More than a quarter of our seats for October are sold. We’ve kept prices for the three session tickets at $225 per person. Remember each session includes a meal. (Friday Night tickets will be available at $30 per person for every 3 session ticket purchased before July 1, 2015. After July 1, single session Friday Night tickets will be $40.00.
A personal gift for you or a special gift for that special person is available right now!
Jeff and Joel and the JJHP volunteers are jazzed up planning the next House Party October 9, 10 and 11, 2015.
Volunteers Glenn Ott and Harry Hom serve dinner
Some of the Musicians for October 2015
Peter and Will Anderson — reeds Fred Vigorito – cornet
Scott Philbrick – trumpet/banjo Gordon Au–trumpet
Noel Kaletsky – reeds Dan Levinson – reeds
Tom Boates — trombone Jim Fryer — trombone
Gen Rose -– bass Brian Nalepka –- tuba/bass/vocals
Molly Ryan –- vocals and guitar Jeff Barnhart –- piano/vocals
Joel Schiavone–banjo/vocals Don Trenner – piano
Kevin Dorn–drums Jim Lawlor –drums
As many of you jazz aficionados remember, every performance since the inception of the House Party has been a toe-tapping, finger-snapping, body rocking time. Hope you all have visited YouTube to see and hear many selections from all our previous House Parties. If not, please go to YouTube, type in Jeff and Joel’s House Party and enjoy. We defy you to sit still.
Volunteer Harry Hom serves breakfast
Please contact 203-208-1481 and Maureen will answer any questions and upon payment guarantee reservations in a confirming e-mail to you and/or your guest(s). So, don’t miss out on this opportunity as we fully expect the October 2015 performances will be sold out. (This past October all sessions were essentially sold out. We will open sales July 1, 2015 for single sessions.) Please note our website is being updated.
Held at The Sheraton Sand Key Resort and Marriott Suites on Sand Key, in beautiful Clearwater Florida. Special Events: Your Father’s Mustache 2nd Final Reunion, Clarinet Clambake, Trobone Wing Ding, Joy of Sax, Heavyweight Salute to Trumpet Heavyweights, Festival Divas and Jam Sessions Afterglow Mixer.
by Jean Hadley
photos by Sharon and Ed Ohr Videos by Eric Devine (CineDevine)
Here we go again! The start of Suncoast’s 24th year. Early Friday morning, gathered poolside, were fans with parasols, vintage ensembles, washboards and anything festive to kick off the beginning of a delightful and entertaining weekend.
Seated, at my poolside table, were Marty Kaletsky, to support her very talented husband Noel, Sharon and Ed Ohr photographers for this article and, Barbara Harvey (CT) a loyal supporter of OKOM.
Parasol Parade Photos by Sharon and Ed Ohr
The band was a wonderful mix of weekend musicians led by Dave Tatrow & Friends. Playing songs we well remembered, the fans joined in with voice and applause; nothing like audience participation to get the crowd in a festival mood.
Rather than write about each and every musician and selection played, I prefer to write about the fans, the type of music offered and the enthusiasm of both patrons and musicians.
The biographies, in the program, were right on target. The mix of music was a nice change and I commend those who made band selections. There was something for everyone.
As we all know, Dixieland music is still alive and well, however, our fan base is slowly dwindling. This is not because patrons lack interest in the music but rather age and poor health. We have many youngsters joining the ranks but, it will be several years before they develop the same confidence, enthusiasm and relaxation, on stage, as our seasoned musicians. To make this happen, we must continue to support these new kids on the block and spread the word.
On Friday morning, I stopped to hear the Tarpon Springs HS Jazz Ensemble . Wow! What a band! After hearing these youngsters, I knew I should hear the other HS bands. Each HS band (and their vocals) could not have been more professional. My hat goes off to the directors.
My next stop was to hear Jubilee Jazz Band. Jane Campadelli’s ingenious idea to put a band together and introduce it to the Suncoast Festival three years ago. With the likes of Noel Kaletsky, Bob Price, Scotty Philbrick, Gene Blood, Herb Roselle, Dan Howard, how could she miss. Jubilee played straight New Orleans style music. Jane’s vocal ability never changes and, she always manages to bring the audience to their feet. Thank you, Jane, for keeping OKOM alive and well!.
Janie and Jubilee packed them in
Barbary Coast, from Minnesota, known for their Dixieland worship services, gave their audience a very entertaining performance. Age diversified, they never skipped a beat. Their leader, Dick Petersen, played tribute to Louis Armstrong and brought the crowd to its feet by playing many Armstrong selections a lot of energy. By the way, Dick Petersen is a left handed banjo player.
The Barbara Coast Jazz Band
For a change of venue and some libation, I moved on to Condon’s Corner Bar to hear some “Cool Jazz” and meet friends. Condon’s Corner offers tasty cuisine and a fine selection of beverages. In addition, there is a variety of music all the time; a place to always find old and new friends.
Bob Leary
Besides a good deal of chatter, we enjoyed hearing Bob Leary and ensemble followed by the Orion Trio. Orion was very cool, smooth and captivating. They gave a delivery of “Route 66” that brought the house down.
Moving on to another venue, I wanted to hear what all the excitement was about the St. Louis Stompers. This is a very high energy band bent on playing for the entertainment of their audience. Stompers, so professional and smooth, their sound was almost classical. A very strong band. Stompers played a diversified number of selections from Blues and Dixieland. I give them a gold star!
The St. Louis Stompers with Howard Miyata
Mike and Steve Lilley of the St, Louis Stompers
It is still Friday with a plethora of bands to hear. I have now moved on to hear an outstanding band (Dave Bennett &The Memphis Speed Kings) Dave being the leader (piano/vocals.) Wow! This kind of entertainment reminded me of Igor & Cowboys that so often played our Great CT Jazz Festival.
How great it was to hear authentic 1950’s Rockabilly and Rock & Roll. Dave not only pumped his piano but sat on it “rump” side down and up. His vocals deserve an A-plus. We all enjoyed another high energy band to keep us awake and our feet tapping.
By 10:00pm Friday, I knew the hour was late and this would be my last for the day (if I wanted to see Saturday’s dawn.) I chose to hear Red Garter Jazz Band. I was delighted I made this choice. Along with this super band, the vocals were strong and clear. Red Garter reminds one how much fun Trad Jazz can be/is. Red Garter is from nearby Clearwater, The Villages, FL. Don’t miss this band if you have the opportunity to hear them. Lots of fun!!!
Saturday morning arrived and, with it, many new people and many familiar faces. The excitement was just as electrifying as Friday morning when we were all getting into the weekend mood. My first stop was to hear another youth band (J.W Mitchell HS Jazz Band/Trinity, Fl.) Excellent! So professional, I thought I was hearing an old time big band. Their brass section was outstanding! Kudos to the director!
For anyone who follows The Midiri Brothers, it goes without saying. I love their swing style and their sense of humor. But, most of all, I adore their old standards from the days of Shaw, Goodman and Dorsey. The nostalgia, of their repertoire, reminded me of an era long gone but not forgotten. Tempus fugit!
The next show-stopper was Tom Rigney and Flambeau. I cannot tell you what “Flambeau” means. However, I can say this….what a show this guy delivers. He is more than flamboyant! He is electrifying! The stage was ablaze with his groove. Cajun, Zydeco, blues, boogie, waltzes and some almost classical pieces he authored. He is a virtuoso on the violin. His command of the instrument is mind boggling. This band is a must see.
Paul Scavarda of Wally’s Warehouse Waifs
The rest of the day, was spent listening to Wally’s Warehouse Waifs, Cornet Chop Suey and High Sierra. Anyone who has heard these bands knows they are show bands with high energy and aim to please their public each and every performance.
High Sierra plays mainly a West Coast style of traditional jazz.
High Sierra Jazz Band
Cornet Chop Suey and Wally’s Warehouse Waifs play styles from traditional jazz, swing and blues. These bands are winners in every way. They deliver a quality of music that is hard to duplicate.
Cornet Chop Suey
I finally called it a day and made my last appearance at Condon’s Corner to hear Theo Valentin, another great vocalist. Theo captured the audience with her blues and ballads. She is a very exciting personality and one I would like to hear again and again.
When Sunday’s sun rose to greet me, I knew it was time to pack, take my breakfast and listen to a few of my favorite bands that were still on the schedule. At four o’clock, those who were still on board enjoyed the finale.
I could not and did not take in every band. The festival was sprinkled with so much music it was impossible to hear each one.
What I will tell you, though, Suncoast should be proud of what they did this year…..
a smashing success!!! The best ever!
The festival could not have come to fruition had it not been for Joan Dragon (Director,) volunteers, sponsors, a wonderful hotel staff and the many behind the scenes people. Extra kudos to all the volunteers and hotel staff for their politeness and help; going the extra mile, with a smile, made one want to come back again and again.
HAPPY 25th — 2015
Jean Hadley
Other bands: Bill Allred Classic Jazz, Bob Draga and Friends, Hamilton Harris Project with Marilyn Freemon, Lori Hafer Trio and Mike Hafer with John Lamb, Nate Najar, Pepper, Valerie Gillespie Quintet
Hopkins and Miller’s Sunset Stomp:
by Sue Finn
videos by Eric Devine (we’re still adding more!)
pictures by Marce
Musicians:
Jeff Barnhart – piano Joel Schiavone – banjo
Fred Vigorito – cornet Lew Green – cornet
Bob Ferguson – trumpet & flugelhorn Herb Roselle – trombone
Herb Gardner – trombone & piano Will Anderson – reeds
Noel Kaletsky – reeds Peter Anderson – reeds
Dan Levinson – reeds Molly Ryan – vocals
Vince Giordano – bass, tuba & bass saxophone Genevieve Rose – bass
Tom Palinko – drums Bill Reynolds – drums
……and, from ‘Your Father’s Mustache’, Chris Fennimore & Bob Whyte on banjo
Saturday Night at Jeff & Joel’s House Party
The fifth Jeff & Joel’s House Party was held October 10, 11 & 12, 2014. This time the party was not at Joel’s house but just around the corner at the Guilford VFW Hall. There was some trepidation about the new venue – nobody likes change! – but it turned out to be a perfect location and they hope to have it there again in October 2015.
As always, it was a wonderful weekend – I consider it my annual ‘retreat’ and always feel rejuvenated at the end, probably because it reminds me of my teenage years when I first knew and loved traditional jazz music (during the ‘trad boom’ in England in the early 1960’s)! The food was delicious and the volunteers did their usual magic. We see only the magic but it is the result of much hard work all year long. Many thanks to all of them and to Jeff & Joel for all the organization.
The program worked a little differently this time. Instead of the combination of musicians changing for every number they generally stayed together for three selections, chosen by three different band members. This worked well with less ‘traffic’. Many of the musicians had never even met, never mind played together before and it is a source of awe for many of the members of the audience when, after a few short words of discussion, the song is played perfectly. Sometimes, some of the band members had never even heard the song before! This was particularly true of the two young reed players, Will & Peter Anderson
Pete and Will Anderson
The Friday night program was performed by Dan Levinson, Molly Ryan, Jeff Barnhart, Bill Reynolds and Vince Giordano. This was the first time Dan & Molly had appeared at the House Party and they were there only for the Friday session.
Dan Levinson and Molly Ryan
Molly sang a wide variety of songs from traditional ballads to novelty numbers and everything in between.
I Was Saying To The Moon
Her voice is always beautiful and she was a pleasure to listen to and of, course, Dan is a virtuoso on the clarinet and C-melody saxophone.
Where the Morning Glories Grow:
Silver Dollar (A Woman goes from Man to Man) Vince on bass sax:
Love Is Just Around The Corner, Reynolds shows his versatility trading 4’s with Dan.
My Baby Just Cares for me:with Vince, Dan Jeff Barnhart, and Bill Reynolds:
The entire evening was a treat, my favorites were ‘Meet me Tonight in Dreamland’, ‘Oh Daddy’, ‘Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered’ and ‘What a Little Moonlight Can Do’. ‘You’ve Got the Right Key but the Wrong Keyhole’ was a lot of fun. Dan played an old favorite of mine ‘Wildcat Blues’ which I haven’t heard in more years than I care to remember. I hope we’ll see them both at the House Party again soon.
Lew Green
The other 3 sessions included all the musicians, with Noel Kaletsky only there on Sunday and Lew Green only Saturday evening when Fred Vigorito was away.
Saturday afternoon:
Anderson Brothers play Indian Summer:
More Saturday coming….
The following is a description of some of the performances from the Sunday afternoon session.
The program started with ‘Darktown Strutters Ball’, ‘Shine’ & ‘Avalon’. Avalon:
Then Fred called ‘Someday You’ll Be Sorry’ with Jeff doing the vocal.
Herb G. sang ‘Happy Feet’.
Noel & Will did a fantastic duet on two clarinets on ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’.
Noel Kaletsky fiery solo on Sleep, with Jeff Barnhart, Tom Palinko, and Gen Rose.
Jeff played a piano solo and sang a song entitled ‘I Left My Sugar Standing in the Rain and My Sugar Melted Away’. Joel join in on ‘Dippermouth Blues’ with Bob Ferguson trumpet and Freddy cornet, Roselle’s fabulous trombone:
Next came ‘South’, then ‘Lester Leaps In’ with three saxes and Herb G, Gen & Tom in the rhythm section, followed by ‘I’m Confessin’ That I Love You’ and ‘The Sheik of Araby’, the latter with three clarinets and Jeff, Tom & Vince.
Joel sang ‘Row, Row, Row’ with Fred, Herb R and Vince on bass sax. Then Vince sang a song which no-one else knew called ‘Take Your Tomorrow & Give Me Today’. He gave Herb G the chord changes written on a paper plate! Fred, Peter and the rest of the band followed along and, as always, it all turned out perfectly………..
Ain’t Misbehavin’: Will Anderson, Freddy, Roselle, Jeff, Gen and Tom
Herb Roselle was in Your Father’s Mustache and fired up the band.
Herb R. told us about the Philadelphia Mummers Parade and he and Bob F. played a medley of ‘Linger Awhile’ and ‘June Night’.
Bob Ferguson’s wife Rita sang a very emotional version of ‘You Made Me Love You’ with Bob playing a trumpet solo.
Peter, Bob F, Herb G, Jeff, Tom & Gen played ‘When Your Lover Has Gone’ followed by a valiant attempt by Herb G. to sing ‘Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone’ with Joel at the other mike singing ‘Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue’ at the same time.
A rousing version of ‘South Rampart Street Parade’ was next with three reeds, trumpet, cornet, trombone and banjo. Then Chris and Bob W joined Joel on stage for the banjo band sing along (which happened in both Saturday sets as well). This part is always fun because the audience joins in. (Including me – I try to lip sync but get carried away sometimes – fortunately there was enough noise going on that I don’t think my awful off-key voice bothered too many people, except my long-suffering fellow fans in the front row!)
Susan Breig, Sue Finn, Joan Boutelle and 91 yr. old George Hatch
The banjo band was followed by a brass band, all the brass instruments and no reeds playing ‘Swing That Music’ backed by Tom, Vince and Jeff who did the vocal.
The next three numbers had all the reeds. The first was ‘Mood Indigo’ with three clarinets, Tom, Vince who did scat and a vocal by Jeff.
Vince sings Three Little Words
Vince did the vocal on ‘Three Little Words’
and then we had four saxophones, Noel – soprano, Will – alto, Peter – tenor and Vince on bass.
The session ended with ‘Strike Up the Band’ and the grand finale, a very loud and wonderful version of ‘Panama’ with all the musicians on the stage playing their hearts out and the audience clapping and cheering.
Finale – photo by Sue Finn
PICTURE SLIDES: Sorry, all the pictures were encrypted by a Trojan Horse and had to be deleted.
The Blue Horizon Jazz Band took a romp through the music from the 20’s to the 50’s, playing happy, foot stomping Traditional Jazz. Jeff Stout was relaxed (he must have had a good day teaching at Berklee.) McDonald plays Traditional Jazz for the sheer spirit of it; he lives for this music. They were feeling each other out, trumpet playing lead, soprano sax counterpoint. Gerry Gagnon’s trombone complementing the front line. They were dynamic!
It all came together, starting with I Got Rhythm. They got rhythm! Save It Pretty Mama Stan vocal, and soprano sax with piano comping. Stu Gunn’s string bass is solid as a metronome. He stays sharp playing classical bass with the Cape Cod Symphony,
They haven’t played the catchy tune by Sidney Bechet, Lastik, in a long time. Great tune; trumpet and sax taking lead, muted trombone playing counterpoint. Gerry Gagnon pulls a multitude of sounds out of that trombone with different mutes.
Stan McDonald on clarinet
Jelly Roll Morton’s My Gal Sal has had many versions over the years. Piano intro with Stan on clarinet, they made it a fine instrumental, a bit slower than usual.
Bechet’s Tijuana, a Latin tune named after a bar in Kansas City; then to Irving Berlin with All By Myself. Roamin’ , Ross played a western loping on the piano.
Steve Taddeo lets go
Steve Taddeo maintained the feel of Trad Jazz with clean controlled drumming, He let loose on his drum solo on Running Wild.
Ross set a soft tempo for Sugar, trombone providing balance for sax and trumpet. Jeff’s silky trumpet solo was backed by subtle rhythm section. Beautiful.
Ross Petot listens carefully and keeps it all together.
Lyrics can be an integral part of melody. Stan contemplated, When I Leave The World Behind.
Stan McDonald puts heart and soul into his vocals
New Orleans, Jeff Stout on powerful trumpet. They changed the mood with Sidney Bechet’s Marchand de Poisson, warm melodic lines. Wild Cat Blues marvelous, intricate ensemble.
Gerry Gagnon reaches up and makes beautiful music on Sidney Bechet’s Spreading Joy. Astounding!
Gerry Gagnon
Si Tu Vois Ma Mere, another Bechet tune. Matt Chavin of ’20’s Jazz’, says “Stan McDonald is probably the closest living representative of the style of Sidney Bechet today.”
Jeff Stout and Stan McDonald complement each other
I Remember When sax and trumpet in sync, with piano playing riffs. Stan took the ending with a consummate high note!
With time growing short, the ensemble closed with a resounding lively finale of When I Grow Too Old To Dream.
The Blue Horizon Jazz Band will return with another romp through the music from the 20’s to the 50’s on December 16th. We don’t know yet what the new ownership in January will mean. But….
Dan Gabel’s High Society Jazz Band will be here December 2nd, and we’ll close the year on Tuesday December 23rd with a FREE-FOR-ALL JAZZboree with many familiar fine musicians! No admission fee, and cake for all!! Join us???
November 11, 2014 with Robin Verdier leader/piano, Bob MacInnis cornet, John Clark alto sax, Craig Ball clarinet, Al Bernard tuba, Bill Reynolds drums
Robin Verdier’s Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble brought us back to the fast paced, energetic music and dances of the optimistic 1920’s. New styles of music and dances evolved. They were an escape from the horror of war, and an opportunity to release pent up emotions created by the restricted lifestyles forced on the public by the war effort. Ragtime which had been popular during and after the war was suited to the new music tempos and so it flourished.
Robin Verdier, our own erudite Rag Time pianist, is well versed in this music. The musicians perform his arrangements in sensitive, sophisticated Ensemble.
They Called It Dixieland began this momentous evening. Mine All Mine, a tune composed by Fats Waller that was not associated with Fats because Fletcher Henderson recorded it first in 1927. Excellent solos.
Bob MacInnis on cornet
1925 Hotsy Totsy Now with Bob’s fine cornet enriched by piano’s soft notes, tuba in the background.
Then we were privileged to hear the World’s first performance of Robin’s arrangement of Irving Berlin’s 1927 Shaking the Blues. Marvelous!
Moving ahead (for them) to 1938 with Fats Waller’s I’ll Dance At Your Wedding with fabulous cornet, smooth alto sax, piano trickling between solos.
Robin Verdier (file photo)
Rags were popular back in 1902, when Scott Joplin wrote Elite Syncopation. At that time Rags were played on the streets of New Orleans. Our own Scott Joplin, Robin Verdier, handles the difficult syncopated melodic line with ease. He played to a large, appreciative crowd!
A rarity, a collaboration between Cook’s Blame It On The Blues with Sidney Bechet’s Quincy Street Stomp, showed more fabulous ensemble, and clarinet skillfully trading 4’s with alto sax.
Bill Reynolds
1924 Alabamy Bound, adept in this art of drumming, Bill Reynolds was tapping on the wood block. Bill’s father, recently deceased Ed Reynolds, had a big influence on Robin Verdier and was responsible for at least five of the tunes this evening.
Al Bernard
Bill Reynolds’ drums and Al Bernard’s tuba kept the rhythm burning. Albie’s tuba sometimes becomes an extension of the Ensemble.
Dave’s drum introduced a 50’s jazz tune, Nullabor, probably named after a desert in Australia – maybe an aborigine song, with heavy drum accents. Nice clarinet by Craig, then outstanding ensemble, closing with more thunderous drums.
1927 Anabelle Lee was one of Ed Reynolds’ tunes. Ensemble played in stop time in Sonny Clay’s 1931 Cho-King, featuring Bill’s choke cymbals.
My Baby Just Cares For Me 1930, That’s Where You’re Wrong 1929.Everybody’s Doing The Charleston 1925. Tiny Parham’s Now That I Found You 1930. Con Conrad’s 1921 Moonlight included a nice tuba solo with piano backing.
I Wish’t I Was In Peoria, Walter Donaldson’s I’ve Had My Moments. In Our Cottage of Love, Down Where The Sun Goes Down.
Mule Face Blues, nimble fingers flew across piano, Reynolds applying fine choke cymbal and drumming, the Front Line in distinguished ensemble that sets this group apart.
Monte Carlo Front Line: Bob MacInnis, Craig Ball, John Clark
They closed with When Lindy Comes Marching Home, written by George M. Cohan for pilot Charles Lindburgh’s successful solo flight across the ocean. The ensemble interpolated other Cohen tunes – we recognized Yankee Doodle Dandy.
This was a momentous moment for many reasons: John Clark had just returned from his Wolverine Jazz Band’s great reception at the Arizona Classic Jazz Festival. This was Bob MacInnis’s last performance for this year in New England – he left for Florida the next day. We’ll miss him until Spring. And the future of Jazz at the Sherborn Inn is uncertain, as it is under new ownership in January 2015. Just in case, we are searching for new venues.
We certainly hope to hear the Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble again, either here at the Sherborn Inn or at a new venue. Stay tuned.
The Amazing Things Arts Center is the best place to listen, and really hear a great band and two master trumpeters; marvelous acoustics. It just doesn’t get any better than this!
Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark reeds, Tom Boates trombone, Ross Petot piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums
The Wolves were in rare form, back from a six-hour recording the previous day on their latest CD, #13. They’re on their way to the Arizona Jazz Classic Festival this weekend. They practiced on us, playing early New Orleans music with fiery enthusiasm – How LUCKY are WE???? They were asked to play King Oliver tunes at the Arizona Jazz Classic Festival, and we heard many of them, plus other tunes from the 20’s and 30’s, with original arrangements by John Clark.
They started Hot and Heavy with Michigander Blues, and a joyous New Orleans Stomp. A tune Bix Beiderbecke did with Frankie Trumbauer, There’ll Come a Time.
Tom Boates was featured on Snake Rag, a King Oliver tune that is always a big request. We only get to hear Tom once a month – the lucky folks at Bill’s Seafood in Westbrook Connecticut hear him every Friday with the Bill’s Seafood All-Stars. Boates sang the vocal on St. James Infirmary Blues, alternating choruses with each of the musicians. Nice touch. He closed with a growling trombone and drawn-out flourish.
Front line, featuring Tom Boates, with Jeff Hughes trumpet and John Clark clarinet
Jimmy Mazzy doesn’t use arrangements.
Jimmy had many vocals (We never get enough of them!) All from memory. Just Pretending, which is seldom played by any other band. The Halfway House Orchestra did some self-loathing tunes, I Hate Myself for Loving You and I Hate Myself For Being So Mean To You. John took out the baritone for that one.
Rita Brochu and Kathleen Howland
Another King Oliver tune, Olga, nice dance tune, then a romping New Orleans tune Buddy’s Habit. Another K.O. tune that Louis played with his Hot Five, Sunset Café Stomp, got Kathleen Howland up and dancing with her Mom, Rita Brochu. It was Kathleen’s birthday. Dr. Howland is a teacher of Music Therapy, both in private practice and at several schools, and plays one heck of a baritone sax! Special request for Kathleen, one of Jimmy’s favorite depression songs, Dip Your Brush in the Sunshine had everybody up dancing.
Betty Weaver requested a song from John Clark, and he obliged with The Oceana Roll, a popular RagTime tune written in 1911 about the U.S. Navy and the USS Alabama: “Billy Mccoy was a musical boy On the Cruiser Alabama he was there at the piana Like a fish down in the sea, he would rattle off some harmony.” Never gets dull!!
John Clark sings The Oceana Roll
Jimmy was asked to lead on a K.O. tune, I’m Lonesome Sweetheart, powerful trombone pushing the band. Someday Sweetheart, another Jimmy vocal, gave Rick MacWilliams a chance to shine on tuba. We haven’t heard Chimes Blues in ten years, it was fabulous, with Ross Petot playing the chimes on piano.
Rick MacWilliams and Ross Petot, fabulous rhythm section
Excellent drummer Dave Didriksen completes the rhythm section, keeping time with rim tapping on snare drum and cymbals.
Dave Didriksen
Their final tune, a sizzling Panama, was recorded by Kid Ory’s Creole Jazz Band. The Sherborn Inn furnished some Pyrotechnics:
We’ve been so fortunate to listen to this dynamic Wolverine Jazz Band from its inception, They celebrate their 19th anniversary next month.
We don’t mind sharing them with the folks in Arizona! Enjoy!
Craig Ball and John Clark reeds, Steve Taddeo drums, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Al Bernard tuba, Jeff Hughes leader/trumpet, Ross Petot piano.
Jeff Hughes trumpet, Craig Ball clarinet and tenor sax, John Clark clarinet, alto and baritone sax, Ross Petot piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Al Bernard tuba, Steve Taddeo drums.
The Jazz Jesters were just back from a studio recording of their first CD. They presented a nostalgic evening of authentic old tunes by hundreds of revered players newly arranged by John Clark.
When Dr. John Clark enrolled at Connecticut College, he discovered their vast Traditional Jazz library. He immersed himself in it, absorbing every record and tape. With that knowledge, he was able to create authentic arrangements of the bands of the 1920’s and 30’s – tonight was spectacular!
many saxes!
They always begin with their theme song, This is My Lucky Day, with Craig on tenor sax. Deep Henderson, Fred Rose 1920’s. It wasn’t meant for Fletcher – it was about Deep Henderson Creek. Two saxes give it a special fling. In Zulu Wail, the two featured a fascinating exchange between two clarinets.
Jones Law Blues (1929) was recorded by Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra. Nice blues, great solo by Jimmy on banjo, and muted trumpet by Jeff Hughes. This was the first time they used this tune.
Great trumpet solo. The Yamaha Tuneable Bell trumpet was custom made for Jeff; it has a wide bell that gives it a warm cornet sound.
Jimmy was featured in a 1927 Walter Donaldson, Changes. noteworthy Tuba solo by Albie, who is sometimes pushing, sometimes just providing a steady beat. Jimmy ‘owns’ Cabin In The Sky.My Blackbirds are Bluebirds Now. One tune was recorded by just about everybody through the ages, That’s My Desire.
John and Gisela dance all night!
Jeff and John like to test new tunes on us, like Lew Pollack’s 1920’s Dianne. Sweet dance tune, had John & Gisela Bruneccini dancing.
They played King Porter Stomp, Blue River, Cabin In The Rain, Copenhagen, sweet romatic Moon Song, transporting us back to the Golden Era of Jazz.
Golden Gate was HOT, with great solos and celestially rocking alto sax by Clark. Hughes was singing.
Jeff Hughes belts out Golden Gate
Ross Petot
Ross Petot is an exponent of George Gershwin’s and was featured on S’Wonderful. His piano technicque is always Wonderful!
The early 30’s were Depression Years and featured many love songs. Bunny Berigan recorded I Can’t Get Started. They let Steve Taddeo loose on drums. Steve used a newer 70’s drum, with 1930’s Buddy Schutz cymbals, cross sticking with press rolls like Gene Krupa used with the Mel Hallett band.
Steve Taddeo lets go!
Sweet Man was done by the Paramount Jazz Band. Jim and Jeff were proud to be members of Ray Smith’s Band. Tight number, with Craig’s clarinet, John’s alto sax and Jeff’s powerful trumpet on the front line.
They ended with an interesting 1920’s tune that interpolated another tune. That’s how they would introduce new tunes in the 20’s. The Jazz Jesters did their own, with a sweet Broadway Melody, interweaving Breakaway, with a surprise ¾ time tempo (waltz) and vocal by Jeff.
Jeff Hughes is a skillful band leader, and attracts the finest musicians. We’ll be hearing more of the great tunes played in the Jazz Decades when he collaborates with John Clark. We’ll let you know when the Jazz Jesters CD becomes available.
The Sherborn Inn has been sold. We may or may not have music here next year. We’re looking for a new venue to keep these fine musicians playing our kind of music, just in case. Any suggestions?
Bo Winiker trumpet, Ted Casher reeds, Herb Gardner trombone/vocal, Bob Winter piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger tuba, Carolyn Newberger washboard, Jeff Guthery drums,
This band touches my heart and spirit. I arrived tired and stressed, but as soon as the music began it all faded away! They kicked it off with Kid Ory’s Muscrat Ramble that had the walls vibrating, then moved to Gershwin’s The Man I Love with a duet of Bo Winiker’s pure crystal-clear trumpet and Bob Winter’s burning piano.
Ted evoked Eastern European expertise with Russian/Jewish music, Bei Mir Bist Du Schön (Secunda 1938) with a long joyful Klezmer verse on clarinet, and Jimmy singing the chorus.
Jimmy Mazzy feels the pain in the words when he sings.
Jimmy was featured, almost tearfully, on Irving Berlin’s How About Me? “It’s over, all over”. But not our music!
Caroline Newberger joined them on washboard for a tune they’ve never played here before, Washington and Lee Swing. It was sensational! Bob Winter joined Carolyn in a duet, with the front line playing stop time in the background – perfect!
Carolyn Newberger featured on Washington and Lee Swing
Chinatown is always attention-grabbing, especially with Jimmy’s scatting. Winter’s piano solo Till We Meet Again was #1 song in 1915-16. A love ballad, he started semi-classical then moved into swing, riveting concerto, finishing in sweet ¾ time.
The meister’s piano has amazing depths and textures.
It’s hard to follow that!
Bo Winiker managed it well with Louis Armstrong’s late 20’s Cornet Chop Suey, arranged by Herb Gardner.
Frank John, Eli’s new mentoree.
At intermission, Frank John, a new student that Eli is now mentoring, picked up Eli’s tuba and began to play around with the keys.
Frank is a promising first year student of Mike Roylance’s at New England Conservatory. He hit a fortissimo pedal G that Eli has never played. That’s one note below the bottom of the piano keyboard! We’ll be hearing more from him!
Herb Gardner is a man of many talents!
Herb sang and played the Cole Porter tune about the way young boys cavorted in the 1920’s, Let’s Misbehave. How did he know?
Ted Casher is his own man – plays his version of Body & Soul, with hints of Coleman Hawkins. It get’s to me every time!
My attempt at video – unfortunately the camera was wrong side up; fix resulted in black edges.
We had to leave early – preparing for Jeff & Joel’s House Party in Connecticut the next day. It was very difficult pulling away. We hung in for Bo’s essence of Louis in his spectacular Potato Head Blues, and Bob Winter’s unique interpretation of Oh By Jingo. I was really sorry to miss the rest.
This was the band’s last performance here at the Sherborn Inn for this year, as the Thursday night Jazz has been discontinued due to too many holiday parties.
Hopefully we’ll all be back next year! I really need that invigorating Jazz Fix!
More than a quarter of our seats for October are sold. We’ve kept prices for the three session tickets at $225 per person. Remember each session includes a meal. (Friday Night tickets will be available at $30 per person for every 3 session ticket purchased before July 1, 2015. After July 1, single session Friday Night tickets will be $40.00.
