Eli’s All-Stars at the Sherborn Inn, April 3, 2014

Posted on April 15, 2014 by admin

7 traditional jazz guys posing in front of piano with big grins

Eli’s All Stars at the Sherborn Inn, April 3, 2014 – Kick-off for regular 1st Thursday of the month

Eli has gathered seasoned professionals who have made jazz music their life’s work for over 50 years – it’s their first love. They came from everywhere, Herb Gardner from the New Jersey Jazz Society gig the day before, Jimmy Mazzy from a week in Florida with the Williams Reunion Jazz Band, Ted Casher from the Crosby Whistle Stop in Charlestown. Bob Winter – who knows? Bo Winniker is younger, but he was raised listening to his parent’s Winniker Orchestra. With friendly competition and improvisational skills they sound more dynamic with each new appearance at the Sherborn Inn
They connected with each other, and they connected with the audience, right from the start – with Ted on clarinet for 1917 Rose Room, and a fiery At The Jazz Band Ball, first played by the Original Dixieland Jass Band in 1917.

Rebecca in simple white dress with black belt

Rebecca Sullivan, vocalist with Eli’s All Stars

Rebecca Sullivan is already a jazz vocalist, songwriter and educator. She’ll receive her degree this year from the New England Conservatory of Music, and head for Scotland in August. You can hear Billie Holiday inflections in a lovely Stardust, but her voice is attractive wholly on its own. She continued with Bo Winniker’s trumpet and Ted Casher’s tenor sax at breakneck speed on ‘Deed I Do.

Cheek to Cheek:

Summertime provided marvelous solos:

Somewhere Over The Rainbow with fresh and different solos by piano, trumpet and muted trombone.

Eli Newberger on circa 1909 Holton Del Negro CC tuba

Eli embraces his circa 1909 Holton Del Negro tuba as he offers just the right chords behind soloists.

It’s a gorgeous instrument, with an expressive quality unlike other tubas – and no one better to express it!

Squeeze Me

Jeff Guthery on New Orleans Traditional Jazz Drumset

Jeff Guthery provides the propulsion so these All-Stars have the freedom to follow their fancies. New Orleans bands of 20s couldn’t record bass and drums, so they played on wood block and bell. Jeff’s drum set is very simple, just a snare drum, floor tom, wood block, cow bell, 6” cymbal. Not even a high-hat. He added a suspended ride cymbal, just arrived. Fresh out of the box, he brought the 20” Turk Ride Cymbal in for its first trial.

He took an eight-bar intro to I Got Rhythm, Ted following on tenor, Bo’s amazing trumpet solo with band in stop-time, Rebecca vocal, followed by the whole ensemble making rhythm swing. The listeners were sitting on the end of their seats. This enthusiastic audience does listen!

The inimitable Jimmy Mazzy

At the request of the front line, Jimmy gave a demo of when D flat comes in on Fidgety Feet. Jimmy instinctively played the whole thing. They said: “ We’ll keep going ‘till we get it right”. Sure sounded right to us! Jimmy and Eli had a duet on a song that has many names – we’ll stick to Chicago Breakdown, with Jim scatting. They make a great team

Jimmy sings Till Then

Eli says, “Here is a tender interpretation by Jimmy Mazzy, the banjo virtuoso and singer, of a popular song written by Eddie Seiler, Sol Marcus, and Guy Wood to express a World War II soldiers plea to his sweetheart to await his coming home. Its sweetness and uncertainty — and Jimmy’s profound sense of the poetic and musical meaning — is complemented by Bo Winiker’s gorgeous flugelhorn solo and Bob Winter’s sensitive exploration of the melodic line.”

Ted Casher was featured on Body & Soul, using tenor sax subtones like Coleman Hawkins’ masterpiece that makes women swoon. Sensational!

Bob Winter creates a concerto out of Oh By Jingo!

Eli asked Bob for a fast tune. Oh By Jingo became a hit in the post-World War I era, 1919. With prodigious technique, he made this novelty tune sound like a concerto!

Eventually these marvelous videos may end up as a DVD. We hope.

Time for one more tune, an old New Orleans favorite sung by Jimmy, who feels the pain in every word. No pain in the music, it was so hot and heavy, Eli jumped up to join Bob at the piano for a rocketing chorus of St. James Infirmary Blues. Amazing ending.

Bob sitting playing high notes, Eli standing playing low nores

Eli joins Bob Winter on swinging hot St. James Infirmary Blues

We are so fortunate to have these professional musicians playing here for us at the Sherborn Inn. Anyone passing through wonders how come they haven’t heard this before? Because it’s not played on radio or television; you can only hear this fantastic aggregation of musicians right here at the Sherborn Inn. Join us On May 1^st and the 1st Thursday of every month for more Great Jazz!

By Marce
Videos by Kathy Wittman, BallSquare films,
Sound by Frank Cunningham

New Black Eagle Jazz Band Luncheon at the Sherborn Inn

Status

Stan Vincent trombone, Bill Reynolds drums, Peter Bullis banjo, Jesse Williams string bass, Tony Pringle cornet, Bob Pilsbury piano, Billy Novick reeds

The New Black Eagle Jazz Band, with four of the originals, Tony, Peter, Bob and Stan, have been playing for over 42+ years. They are one of the few bands still playing authentic Trad Jazz, (“Don’t call it Traditional/Dixieland!) Their sound is still fresh and exciting.

Weathermen had predicted snow (that never developed). Stalwart fans of the New Black Eagle Jazz Band ignored them to attend the first of the Sherborn Inn’s afternoon luncheons this year, and were glad they did. It was warm inside the Sherborn Inn, with Hot New Orleans Traditional Jazz and two fireplaces blazing.

This luncheon consisted of a 3-course meal with salad, choice of beef brisket or stuffed salmon in Alfredo sauce, carrot cake desert, and coffee. Delicious!

Tony Pringle and Bob Pilsbury

Tony Pringle, still in British accent, announced the first New Orleans tune, Moose March. It was one of the tunes often recorded by the George Lewis Band from New Orleans.

The Eagles recently added a new tune to their repertoire of 1000+ tunes, an old Pop tune of the 30’s done by the Brox Sisters, Tie Me to Your Apron Strings Again. (They came before the Boswell and Andrew Sisters!)

The band picked up the pace with Once in a While – not the one you’re thinking of. This one was done by Louis A. in the 1920’s. It’s still thrilling, with Tony’s clipped cornet defining the New Black Eagle Sound.

Tony’s Getzen Eterna cornet had just been repaired at great expense. Apparently while Tony had been taking a break, someone checked out the cornet and dropped it on the floor. (Folks, please don’t touch the instruments!)

Bob Pilsbury answered a request for Jelly Roll Morton’s The Pearls, giving it a New Orleans Spanish tinge. There were many requests from this crowd; some have been following the band since 1971. Another request for a spiritual, He’ll Understand And Say “Well Done”. We love Stan Vincent’s deep, wide-toned, robust “tailgate” style, reminiscent of George Brunies.

Stan Vincent on tailgate trombone

Tony explained where the next song came from, Ken Colyer, 1928-1988, an English trumpet player who is still in the heart of many Trad Jazz players. He had joined the British Navy, and jumped ship here in the U.S. When he was arrested, fans bailed him out. That’s when he wrote Going Home. He returned to England to find The Chris Barber Band still waiting for him. Nice vocal by Tony. (It came from the heart.)

Another request, it was a Gospel Hit in the 1950’s, but was first recorded in the 1920’s, I Wasn’t Gonna Tell Nobody. Drum and bass completely synchronized, Billy with sticks on snare drum and choke cymbal.

Bill Reynolds drums, Jesse Williams string bass

Another request – West End Blues. Jesse on solo, gently caressing the bass, easing beautiful sounds out of it. The whole room was so silent you could have heard a pin drop!

Wingy Manone (1900-1982) originally did Old Fashion Swing. He lost an arm in a streetcar accident, in N.O. which resulted in his nickname of “Wingy”. This isn’t the dancing kind of swing – this is the one folks had on their porches in the “good old days”, before Ipods and Iphones.

Billy Novick on alto sax

Billy Novick was featured on alto sax with Body & Soul. Not Coleman Hawkins’ classic – Billy has his own magnificent, emotive command of the jazz language.

We were fast approaching overtime – 2pm is the luncheon cutoff. Peter Bullis gets his only banjo solo on Louisian-I-A.

Peter on banjo, with mouth open, wearing his traditional red sox

Peter still in his red sox, playing Louisian-I-A

They sent us home with one of their nostalgic closing songs, Rose of Cairo.
The band is scheduled for several more afternoon luncheons, popular with folks who don’t want to drive at night. They also have a regular appearance at the Sherborn Inn on the 2nd Thursday of the month 7-9:30pm.

To keep informed of their other performances, sign up for the New Black Eagle Jazz Band NEWS and Schedule by joining Tony’s e-newsletter tony@blackeagles.com.

Eli’s All-Stars at the Sherborn Inn, February 4, 2014

Posted on February 4, 2014 by admin

Eli’s All Stars photo by Kathy Wittman

Eli’s All Stars with Bob Winter, the pianist with the Boston Pops; giant of the Boston jazz scene, Bo Winniker trumpet, Herb Gardner trombone, Ted Casher clarinet/tenor sax, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger leader/tuba, Jeff Guthery drums and Rebecca Sullivan vocals. Over the past year the band has incrementally morphed from a trio to an octet and sounds more dynamic with each new appearance at the Sherborn Inn. (stay tuned – for more photos and videos)

The original Traditional Jazz bands of Joe “King” Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and W.C. Handy included banjo and tuba in their rhythm sections. Eli Newberger follows their style of Traditional Jazz, playing tuba while leading a band of outstanding musicians.

The music room at the Sherborn Inn was filled with a crowd from Greater Boston, who appreciate Traditional Jazz and Swing. There were many musicians in the audience; even Bill Winiker was here to back his brother Bo.

The All-Stars kicked it off with Ted Casher’s 16-bar clarinet improvisation on Lady Be Good. Winter led vocalist Rebecca Sullivan with a piano intro on I’m In The Mood For Love. Rebecca did many fine vocals, manipulating the phrasing and tempo. On ‘Deed I do, Rebecca performed wonderful scatting conversations with clarinet, trumpet and trombone. My One And Only Love, sung with soul, was performed as a duet with the piano. Lovely.

Ted Back’s Rebecca with soft tenor sax

Ted was featured with Klezmer clarinet intro, singing in growling voice on multiple verses of Bei Mir Bis du Schoen, a tune that caught people by surprise. He settled into the Ted we know while singing the chorus. Jeff kept time tapping the rims of his simple Traditional Jazz drum set where he has recently removed the hi-hat, excess cymbals, and tom toms to achieve a more authentic Trad Jazz sound. Excellent.

Eli turned the page to Ellington, with Bob Winter featured on Sophisticated Lady. Bob plays from the heart; constructing deeply moving music. He has extensive performing experience in clubs, television, radio, and theaters, including performances with Henry Mancini, Teddy Wilson, Buddy DeFranco, Mel Torme, Luciano Pavarotti, Eddie Daniels, Stan Getz, Cleo Laine/John Dankworth, and Airto Moreira.

Rebecca returned with Jazzy scatting on S’posing – including a great section of tuba trading 4s with drums, followed by one of Jimmy’s meticulous banjo solos. The More I See You had Rebecca start with melody backed by Ted’s soft tenor. Ted Casher (our own Coleman Hawkins), plays sweet tenor sax. They moved upbeat, with Rebecca singing and scatting along with Winter’s piano.

Chinatown featured Jimmy on banjo and vocal, with Ted on soprano sax solidly amplifying the front line. Jeff let loose on drums, turning it into a swinging tune; Eli had everyone clapping the beat. Delightful performance!

When the band took a break. Herb Gardner sat at the piano and delighted the audience with his skill on the keys while Bob Winter looked on with a gleaming smile. Resilient spirit, Herb was supposed to be in New Jersey the night before, playing for the New Jersey Jazz Society. Our sympathy goes out to them – their concert had to be cancelled because of heavy snow – as were airplane flights, so WE were fortunate to have Herb Gardner here! Sorry, NJJS.

Herb Gardner at the piano, talking on mic, with Bob Winter smiling in the background.

Herb Gardner during the break

Herb played and sang his own version of “The Ground Hog Song”. “I want to hibernate with you until it’s Ground Hog Day”. That’s all we’ll say about that. A solid entertainer, he is a fine piano player and vocalist, as well as famous for his trombone work, and his daughter, vocalist Abbie Gardner.

Bob and Eli on baby grand

The emotional register switched to sunny and warm with Ted featured on a special rendition of Night Train with gut-wrenching tenor sax playing. Fabulous! Jimmy took this vocal scatting, while Bo Winiker played smokey flugel horn. Eli joined Bob for that last, eight-to-the-bar, rocketing chorus of “Night Train.” It doesn’t get any better than this!

Rebecca returned with a swinging, rousing vocal Them There Eyes, with Eli in background. Eli plays tuba behind everyone – but it’s so smooth, you don’t even realize he’s there – the music is subtly enhanced, intensified.

Something new – they played Brubeck’s Take Five; first time they’ve ever played it, and it was the first time Eli played a jazz tune with a 5/4 time signature.

one snare drum, one tom used as bass, one six-inch cymbal

Jeff Guthery on authentic Traditional Jazz Drum

Jeff handled it brilliantly. He was an international businessman – now he’s finally following his dream as a student at Berklee, and playing drums regularly with the All-Stars.

Eli gave Jimmy a choice of songs – that’s always dangerous, as he has a repertoire that goes back to the late 1890′s. He only revisited the early 1930’s for this one – I’ll Never Be The Same; a performance of just Jimmy backed by soft tuba.

Pianist Teddy Wilson used this tune to bring vocalist Billie Holiday and tenor saxophonist Lester Young together at a 1937 session. They would have loved Jimmy and Ely’s version!

Jim singing and playing banjo, Eli looking on, smiling

Friends and compadres, Jimmy Mazzy and Eli Newberger

What a Difference a Day Makes, Rebecca returned for another nice ballad. She got things moving with up-tempo scatting on Oh, Oh, Oh, What a Little Moonlight Can D, with clarinet, trumpet and trombone bouncing off each other. Bo’s left leg kept jumping up and down with the beat – it was such a barn burner!

Closing time approached, and they closed this marvelous evening with another Dixieland War Horse, South Rampart St. Parade. They did justice to its infinite references to many songs, with Jeff going wild on drums!

Usually it ends in a trumpet flourish, but veteran Herb Gardner took it on trombone, leaving all of us asking for more, more!

There will be more. This was an evening filled with great Jazz played by the best. For those of you who missed it, there will be many more.

Eli’s All-Stars will begin a regular gig the 1^st Thursday of every month 7-9:30pm with this same group at the Sherborn Inn. Come join us for some outstanding Traditional Jazz and Swing!

Videos by Kathy Wittman, BallSquare films, sound by Frank Cunningham

Seacoast Stompers start a New Year at the Acton Jazz Cafe, January 4, 2014

Posted on January 11, 2014 by admin

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Café, on a bitter cold January 4^th2014, with Scott Philbrick cornet, Craig Ball clarinet, Lee Prager trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Al Bernard souzaphone, Bobby Reardon drums, Frank Stadler leader/piano. Videos by Harold McAleer.

In spite of the bitterly cold weather, The Acton Jazz Café had few empty seats when The Seacoast Stompers began another year of 1^st Saturdays of the month. Many of us were suffering from Trad Jazz withdrawal over the holidays, with the musicians busy playing at private gigs.

Leader Frank Stadler was back with a long list of tunes, offering two at a time, and letting the musicians choose. They are almost all Band Leaders and have minds of their own; sometimes they picked one, sometimes picked totally different tunes. There is much discussion, but it’s all in great fun. Frank is to be commended for patiently managing the divergent personalities that are the Seacoast Stompers.

They started hot and heavy with the Bix version of their theme song, At The Jazz Band Ball, hot solos!

Frank took the intro with bass notes on I Would Do Most Anything For You. Bobby went wild on drums!

Frank Stadler, piano – leader

Take Your Tomorrows and Give Me Today, Swing That Music. Nice tuba solo. The rhythm boys set the dynamic background that gets toes tapping.

Jimmy Mazzy, Al Bernard, Bobby Reardon

Jimmy has his own unique style of playing banjo, and singing. We especially liked his ballad, Sugar, with ecstatic interchange between Philbrick and Prager. They challenge each other. Rose Room got dancers up, with Scott sneaking in Always Chasing Rainbows on cornet.

We all helped celebrate Jack Phelan’s 90^th birthday, who was here with his family. Jack is the pianist for the New Liberty Jazz Band and formerly led the Scollay Square Stompers.

Jimmy Mazzy and Jack Phelan

Jack says “The Seacoast Stompers are a great group, and anytime Jimmy Mazzy is with a group it’s even better!”

He said “Frank Stadler is a top notch piano player, with a steady rhythm and steady beat.” “The front line, Craig, Scotty and Lee, are just great! They sound like they rehearsed for weeks, but we know they were improvising, making it up.”

Frank Stadler filled in for Jack with the New Liberty Jazz Band on their 1941 Fire Truck last November 23rd at the Methuen Parade, when it was again cold weather. Jack recommended him.

Jack Phelan has been around Jazz and Jazz Joints for a long time. He was sitting up front and center, where he could hear them discussing what they were going to play next. He said to Scotty, “Since they moved the spittoon from the corner of the saloon, you just can’t spit anymore!” That broke them up!

The band wanted to play the Birthday song for him, instead he requested Ain’t She Sweet and they were happy to oblige.

Frank asked for Fidgety Feet. All agreed, no discussion!

We especially like Jimmy’s ballads, I’ve Got The World on a String.

Bill Flynn and the Missus from New Hampshire found themselves a corner for dancing. He’s a retired Raytheon engineer who writes books for sale on Kindle as a hobby.

Trobone player bending backwards to squeeze out notes

Lee Prager

Trombone intro I’ll Take Manhattan, Lee bends over backwards to get those perfect notes. Sweet tune, followed by something peppy – Sunday.

St. Louis Blues is one of the oldest tunes known to the cognoscenti. Tuba intro, imaginative ensemble. They listen to each other and to the music, play mesmerizing blues.

Fantastic ensemble by the front line, Craig Ball, Scott Philbrick, and Lee Prager

Bobby Reardon has two sets of drums with him, he has another job in Stoneham when he leaves the Acton Jazz Cafe. The musicians really appreciate his tasteful, shrewd, drumming.

Bobby Reardon

They closed this set with a romp roaring Sweet Georgia Brown.

Harold McAleer with his video camera.

We are all grateful that Harold McAleer is back. He is dedicated to recording this music for posterity, and spends hours videotaping and editing many videos, especially of the Seacoast Stompers. You can find hundreds of them on You Tube.

There was much more great jazz in store. (see below). We’ll be back with the usual Trad Jazz Crowd, thirsting for this kind of music, on February 1^st. We hope to see Jack Phelan back too!!

Seacoast Stompers January 4, 2014 Tunes:

Set 1

1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 Sugar
3 I Would Do Anything For You
4 Take Your Tomorrow
5 Swing That Music
6 Rose Room
7 Fidgety Feet
8 I’ve Got the World on a String
9 Sunday
10 St Louis Blues
11 Sweet Georgia Brown

Set 2
1 It Don’t Mean a Thing If it Ain’t Got That Swing
2 Tin Roof Blues
3 Ain’t She Sweet
4 Curse of an Aching Heart
5 New Orleans
6 Undecided

Set 3
1 Jelly Roll (Ain’t Gonna Give You None)
2 Since My Best Gal Turned Me Down
3 If I had You
4 Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me

Jazz Tuber Trio Plus Four at the Sherborn Inn, November 12, 2013

Posted on November 12, 2013 by admin

Piano, Banjo, Vocalist, Tuba, Drum, Ten Sax, Trombone

Jazz Tuber Trio Eli, Jimmy and Ted, Plus Bob Winter piano, Rebecca Sullivan vocals, Jeff Guthery drums, Herb Gardner trombone, Carolyn Newberger washboard

It certainly was an exciting evening at the Sherborn In on November 12, with Boston Pops’ pianist Bob Winter joining The Jazz Tuber Trio. Bob Winter has been the pianist for the Boston Pops for over 30 years, but also has extensive experience in clubs, television, radio, and theaters, including performances with Henry Mancini, Teddy Wilson, Buddy DeFranco, Mel Torme, Luciano Pavarotti, Eddie Daniels, Stan Getz, Cleo Laine/John Dankworth, and Airto Moreira.

Bob Winter

Bob set the mood with piano intro to an upbeat Found a New Baby, just as New York’s Herb Gardner walked in carrying his trombone case. Surprise!

Herb Gardner moved to NY in 1963 and began touring with Wild Bill Davison, Kenny Davern and Dick Wellstood, was a regular at the Metropole, Jimmy Ryan’s and Eddie Condon’s nightclubs. He’s appeared with virtually all of the classic jazz musicians in the New York City. He just walked in, took out the trombone, sat down and started playing.

Ted Casher and Herb Gardner

We love this marvelous hot jazz. You never know what’s going to happen next! Instrumental titans playing delectable hot jazz!

No holds barred – combustible combinations of piano, tenor sax, trombone, Eli’s tuba maintaining a deep underpinning bassline, Jeff Guthery laying down the beat with brushes.

Jeff Guthery mostly uses brushes

Eli introduced vocalist Rebecca Sullivan, an accomplished vocalist and teacher, with a three-octave range. She’s learning something new at the New England Conservatory of Music, with Eli Newberger assigned as her mentor. She’s an emotionally powerful performer, singing very slowly, which takes considerable skill.

Squeeze Me.

Eli called for a fast tune, Bob responded with a lovely solo on Ida. (Here he is at the Tavern Club in Boston 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtAF92TCxtE)

Rebecca makes the songs personal and passionate.

Silky-smooth Satin Doll, Rebecca sings it in her own style, stretching out words and syllables, adding unexpected emphasis, going from low to high when least expected.

In a more romantic tune, a lovely Someone To Watch Over Me. We were mesmerized and only caught a partial video.

I can’t Give You Anything But Love, Rebecca almost talking the vocal, backed by Winter on piano. Eli said “He plays in unconventional keys to support her exceptional range, with an amazing lower register.”

The unpredictable reed-man, Ted Casher began the Ukrainian Ochi Chyornye with tenor sax in Klezmer style, the band slipping in with Dark Eyes. Eli’s turbo charged bass riffs gave it energy and drive.

Rebecca, with Jimmy and Eli

Mean to Me, Rebecca feeling the song.

Jimmy took off in his own unique single-string banjo with Fidgety Feet, Jeff backing him with brushes on snare drum. Fans had fidgety feet! Winter finished the last chorus with multi-layered intense piano.

Carolyn Newberger had spent most of the evening listening to the music while drawing portraits of members of the band. Carolyn’s Portraits.
(Her works “In The Moment” had a Showing last month at The Harriet Tubman Gallery Boston.)

She sat in on washboard for Louis Armstrong’s 1936 Don’t Forget To Mess Around When You’re Dancing the Charleston, Jimmy on vocal. The washboard began to come apart, but Carolyn maintained her cool, set it on the floor, holding the instrument vertical and in one piece, never missed a note playing spoons through the whole tune. Bravo!

Caroline Newberger, resourceful washboard maven, joins the rhythm boys

Carolyn Newberger, resourceful washboard maven, adds rhythm

Eli plays tuba like a solo instrument with energy and drive on Perdido, supported by Jeff’s brushes, the ensemble connecting in breathtaking tempo, led by clarinet and tenor sax. Listeners were dancing in their seats!

They closed with romping polyphonic ensemble on Royal Garden Blues, Jimmy scatting, each instrument taking a final solo.

Great fun! And we’ll be doing it all again on December 3^rd, with the addition of another titan, Boston’s famous Bo Winiker on trumpet! See you there?

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Café, November 2, 2013

Posted on November 2, 2013 by admin

videos by Harold McAleer

taken from back of cafe, band up front, crowded tables

Seacoast Stompers at the Acton Jazz Cafe

Scott Philbrick Cornet, Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball reeds, Lee Prager trombone, Frank Stadler leader/piano, Al Bernard tuba, Bobby Reardon drums

At The Jazz Band Ball, the Seacoast Stompers warned us in advance that this was going to be delectable hot Jazz, with another full house at the Acton Jazz Café. They added some new songs, Why Do I Like To Myself About You? and included some old Dixieland Chestnuts, Royal Garden Blues, After You’ve Gone, Baby Brown.

Stadler makes full use of the Café’s beautiful Yamaha Baby Grand. He plots a loose course, giving the musicians room to make suggestions, and they do – most of them are accustomed to leading their own bands.

Frank bent over keyboard of Yamaha Baby Grand

Frank Stadler leads band from the Yamaha Baby Grand

Bobby playing drums - bass drum has picture of his NH plate - KRUPA

Bobby Reardon keeps the band in time. Photo by Harold McAleer

Albie pushes with his powerful tuba, Jimmy’s single string banjo at high velocity, Bobby Reardon steering them discreetly.

Al Bernard in back wrapped in sousaphone, Jimmy Mazzy up front singing

Albie and Jimmy

With that fabulous rhythm behind them, the front line is free to explore with great solos and ensemble, mixing harmonies. This Joint is Jumpin’!

Jimmy’s vocals come from the heart; as if he’s crying for his lost love.
If I Had You,

Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone, Old Fashioned Love, A Hundred Years From Today, Song of the Wanderer.

He’s scatting on Japanese Sandman.

Whitney interweaves innumerable snippets of tunes with his trumpet, and also does some vocals: the 1930’s tune Fats wrote on a restaurant bill, I’m Confessing, Mobile, Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby. He’s scatting on Baby Brown.

Craig playing clarinet, Lee quiet in background

Craig Ball, leader of White Heat Swing Orchestra

The ensemble connects on Sheik of Araby. Craig Ball’s clarinet is almost kissing the mic on Stevedore Stomp. He’s in soft tone on I’m Beginning to See The Light.

Dave and Scott duelling on trumpet and cornet

Dave and Scott go at it!

Trumpet and cornet are teasing and testing each other on Devil and The Deep Blue Sea. As Time Goes By Dave’s sweet trumpet is backing Scott’s cornet. They take turns leading and comping on all the tunes.

Lee Prager fills in the short gaps

LEE Lee Prager is constantly listening, filling in any gap. That takes talent!

We look forward to the amazing exchanges between the trombone and cornet. There’s a friendly duel between Lee and Scott at least once in every session – trombone keeping up with the cornet’s myriad notes up and down the register. It’s all in great fun!

By now the tension is so hot Jimmy loses it on It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing. Trading fours scatting with the band, he bursts out with his infamous scream, signifying another winning session!

They will repeat it on the first Saturday of next month, December 8^th. Don’t miss it!

Seacoast Stompers tune list – Nov 2, 2013 – Acton Jazz Cafe

Set 1
1 At The Jazz Band Ball
2 As Time Goes By / Sleepy Time Down South
3 Royal Garden Blues
4 After You’ve Gone
5 Why Do I Lie To Myself About You
6 If I had You
7 Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
8 I’m Confessing
9 Song of the Wanderer

Set 2
1 Sheik of Araby
2 Mobile
3 Please Don’t Talk About Me
4 Old Fashioned Love
5 Baby Brown
6 All Of Me

Set 3
1 Joint is Jumpin, the
2 Hundred Years From Today, A
3 Stevedore Stomp
4 Japanese Sandman
5 Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby
6 I’m Beginning to see the Light
7 It Don’t Mean a Thing If it Ain’t Got That Swing

Blue Horizon Jazz Band’s Indian Summer at the Sherborn Inn, October 15, 2013

Posted on October 24, 2013 by admin

Blue Horizon Jazz Band, with Dave Didriksen drums

Stan McDonald clarinet/soprano sax, Jeff Stout trumpet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Ross Petot piano, Peter Gerler guitar, Al Ehrenfried string bass, Dave Didriksen drums.

Blue Horizon Jazz Band, now celebrating 18 years at the Sherborn Inn, performed another evening of fine Traditional Jazz, with a superb front line backed by the splendid rhythm section.

Stan started on clarinet for Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland, moving to soprano sax, complemented by the powerful trumpet of Jeff Stout and tailgate trombone of Gerry Gagnon. Gee Baby Ain’t I Good To You, Rose of the Rio Grand. Four or Five Times is always played in a slow beat.

All By Myself – Berklee Professor Jeff Stout was introduced to ‘new’ old tunes played by the Bechet-Spanier Big Four. The Big Four consisted of soprano sax and trumpet with only guitar and bass – but the Blue Horizon also has invaluable trombone, piano and drum.

Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me, Stan conjuring the echo of Sidney Bechet on soprano sax, with trumpet and trombone following in rhythmic harmony.

Stan McDonald sings Lotus Blossom

Lotus Blossom, Stan singing one of his favorites.

Ross’s lovely piano solo was backed by Dave’s soft brushes on snare drum. Stan closed it with crisp high note on soprano sax.

Ross on piano, Peter Gerler behind him on guitar

Ross Petot, pianist extraordinaire

PIanist extraordinaire, Ross Petot’s artistry as a stride pianist is renowned; he played improvised New Orleans stride on W. C. Handy’s Ole Miss, backed by Peter Gerler’s guitar.

Kansas City Man Blues was a sublime piece of ensemble playing. Bechet recorded it with Bob Wilbur in 1947.

Gerry Gagnon, Dave Didriksen, Jeff Stout

Al Ehrenfried

Marie Elena was played in Habanera style, front line inspired by the burning tempo. Didriksen listened carefully, anticipating where they were heading, with Al Ehrenfried’s pulsing string bass beside him. Exciting!

Gagnon, head back, mouth wide open, drummer Didriksen in back, smiling.

Gerry Gagnon belts it out!

Lonesome Road, Stan began on vocal, then gave Gerry Gagnon a chance to belt it out. Astounding! He could reach the back of a theater without a mic!

Stan doesn’t stray far from Bechet, returning with Marchand de Poisson.

They Closed with rapturous Indian Summer, this month’s theme. This timeless song was written by Victor Herbert in 1919 but not made famous until 1940 by Sidney Bechet. In 1978, Stan recorded his own compelling version (available on Blue Horizon Records). http://bluehorizonjazzband.com/

Marce

New Black Eagle Jazz Band luncheon at Sherborn Inn, October 23, 2013

Posted on October 23, 2013 by admin

New Black Eagle Jazz Band

Tony Pringle leader/cornet, Stan Vincent trombone, Billy Novick clarinet and alto sax, Bob Pilsbury piano, Peter Bullis banjo and red sox, Jess Williams string bass, Bill Reynolds drums

Starting into their 43^rd year this month, the NBEJB still has it – the Traditional Jazz that draws crowds. Everybody was elbow-to-elbow at the Sherborn Inn’s Wednesday luncheon, just like the old days at the Sticky Wicket. People were bussed in from Senior Centers and enjoyed the Inn’s fine food and especially the music. There were still some Stickey Wicket ‘regulars’ here, loyal fans, who have followed the band for all those years.

large crowd in back, couple at table for 2 in front, half of the crowd at the Sherborn Inn

Part of crowd at the Sherborn Inn’s luncheon

The Band played many of their old chestnuts, Tony singing When Your Hair Has Turned To Silver. I’m Travellin’ – Jesse Williams is the newest member; he injects new vigor into the band. (He was probably beginning first grade when the band started at the Wicket.) Louisian-I-A, Tony on vocal.

Scott Joplin’s 1920’s ragtime by Arthur Marshall – Kinklets, is actually a pre-jazz number published in 1906. They didn’t improvise but Pilsbury played it as a fine ragtime number, Jesse bowing the bass.

Earl Hines 1930’s Rosetta. Together. Duke’s East St. Louis Toodle-oo, Billy on super sax. Mahogany Hall Stomp.

Jesse Williams slapping bass

Billy’s incomparable tenor sax was featured with the Rhythm Boys on Body and Soul. Peter’s plink, plink, plink, banjo maintaining the Trad Jazz Beat, and still wearing his red sox. (The Boston Red Sox won the World Series Pennant Race a week later!)

Billy and rhythm section, Peter wearing his red sox

Billy featured on Body and Soul. Note Peter’s red sox.

Stan Vincent solo on Old Rugged Cross

Jesse’s string bass echoed Peter’s banjo on Old Rugged Cross. Bill’s soft, skillful drum roll backed Stan’s fine tailgate trombone solo.

They finished with another Sticky Wicket chestnut – Panama. Two hours went by too quickly!! The crowd loved every minute of it!

The Eagles will be back here at 7pm on their usual 2^nd Thursday of the month, November 14^th. Check out their site and available CDs at http://blackeagles.com/.

The Sherborn Inn lunches are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 11:30am-2pm. Good deal: Great music, 3-course luncheon, tax and gratuity, complete for only $25.

Seacoast Stompers celebrate 6th Anniversary at the Acton Jazz Cafe

Posted on August 3, 2013 by admin

Full Band with Maureen in bright red jacket

Seacost Stompers with Maureen Benson

Videos by Hal McAleer

August 3, 2013, The Seacoast Stompers were back at the Acton Jazz Café with Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball clarinet, Lee Prager trombone, Scott Philbrick guitar/cornet, Frank Stadler piano/leader, Al Ehrenfried string bass, Bobby Reardon drums, and Maureen Benson vocals.

The Seacoast Stompers are celebrating their 6^th year of appearing on the first Saturday of the month at the Acton Jazz Café. This was an exceptionally enjoyable afternoon, with Scott on guitar (which he prefers) and charismatic vocalist Maureen Benson. The venue sound system was shut down, with musicians controlling their own amplification, much better Traditional sound.

Whitney’s solo horn was free to interweave all kinds of tunes because Scott Philbrick was tied up on guitar, subbing for Jimmy Mazzy – most of the time.

Al on string bass, Scott guitar, and Bobby drums

The Rhythm Boys

Al Ehrenfried, was all smiles, picking at the string bass. Lee Prager happy to be back on trombone, bouncing with the music. Bobby was pulsating and alive. They all treasure his timing. It was infectious.

Craig Ball’s hot clarinet set the opening with All That Jazz, their theme song, and after that it was all improvised, with quick discussions over what and how they would play next.

Maureen Benson

A natural charmer on stage, Maureen came up for Slow Boat to China, If I Had You, Dave backing on muted trumpet.

Lee Prager

Lee Prager was featured on
I guess I’ll Have To Change My Plans.
We were happy to have him back.

Maureen returned for I Cried For you – usually done in a slow tempo, but there was nothing slow about this afternoon! There was no holding them back!

Bix time, Scott Philbrick moved to cornet with Dave Whitney trumpet duet for Singing The Blues. Fabulous!

Scott Philbrick and Dave Whitney

Piano took the intro to Claude Hopkins I Would Do Most Anything For You. Scott was back on flaming hot guitar for this barn-burner!

Dave’s version of Back O’ Town Blues is one of Frank Stadler’s favorites. Dave invited Maureen to join him. But she’s never heard the song before, didn’t even know the words. “I can handle Blues.”
This video shows her incredible spunk as she makes up her own words:

Frank and Al got together for an abbreviated Jitterbug Waltz, just piano and acoustic bass. Lovely – but too short, left us wanting more!

Whitney remembered Laurel & Hardy. Most people don’t realize that Oliver Hardy was also a good singer. He sang Lazy Moon in the 1932 Pardon Us, sensitively reprised here by Scott on guitar and Dave on trumpet and vocal.

Neil Moret wrote many beautiful tunes, including Chloe, and Song of the Wanderer, Ray Smith liked him so much he did a whole program on him.

(FYI, Ray Smith’s Jazz Decades is still playing Sundays 8-9pm on www.wgbh.org – even though we lost him a few years ago. Listen and learn about Our Kind of Music.)

Scott on guitar, Whitney on crystal clear trumpet on Song of the Wanderer.

The Saints prompted Alice Brunton to lead the a Parade, sans parasol. We’ll have one next month!

Alice Brunton leads the ‘Saints’ parade – no parasols!

Gray haired lady in bright red flower jacket, nice singer

Betty Countie

Surprise vocalist – Maureen introduced her Mom, Betty Countie, to sing a tantalizing Blue Moon. It’s obvious where Maureen gets her voice and charm!
The mood changed back to Bix and the normal four-piece front line. Their passion for this music is evident, they were really having fun with Since My Best Friend Turned Me Down.

Maureen with Scotty on guitar and Al on string bass

Maureen Benson and the Rhythm Boys

It Had To Be You, Maureen singing Bob Sickles’ favorite song made him happy; An explosive Swing That Music was dedicated to Vern, with Whitney on vocal.

Al Ehrenfried

Buddy Bolden’s Blues was the best Trad tune of the evening with Al’s tender bass solo.

Found a New Baby, found Al all smiles, bass in constant dialogue on this up-tempo tune. Lee bouncing up and down, slipping in some tunes of his own, Scott slipped in a bit of the Russian Ochi Chernye on guitar.

Frank Stadler softly touching keys

Approaching the finale, Maureen was called up for S’Wonderful, backed by Stadler, hands barely skimming over the piano.

They wrapped up this month’s session with Limehouse Blues. Piano rules – with energy and syncopation, setting the pace. Dave finally managed to sneak in Stumbling – he always gets that in somewhere.
This old music has so much energy and vitality, especially played by these accomplished musicians – it’s enlivening, . We’ll all be back, enjoying more of the Seacoast Stompers 6^th Anniversary at the Acton Jazz Café. See you there!

Maureen Benson lists Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, and Carmen McRae as her major musical influences. She is a mainstay on the North Shore jazz scene, and appears monthly with Jazzport at the Seaport Restaurant in Salem.

Neville Dickie at the Sherborn Inn, June 4, 2013

Posted on June 4, 2013 by admin

Neville piano, Jeff Hughes trumpet, Stan McDonald reeds, Dave Bragdon drm

Neville Dickie and Band

The Sherborn Inn was packed elbow-to-elbow with eager fans for celebrated British pianist Neville Dickie’s 12th appearance at the Sherborn Inn on Tuesday, June 4, 2013.

After mixing with his fans, Neville sat at the baby grand and revived a fount of pieces from the 1920’s with ragtime, boogie, stride – pop. With drummer Dave Bragdon, he started on the 1920’s Charleston Mad, from one of his many albums. He turned to Dave and asked “What do you fancy doing?” They came up with a sunny and warm version of Benny Goodman’s Red Sails in the Sunset.

Neville and Dave

Dickie generally plays solo piano in concert. Not here; he takes it easy and becomes part of the band, giving him a chance to relax, walk around, talk with his enthusiastic fans.

Stan McDonald

Stan McDonald joined them on soprano sax, with Jeff Hughes on trumpet for James P. Johnson’s If I could Be With You, Neville starting with the verse, Stan on vocal and saxophone. Roses of Piccardie, It Had To Be You, with Neville’s clever backing and multi-layered playing.

Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams. Jelly Roll Morton’s Tijuana, crisp soprano sax.

Jeff was featured on a boogie that they created on the moment, The Sherborn Boogie, Jeff getting glorious sounds from a rare 1946 Martin Committee Olds Trumpet. (Jeff has a vast collection of instruments, and he makes them all sound great!)

Jeff Hughes feature

During the break, Ross Petot kept the piano hot, giving us umpteen inspiring variations of Gershwin’s Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia. He has a fantastic left hand of his own, definitely with some James P. Johnson influence.

Ross Petot and Neville

He slipped into some eight-to-the-bar (probably for Neville’s sake) and played his specialty stride piano on Stairway to Paradise.

Neville joined him for four-handed piano, two pyrotechnicians playing an ingenious variety of choruses.

Neville said he’s happy to see the same faces here, year after year, and remembered Lynn Sickle. She was in her special chair – always next to the piano, here with Janet Borgman. Neville played his own swinging version of All of Me, Lynn’s favorite – he remembered.

It’s hard to tell who is having the most fun here, Neville or the fans. He relaxes, tells tales, he’s “one of the guys”.

He says “Musicians like to drink, and I’m no exception. I read that liquor is the root of all evil, so I gave up reading.”
“I quit drinking once, it was the worse 20 minutes of my life!”
“I enjoy playing here at the Sherborn Inn; Stan provides the music, Ellen provides great beer”.

Neville relaxes

Ross took over at the piano and gave him a chance to mingle with the crowd.
Soprano sax and trumpet traded fabulous fours on Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor, Stan singing. After You’ve Gone was another lively one.

Ross Petot and Band

Dave & Neville returned with a sweet Keeping Out of Mischief Now, segue into a racing tempo on Handful of Keys, Neville’s fingers leaping across the keyboard. Marvelous.

Dave was featured on drums with Nagasaki, because Neville never could find a drummer who could keep up with his flying fingers. He continued playing at a dizzying pace, but Dave Bragdon kept up with him!
Neville reprised the first boogie ever written, Pine Top Smith’s Sheik of Araby, with the left hand leaping back and forth on the keyboard.

There was a request for him to play solo piano – which is his general mien; he does for hours at most other venues. With Dave’s accompaniment, he played Willie the Lion Smith’s finger breaking Swanee River Boogie. He said “It’s a joy to do this gig – Sutton & Surrey.”

Too soon, the band closed with a sizzling Found a New Baby. As he was leaving, heading for New Jersey, Neville said “Please Keep supporting live jazz.”

We sure will. Thank you for being here with us, Neville, see you again next year!!

You may catch Neville when he’s at home in the Sutton Jazz Club, Thomas Wall Centre, Benhill Avenue, Sutton, Surrey, England. The Club was formed by Pat and Neville Dickie in 1989 and is noted its music, as well as Neville’s famous prawn vol-au-vents. They also serve a wide choice of hot food, such as fish, chicken, meat pie, saveloy, or vegeburger, all served with chips, and backed by Neville’s Trio comprising of Neville Dickie (piano), Terry Lewis (bass), and Norman Davey (drums). Top class musicians from the United States, Europe, Australia and, of course, Great Britain, join them each month.

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

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