Novel Jazz Celebrates 10 years at Skidompha Library

Posted on May 30, 2014 by admin

Novel celebrates a decade of Jazz at Skidompha Photo by Elaine Jones

Novel Jazz Septet will be performing classic jazz at Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta, ME, onThursday 12 June, 2014, 7PM to 9:30PM. The performance will feature Barney Balch (trombone), Dave Clarke (guitar), Mickey Felder (piano), Wells Gordon (acoustic bass), Bryan Jones (Alto Saxophone) and Mark Macksoud (drums)., plus special guest Ralph Norris (tenor and baritone sax) This evening continues their 2014 Skidompha concert series, bringing live jazz to mid-coast audiences. Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free. (Photo by Elaine Jones)

The Novel Jazz Septet will be celebrating their 10^th year of performances at Skidompha Public Library, Main Street, Damariscotta on Thursday, 12 June 2014, from 7-9:30 PM, with a special evening of jazz in the library’s atrium. A decade ago, the band decided to “go public” from their regular private sessions as a way to help keep jazz alive in midcoast Maine. Indeed, 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 summertime 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 at Skidompha will be Barney Balch (trombone), Dave Clarke (guitar), Mickey Felder (piano), Wells Gordon (acoustic bass), Bryan Jones (Alto Saxophone) and Mark Macksoud (drums). Ralph Norris will be making a guest appearance on tenor and baritone sax. Ralph is no stranger to Novel Jazz evenings at Skidompha. He has been an active professional saxophonist for the past 50-plus years, long a staple of the Maine jazz scene. He has regularly performed with many luminaries including the Don Doane and Terry White Big Bands, Tommy Gallant, Muriel Havenstein, legendary saxophonist Harry Allen, pianist Tom Snow (and many more). He has been conducting and composing for the Cape Elizabeth High School Jazz Program since 1997. Ralph’s specialty is the great American Songbook and he plays his tenor with a sound as silky as Stan Getz and as agile as Paul Gonsalves. Anyone who has heard Ralph knows they are in for a special treat!

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 on Main Street in downtown Damariscotta. Call 207-563-5513 during business hours for more information.

This promises to be a very special night of jazz. Come to Skidompha on 12 June as Novel Jazz marks a decade of swinging jazz at this wonderful library. And if you haven’t heard the band in a while, come see what the decade has done for Novel Jazz!

Sherborn Inn Tuesday Night Schedule 2014-2015

Posted on May 29, 2014 by admin

SHERBORN INN TUESDAY JAZZ
7:00-9:30pm $10 unless otherwise noted

Dec 23 Free-for-all Jazzboree*
*Free admission Dec 23. Numerous Tuesday Jazz musicians will be here to
thank you for 19 years supporting Tuesday Jazz at the Sherborn Inn.

In January the Sherborn Inn ownership will change. The new owners have not indicated they will continue a jazz program. We understand they plan to renovate or redecorate during January and February. We hope you will continue to dine at the Inn after the sale goes through. The buyers have an excellent reputation for the food they serve at their restaurant La Morra in Brookline.

There is one more jazz night in 2014 at the Sherborn Inn. On December 16th come thank the Blue Horizon Jazz Band, responsible for beginning and nurturing the long run of jazz at the Sherborn Inn. On December 23rdthe Tuesday Jazz Musicians invite you to attend a “Free-for-all Jazzboree” with numerous Tuesday Jazz musicians from many bands who wish to thank YOU for your support over these 19 years. No admission charge December 23rd.

After we finish celebrating 19 years of Tuesday Jazz we may be moving the series to Primavera Ristorante in Millis where it will become Thursday Jazz, beginning January 15th 2015 with the Blue Horizon Jazz Band.

Wolverine Jazz Band is scheduled February 19th. Final details are being worked out. Primavera is 15 minutes away from the Sherborn Inn at 20 Pleasant Street, Millis MA 02054 (off Route 109) Stay tuned for the Primavera Ristorante schedule.

Eli’s All-Stars at the Sherborn Inn May 1, 2014

Posted on May 25, 2014 by admin

Bob Winter, Jimmy Mazzy, Eli Newberger, Jeff Guthery, Ted Casher, Bo Winiker, Herb Gardner

Eli’s All Stars are not only professional musicians, but friends sharing their favorite tunes, with intricate melodies and counterpoint that resonate with the audience. This is Hot Jazz!

Tonight they were also celebrating three special occasions; Ted and Val marking their 4^th wedding anniversary, and Val, who has worked since she was 16 years old, rejoicing in her retirement – today – with a big cake that she shared with everyone.

The third was that vocalist Rebecca Sullivan was graduating this month with her Masters Degree from the New England Conservatory of Music. Rebecca was already a jazz vocalist, songwriter and educator when she returned to NEC a year ago in September, when Eli Newberger was appointed as her mentor.

Jimmy Mazzy kicked this evening off with a vocal on You’re Nobody’s Sweetheart Now. Rebecca stepped in with Duke’s Squeeze Me, Who Could Ask For Anything More, scatting with Eli’s tuba. Her delicate and warm version of Laura was absolutely marvelous, with Ted on tenor sax and Bo on flugelhorn, Herb’s mellow trombone.

Rebecca Sullivan

Carolyn Newberger came in on washboard, taking us to the Bayou Club on Bourbon Street, with When You Wore a Tulip, with the band backing her in stop-time. Everything sparked! When Carolyn isn’t playing washboard, she’s drawing fine sketches of the musicians; some were featured recently at Galatea Fine Art in Boston.

Eli’s All Stars with Carolyn Newberger on washboard

Ted Casher and a robust “Charlie on the MTA”

To remind Rebecca of what she’ll be leaving behind, Ted sang his own version of Charlie on the MTA.

The band took a break while Herb moved to piano for a unique song he wrote, Yonz Gonz Galookis. It caught DJ Jazzbo Collins’ interest some time ago; so that he wrote Herb a letter about the inimitable tune and signed it “Uncle Bozo”.

vocalist Sarah Gardner

Special guest, vocalist Sarah Gardner, Herb’s daughter, took this opportunity to sing her lively version of Mama Don’t Allow No Music Played Around Here. The Gardners are a musical family. Herb often joins his other daughter Abbie with Red Molly, an Americana/Roots FemaleTrio.

The band returned with a romping South Rampart St. Parade, Jeff’s drumsticks striking the wood block and snare drum.

Ted Casher, Bo Winiker, Herb Gardner

Rebecca returned with an all Gershwin concert. I’ve Got a Crush On You. Beautiful! S’Wonderful, Who’s Got The Last Laugh Now, at times backed by Ted’s clarinet or sultry tenor sax, or Herb’s powerful trombone, Bo’s fiery trumpet.

S’Wonderful

The All-Stars then stepped back into the 1920’s with Herb’s exquisite arrangement of Cornet Chop Suey, a joyous romp based on the original Hot Five, with fiery trumpet, Lil Armstrong’s passionate piano.

The one and only Jimmy Mazzy

Time for Ragtime. Jimmy lead on banjo and vocals for Alexander’s Ragtime Band, fantastic front line, Jimmy scatting, drum rim-tapping with both sticks.

Eli Newberger Jeff Guthery ended evening with fabulous interchange between tuba and drum.

Another Jimmy vocal and banjo intro with The Saints. All went silent for Bob’s powerful piano solo, then back to Jimmy vocal. This wasn’t normal fare, extraordinary ending with tuba and drums.

This old music has so much vitality and energy, you can’t help but enjoy it. They’ll be back July 3rd – come see and hear for yourself.

Congratulations to Ted and Val; now she’s finally free to join Ted as he plays all over New England. Rebecca Sullivan will be heading for New York and then Europe in the near future. She will be missed. We wish her all the best!!

Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble at the Sherborn Inn, May 13, 2014

Posted on May 23, 2014 by admin

Bob MacInnis, Bill Reynolds (in back), Craig Ball, Al Bernard, Robin Verdier, John Clark

We were transported back to the the early 20s with the Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble playing the captivating dances of that Golden Age of Music. Leader Robin Verdier creates masterpieces by picking tunes from the early 1900’s and writing his own special arrangements. He blends together new ideas, constantly refreshing the material, providing charts for the musicians. Emphasis is on ensemble. He has his favorite composers, Irving Berlin, Isham Jones, Clarence Williams, Walter Donaldson, Tiny Parham.

His whole Ensemble was back, a powerhouse of accomplished musicians. On the front line were John Clark of the Wolverine Jazz Band on alto sax, Craig Ball, leader of the White Heat Swing Orchestra on clarinet, and Bob MacInnis, of the New Liberty Jazz Band, on cornet. Bob had just returned from Florida for the season, where he plays almost every night. He makes a big difference in the Monte Carlo sound. Bill Reynolds, drummer for the New Black Eagle Jazz Band, knows all the old tunes – he was raised with them by his Jazz Historian Father, Ed Reynolds. Last but not least, Al Bernard on various brass bass, tuba or sousaphone, is known all over New England. Generally they don’t have time to complete Robin’s full schedule, but they did very well this evening.

Bill Reynolds, Bob MacInnis, Al Bernard

They began with one of the earliest tunes 1927, marvelous ensemble on Miss Anabelle Lee. Irving Berlin wrote one even earlier, 1920, I’ll See You In C-U-B-A, MacInnis doing the intro in a Latin beat, Albie on oom-pah brass bass.
Leader of the White Heat Swing Orchestra, Craig Ball had several clarinet solos – he’s a true artist in all that he does. 1927 Alabamy Bound was a brand new one for the band, by Henderson, DeSylva, and Green who were well known back then. King Oliver had one of the best early Trad Jazz bands, even before Louis. The ensemble played his Mule Face Blues, with Robin in stride and solid right hand.

Albie got away from the oom-pah and played a masterful tuba solo on Isham Jones’ Down When The sun Goes Down, followed by a fast Morrocco Blues. They did well – Robin was all smiles.

Around 1938 Lu Watters was tired of playing the same sound over and over, so he recreated King Oliver’s 20’s tunes and started what we now call West Coast Jazz. Some said it was insane to build a bridge over San Francisco Bay – Watters used that as a theme for his Emperor Norton’s Hunch.

Robin Verdier

Fats Waller’s Crazy ‘Bout My Baby started Set 2. Robin always wanted to do Clarence Williams; he picked Candy Lips, slipping in a little bit of Alice Blue Gown.

A tune he’s played at weddings for over 50 years, Lena Queen of Palesteena. Lena played concertina with all her might – never got it right. They do. Robin opens it tapping on a tambourine.
Another composer who isn’t featured much, except by Monte Carlo, Tiny Parham. My Dreams.

Bob MacInnis, back from Floriday!!

Shake It And Break It, fine alto solo by MacInnis.

Sweet Man, Bill Reynolds rim tapping, occasionally tapping cymbal.

The melody, harmony and rhythm played by the Ensemble was exhilarating!

Who Wouldn’t Love You had Dave and Helene up dancing.

Happy Feet was featured in Paul Whitman’s movie, King of Jazz. And at the other emotional extreme, Fate, cornet, clarinet and sax all had solos.

Blame It On The Blues, How Am I To Know, Walter Donaldson’s Okay, Toots. He wrote many great tunes. Most of these you’ll never hear anywhere else. I think Variety Stomp was the only tune that didn’t make it. Con Conrad’s Moonlight ended an evening of fine, danceable tunes from the early 20’s. Tune list is at the bottom.

Marce

We caught some of the folks afterwards:

Roland Paquette between Dan and Bob MacInnis	Albie talking with fans
Robin and Toni Verdier

Set 1
Miss Annabelle Lee	1927	Sidney Clare & Le Pollack
Mule Face Blues	1928	Joe Oliver
C-U-B-A	1920	Irving Berlin
*Alabamy Bound	1924	Henderson, DeSylva, Green
Down Where The Sun Goes Down	1928	Isham Jones & Verne Buck
Morocco Blues	1926	J. Jordan & Clarence Williams
Lost	1936	Ohman, Mercer, Teetor
Emperor Norton’s Hunch	~1940	Lu Watters

Set 2
I’m Crazy About My Baby	1931	Hill & Waller
Candy Lips	1926	Clarence Williams
Come On and Stomp, Stomp, Stomp	1927	F. Waller, I. Smith, I Mills
Lena, Queen Of Palesteena	1920	J. R. Robinson & C. Conrad
My Dreams	1930	Tiny Parham
Shake It And Break It	1920	Frisco Lou Chiha & H. Qualli Clark
Sweet Man	r1925	R. Turk & M. Pinkard
Who Wouldn’t Love You?	1925	Benny Davis & Joe Burke

Set 3
Happy Feet	1929	Yellen & Ager, King of Jazz
Fate	1922	Byron Gay
Blame It On The Blues	1946	Chas. Cook & Sidney Bechet
Variety Stomp ?	1927	Waller & Trent
How Am I To Know	1929	D. Parker & J. King
Okay, Toots	1934	Walter Donaldson
Moonlight	1921	Con Conrad

*New arrangement

Wolverine Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, April 29, 2014

Posted on May 9, 2014 by admin

Wolverine Jazz Band

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

The Wolverines are busy – new CD out anytime soon, and preparing for their trips to Festivals and their regular summer venues. They’ve been invited to the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival in Essex, CT, America’s Dixieland Jazz Festival in Olympia, WA, Arizona Classic Jazz Fest.

They will be busy locally this summer: June 1, Melrose (noon-4); July 9 – Willows at Westboro; July 29 – Southgate at Shrewsbury; July 30 – Sherborn Center; August 20 – Norwood; August 21 – Natick Senior Center

All stellar Jazzmen who invoke the spirit of New Orleans Jazz, we are fortunate that they rehearse with us at the Sherborn Inn! They began with a new song that will be on the CD coming out the end of this month – Dear Old Girl – for the sentimental Irish.

Jeff Hughes

Savoy Blues, Jeff raucous on 1954 Long Model, “K-Modified” Selmer cornet, and being Bix Beiderbecke on There’ll Come a Time. He’s an expert on many famous cornetist and trumpeters, and is known for always wearing a hat.

Jimmy Mazzy

We have many Jimmy Mazzy vocals, Al Jolson’s California Hear I Come, T’Ain’t So, Jelly Roll Morton’s Sweet Substitute, with Jeff comping, more below.

Dave Didriksen

This was the 115th anniversary of Duke Ellington’s birthday, so naturally there were some Duke’s: Sweet Mama (they haven’t played before).

1929 Cotton Club, Duke’s, Digga Digga Do let Dave Didriksen go on drums.

Jimmy volcal on Al Jolson’s California Here I Come, backed by bari sax, drum rim-tapping behind him. Pre-Cotton Club Creole Love Call – Jimmy whistling the Adelaide Hall riff. A tune Paramount Jazz Band did, and always messed up the beginning: Who Wouldn’t Love You? The Wolverines don’t mess up.

Ory’s Creole Trombone

Tom was featured on Ory’s Creole Trombone. Magnificent!

Rick MacWilliams hidden behind tuba

King Oliver recorded Olga in 1930 on Victor, Rick recreating the tuba solo, great New Orleans polyphony by front line. This is a song that nobody ever plays.

Panama is one of our favorite Ragtime Marches, Jimmy Scatting, John Clark on that monster baritone saxophone.

Ross was featured with the Trio on a more modern tune, In a MellowTone, stride piano giving it a Ragtime feel, joined by Jeff on cornet at close.

A no-holds-barred rendition of Sunset Café Stomp had all the feet tapping. The first tune John Clark ever heard that captivated him and moved him toward Traditional Jazz was Mugsy Spanier^‘s I’m Sorry I Made You Cry. Mood Indigo, Clark on low register clarinet, Jim vocal, soft muted trombone and cornet. They hit all our favorites! They closed with a Spanish beat on Oriental Man.

Look above for all the places this marvelous Traditional Jazz Band will be playing this year. Also check our calendars, and get on John Clark’s email list: jazzbnd@aol.com He sends out email updates once a month to everyone on his list.

HOT STEAMED JAZZ FESTIVAL IN ESSEX JUNE 20, 21 AND 22

Posted on May 6, 2014 by admin

(Essex, CT) New Orleans style traditional jazz in Connecticut – The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival turned up the heat, during the weekend of June 20, 21 and 22 at the Essex Steam Train.

VIDEOS AND REVIEWS OF
2014 IN THE WORKS!

www.hotsteamedjazz.com

Proceeds from the festival benefit The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT, founded by the late Paul Newman.

More than 11 bands performed in the best New England Weather we’ve had yet. Great music, great jazz. Videos are in the works. Stay tuned.

THE BANDS

Bands scheduled to appear at the 2014 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival include:

– Connecticut’s own jazz pianist virtuoso, Jeff Barnhart

– Galvanized Jazz Band from Connecticut

– Dan Levinson’s New Millennium All Stars from New York

– Wolverine Jazz Band from Massachusetts

– Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band from Connecticut

– Ben Maugher’s Vintage Jazz Band from Pennsylvania

– Riverboat Ramblers led by local musician and entertainer John Banker

– A renowned ensemble of young musicians, Route 17 Stompers from Connecticut

– Festival All Stars

– Jazz Jesters from Massachusetts

– The Sunnyland Jazz Band with Bob Barta on banjo from Long Island

Hot Steamed Jazz Festival 2013

Seacoast Stompers Jazz Band last appearance at the Acton Jazz Café.

Posted on May 5, 2014 by admin

Seacoast Stompers

By Marce, April 26, 2014
Videos by Harold McAleer

Frank Stadler – piano and leader, Scott Philbrick – trumpet, Craig Ball – clarinet, Steve Piermarini – trombone, Jimmy Mazzy – banjo, Al Bernard – tuba, Bobby Reardon – drums

This Saturday was unique in more ways than one. This being the last Saturday of the month, Steve Piermarini filled in for Lee Prager on trombone. He’s been with us before – fine player. The Seacoast Stompers picked songs at random from their vast repertoire, and featured two new vocalists. This would be their last gig here at Nagog Park. The Acton Jazz Café was forced to close May 1^st.

Steve Piermarini

At The Jazz Band Ball, Everybody Loves My Baby, appropriate for this day – There’ll Be Some Changes Made, with Jimmy vocal, Craig on low register clarinet and Steve on growling trombone.

Frank introduced the first vocalist, Maureen Benson. Maureen sings with Jazzport, Frank is pianist, at the Cape Ann Brew Pub in Gloucester, MA. She started with I Don’t Know Enough About You.

Maureen Benson A Train – video speaks for itself!

Scott Philbrick had the vocal on From Monday On, the whole band playing fantastic New Orleans polyphony. Jimmy introduced Take Your Tomorrow and Give Me Today with banjo and a vocal, Scott backing him on silky cornet. Craig resurrected Artie Shaw with his clarinet on Blue Lou.

I Would Do Most Anything For You was a barn burner! Fast and Hot clarinet, Scott followed with quick multiple notes on cornet, wild trombone, finally ended with bang-up drumming by Bobby Reardon. WOW! They continued up-tempo with Undecided, smearing gliss on clarinet, piano flying high, bass drum pushing the band.

Carrie and Jimmy Mazzy

Carrie Mazzy crooned to husband Jimmy on Write Myself a Letter.

Sandy Cash

Sandy Cash, charming vocalist from New Orleans, sang a lively Basin St. Blues, and won over every heart in the Café.

Brunette in red sweater and blue and white scarf

Emily Shamieh

Makin’ Whoopee was sung by another fine vocalist, Emily Shamieh, of Jamaica Plain, Boston

Struttin’ With Some Barbecue, Jazz Me Blues. Maureen returned with As Long As I Live, making the song her own, and a lively I Cried For You. They closed with Bobby’s favorite, Limehouse Blues.

We were all feeling the Blues. The Seacost Stompers were three months short of six years at the Acton Jazz Café, presenting the highest level of entertainment. They gave us an extra tune with Swing That Music, before ending it for who knows how long.
Frank thanked Gwenn for her devotion to live jazz. She spent unbelievable hours featuring Live Jazz close to seven days a week at the Acton Jazz Cafe, sometimes two and three bands in one day. That’s pure devotion!! Thank you Gwenn. Be well, we hope to hear from you soon!

Seacoast Stompers at the AJC, 26 April 2014

Set 1
1   At The Jazz Band Ball
2   Everybody Loves My Baby
3   There’ll Be Some Changes Made
4    I Don’t Know Enough About You   (maureen-vocal)
5   Take the A-train        (maureen-vocal)
6    From Monday On
7   Take Your Tomorrow
8   Blue Lou
9   I Would Do Anything For You

Set 2
1   What Can I Say After I Say I’m Sorry
2   Undecided
3    I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write    (Carrie-vocal)
4   Stealin Apples
5   Makin Whoopee     (Emily-vocal)
6   Struttin With Some Barbecue

Set 3
1   Basin Street Blues    (Sandy Cash-vocal)
2   Jazz Me Blues
3   As Long As I Live    (Maureen-vocal)
4   I Cried For You        (Maureen-vocal)
5   Limehouse Blues
6   Swing That Music

Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men in movie Tumbledown!

Posted on April 30, 2014 by admin

Jimmy Mazzy and The Last Minutemen

New Movie, Tumbledown, was being filmed in Massachusetts – March/April 2014
Watch for it!! Independent Movie Database

Some of the cast of the Independent Movie, Tumbledown, stopped in at the Colonial Inn in Concord, MA on a Wednesday night and discovered the marvelous pianist Moishe Feldman performing in the Forge Tavern. They were amazed at what they heard. Moishe said “If you think this is good, come back next week and hear Jimmy Mazzy”.

The following week, 40 members of the cast filled the Forge Tavern at the Colonial Inn and heard Jimmy Mazzy and The Last Minute Men. They were asked if they would like to be in the movie. Were they ever!! Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Craig Ball clarinet, Gid Loring cornet, Al Bernard tuba, Ron L’Herault trombone, Nick Ribush banjo, Derek Lane-Smith Britich concertina, were given a small part in the film.

TUMBLEDOWN: A young woman struggles to move on with her life after the death of her husband, an acclaimed folk singer, when a brash New York writer forces her to confront her loss and the ambiguous circumstances of his death.

Director: Sean Mewshaw
Writer: Desiree Van Til
Stars: Dianna Agron, Rebecca Hall, Jason Sudeikis | See full cast and crew »

Ron L’Herault and Ms. Danner

Complete cast:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2338424/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm

Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Sq. (Rt. 62) Concord MA 978-369-2373 http://www.concordscolonialinn.com/

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Café, April 5, 2014

Posted on April 19, 2014 by admin

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Cafe

Frank Stadler, piano and leader, Craig Ball – clarinet, Jimmy Mazzy – banjo and vocals, Scott Philbrick – trumpet, Lee Prager – trombone, Al Bernard – sousaphone, Bobby Reardon – drums.

by Marce
Videos by Harold McAleer

This was the Seacoast Stompers’ 6^th year at the Acton Jazz Café; they play the 1st Saturday of every month. Their music warmed our hearts and melted the snow! They started with their theme At The Jazz Band Ball without reed-man Craig Ball, who had been delayed.

Leader, Frank Stadler

Leader Frank Stadler announced there would be a different format this month – three 50-minute sets with 15-minute breaks. He also wanted to involve the audience.

He sorted through their past 285 tunes and distributed a list of the most popular ones to the audience so they could pick what they wanted to hear. (Live music is a social experience, it makes people happier.) When all the lists were returned, all the tunes had been picked! So Frank turned the lists over to Scott Philbrick.

Scott is their “music leader” – he let the musicians choose from the lists. Jimmy began with Oh Baby, banjo and vocal – good choice. Someone hollered “Better than New Orleans!” We have no argument with that.

Lady Be Good, Prager grinning ear to ear – he enjoys being with this group, keeping up with Scotty’s multiple notes. There’ll Be Some Changes Made was Frank’s call.

I’ve Got The World On a String, Jimmy vocal, with Lee’s muted trombone in rippling vibrato. Albie’s choice of tunes – ‘Deed I Do. Jimmy’s interchange with Albie was fabulous. Craig arrived; his clarinet does make a difference! Found a New Baby, drum intro with Craig Ball reaching for the sky on clarinet. WILD! The set closer was delectable hot jazz, Sweet Georgia Brown.

The audience insisted on Limehouse Blues starting the 2^nd set.

Prager began the trombone intro to I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plans.
Especially for Lynn Sickle – they played a sweet All of Me.

Jimmy Mazzy is revered in Europe.

Dr. Jazz – Jim scatting, not quite into his infamous holler. We are privileged to have him here with us, singing and scatting to many tunes. Rosetta was sweet. Albie requested Dinah. Jimmy went wild – he can be a tiger too.

Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby – the interaction between cornet and trombone is unbelievable!

Tin Roof Blues, soft tuba intro to this New Orleans jazz standard – one of the most often played early New Orleans jazz pieces. The Stompers did it justice in slow, N.O. tempo.

Jack Phelan,Trad Jazz afficionado, requested Ain’t She Sweet. He was here with his family and the Charlie Hoar family. Some history: Jack and Eleanor Phelan, Charlie and Margaret Hoar and the Enrights, traveled all over New England and Canada in the late 60’s and early 70’s, hearing all the best Traditional Jazz Bands of the day: East Bay City, New Black Eagle Jazz Band, Kid Sheik, Barry Martyn (here from England.) Their kids grew up with this music.

Jack Phelan with his adult kids, some his, some nephews and nieces.

Jack is in the back on the right, with the Red Rock sweatshirt.

Carrie Mazzy

Carrie Mazzy sang her own poignant interpretation of Just Because.

Blue Lou was uptempo with inspired solo work. Three Little Worlds was also in blazing tempo, clarinet & trumpet leading, trombone playing counter melody. Their performance is awe inspiring!

The Rhythm Boys, Al Bernard and Bob Reardon

Al Bernard pushes the band playing chords on tuba; Bob Reardon keeps them in proper time. They keep the rhythmic fires burning bright.

The finale was imaginative and swinging – Swing That Music. It raised goose bumps!

Then Gwenn Vivian dropped a bombshell: The AJC must move out by May 1^st – a new tenant with more $$ moving into their corner of the Nagog Park Mall.

But this is the Jazz Club you can’t crush! She has a new partner Josely Nogueira which gives them more strength and chutzpa – they will reopen when they find the perfect spot, and this band WILL be there, and so will we. “You’ve been a great audience – loved us and the band – don’t disappear.” She hopes to reopen the Acton Jazz Café somewhere in June.

Meanwhile, The Seacoast Stompers Jazz Band have been given an extra day on April 26^th to play here in Acton before they close the doors. See you there? Guaranteed, this music will make you happy!

Seacoast Stompers
Tunes played on April 5, 2014
Set 1
1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 Oh Baby
3 Lady Be Good
4 There’ll Be Some Changes Made
5 I’ve Got the World on a String
6 Deed I Do
7 I Found A New Baby
8 Sweet Georgia Brown
Set 2
1 Limehouse Blues
2 I guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan
3 All of Me
4 Doctor Jazz
5 Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby
6 Tin Roof Blues
7 Dinah
Set 3
1 Ain’t She Sweet
2 Blue Lou
3 Just Because
4 Rosetta
5 Three Little Words
6 Swing That Music

Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band Jazzin’ with the Stars 2014

Posted on April 16, 2014 by admin

Jazzin’ with the Stars, Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Winthrop Middle School,
Deep River CT, Benefit for Autism Services & Resources in Connecticut

By Sue Finn
Videos by Cinedevine
Pictures by Ray Ross

Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band with special guests:
Dave Somerville – lead singer of The Diamonds
Jimmy Jay – DJ to the Stars
Jason Senn

Fred Vigorito – Trumpet
John Clark – Clarinet, saxophone
Noel Kaletsky – Clarinet, saxophone
Skip Hughes- Trombone, vocals
Shari Lucas – Piano
Steve Keeler – Guitar
David Uhl – Bass
Bill Logozzo – Drums

This was the 3^rd annual ‘Jazzin’ with the Stars’ concert, the first at this venue, and was just as much fun as the first two. The first half of the show was Heartbeat at its best with a new twist.

Fred Vigorito talking, and Shari Lewis, keyboard in background

Fred Vigorito, Shari Lewis

Fred Vigorito gave a history of jazz from its birth in the 19^th century to the present; blues, ragtime, spirituals, swing and everything in between, all the way up to rock & roll. He also gave us information on the origin of each of the instruments in the band. And of course, there were examples of most of the genres he discussed:

Tin Roof Blues – Skip, vocal Just a Closer Walk with Thee – Skip, vocal

Tiger Rag

The Entertainer

Original Dixieland One Step

Heartbeat ended with a very energetic medley that summed up the entire history of jazz, starting with ‘Royal Garden Blues’ and ending with Skip singing choruses of ‘Jump, Jive & Wail’, ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll’ and ‘Flip, Flop & Fly’.

After the break, Sara Reed of Autism Services in Connecticut, gave us a brief description of the programs her organization provides and thanked everyone for their support. Then Jimmy Jay gave out the prizes to the raffle winners.

Dave Somerville & Jimmy Jay

Dave Somerville

Then it was time for Jimmy Jay to introduce Dave Somerville. Dave took us all down memory lane with stories about the rock stars he traveled with and their chart-topping songs and, of course, all the big hits of his own group, the Diamonds. He sang many of the songs, some as medleys. Too many to list them all but here are some highlights:

Why Do Fools Fall in Love

Goody Goody

The Stroll

Love Love Love, Little Darlin’, The Stroll, Silhouettes on the Shade, Sweet Little Sixteen, Johnny Be Good, Maybelline, One Summer Night, I’m Walking, Blueberry Hill.

Oh Boy

Through this part, Heartbeat accompanied Dave, all seated and reading his music. Then they went back to their usual band formation and Dave sang ‘Route 66’ and ‘Goody Goody’ with them. He stayed on the stage until the end of the show.

Noel and John did “Running Wild”

Skip sang “Hello, Mary Lou”

Young boy sings his heart out. He has autism, but loves this music.

Jason sang “What a Wonderful World

Freddy and the Band help Jason with his song

And the finale was ‘The Saints’ of course. We all had a great afternoon’s entertainment and there was lots of audience-participation throughout the show.

Somerville and Jay with 2 ladies one gentleman

photo by Sue Finn

After the show there was a ‘meet & greet’ for fans to get autographs, buy CD’s and T-shirts and obtain information on the Autism Programs.

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