Wolverine Jazz Band at Primavera Ristorante, February 19, 2015

Posted on February 22, 2015 by admin

The Wolverine Jazz Band

Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark clarinet and bari sax, Tom Boates trombone, Ross Petot keyboard, Jimmy Mazzy banjo, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums

An energetic, rambunctious Wolverine Jazz Band raised the temperature on this very cold February evening with uplifting, toe-tapping Traditional Jazz at Primavera Ristorante. This was the band’s first time here. They checked out the sound with Ain’t Misbehaving and were very pleased.

Just a few days after Mardi Gras, this was an evening of tunes from the essential spirit of early New Orleans up to the 1950’s. They played a mix of Armstrong, Oliver, Ellington, Bix and Whiteman, many tunes from their last CD ( 12^th ), Moonlight, and some from their next one, yet to be named.

Jeff on trumpet, wearing black shirt and paper-boy's cap

Jeff Hughes plays Michigander Blues

New Orleans Mardi Gras,
Clarence Williams’ Cake Walking Babies, Shake it And Break It; from their next CD, a ‘baker’s dozen’, Michigander Blues.

The Chant, a Mel Stitzel tune arranged by Jelly Roll Morton, resurrected fond memories of the early Sticky Wicket Days, as did Panama.

The front line, Tom Boates, Jeff Hughes, leader John Clark

Jimmy is world renowned on banjo and vocals. He chose the next tune, Mill’s Brothers’ ‘Till Then.

#1 Fan, Betty Weaver, persuaded John to sing, he chose Oceana Roll, a tune depicting the arrival of the US Navy in Japan in 1911. They ended it with a line of Anchors Aweigh.

John Clark played Rose Room on low register clarinet, backed by a playful trombone and trumpet playing an entirely different tune.

John on baritone sax

Clark took out the baritone sax, with Jeff on flugelhorn, for a “good ol’ good one” done by Louis Armstrong and Velma Middleton in 1951, That’s My Desire.

Tom Boates sings Honky Tonk Town

Tom Boates, who drove 125 miles from Connecticut to get here, was featured on trombone and vocal, putting heart and soul in a New Orleans tune recorded in 1940 by Sidney Bechet and Louis Armstrong – Down in Honky Tonk Town,

The Wolverine Jazz Band is backed by the dynamic duo of Rick MacWilliams pushing on tuba, keeping the music lively, and Dave Didriksen on drums, keeping it on time.

Rick MacWilliams

Dave Didriksen

Tom Boates plays tribute to Harry Arnold

Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans, was Tom Boates’ tribute to Connecticut trombonist Harry Arnold, who died a year ago January. They both played in the Hartford Jazz Orchestra that is now featured at the Arch Street Tavern in Hartford every Monday night.

Jimmy in red shirt, singing and playing banjo

Jimmy Mazzy, the one and only!

Tight ensemble on Frankie Trumbauer’s There’ll Come a Time; a Lil Hardin tune, Do What Ory Say, with Jimmy scatting. The band sat out as he began the verse to Stealing Away Blues, singing and playing banjo as only he can.

Jeff Hughes sings

It’s always a pleasure to listen to Jeff Hughes sing. He introduced a cute ditty, Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia, that was recorded by the Boswell sisters with the Dorsey Brothers Band in 1932.

Pianist extraordinaire, Ross Petot teaches on Thursday evenings. He is pianist for many bands, so we’ve really missed him at Primavera. Fortunately, this was School Vacation Week – we were very happy to have him back!

Ross on keyboard. Primavera has no piano.

Ross Petot on keyboard

Down to the wire, the band had a romping New Orleans take on the Original Jelly Roll Blues, 100 years old this year, and a wild wind up with another hot tune, Panama.

Hot Traditional and Dixieland Jazz will continue at Primavera for the rest of the year – you can bet The Wolverine Jazz Band will be a significant part of it, when they aren’t playing at a festival someplace. So far, they are invited to The 25th Annual America’s Jazz Classic in Washington State in June, and The Bar Harbor Jazz Festival Maine in July. There will be more.
You can purchase any of their fine CD’s at www.wolverinejazzband.com.

Jazz Jesters at the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival 2014

Posted on February 14, 2015 by admin

Jeff Hughes trumpet/leader, John Clark and Craig Ball reeds, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Ross Petot piano, Al Bernard sousaphone, Steve Taddeo drums

Once again the Jazz Jesters brought their Hot Dance music of the Jazz Decades to the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival, with plenty of 20’s and 30’s early Bix and Bunny Berigan. They play many of their own arrangements with have tight ensembles and exciting solos. Unfortunately, most of those pictures were lost, so we’ve picked some substitutes.

They started with This is My Lucky Day – Henderson 1926, with piano intro, Jimmy scatting. Anytime they can can perform together is a lucky day – they’ve made this their theme song.

Craig Ball was featured on high register clarinet for the 1930’s Three Little Words.

The band played early Bix in his Wolverine Days, before he joined Goldkette, with John on baritone sax: I Need Some Petting

John Clark on baritone sax

The dynamic reedmen Craig Ball and John Clark are as expressive as the reed sections of a Big Band, changing combinations, saxophones on Song of India, clarinets.
They inspire each other, alternating alto and tenor sax and clarinet, baritone sax, and sometimes challenge the leader by changing the program on him.

1940’s Tommy Dorsey with Craig on clarinet, John on alto sax, I Know That You Know.

Jeff Hughes sings snappy Golden Gate

Jeff Hughes’ love of this music radiates out of every pore. Hot tempo on custom-made tuneable bell Yamaha trumpet for Al Jolson’s Golden Gate. Jeff even sang the vocal.
(He found the old sheet music list for this music one weekend going through an antique store.)

Davenport Blues with Jeff on flugelhorn:

Al Bernard

Pushing the band is Al Bernard, wrapped in sousaphone.

Ross was featured with the rhythm section on Cole Porter’s most famous tune, the 1929 What Is This Thing Called Love, beautiful ballad, Jimmy wailing it in Mazzy style, with Ross backing him on stride piano.

Ross Petot

John on alto, Craig on clarinet Blame it On The Blues

Paduca

Pardon My Southern Accent Jimmy vocal, with great tenor sax by Craig.

Steve lets loose on drums (at Sherborn Inn)

Steve Taddeo lets loose on drums

They let Steve Taddeo go on Fats Waller’s 1920 Zonkie. He loosened the snare drum to give it the Gene Krupa treatment. (It’s inevitable.)

Steve stayed in Gene Krupa mood. Jimmy started the verse on Irving Berlin’s Russian Lullaby, Jeff adding some fabulous Bunny Berigan.

The one and only, Jimmy Mazzy

1920 Walter Donaldson’s Sam, The Accordion Man featured Jimmy.
They closed with Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?

The Jazz Jesters reminded us of New Orleans, Bix and Bunny, St. Louis, Kansas City, Chicago, all the places the early jazz from the 20’s and early 30’s was played.

Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks at Essex Winter Series, February 8, 2015

Posted on February 12, 2015 by admin

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks

By Jean Hadley
Photos: Ed Ohr

Stu Ingersoll Jazz Concert
Jeff Barnhart, Jazz Artistic Advisor

The Essex, Connecticut Winter Series bring the finest music, in live performances, to the Connecticut River Valley and Shoreline Region; Sunday was an outstanding example.

People familiar with Vince Giordano and his Nighthawks know they are in for a performance unequaled by anyone on the scene today.

Vince has a plethora of information and an unsurpassed collection of Hot Jazz from the l920’s and 1930’s. It is mind boggling to hear him, in an easy manner, recite the history of this music; details that only he has stored in his mind’s archives. His love of this music began when he was only five; living in Brooklyn, New York.

Among his many, many accomplishments and awards, one recent award is most outstanding. In 2012, Vince and the Nighthawks won a GRAMMY in the 54^th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for their work on “Boardwalk Empire.” The music soundtrack is available on CD and may be purchased on line.

Moving along, to Sunday’s outstanding performance, the auditorium was filled to capacity. When Jeff Barnhart appeared, on stage to introduce the band, he received appreciative applause not only for his work with the series but for his talent and contribution to the world of jazz.

When the Nighthawks began to play, a hush came over the entire auditorium. The audience, settled in for two hours of historical entertainment, sat on the edge of their seats listening not only to the music but, also the mountain of information Vince revealed about each selection. The way Vince presents a concert fills his patrons with the feeling of wanting more and more; and wishing the performance hours were longer.

I used to write about each selection, the author, year it was written, however, with the advent of the computer, it is very easy for the reader to do his/her own research. I prefer to write more about audience reaction and where the musicians are in OKOM. People like Vince and his Nighthawks are a prime example of this. OKOM is true Americana music. Everything that followed the beginnings in 1895, evolved from these humble beginnings. Yesterday was a prime example of how many are continuing to pay homage to our 120 year old music. Kudos to Vince, his Nighthawks ensemble and all musicians here and aboard. Both men and women continue, in there endeavors, to recreate OKOM and captivate audiences. The attendance was certainly proof just how much OKOM is still alive and well.

Each and every one of the Nighthawks was outstanding. However, over many years, I have watched three musicians “blossom” into beautiful flowers….if I may use this metaphor; outstanding, in their work, Jim Fryer, Dan Levinson and Jon-Eric Kellso. Of course, each and every one of the remaining musicians has his own compelling artistry.

The Nighthawks repertoire was filled with music by Jelly Roll Morton, Paul Whiteman, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Earl Hines, King Oliver, Fletcher Henderson, Bix Beiderbecke and the list was endless.

Vince on vocals, Andy Stein on “phone fiddle” and several numbers when the front line used “megaphones” (1920.) Unfortunately missing was Rudy Vallee.

Not forgotten and reminding us that the “washboard and banjo” played a huge part in our early music; Paul Wells (percussion) entertained us with his “washboard artistry” while Ken Salvo did his part on the banjo.

photo by Ed Ohr

Vince called Jeff on stage to play his own beautiful arrangement of “In the Mist” written by Bix Beiderbecke (and perhaps the last song Bix wrote.) It is amazing how much knowledge and understanding Jeff has for his music.

Jeff has entertained audiences since he was a youngster. I have been told, at a very, very young age and, before my introduction to the Millpond Tavern in Northford, CT, he sat in with the Galvanized Jazz Band.

And, so we came to the end of our time together. The audience was applauding for more but, of course, all good things must come to an end. Vince reminded his audience that CD’s were available. http://vincegiordano.com/music

This said; what a great way to continue hearing the Nighthawks and CD’s by other musicians in his ensemble.

Jean Hadley

Hot Steamed Jazz Festival June 20-22, 2014

Posted on February 10, 2015 by admin

That was the Finale of the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival 2014 – Jimmy Mazzy singing “We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when…” Many of us started to cry. The Jazz at the Festival was fantastic, but the attendance was not.

by Marce
Videos by Eric Devine

Traditional and Dixieland Jazz has been featured at the Essex Steam Train since 1986 – when it was The Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival. When TGCTJF moved to Moodus CT, a dedicated group of Trad Jazz aficionados, including Joe and Shirley Bombaci, hoped to maintain some Traditional Jazz in Essex. With staunch volunteers and supporters, they created the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival, that celebrated it’s 20th anniversary in 2012. I’ve been to every one, and it’s been very difficult getting my heart around this.

In 2014, Ten bands performed in simultaneous sessions under two tents on the grounds adjacent to the Essex Steam Train. A Gospel service on Sunday was performed by Jeff Barnhart, who also led the Festival All Star Band.

Eric Devine (CineDevine) published many of the VIDEOS Check them out. A few are presented here.

The Festival began Friday night with Art Hovey’s talented students – The “Route 17 Stompers” mostly from Durham, Connecticut, which is just up Route 17 from the site of the old Millpond Tavern; hence the name.

Art Hovey’s Route 17 Stompers

The Bands:

– Jeff Barnhart, Connecticut’s own jazz pianist virtuoso

– Galvanized Jazz Band from Connecticut with Cynthia Fabian
Fred Vigorito cornet, Fred Vigorito Jr. cornet Russ Whitman reeds, Bill Sinclair piano, Ben Griffin trombone, Art Hovey tuba/bass, Tom Palinko drums

– Dan Levinson’s New Millennium All Stars with Molly Ryan from New York, and John Hokum trombone, Mike Davis cornet, Jan Frankel piano, Rob Akins bass, Rich Levinson drums,

– Sunnyland Jazz Band
Bob Barta – Banjo, Vocals
John Klumpp – Trumpet, Vocals
Art Hovey – Tuba

– Wolverine Jazz Band from Massachusetts
John Clark – reeds
Jeff Hughes – cornet
Tom Boates – trombone
Ross Petot – piano
Jimmy Mazzy – banjo / vocals
Rick McWilliams – tuba
Dave Didrickson – drums

– Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band from Connecticut

Tom Brown – Trumpet
John Clark- Reeds
Noel Kaletsky – Reeds
Skip Hughes- Trombone
Ben Griffin – Trombone
Shari Lucas – Piano
Steve Keeler – Guitar
Albie Bernard – Tuba
Bill Logozzo — Drums
Michele Berting – Vocals

–

Gospel Service on Sunday was officiated by Jeff Barnhart, with help from Jason Senn and The Festival All Stars: Noel Kaletsky, Lou Green, Emily Asher, Lou Bocciarelli, Al Bernard, Skip Hughes, Tom Palinko

Emily Asher and Skip Hughes

Lou Bocciarelli and Al Bernard

Skip Hughes put heart and soul itno Old Rugged Cross. Jeff said it: “That, Ladies and Gentlemen, is what we call sharing our gifts!”

WOW!

– Ivory and Gold

– Ben Maugher’s Vintage Jazz Band from Pennsylvania
Ben Mauger (cornet), Brian Priebe (trombone), Bob Rawlins (reeds), Bob Kreitz (piano), Bruce Campbell (Bass), Larry Bortz (drums)

– Riverboat Ramblers led by local musician and entertainer John Banker, with Joe MacWilliams keyboard, Sherman Kahn reeds, Bab Barta banjo, Sal Ranello drums and washboard.

– Festival All Stars led by Jeff Barnhart – Jeff collected many musicians for different sets. This one has Jeff Hughes trumpet, Noel Kaletsky and Craig Ball reeds, Al Bernard sousaphone, Tom Palinko drums.

– Jazz Jesters from Massachusetts

Jeff Hughes – trumpet
John Clark – reeds
Craig Ball – reeds
Jimmy Mazzy – banjo / vocals
Ross Petot – piano
Albie Bernard – tuba
Steve Taddeo- drums

The Hot Steamed Festivals always concludes with The Galvanized Jazz Band marching from the Louis Armstrong Tent to the Hole in the Wall Gang Tent to join whatever band is playing there – this time it was Jeff Hughes’ Jazz Jesters, with Jimmy Mazzy banjo and vocals. They were joined by Sarah Spencer.

The music and musicians at the 2014 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival were fantastic. Many of the Fans who have been here since the beginning were here, but with more canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. But as in other Festivals across the country, there weren’t enough of us to make the Festival break even.

We were told by management of The Essex Steam Train that we can’t hold it here anymore. As Jimmy was singing the Finale, “We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when”, we left the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival in tears.
Eric Devine (CineDevine) published many of Bands’ VIDEOS Check them out.

Dan Levinson’s New Millennium All Stars from New York at the 2014 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival

Posted on February 10, 2015 by admin

Dan Levinson’s Millenium All Stars, with Molly Ryan

Dan Levinson reeds, Molly Ryan vocals/guitar, Mike Davis cornet, Josh Holkum trombone, Jan Frankel piano, Rob Adkins bass, Rich Levinson drums,

Dan Levinson is one of the most prolific musicians on the scene today. He is largely responsible for the resurgence of Traditional Jazz and Swing in New York today, by sharing his knowledge with many upcoming musicians. This was his 17^th year at the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival, and he introduced us to some of New York’s finest ‘Millenium’ musicians.

He kicked it off with a 1927 Bix tune, I’m Gonna Meet My Sweetie Now. It wasn’t on their set list, but requested by a lady in the audience; so Dan quickly scribbled up an arrangement for the band.

Molly Ryan now has several albums of her own.

Molly treated us with powerful vocals on All My Life, a tune that Helen Ward did with the Benny Goodman Trio in 1935 . You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby, and from her new album Wanderer, backed by Dan on tenor sax.

Oh Peter, Wolverines 1939 tribute to Bix Beiderbecke, Tijuana.
Mike Davis looks and sounds like Bix.

Mike Davis in multi-colored jacket and 30's haircut

Mike Davis, cornet

Bix Beiderbecke

Mike had been begging to play this, one of Dan’s favorites, 1928 Gene Austin Garden in the Rain. Dan and Molly were backed by the rhythm section on Billy Holiday’s 1935 What a Little Moonlight Can Do; just the right accents on drum, rim-tapping.

Rich Levinson knows his drums!

Rob Adkins, string bass

Jan’s sterling piano solo was assisted
by Rob Adkins’ string bass.

Holcomb wearing straw ? hat, playing trombone

Josh Holcomb, nice trombone

From Bud Freeman’s 1940 recording, I Need Some Petting, had three horns, especially nice trombone.

Dan let Jan Frankel loose on piano, his long fingers playing stride, followed by the band playing wild, interweaving, New Orleans polyphony, with growling trombone.

Jan Frankel, from Connecticut

They closed with a fabulous version of the New Orleans Rhythm Kings’ Farewell Blues, inspiring one another, mesmerizing trombone with Dan & Mike comping.

Farewell Blues

This set captured the audience, they loved every minute of it!

Dan Gabel and The High Society Jazz Orchestra at Primavera Ristorante, January 29, 2015

Posted on January 29, 2015 by admin

Dan Gabel and The High Society Jazz Orchestra

The High Society Jazz Orchestra played to a small but appreciative audience at Primavera Ristorante on Thursday. Sounding way beyond their numbers, the 11-piece band reached deep down and created beautiful music that enlivened our spirits.

Dan under High Society banner playing trombone

Leader, Dan Gabel

They led with their theme song Whispering, and continued with arrangements by Dan Gabel and John Clark, revoicing tunes from the 20’s and 30’s. They kept this memorable music flowing, giving the musicians a chance to show off their fine solos as well as ensemble.

The weathermen scared people away, but with a smaller crowd the atmosphere was more intimate, with the members of the band exchanging banter with the audience and taking requests.

Trumpets: Mike Peipman, lead: Adam Mejaour
Saxes Tyler Burchfield on tenor, John Clark on bari, Richard Garcia on alto,

The energetic instrumentals made the band feel twice its size, rekindling this enduring music associated with a bygone era. This is as good as it gets! They practiced new arrangements swinging so hard you’d never know it was the first time they saw the chart.

Elise Roth sings refrains for the first time.

Elise Roth sings Irving Berlin’s refrains for the first time.

Vocalist Elise Roth’s warm sweet voice seemed effortless. She even sang three refrains using Irving Berlin’s original 1927 lyrics of Am I Blue, made famous in the 20’s by vocalist Annette Henshaw.

Mike Peipman

Mike Peipman was on trumpet for their inventive reimagining of the Artie Shaw theme Nightmare.

Herb on keyboard. We don't have a piano - yet.

Herb Gardner plays Earl ‘Fatha’ Hynes’ Cavernism

We had our own ‘Fatha’ Hines in Herb Gardner, playing his1933 Cavernism.
(He and daughters Abbie and Sarah are performing at the Bickford Theatre in Morristown New Jersey on Groundhog Day, February 2nd.)

There was a new arrangement of Stormy Weather, appropriate for the Nor’Easter that just left us with three feet of snow. One of our favorites was John Clark’s arrangement of Chicago Rhythm.

The Rhythm Boys, Herb Gardner, Bill Reynolds, Bill Doyl, Rick MacWilliams

Dan had an arrangement of Rogers and Hart’s Thou Swell, with Clark playing solo on baritone sax and Elise singing Lorenz Hart’s beautiful lyrics.

Bill Doyle moves to 1928 banjo

Bill took out a 1928 banjo for Fats Waller’s St. Louis Shuffle, with the ensemble playing a rarely heard verse, and drummer Reynolds playing the breaks on choke cymbal. Bill regularly plays Benedetto guitar.

Tubist Rick MacWilliams had a chance to show his stuff on a solo on You Belong To Me – a request from Tom James in the audience, with Dan taking the vocal.

There were two altos and a tenor sax on King Oliver’s Mule Face Blues. We heard Duke’s Cotton Club Stomp, Who’s Sorry Now vocal by Dan Gabel. One tune we never heard before, Maori, (A Samoan dance) was arranged by John Clark, composed in 1919 by William H. Tyres and Henry S. Creamer.

They closed with Elise singing Dan’s arrangement of There’ll Be Some Changes Made, with new strains we’ve never heard before. It was an exhilarating evening of melliflous music. We were glad that we ignored the weathermen!

Members of the band were:
Trumpets: Mike Peipman, Adam Mejaour
Saxes: Tyler Burchfield on tenor, John Clark on bari, Richard Garcia on alto, and all played clarinet.
Trombone and leader: Dan Gabel.
Keyboard: Herb Gardner
Guitar and banjo: Bill Doyle, band manager
Tuba: Rick MacWilliams
Drums: Bill Reynolds
Vocals: Elise Roth

The High Society Jazz Orchestra will be at the Feast of Music After Party at the Oval Room of the Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston February 21 for NEC’s scholarship fundraiser. March 7 they will be at the WGBH studio for An Evening Inspired by Downtown Abbey, and at Sculler’s March 26 for the HOT release of their CD, Business in “F”, recorded at PBS Studios by Peter Kontrimas with cover and drawings by Elise Ross. Elise’s recital of classical vocals at NEC is March 29th 4:00pm at Williams Hall, and is free and open to the public.

Galvanized Jazz Band at Miller Library Cultural Complex, Hamden CT

Posted on January 28, 2015 by admin

Sunday, January 25, 2015 by Jean M. Hadley
File Photos

trombone, cornet, c;aromet, piano showing

Galvanized Jazz Band at Hot Steamed Jazz Festival

The Galvanized Jazz Band is an energetic, spirited hot Dixieland jazz band in the style of New Orleans jazz. Connecticut Magazine proclaims this band “The Best Jazz Band in the State.”

In 1971 and for 25 years, the GJB had a steady Sunday night gig at the Millpond Tavern in Northford, CT. Today, although Millpond Tavern has been sold and no longer a restaurant, the GJB is still finding venues and is alive and well after 44 years; thank you Freddy, band members and loyal fans.

Sunday was a wonderful example, tribute and dedication to the music they play and love was quite evident to the “standing room only” crowd.

As the audience waited with great anticipation, the band appeared on stage with Jean Hadley and entourage, parading with their colorful parasols to the music of BOURBON STREET PARADE. This always brings out the fans enthusiasm and excitement.

Cynthia Fabian opened with BASIN STREET BLUES, followed by SOUTH RAMPART STREET PARADE. The parasol ladies joined in, did their strut and, once again the enthusiasm prevailed.

Craig Grant (guest/ trombone) announced he is celebrating his 50^th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations! This said, Craig went on to play his “show stopper” LASSUS TROMBONE. His delivery of this number is always perfection. Here he is with the band at Hot Steamed Jazz Festival 2012.

In between great selections, Freddy and Joel added a bit of fun by recalling old time radio commercials and, of course, only Joel Schiavone remembers all the words.

Following “Joel’s act,” Freddy reminisced by taking the audience back to many of the old radio shows…The Lone Ranger, Fibber McGee & Molly, Burns & Allen and the list went on. Freddy presented the audience with a contest to name some tunes and their relationship to several old TV sitcoms….of course….the winners were awarded a recording.

Cynthia Fabian at Hot Steamed Jazz Fest

Cynthia Fabian brilliantly entertained us with several selections and in particular Etta Jones AT LAST, Patsy Cline’s CRAZY and STRANGE THINGS ARE HAPPENING.

Nearing the end of the afternoon, the band played TIGER RAG. The number was played with such vigor, I thought the band needed oxygen!

Shortly, it was time to bring a wonderful hour and half to a close. The band played their traditional “Saints” while the parasol ladies entertained a very appreciative audience. Joel came in with Roy Roger’s theme song HAPPY TRAILS. Remember Roy and Dale?

Bob Bequillard at Hot Steamed

Congratulations! Bob Bequillard
celebrating 60 years playing drums
…..44 years with the GJB.

Their passion for this Jazz is obvious. The audience enjoyed listening to this hot, spirited, Dixieland Jazz Band. You can catch them on the 3rd Sunday of every month at Aunt Chilada’s, 3931 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, Connecticut, 6:30-9:30pm.

Eli and the Hot Six at Primavera Ristorante in Millis January 22nd

Posted on January 28, 2015 by admin

Good times were had by all when Eli and the Hot Six enjoyed their debut at Primavera Ristorante. Their passion for this music is obvious. It was infectious; the audience became totally engaged.

piano, tuba, drum, reeds, trumpet, trombone

Eli and The Hot Six

Bo Winiker trumpet and flugelhorn, Ted Casher on clarinet, tenor and soprano sax, Herb Gardner trombone and vocals, Bob Winter on keyboard, Eli Newberger tuba, Jeff Guthery on drums, Frank John intermission tuba.

There was a popular band in New Haven in the 50’s and 60’s called Eli and the Chosen Six. Louis Armstrong had his Hot 5 and Hot 7. Eli Newberger paid homage to all of them by changing the name of the band from Eli and His All-Stars to Eli and the Hot Six.

Struttin’ With Some Barbecue, usually a fast, upbeat tune, was played slowly and swinging, inviting everyone to enjoy this evening.

Bob Winter on keyboard – You’ve never heard Oh By Jingo played like this, with blazing runs up and down the keyboard! Kathy Wittman did a video of it back at the Sherborn Inn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvWIIwCU-jg This alone is more than worth the $10 admission at the Primavera!!

As this was their first time playing here, they tested the acoustics with Basin St. Blues. No mics of any kind. Glorious horn solos, Ted’s tenor sax, Bo on smoky flugelhorn, low low tuba, closing with Herb’s trombone.

Bob sitting Eli standing behind him as they laugh playing keyboard.

Is this fun or what?

Eli joined Bob for Night Train.
They do have fun!

Eubie Blake was remembered with Bo Winiker sweet trumpet on Memories of You.

Jeff Guthery plays lyrical drums

Jeff Guthery played melody tapping on woodblock and bell and snare drum on Tiger Rag, before they all took off marching through the audience!

trombone, tuba, trumpet (clarinet not visible)

The band played New Orleans Jazz marching around the tables. The fans loved it!

Ted Casher clarinet, tenor sax, alto sax.

Ted Casher said, “Great gig! Great food! Great atmosphere! Always enjoy myself playing with the Six!”

Frank John, Freshman at NEC

Eli’s latest ‘Mentee’ is NEC Freshman Frank John, who took over Eli’s tuba at intermission, playing around with scales.

Eli’s tuba is older than he is, and it was missing some notes that Frank is accustomed to on his own tuba. Nevertheless he managed to reach a Pedal F tone, lower than the lowest F on the keyboard! We’ll be hearing more from him in the future.

Rambunctious front line played Muscat Ramble in a Bossa Nova beat.

Hot Six Front Line

Bob Winter honored us with the World Premiere of his composition of a Trad tune that had all the band site-reading! Paul’s Phonic Dream. New to everybody – first time we ever see Eli reading from a chart!

Eli solo

Eli gets a lively solo on Ain’t Misbehaving, backed only by the rhythm section; eloquent, touching.

Bo is sitting, left foot kicking the air as he blows wild trumpet

Bo Winiker lets it all out

Great ensemble on Sweet Sue, Ted playing marvelous clarinet. Bo got carried away on trumpet, putting his whole body into it.

George Gershwin’s Fascinating Rhythm calmed him down on smoky flugelhorn, with all the instruments taking turns trading 4’s.

Herb Gardner sang

Multi-instrumentalist Herb Gardner also graced us with a trombone solo on Ain’t Misbehavin‘ and vocals.

He’ll be celebrating Groundhog Day with his talented daughters Abby and Sarah at the Bickford Theatre in New Jersey on February 2nd.

Bob returned for solo on Ida, playing unceasing rhythm, finishing with a Count Basie ending. Michael Steinman says,” He doesn’t rush; he doesn’t attempt to impress us with pianisms. His playing verges on the formal, but it is based on a serene respect for the melody rather than a tied-to-the-notes stiffness.”

They closed with a controversial tune that turned out to be Louis Armstrong’s last greatest hit. It was a request that Louis had never heard before. He listened to a recording of Hello Dolly, and you know the rest. Trumpet and trombone played masterful duet..

Bo one handed trumpet, Herb muted trombone

Bo Winiker and Herb Gardner duet on finale

The Hot Six were on fire on this splendid evening of Jazz at Primavera Ritorante. They will return on February 26th for more of the same, with Rebecca Sullivan on vocals, and they’ll have their new CD for sale: “Contemporary Classic Jazz: Eli and The Hot Six LIVE” Join us??

Primavera will also feature Dan Gabel’s fabulous High Society Orchestra on January 29th. We’ll be between snow storms. Don’t let the weathermen scare you away – this is worth the trip.

Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Primavera Ristorante, January 15, 2015

Posted on January 20, 2015 by admin

Band at far end of room, tables and fans in foreground

Jazz Room, Primavera Ristorante

A new era began as the Blue Horizon Jazz Band launched Thursday Jazz at the Primavera Ristorante in Millis, Massachusetts. Primavera is an excellent new venue for Traditional and Dixieland Jazz. It is a quality restaurant with a lovely atmosphere. It offers great service at an affordable price and makes you feel like you are dining in Italy.

The band plays in a separate function room with good sound and balance, but it doesn’t have a piano – yet. Stan McDonald had to rearrange some personnel. Dave MacMillan substituted for pianist Ross Petot, with banjo, vocals, and smiles.

Stan McDonald soprano sax, Jeff Stout trumpet, John Kafalas trombone, Dave MacMillan banjo/vocals, Gerry Gagnon tuba, George Darrah drums

George Darrah filled in for Steve Taddeo. He is a bright young drummer from Beverly. At age 16, he was rehearsing with the Dave Whitney Big Band. He’s become a fine musician and will be one of the keepers of the Classic Jazz flame.

Along with Gerry’s tuba, George provided sure-footed rhythm with his creative drumming.

Dave MacMillan kicked off the evening with banjo intro and vocals on I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me.

Trombonist John Kafalas interjected the blues feeling in Wabash Blues. He has a Bach 42 trombone with a large bell that is generally used in a symphony, but works very well in this room.

Gerry Gagnon is a virtuoso bassist on tuba, and showed it on his solo on Rose of The Rio Grande.

Stan said he believes All By Myself is one of the greatest melodies of all time, an “organic whole”.

Old Fashioned Love featured Stan on soprano sax. They alternated with a Latin beat on St. Louis Blues, fortified by Jeff Stout’s powerful trumpet.

Trumpet and saxophone took a stirring, synchronized intro into When I Leave The World Behind, backed only by tuba. The ensemble worked together, playing for each other as well as the listening audience, on Sugar, Swing That Music, .

Some Of These Days was a barn-buster that had fans tapping their toes. Stout’s trumpet took a slow intro into Sunny Side of The Street with just the rhythm section behind him. Nice.

Since these musicians have never played together as a band, Back Home Again in Indiana was preceded by a big discussion. The result was inspired solos and ensemble, ending with Dave MacMillan, with a big smile, embellishing the vocals.

Jeff took the lead on Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me with Stan playing counterpoint.

Black and Blue was fresh and different, played with alternating tempos.

Darrah took a drum-pummeling four-bar break on the closure, After You’ve Gone.

Primavera will be a perfect venue for Traditional and Dixieland Jazz, with warm staff, hospitality and fine food. (Chicken Limoncello was delicious!) We look forward to returning next week for Eli and His Hot Six (formerly Eli’s All Stars) with pianist Bob Winter of the Boston Pops on keyboard. POSTER Join us!

Primavera Ristorante, 20 Pleasant St. Millis MA 02054 (Just off Rt. 109) 508-376-2026
http://www.primav.com/

Seacoast Stompers at Bemis Hall January 11, 2015

Posted on January 17, 2015 by admin

Dave Whitney cornet, Craig Ball clarinet, Steve Piermarini trombone, Frank Stadler piano/leader, Scott Philbrick banjo/cornet, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bob Reardon drums

by Marce
videos by Harold McAleer

The Seacoast Stompers brought their vitality and spark into a New Year at Bemis Hall in Lincoln, Massachusetts. There were changes made. Any substitution makes a difference in the sound of a band – and tonight we had three: Dave Whitney filling in for Scott, who moved to banjo, and Steve Piermarini subbing for Lee Prager.

They were marvelous! You can’t go wrong with Whitney’s wit, knowledge of classic Jazz, and on – surprise – cornet! Leader Frank Stadler put him in charge of the microphone. Piermarini excels on smooth, smoky trombone. He’s had the bell since 1980, but had the slide replaced by Shires.

They were raring to go with their theme song, At The Jazz Band Ball, then Little Girl
I Want Some Lovin’.

Jelly Roll Morton’s Buddy Bolden’s Blues. Buddy was famous for his powerful horn: “his trumpet could be heard all over New Orleans, and even across the river in Algiers”. We had two powerful cornets, Whitney played his new Getzen Cornet that he’s been using on various gigs including his Whitney Big Band. Trumpet wasn’t missed at all. Scott played both cornet and 6-string banjo, much like a guitar, but using tremolo for emphasis.

Al Bernard wrapped in sousaphone

Who’s Sorry Now? Gave Al a chance to solo on sousaphone.

Louisiana featured both cornets –

Hindustan is a spicy tune, one of Craig Ball favorites. They slowed down for Sugar, playing it in the vein that Peggy Lee sang in Pete Kelly’s Blues.

Bob drumming so fast his hands are a blur

Bob Reardon

Love is Just Around The Corner, Bob playing drumsticks on snare drum. His drumming is discreet, he drives the rhythm, yet he never gets in the way of the soloists.

Swing That Music, a Louis Armstrong composition, all had hot solos with Albie setting the pace.

Someday Sweetheart – is one of Jelly Roll Morton’s tunes that became a jazz standard. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me is definitely not a blues!

There’ll Be Some Changes Made – Frank enjoying every minute of playing on this Steinway piano. He said this is the finest piano he’s ever played.

Frank Stadler, Band Leader

Two cornets

Scott joined Dave on cornet for a Bix Beiderbecke tune (when Bix was playing with Frankie Trumbauer). They inspired the audience with Take Your Tomorrow and Give Me Today.

Curse Of An Aching Heart was in fast time, with Craig’s feisty clarinet, and Al driving on turbo-charged sousaphone, hardly taking a breath.

Ain’t Gonna Give You None of My Jelly Roll, Dave vocal, squeezed in a snippet of Stumbling on cornet; he always slips it in somewhere! Stealing Apples is one of Dave Whitney’s favorite, a Fats Waller tune made famous by the Benny Goodman Orchestra.

There were three guest vocalists this afternoon. Steve Smith vocal on Pennies From Heaven and I Can’t Give You Anything But Love. Joe Brandisi usually plays vibes, but let it all out with a fine vocal on Bye Bye Blackbird. Mollie Malone was in fine voice for Exactly Like You. (We caught the trombone slipping in a bit of Stumbling.)

A Craig Ball favorite, Three Little Words was upbeat. Bob let loose on drums.

Bix Beiderbecke was resurrected with two cornets for the finale, with I’ll Be a Friend With Pleasure.

It was a thrill having the Seacoast Stompers back! We look forward to hearing them more often. They will return to Bemis Hall on Saturday, February 14th at 1-4pm and March 14th at their usual time 2-5pm. It’s a great way to spend a cold winter afternoon. Join us!

Marce

Tune List
Set 1
1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 I Want A Little Girl
3 San
4 Buddy Bolden’s Blues
5 Who’s Sorry Now
6 Louisiana
7 Hindustan
8 Sugar
9 Love Is Just Around The Corner

Set 2
1 Swing That Music
2 Pennies From Heaven
3 Someday You’ll Be Sorry
4 Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
5 There’ll Be Some Changes Made
6 Take Your Tomorrow
7 Curse of an Aching Heart
8 Blues in G
9 Jelly Roll (Ain’t Gonna Give You None)

Set 3
1 Stealin’ Apples
2 I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
3 Bye Bye Blackbird
4 Rosetta
5 Exactly Like You
6 Three Little Words
7 I’ll Be a Friend with Pleasure

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