass
Tom Palinko drums
Every Friday evening Bill’s Seafood presents their Allstars, a band made up of very talented local musicians. They play mostly Dixieland along with some swing and other types of jazz with occasional surprises from various other genres thrown in. There is always a full house at Bill’s with many regular fans.
Tom Boates
Every performance is exciting and tonight’s was no exception. It started with a rousing rendition of Canal Street Blues, followed by Little Girl, then Tom Boates vocal on St. James Infirmary Blues. Tom also sang Dr. Jazz later in the program. He’s the frontman for the band and plays a mean trombone.
Noel Kaletsky, Tom Palinko
The Allstars have several Wilbur de Paris numbers in their repertoire and usually play at least one. Tonight it was the fast and furious Tres Moutarde.
Noel was featured on I Got Rhythm and, on the soprano sax, in a beautiful rendition of When Day is Done. He also played back and forth with Tom Palinko’s drums on the final number of the evening, one of the group’s standards which always gets wild applause from the audience, Duke Ellington’s Caravan.
Noel Kaletsky, Lou Bocciarelli, Tom Palinko
The audience also participated – clapping, waving napkins, etc – on a rousing version of Bourbon Street Parade. All the musicians get plenty of solo spots during most of the numbers, Bill’s piano and Lou’s bass are always great and everybody loves Tom’s drum solos.
Noel’s sax, Lou Bocciarelli, Tom Palinko, Tom Boates trombone, and leader Bill Sinclair behind piano.
As always, we all enjoyed the evening. The band is wonderful and the food is excellent.
The Allstars will be making a special appearance on Tuesday, Feb 9th for a Mardi GrasCelebration. It will start early, from 6:30 to 9:30, with the band playing from 7pm – 9pm. Bill’s is NOT taking reservations for the Mardi Gras party. Just come as if it were a Friday. There will be a variety of food items associated with New Orleans cooking which will be incorporated into Bill’s regular menu.
Phil Person trumpet, Ted Casher clarinet, soprano, and tenor sax, Herb Gardner trombone, Bob Winter keyboard, Jim Mazzy banjo, Eli Newberger tuba, Bob Tamagni drums
Eli Newberger integrated a lively group of Berklee Professors into his Hot Six and put them through their paces playing Dixieland Jazz. (Bob Winter, piano, Phil Person, ear training, and Bob Tamagni, percussion.) Their fiery enthusiasm captivated the audience!
They opened with a stunning Sheik of Araby, Jimmy singing with uncontrolled Mazzy passion. Phil Person followed with on trumpet, then Ted on clarinet, then Herb trombone, the soloists playing for each other as much as the people out front. Bobby Tamagni had only one drum, playing Traditional Jazz by tapping the snare drum or hitting drum sticks together. Eli directed them, then just sat back smiling, listening, enjoying every second. Jimmy ended it shouting scat choruses. This was going to be one exciting evening!
Phil Person
None of the musicians knew what they were going to do – they’ve never played together as a band. Eli asked Phil if he knew Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me. Phil answered, “I wrote it!”, took the lead and ran with it!
Phil Person performed all through the session with beautifully simple phrasing, deep understanding of the emotions of the music, and respect for the other players. He’s a true gentleman, who always listens and plays with a light touch.
Bob Winter does amazing things with Traditional Jazz!
Eli looked for a Trad Jazz War Horse and settled on Royal Garden Blues. Jimmy and Tamagni trading fours, then Bobby playing a vast range of dynamics on his one snare drum.
Winter playfully demonstrated his energetic musicality with Tamagni tapping a tambourine on his hip. Eli took a masterful tuba solo. It was never ending with each one taking a solo, sharing their joy in making music.
Henry Red Allen was a New Orleans visionary with a sound all his own. He recorded a tune that Eli gave to Herb Gardner, playing trombone and singing Who Cares. Ira Gershwin went over the top with the lyrics: Who cares if the sun cares to fall in the sea? Who cares what banks failed in Yonkers? As long as you’ve got a kiss that conquers!
Herb Gardner featured on Who Cares? with vocal and trombone
Next was Ted Casher featured on gut-wrenching, smoldering tenor sax with Blue and Sentimental. Pure rapture and euphoria! We can’t hear it often enough! We needed a breather after that one.
Eli said “This is a great country – we’ve got to hold it together” and called for a Patriotic tune, Gershwin’s masterpiece Of TheeI Sing, played solo, by Bob Winter, with great feeling and delight.
Eli ……
Back to The Big Easy, a fine New Orleans anthem with Jimmy taking the intro on Basin St. Blues with banjo and song as only he can. Bob Winter played it light and airy. Eli came up with the tuba hitting high and low, low, low. Jimmy finished it off singing heartfelt blues.
Bob Tamagni rim tapping on drum
The World is Waiting For The Sunrise, an anthem of hope – the banjo player’s national anthem, was introduced by Jimmy rapidly picking banjo, of course, Tamagni taking rim shots on snare drum!
Ted Casher makes up his own vocals on the MTA. Velma Coffey photo.
Ted was featured again with a special vocal all his own, with all of us joining in the chorus, Charlie on The MTA. Ted had some choice words making up new verses about all the problems we’ve been having with the MBTA. Bob Winter was laughing and enjoying the whole scene.
Eli asked Sarah (Gardner) Nova to come up for a vocal. (That’s one very musical family!) She sang a commanding Keep Your Hands Off It. Sarah has an intuitive grasp of musical dynamics. She has created several CDs that teach children the joy of music – especially Jazz.
Sarah Nova sings Keep Your Hands Off It!
Carrie Sings with Jimmy and Eli backing
Carrie Mazzy was called up next, looking lovingly at Jimmy, singing When I Fall In Love. They have been married for close to 30 years. Seems like yesterday!
Carolyn Newberger plays washboard to Miami Rumba (file photo)
Carolyn Newberger put down her scratch pad and picked up an old washboard for one of my favorites, Miami Rumba. Her fervor fascinates the audience!
The whole band joined in, with snare drum in rumba beat.
(Check her sketches below.)
Tough act to follow; Jimmy played and sang a gripping, emotional, Georgia On My Mind.
Eli completely changed the mood with another barn-burning Dixieland tune, At The Jazz Band Ball, with the band going WILD with ultra-tight all star intensity! Ted pushed it on hot soprano sax, drum interacting with tuba. Fantastic!
Everyone needed a break!
Jimmy came up with a breathtaking St. James Infirmary Blues, with lyrics by Josh White. “I want 6 crapshooters to be my pallbearers, three pretty women to sing a song, Stick a jazz band on my hearse wagon, Raise hell as I stroll along.” Bobby Tamagni was enjoying himself beating the snare drum with his hands.
It was already closing time. The band finished with livewire ensemble; outgoing and infectious on a New Orleans tune – wait for it – When The Saints Go Marching In!
But here is even more…. Carolyn Newberger never stops. She kept busy as usual with pencil and sketchbook, getting lost in the fabulous Trad and Swing and drawing across both pages! She shared some of her marvelous artwork with us:
Eli Newberger
Jimmy Mazzy
Bob Tamagni
This was indeed a fascinating evening. Berklee professors can actually play Traditional Jazz, and play this happy, foot-stomping music with cheerful enthusiasm!
My apologies for the quality of the photos – I borrowed my son’s camera and didn’t
know how to use it. Many thanks to Sarah
for her help in making it useable!! Marce
Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Primavera Ristorante, January 7, 2016
Stan McDonald leader/soprano sax, Phil Person trumpet, John Kefalas trombone, Jack Soref guitar, and Gerry Gagnon tuba.
Stan McDonald anxious to play!
Stan McDonald was raring to go after a two-month hiatus from Jazz, and immediately led the band into a dynamic Rosetta. What Is This Thing Called Love, It Had To Be You. He sang My Gal Sal with passion.
A vital sparkplug, Gerry Gagnon’s booming tuba keeps the band in time, reinforced by Jack Soref’s guitar.
Wild Man Blues was a hot tune! Trumpet leading, sax taking the breaks, guitarist Jack Soref in a dazzling gypsy-flavored solo with tuba backup. Phil Person’s muted trumpet played from the heart, followed by Stan’s formidable sax. Embellishing the tune was Gerry’s roaring tuba solo.
Gerry Gagnon on monster tuba
Gerry Gagnon doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. With constant motion, he keeps the band in time, and softly backs solos.
They followed with a soft, sublime melody, Roaming, nice soprano sax.
John Kafalas
John Kafalas’ mellow trombone tugs at your heart strings, playing warm melodic lines.
An unusual guitar/tuba intro to Running Wild really energized the audience, followed by an equally captivating Tijuana. Moving to inspiring ensemble, Stan was pleased with Soref’s guitar on Blues My Naughty Sweety Gives To Me.
Stan McDonald joins Jack Soref on Sweet Sue
Jack plays the same gently arched Selmer guitar as Django Rheinhardt.
Jack was featured with a roaring takeoff solo on Sweet Sue backed by tuba.
He will present a Gypsy Jazz Trio for the first time at Primavera on February 25 and March 17. For anyone who hasn’t heard this yet, it will be an initiation to Django Rheinhardt!
Phil Person, marvelous musician
Phil Person’s trumpet, so beautiful and moving, resonated on Rose Of The Rio Grande, inducing tuba and guitar into a fiery rhythms.
Irving Berlin’s Blues In The Night – a twelve bar blues, announced the approaching end of the evening. The Band closed with Bechet’s Marchand de Poisson, beginning and ending with a feisty Habanera.
The Blue Horizon Jazz Band will return to Primavera on February 4th with another presentation of early 20’s and 30’s Hot Jazz. Hope to see you here!
(My apologies for the poor quality of the photos. My main Nikon camera has been sent back to the company for three weeks for repairs. Marce)
Tunes played tonight:
Rosetta
What Is This Thing Called Love
It Had To Be You
My Gal Sal
Tijuana
Wild Man Blues
Roamin’
Running Wild
Blues My Naughty Sweety Gives To Me
My Gal Rocks Me (With one Steady Roll)
Sweet Sue
Rose of The Rio Grande
Black and Blue
When I Leave The World Behind
Blues In The Night
Marchand de Poisson
NOVEL JAZZ RETURNS TO SKIDOMPHA LIBRARY FOR A WINTER EVENING OF HOT JAZZ
Novel Jazz Septet
NOVEL JAZZ RETURNS TO SKIDOMPHA LIBRARY- Novel Jazz Septet will be performing classic jazz at Skidompha Public Library, 184 Main St., Damariscotta, ME, on Thursday 21 January, 2016, 7PM to 9:30PM. The performance will feature Barney Balch (trombone), Dave Clarke (guitar), Mickey Felder (piano), Bryan Jones (Alto Saxophone), Herb Maine (acoustic bass), Michael Mitchell (trumpet) plus Bill Manning (drums) This evening will be the first Skidompha Novel Jazz evening of their 2016 season, beginning their 12th year at Skidompha. If you have never attended and are curious, come check them out to see why the Novel Jazz evenings at Skidompha have been so popular for so long! Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free. For more info, call 207-563-5513 or point your web browser tohttp://www.skidompha.org/ or the band’s web site —–www.mainejazz.net . (Photo by Tara Mitchell).
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After a busy year of concerts featuring Ellington and Strayhorn compositions during the Strayhorn centennial, the Novel Jazz Septet begins their 2016 season at the Skidompha Public Library atrium, 184 Main Street, Damariscotta, Maine, on Thursday, 21 January 2016, from 7-9:30 PM, for an evening of music from the Great American Songbook. These events began with the observation that lovers of books often are lovers of jazz. The superb acoustics of Skidompha’s atrium, plus the seating “in the round”, make it a superior place to see and hear jazz, all in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. It was while performing at Skidompha that the band decided to forge deeper into the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Trombonist Barney Balch began visiting the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. to work in their Ellington collection, digging out gems of these musical geniuses and bringing them back to life in summer time concerts.
The musicians of this group have been playing straight-ahead jazz for audiences throughout Maine (and beyond) for several decades. Collectively, they share over two centuries of experience in the jazz idiom. Performing this evening will be Barney Balch (trombone), David Clarke (guitar), Mickey Felder (piano), Mike Mitchell (trumpet), Bryan Jones (alto), Herb Maine (bass) and Bill Manning (drums).
Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free. We encourage parents to bring their children, the future of this art form. The library is located at 184 Main Street in downtown Damariscotta. Call 207-563-5513 during business hours for more information. Note, if there is any question about weather, please call the Skidompha Library during business hours. Skidompha’s winter closure policy is that of the local school district (AOS 93); if the schools are closed, so is the library. For more info, point your web browser to http://www.skidompha.org/ or the band’s web site www.mainejazz.net .
This promises to be a very special night of jazz as the band celebrates the beginning of their twelfth year of performances at Skidompha. If you have never attended a Novel Jazz event and are curious, check them out and see why the Novel Jazz evenings at Skidompha have been so popular for so long. Come to Skidompha on 21 January… music to keep both your soul and toes warm during this cold winter season!
The Dave Whitney Trio kicked off 2016 at Bullfinch’s Jazz Brunch for the 22nd consecutive year with swinging ensembles and brilliant solos. It was standing room only, demonstrating the respect and affection that musicians and fans have for Dave Whitney. He is known as New England’s Dean of Jazz, usually on trumpet, but today leading with melody and harmony on cornet.
Dave Whitney cornet, Jon Wheatley guitar, Mark Carlsen bass, and special guests Gray Sargent guitar, Jim Porcella and Mollie Malone vocals. What a fantastic way to start the New Year!
The Brunch began unusually early, at 10am, with just a few customers straggling in, but that soon changed. The Trio began with a soft Moonglow; folks relaxing after a hectic New Year’s Eve.
Jon Wheatley
These Foolish Things, featured Jon’s sweet and sultry guitar with bass backup, and Dave sounding like Bunny Berigan.
Dave sang several tunes, connecting with the mood of each song: Irving Berlin’s Blue Skies, The Gypsy, Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans? and more.
He added a Latin beat with Jobim’s Bossa Nova, Triste. ( Meaning sad) By now the tables were filled. They picked up the pace with a ‘good ol’ good one’, Found a New Baby with Mark cleverly slapping the bass.
Folks were getting reacquainted, (lots of talking). Gray Sargent was here with his wife Pam and brother John; Betty Weaver and Paul DeMille have been present at these New Year’s Brunches since they started over 20 years ago. There were many musicians in the room whose names we don’t know. Jim Porcella, Peter Gerler, Mollie Malone were in the audience. A Sticky Wicket ‘regular’, Ruth Schwab arrived with Joe Grasia.
Mark Carlsen bowing string bass
You Took Advantage of Me. Mark was bowing the string bass.
His rhythm moves!
The band took a well deserved break – this is a four-hour program.
Dave Whitney
They returned for a special request, a tune done by Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong, You’re Sensational. You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To.
Dave played riveting cornet on Clyde McCoy’s Sugar Blues.
This band Swings from start to finish! They moved upbeat with Back Home Again in Indiana. Dave took the vocal on The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else, giving Mark a crowd pleasing string bass solo.
Tin Roof Blues, is always a favorite, with captivating cornet and guitar, Mark walking and bowing the bass.
Mollie Malone
Dave introduced Mollie Malone. Mollie sings in Billie Holiday style with I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, and a sweet I’ve Got a Crush On You.
Jim Porcella
Bombay Jim Porcella of the Swinging Saphires and Swinging Tenors was here. He was called up with It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing (of course!) and Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.
Special treat was seeing and hearing Gray Sargent again! He once had his own Trio – now he and Marshall Wood are backing Tony Bennett all over the world.
Gray Sargent
Gray joined the Trio, thrilling the crowd with sheer joy and mastery on 9:20 Special by Count Basie, and Isn’t It Romantic?
The musical highlight of this afternoon was a breathtaking Lady Be Good, with two virtuoso guitars, Gray Sargent and Jon Wheatley playing together with real camaraderie and classic musicianship. The Quartet closed this four-hour afternoon with heartfelt, hot music.
Jon Wheatley and Gray Sargent play Lady Be Good
This was a Joyful Affair from beginning to end, with many surprises! We’re looking forward to hearing the Dave Whitney Trio at another Bullfinch Jazz Brunch in the near future. We’ll keep an eye out for Gray Sargent and Tony Bennett.
We definitely plan on being here again next year celebrating New Year’s Day 2017 at Bullfinch’s Jazz Brunch, and for many years to come!
