Piano and Leader – Frank Stadler, Reeds – John Clark, Banjo and Vocals – Jimmy Mazzy, Cornet – Scott Philbrick, Trumpet and Vocals – Dave Whitney, Trombone – Lee Prager, Sousaphone – Al Bernard, Drums – Bobby Reardon
Seacoast Stompers are a Traditional Jazz and Swing band led by pianist Frank Stadler. Frank has a list of everything they’ve played in the nearly five years the Band as been at the Acton Jazz Café; he tries to avoid repeating tunes played recently. Last month, they broke tradition by playing all their old favorite and most requested tunes. This month it was back to normal, with no repeats of anything played for many months.
But they always begin with their theme song, At The Jazz Band Ball, with Albie giving this one extra emphasis on sousaphone. A medium swing tune followed, Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.
John Clark
You never know what will happen with Jazz musicians, that’s why this never gets dull. John Clark took out a smokin’ Coleman Hawkins tenor sax – new instrument for John, making use of the rich lower register, keeping this listener enthralled all afternoon, Beale St. Blues, Undecided.
Dave Whitney
Dave gave New Orleans the respect it deserves with fine trumpet and a Whitney vocal.
Jimmy Mazzy banjo, Al Bernard sousaphone
Jimmy’s unpretentious sincerity comes through with Porter’s Love Song to a Chamber Maid along with many quips that we can’t print here. Never give Jimmy a microphone! Fidgety Feet had feet tapping, check out Lee having fun trading trombone with Albie’s tuba.
Frank Stadler on new Yamaha piano
Frank was swinging from start to finish on the new Yamaha piano; Rosetta, a tune that Earl Fatha Hines’ recorded in Chicago in 1939.
Eva Balazs
Eva Balazs, tiny as she is, found a really high stool to perch on so she could clearly see his impressive piano fingers. Her feet were dangling 2 feet from the ground, but she was enthralled.
There are four Sports’ TVs in the Café. Our Sport is Jazz – no one was watching the Red Sox or Bruins.
John Clark choose the next one, a scorching San, dazzling polyphony by the front line. Bei Mir Bis Du Schoen, Sundown.
Carrie’s Mazzy’s choice was a lyrical I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling:
Fran D’Agostino, Tuesday night JazzJam host, took charge of the sound system. He had his guitar with him, and sat in playing catchy riffs on Things Ain’t What They Used To Be.
Fran D’Agostino joins the band
Break time. Sax and cornet soon returned with a trio on a hot Tuxedo Junction, with Dave Whitney on drums! You never know!
There’ll Be Some Changes Made, nice interchange between drum and tuba. Albie was featured with Jimmy’s vocal on Louisiana Fairytale, the theme song for This Old House and a Paramount Jazz Band favorite.
John took out his clarinet for a Slow Boat to China, which was anything but! It sizzled! He’s the youngest in this crowd. He was drawn to jazz in the Library at Connecticut College when he became immersed in its vast collection of Traditional/Dixieland Jazz, and absorbed every recording. (Thank you, Jeff Barnhart!)
You never know what’s coming. They tried S’Wonderful with NO sound system, which is generally the norm for our Trad Jazz Bands, and sounded just fine to me. But they couldn’t hear the piano and banjo from the back of the Café.
Scott Philbrick
Sound on. Something between Dixie and Swing – Scotty began I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate, fun tune. Whitney took the vocal on The Preacher.
They closed with a fiery, wild Somebody Stole My Gal.
The Seacoast Stompers are an imaginative and versatile Traditional Jazz and Swing Band. You never know what they will do next. The Band is here at the Acton Jazz Cafe on the first Saturday of the month for the rest of this year – next one is July 6th. Join us for some fun Jazz and Swing!
Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark and Craig Ball Reeds, Ross Petot piano, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Al Bernard tuba, Steve Taddeo drums, and special guest Bob MacInnis on cornet.
This is My Lucky Day – always is when the Jazz Jesters start their theme song and bring Hot Dance music of the Jazz Decades to the Sherborn Inn; plentiful 20’s and 30’s early Bix and Bunny Berigan. We were especially delighted to have a surprise guest sitting in!
Ross playing stride piano
Dot Prescott was remembered with Ross Petot featured on stride, But Not For Me. The first time they ever played it was in concert at the Prescott Traditional Jazz Library at UNH, with Johnny Battis.
Radio – remember radio, when the DJ would play something familiar, then sneak in something new? Jesters played Breakaway, and sneaked in Con Conrad’s Broadway Melody.
What’s the Use is one of Steve Taddeo’s favorites, by Isham Jones. Bobby Hackett recorded it on the Commodore label. Craig was featured on clarinet with Three Little Words.
Reedmen Craig Ball and John Clark
The dynamic reed-men Craig Ball and John Clark are as expressive as the multi-reeds sections of a Big Band, changing combinations, saxophones on Song of India, clarinets on East Coast Trot. They inspire each other, alternating alto and tenor sax and clarinet, and challenge the leader by changing the program on him.
The charts you see are just suggestions for chords. No one tells these spirited Jazz musicians how to play, (although Jeff sometimes gets head arrangements to work).
Bob MacInnis
Surprise treat was the appearance of Bob MacInnis on cornet. He’s back!! Better than ever! Eight-piece band, with trumpet and cornet, played fantastic ensemble on Bix’s Deep Down South.
Steve Taddeo
Taddeo was behaving himself with sensitive, smooth brushwork, and soft tapping on choke cymbal. He’s getting the hang of this Trad Jazz!
Jeff let him loose on Irving Berlin’s 1927 Russian Lullaby, then Steve’s inherent Gene Krupa materialized, backed by the band in stop time. Fabulous!
Jimmy Mazzy, with Steve Taddeo and Al Bernard
There Ain’t No Land Like Dixieland, Melody From The Sky, Cabin in the Pines, Jimmy Mazzy vocals. Eat your heart out, Europe!
Jeff gave Jimmy his choice from the myriad collection of tunes stored in his genius brain. They ducked for cover, never knowing what Jimmy will come up with. This time it was Sam the Accordion Man.
Pardon My Southern Accent, Jeff Hughes taking a very expressive vocal. MacInnis added “Another one I don’t know”, but jumped right in.
They closed with a WILD Fats Waller stride tune. Dismissing us with Fats is a good choice, making sure we all return – Zonky. We’ll come back September 24th and November 28th to hear more of these outstanding Jazz Musicians!
(Essex, CT) — Experience New Orleans style traditional jazz in Connecticut as The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival turns up the heat, during the weekend of June 21, 22 and 23. Proceeds from the festival, which is located at the Essex Steam Train, benefit The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT, founded by the late Paul Newman.
More than 13 bands, ranking in the Top 20 in jazz polls for their instrumentation will perform in simultaneous sessions under two tents on the grounds, adjacent to the Steam Train. A Gospel service, which is free and open to all, is scheduled for Sunday, June 23 at 10:30 am and, in addition to the Festival All Star Band, features vocalists Jane Campedelli of Florida and Connecticut’s own child vocalist Jason Senn of Essex.
The festival takes place rain or shine. Seating is provided under the tents.
Friday 5-10:45pm – Saturday 10am-4:45pm 5-10:45pm – Sunday 10am-4:45pm
THE BANDS scheduled to appear at the 2013 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival include:
A complete band performance schedule is available at the festival’s website, www.hotsteamedjazz.com.
Food and concessions such as popcorn, coffee and soda are available at the festival. Guests are invited to bring their own beer and wine. No hard liquor is allowed.
Festival sponsors include:
Essex Savings Bank/Essex Financial Services
Clark Corporation
David Florence
Bob Johnson
Bob’s Discount Furniture
Glenn Connolly
Arris
Karen Torrenti
Shore Discount Liquors
as well as individual sponsors
Ticket prices per person are $100 for the full weekend sessions; $60 for an all-day Saturday pass (11 am – 10:30 pm); $35 for the Friday afternoon, Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening or Sunday sessions. Youth tickets under age 12 are $8.00.
This is one exciting thirteen piece Big Band that transported us back to the days of Benny Goodman, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Woody Herman and more!
Trumpets: Joe Musumeci, Mel Deveau, Jeff Hughes, Dave Whitney
Trombones: Scott Hills, Jay Keyser
Reeds: Art Bakopolus, Bob Drukman, John Clark, Blair Bettencourt
Piano, Steve Dale; Bass, Dave LeBleu, Drums, Reid Jorgensen
They began with a number one hit for Benny Goodman, Jersey Bounce. This was the perfect introduction to the fabulous swing bands of the 30’s to 50’s; we became totally immersed in the Swing Era.
Dave’s theme song, a tune that Fats did with both a small and big band, When Somebody Things You’re Wonderful, was taken from an album Dave did in 1975 with Blair Bettencourt.
They presented a great New Orleans medley from the Chris Powers Orchestra – Chris was a New England band leader and arranger. Dave Whitney, Dave LeBleu, Joe Musumeci, Scott Hills and Arthur Bakopolus were in that band. Sophia Stevens was a vocalist with the band, but couldn’t be here this evening.
In a Medley of New Orleans tunes, Joe Musumeci raised goose bumps on his solo of Darkness on the Delta,
Joe Musumici
Usually Sophia has the vocal on Embraceable You, with Dave on trumpet solo and lead alto Arthur Bakopolus.
Bakopolus played inspiring solo work on that Jimmy Dorsey tune, and also on a Duke tune done by Johnny Hodges, All Of Me.
He set sparks flying on Jimmy McHugh’s Sunny Side of the Street.
Arthur Bakopolus, lead alto sax
In the early 30’s, Bing Crosby recorded a nice dance arrangement, Paradise. The dancers loved it!
Moving to a Latin beat, they played My Adobe Hacienda, a tune from the Wolverine Jazz Band’s CD, Give Me Some Tempo.
Dave Whitney
Dave
Dave is known as “The Dean of New England Trumpeters.” In 1985, Chris Powers and Dave recorded a tune with a Johnny Mercer routine, Sugar Blues, Whitney assuming the warbling, wa wa trumpet. A fine upbeat tune, it is still available on the George Buck label.
Blair Bettencourt on vocal!
Spotlight was on Blair Bettencourt – who knew he was such a fine vocalist???
He was in rare voice on Guy Lombardo’s hit, Everywhere You Go.
From a ‘new’ book, 1970, Engelbert Humperdinck’s After The Loving. Beautiful! The Audience was singing with him.
They stayed on the mellow side with Irving Berlin’s How Deep Is The Ocean, featuring Berklee Professor Steve Dale.
Steve was also highlighted on L-O-V-E, Love.
Steve Dale, pianist and arranger
Our favorite of the whole evening was a medley they played at Angelica’s called a ‘Baker’s Dozen’, actually a marvelous mini-tour of the Big Band Era!
Glenn Miller’s 1939 In The Mood, the most popular song of that era!
1938 Don’t Be That Way
Tommy Dorsey’s 1944 Opus One Long John Silver 1948
Jimmy Lunceford’s For Dancers Only
Stan Kenton’s theme song, Eager Beaver
Jan Savitt’s 720 in the Books
Count Basie’s One O’Clock Jump
Woody Herman’s Woodchopper’s Ball
Artie Shaw’s 1938 Begin the Beguine
Les Brown’s Band of Renown, Leap Frog
Duke’s 1941 A Train
Harry James’ 1941 Back Beat Boogie, Dave taking the lead.
WOW! Those old tunes are still the best of all!
He stumped the audience with the last one – nobody knew it: Boston Tea Party. This is their new chaser for sets, theme of Mal Hallet – a popular New England band.
Scott Hill’s trombone was superb on Juan Tizol’s Caravan.
Scott has been with the band since its inception.
He continued with the Tommy Dorsey, Jack Leonard, Bunny Berigan, 1937 original arrangement of Marie, with Band backup, and Dave on vocal.
Scott Hill
Tuxedo Junction was recorded by just about every band!
Erskin Hawkins had a great arrangement of Savoy. Two of our favorite Jazzmen, Jeff Hughes on muted trumpet, John Clark clarinet, gave it the Big Band Sound.
From Duke’s library, Whitney got his chops ready for a mini concerto using Rex Stuart’s half-valving technique, Boy Meets Horn. Spectacular!
They featured a “little band within a big band”, as in Tommy Dorsey’s Clambake Seven, a Dixieland group that had a small band in their big band performances. But Dave used Bob Crosby’s March of the Bob Cats instead, (Dave Cats?) with Blair tenor sax, Jeff and Dave trumpets, John clarinet, Jay Keyser trombone, Steve Dale piano, Dave LeBleu bass. Fabulous!!
Little Band within a Big Band
MIT’s Jay Keyser is hilarious! He has so many anecdotes about traveling with his wife around the world. They had just returned from India, Cuba, Lake Como. They’ve been married for 23 years and been to 52 countries. He even wrote a book about it: I Married a Travel Junkie.
Jay Keyser, with Blair on tenor sax
Jay’s superb trombone was featured on Rose of the Rio Grande, a tune Lawrence Brown used to play with Duke Ellington.
Dave dug out a special mute for the next one, done by Eddy Freeman of Boston’s North Shore, Georgia On My Mind with Dave LeBleu. Great.
From the 1920’s mid-west Territory Bands, Dave’s vocal flirted with today’s PC on Tiny Hill’s Skirts, John Clark on tenor with the ’Dixieland Boys’.
Jeff Hughes
Piano took the intro to Count Basie’s Moten Swing, featuring Jeff Hughes’ on Yamaha Tuneable Bell Trumpet. Nice tone!
His passionate solo on Django’s Nuages was extraordinary; it’s one of our favorites.
John Clark went WILD with Duke’s version of Fats Waller’s Honeysuckle Rose.
John Clark, reeds
Dick Cathcart was the jazz trumpeter behind actor Jack Webb’s portrayal of the legendary Pete Kelly in the 1955 film Pete Kelly’s Blues. Pete Kelly’s Blues was the Dave Whitney Big Band’s ‘Goodnight Song’, an arrangement done by pianist Steve Dale. Marvelous!
Dave Whitney Big Band
Let’s not overlook the dynamic rhythm makers, whose driving tempo keeps the band in line…
Reid Jorgensen
Dave LeBleu
The Dave Whitney Big Band will be at Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire for a another trip into the Swing Era on June 2nd from 1-3 (in the ballroom) – seniors over 60 get in free. Also Southgate Shrewsbury July 9th 7pm. See you there??
Frank Stadler – piano and leader, Jimmy Mazzy – banjo, Blair Bettencourt – reeds, Scott Philbrick – cornet, Dave Whitney – trumpet, Lee Prager – trombone, Al Bernard – sousaphone, Bobby Reardon – drums.
Leader Frank Stadler announced that there would be an exception to the usual tune selection; this time they would play only old favorites and most requested tunes. They generally avoid repeating tunes! He left the choice of tunes to the guys, varying the tempos.
An obvious change was Blair Bettencourt on clarinet and tenor sax. It’s been a while!
In the late 70s, Marce and Jimmy Enright were dancing at the back of New England Life Hall to the two-beat jazz of The Yankee Rhythm Kings with Jimmy Mazzy and Blair Bettencourt,
The Seacoast Stompers first tested the sound system with a snippet of At The Jazz Band Ball.
Sound-check was done by none other than Fran D’Agostino, who runs the Jazz Jam every Tuesday here at the AJC.
He got it right!
The Seacoast Stompers have built up a significant following of devoted fans that fill the Café on the first Saturday of the month. Alice and Cathy Riley came in from Seekonk, Jack Phelan, pianist for the New Liberty Jazz Band from Swampscott, Dave and Nancy First from Carlisle, Eve Welts, Sally Meyer and friends from Lincoln, Al Ehrenfried, Alice Brunton of Acton, dancers Evelyn and Charlie have been here from day one. The Amoskeag Strummers were well represented.
There’s not much space for dancing; but dancers will make room:
Charlie & Evelyn Alice & Al
It was great to see Bob McHenry, former Seacoast bassist sitting up front and center, enjoying the music.
Blair Bettencourt’s tenor sax turned Sweet Georgia Brown into a real rabble rouser!
Fabulous tenor sax on a dazzling Stealing Apples
Bob & Marjorie McHenry enjoy Blair’s playing
Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams. Jimmy vocal. He couldn’t resist “Dedicated to Luca Brazzi, swimming with the fishes.” (from Boardwalk Empire).
Time to take it down a bit with Mama’s Gone, Goodbye, Jimmy vocal, Whitney playing marvelous wa wa trumpet.
Cornet, trumpet, trombone, with gut-wrenching tenor sax were fabulous on another old favorite, and most often requested, Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans. Dave with poignant vocal; if you ever visit New Orleans, you can’t leave it behind – it becomes a part of you.
T’ Ain’t No Sin To Take Off Your Skin and Dance Around in Your Bones (Walter Donaldson). Scotty knew many more verses..
I Would Do Most Anything For You, Claude Hopkins’ theme song. Claude was a world famous Boston pianist, and has returned to play in the area with many of our local musicians.
Classy, polished piano performance by Frank.
He requested a ‘down tune’ (as opposed to an upbeat tune). Everybody looked at Jimmy. I’ll Be a Friend With Pleasure.
Dave Whitney, jazz historian, gave interesting backgrounds to all these tunes. “Louis would say Margie is a good ol’ good one.”
Scotty and Lee, both on muted instruments challenging each other – incredible! We love it!
Make Love to Me, a 1954 pop song by Jo Stafford, became a No. 1 hit, using the New Orleans Rhythm King’s music from the 1923 jazz standard Tin Roof Blues…
Sweet intro into Tin Roof Blues,
fantastic clarinet, wa wa cornet and trombone. We love it!
Jimmy’ unique single string banjo was backed by Al Bernard, wrapped in sousaphone.
Bobby Hackett and Jack Teagarden made hits out of a lively Oh Baby from the 1920’s.
Carrie Mazzy came up for fine vocal on A Good Man Is Hard To Find.
Jim & Carrie were packed and ready to go to the Keswick Festival in England.
Hubby Jimmy followed with One Meat Ball, hinting about a restaurant (not the AJC!)
Frank said it was time for a barn burner. This is one of the most requested Classic tunes.
Goodman had a hit with both his big band and quartet.
Strutting With Some Barbecue was played in indescribable tempo!
Tough on a trombone – Lee breezed through it.
Time for a Swing tune. Jimmy with Duke Ellington’s I’m Beginning To see The Light, a Harry James hit in 1944. Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone, had friendly, competitive duet with cornet/trumpet.
Sunny Side of The Street, Dave Whitney scatting vocal, with Blair’s tenor sax, tuba, and piano playing harmony.
Frank asked Dave to pick a tune – he likes Back o’ Town Blues. He and Jimmy have done this before, with Jimmy responding with his own Mazzy quips. Scotty’s multiple notes hit the top of the register, almost squeaking.
Dave was on low, growling trumpet; he never disappoints his public.
Finally Frank asked Bobby Reardon for a tune.
From the seedy side of London, he picked a real war horse, Limehouse Blues. The Seacoast Stompers terminated as fiery as they had begun.
They’ll be back, Frank hopes with the full crew (they are all independent minds!) on the first Saturday of every month for the rest of the year. With their fans in tow, they’ll be here on June 1.
Jeff Hughes trumpet/leader, John Clark and Craig Ball reeds, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Ross Petot piano, Al Bernard tuba, Steve Taddeo drums
Ross was toying at the piano as usual as we arrived. I Can’t Get Started, Honeysuckle Rose.
Craig Ball came in at exactly 7 P.M. right on time! (He has just returned from a class reunion in England.)
These are busy musicians, Ross plays in several bands and teaches, Craig leads the White Heat Swing Orchestra, John Clark’s Wolverine Jazz Band was at the the Choo Choo Jazz Fest in Chattanooga, Tennessee May 3rd. Steve leads the Swing Senders and directs the Dick Donovan Big Band. Jeff has many bands, the most active being Swing Times Five and the Jazz Jesters.
Jeff distributed arrangements and they soared with their theme This Is My Lucky Day, Craig on tenor sax, John Clark on clarinet. (Baritone sax was left at home.)
Jeff kept these tunes from the 20’s and 30’s refreshing by varying the solos, pointing to an instrument, as if he’d just thought of it. The musicians were ready, carefully keeping an eye on him, and the arrangement, and reacted with inspiring solo work.
Jeff Hughes and John Clark
Jeff is in firm control of the band, except for Jimmy. Jimmy lives in his own world, in the Jazz Decades.
Jack Teagarden liked Ben Pollack’s Diane. There isn’t a trombone in this band, but Craig’s smooth tenor sax did just fine, getting the dancers up early.
They played a couple of early Bix tunes, before he joined Goldkette, when he was in the Wolverines. There Ain’t No Land Like Dixieland started with Jimmy & Jeff in sync – the two go back many years to Ray Smith’s Paramount Jazz Band.
In 1926 Bix recorded and wrote a tune dedicated to his home town, Davenport Iowa, Davenport Blues. Craig took the lead, Jeff and John playing harmony.
Staying in the Bix tradition, with the Wolverines before he became famous, I Need Some Petting, and a Gershwin fox trot Kicking The Clouds Away
Jeff thanked Steve Taddeo for being here. He said, “Steve plays drums better than anybody.” Taddeo was on a 1939 Slingerland Drum Set, with cymbals that were given to him by Bud Schutz who played with the Benny Goodman and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras. Exudes energy!
Steve is a Gene Krupa devotee. For these tunes from the Jazz Decades, he maintained the Classic Jazz beat with a Krupa original, pinging the Hi Hat stand.
A Walter Donaldson tune featured Jimmy scatting on Changes. Lovely, one of our favorites.
The Kentucky Derby was coming up this Saturday; of course they had to play My Old Kentucky Home. Jimmy’s heartfelt vocal sounded as if he was really homesick for Kentucky. (We’ll ask him if he’s ever been there, when he returns from the 22nd Keswick Jazz Festival in England.)
Jean Goldkette first recorded this in 1926 in Detroit, Idolizing. That band included Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Joe Venuti and Bix Beiderbecke.
Jeff tapped out a break-neck beat, chorus and then verse, eyes were focused on the arrangements, all except Jeff, and Jimmy – he doesn’t need them, ever.
From Billy Hill’s Empty Saddles in the Old Corral, Jeff introduced There’s a Cabin in the Pines, with Jimmy vocal. That was another tune from the Paramount Jazz Band.
One of Jeff’s favorite memories is hearing a recording of Bunny Berigan playing Louis Alter’s A Melody From the Sky. Jimmy gave it his own unique interpretation.
Hearing Jeff sing Broadway Melody, was a special treat. It comes from a 1929 American musical film – the first sound film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture.
“all talking, all singing, all dancing picture!”
Jimmy returned with a sweet version of It’s Wonderful. After that tender vocal, Vincent Youman’s 1920 I Know That You Know was absolutely WILD!
Jeff has an envious collection of instruments. This magnificent tone trumpet was custom-made for him last March at the local Osmun Trumpet in Acton, MA. They adapted a 1972 Yamaha Tuneable Bell with a wide trumpet bell that would have a warm cornet sound. Just what he wanted.
Many bands of the 30’s and 40’s delved into Classical, then changed the repertoire to Jazz. Rimsky- Korsakov’s Song of India was Bunny Berigan’s last recorded solo. The Jazz Jesters nailed it with trumpet, alto and tenor sax, prompting someone to say “That’s a piece of woik!”
Albie was featured on House of David Blues, by Elmer Schoebel, and recorded by Coleman Hawkins in 1923.
We caught that handsome fella hiding behind the tuba.
Jeff said that “High Society Blues by James Hanley had a beautiful 1930’s bittersweet feeling at the beginning of the 1929 Depression.” From High Society Blues, Jimmy sang Charles Lawman’sI’m in the Market For You, followed by another depression tune, Cottage For Sale.
Enough of that! This is a time to Be Happy!
The mood changed with the Finale, an upbeat, joyful Zonkie. They let Steve go on drums. He gave it the full Krupa treatment with a rousing, cacophony of sound, concluding with his famous drum walk-around.
9:30pm – we were supposed to be out of here, but nobody wanted to leave. They squeezed in one more tune.
Craig Ball took over. Craig’s clarinet went full scale from high to deep rich tones on Laughing at Life.
It was the right ending to a perfect evening:
“Lose all your blues laughing at life
Live for tomorrow, be happy today
Laugh all your sorrows away
Start now and cheer up
The skies will clear up
Lose all your blues laughing at life”
Jeff delved deep into the Jazz Decades for tonight’s performance – and we hope there will be many more like it. That would keep us happy! We’ll all be back for more.
Jeff’s Jazz Jesters will return May 28th – see you here!
Tony Pringle cornet, Stan Vincent trombone, Billy Novick reeds, Bob Pilsbury piano, Jesse Williams string bass, Peter Bullis banjo, Bill Reynolds drums
Memories of the Sticky Wicket!! 100 people were packed in at the Sherborn Inn’s Senior Jazz Luncheon, to hear the New Black Eagle Jazz Band, now in it’s 41st year, play some of their most memorable tunes. Many Seniors are bussed in from local Senior Centers.
It was like old times, as the band opened with the familiar beat of the New Orleans parade – Second Line.
Stan’s Trombone had the first solo, with Billy on alto sax, and Tony’s clipped cornet that defines the Eagle’s sound.
(Billy Novick has been asked to write some of the music for Hemingway’s: The Sun Also Rises, World Premier at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. in DC.)
Billy Novick
Everybody wanted the tables in front of the band! But they were reserved early on by Sticky Wicket ‘Regulars’, the few who are still with us. There is no long U-shaped table with 12 people like the one that circled the band at the Sticky Wicket.
Jesse Williams, youngest member of the band, performed superb bowing on string bass, supporting Bob Pilsbury on an early Duke tune, Misty Morning.
Jesse Williams bowing on string bass
Precious – Love Nest evoked memories of the George Burns-Gracie Allen television show.
Harking back to our Grandmother’s time, Stan Vincent played trombone solo and sang the love song, You Tell Me Your Dream, And I’ll Tell You Mine.
Stan Vincent, Peter Bullis, Jesse Williams
Pete Bullis’ beat on banjo carries on the Traditional Jazz sound that is the heart of this band. (Yes, he was wearing his Red Sox.)
Elder statesman of the band, Bob Pilsbury, went even farther back in time with his vocal of Love Song of the Nile, a song associated with Theda Bara, a vamp from the old silent films.
Bob Pilsbury
They closed the first set with an early 30’s tune by the Luis Russell Orchestra, an up-tempo Roamin’.
‘Groupies’ Elizabeth and Marilyn were in their 20’s when they started listening to the Black Eagles, and still faithfully follow the band.
Three former Sticky Wicket ‘regulars’, Elizabeth, Marilyn, and Marce
“We didn’t get the front table, but we enjoyed a fine 3-course dinner, complete, for only $25. Choice of Salmon in Cream Sauce, or Chicken Parmesan, complete with salad, vegetable, desert and coffee.” Marce
The second set began with a rabble-rousing Saratoga Shout – named after a club in Harlem, not the Saratoga Springs race track.
Froggy More Rag featured Billy’s brilliant clarinet solo backed by the rhythm boys, while Tony headed to the bar for a beer.
Bill Reynolds and Jesse Williams back Billy Noick
Everyone was back for more Black Eagle eloquent ensemble on Duke Ellington’s 1931 pop tune, In a Sentimental Mood.
A couple named Frankie and Connie was celebrating their Wedding Anniversary. Tony mischievously considered dedicating Frankie & Johnny for this happy occasion, but thought better of it, and settled for When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver; much more appropriate, and appreciated.
Bill Reynolds let loose on drums, prompting much applause from the audience, right in the middle of his stellar performance!
Ed Reynolds
Bill Reynolds
Bill Reynold’s remarkable drums and Jesse’s unrelenting pulse on amplified string bass drive the band. They put a fresh snap into the old tunes.
They approached the end of the evening with Special Delivery Blues, a mournful blues recorded by blues singer Sippie Wallace with Louis Armstrong in 1929. They closed with an upbeat Weary Blues. (Peter finally got to play a banjo solo.)
Time just flew by listening to this fantastic LIVE jazz! Brahm’s Lullaby ushered us out the door.
The Band will be back at their regular appearance here on the 2nd Thursday of the month, May 9th.
Tony Pringle relaxes.
Tony Pringle
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.
Next one: October 12-13, 2013 with special Friday Night Event (on the 11th) featuring: Daniel Barda, trombone and Alain Marquet, clarinet from France!! Registration Form
Fifteen great New England, New York, New Jersey and Florida musicians assembled by the genius of Jeff Barnhart presented a kaleidoscope of marvelous, toe-tapping Traditional Jazz and Swing (and some of Your Father’s Mustache, some Country and Rock) at the historic Schiavone home in Guilford, Connecticut.
Featured on trumpet – Lew Green & Gordon Au; reeds – Noel Kaletsky & Joe Midiri; trombone – Craig Grant & Paul Midiri; piano – Jeff Barnhart & Ian Frenkel; banjo/guitar – Bob Price, John Gill, & Joel Schiavone; bass/tuba – Brian Nalepka & Frank Tate; drums – Tom Palinko, Kevin Dorn, and John Gill; vibes – Paul Midiri.
This House Party started Saturday noon with non-stop music for four hours, continued Saturday evening and again Sunday. JazzMen were on the move constantly – in through one room, out through the other. (Move it! – one way only!)
This was better than any Festival!! Joel and Donna opened their historic 1804 home, removed the furniture, and added padded chairs to two ‘parlors’. The Green Room was in the kitchenette – but the musicians mingled with the crowd.
King of the Hill!
Jeff Barnhart hand-picked the musicians, named a leader, and said “Play!”
The leaders gathered their troops for a strategic conference on tunes; some of them had never even met before.
Oh how they played!! It was MAGIC from beginning to end!
They enjoyed challenging each other and new associates with the wit and freedom that only comes from jazz improvisations.
They came in all sizes, every one a star! They were having fun, and it was infectious.
Looking up to the boss!
Buffet was delicious, thanks to Carol and Glen Ott! Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday brunch all included. Dinner included tortellini carboniera, chicken marsala, whole wheat pasta & vegetables, eggplant parmesan, baked ziti, chicken & broccoli. Salads: baby spinach & mushrooms, spring mix with cranberry & pita bread. Caesar dressing, raspberry vinaigrette, and balsamic. Many desserts, pies, cheesecake.
On to the fabulous music!!
Lew Green led his group on Winin’ Boy Blues, Jeff Barnhart vocal, Noel Kaletsky clarinet, Paul Midiri trombone, Brian Napelka tuba, John Gill drums.
We finally had the opportunity to see and hear the multi-talented John Gill.
Multi-talented John Gill plays all the instruments!
Joel interviewed John Gill for Your Father’s Mustache when he was 17. In the 70’s, he moved to San Francisco and played drums, banjo and soprano saxophone with Turk Murphy.
Here he played guitar, drums, trombone and a rare 8-string banjo.
A Bing-Crosby type Crooner, he also entertained us with Wise Guys, Pennies From Heaven, Found a Million Dollar Baby.
He was on guitar for a Country set honoring Johnny Cash, Folsom Prison (twice, by request.) The only tune that was repeated in these marvelous twelve hours.
Harking back to the 50’s and 60’s he was accompanied by Jeff on piano, Brian on string bass, Kevin drums on Blueberry Hill. The fans were merrily singing along; Blue Suede Shoes, Jerry Lee Lewis’s Great Balls of Fire.
Jeff Barnhart led a Bix group, with Lew cornet, Craig trombone, Bob Price banjo, Joe Midiri clarinet, Palinko drums, Nalepka on tuba – Singing The Blues.
He turned the ‘stage’ over to the Bass players – Brian Nalepka, bass and leader, supported by Joe, Bob, and Tom. Price’s banjo took the intro to Keep Your Sunny Side Up, with Brian on vocal.
Nice slap bass!!
Brian, founding member of the Manhattan Rhythm Kings, is a busy New York free lance musician. He was recovering from a broken leg.
He played a fantastic slap bass on Margie!
Jeff begins with the verse on Always, with Noel, Gordon, Craig, Bob on banjo, Frank string bass, and Tom drums.
New York’s Gordon Au, with a 1950’s Selmer Trumpet from Paris similar to the one Louis Armstrong used, led the “Swing Six” with Riverboat Shuffle.Fabulous!
Gordon leads a nice rendition of I Wish You Love, marvelous solos.
The future of Traditional Jazz and Swing is in good hands with these two gentlemen from New York. It will be around for a long time. Thank you! Gordon AuGrand St. Stompers
“Wild Man” Gordon shook the rafters …. with the help of Noel & Jeff, John Gill on drums, Bob Price banjo, Brian Nalepka tuba.
Craig Grant takes the lead on trombone for Lover Come Back To Me with Frank Tate on string bass, Palinko on drums. Kudos to the audience – they listenedd; there was no talking while the music was playing, we could even hear every note of Frank Tate’s marvelous string bass.
Congenial hot banjo player from Florida, Bob Price played straight-man for envious teasing.
Bob started playing with Your Father’s Mustache when he was only 15. His dexterous fingers flew across the frets on an Eddy Peabody opener, Sweet Sue.
Interlude with two great pianists, Jeff Barnhart reaches back to 1833 for Chopin’s Clair de Lune, starting out seriously Classical, then jumping into Jazz. Ian Frankel chose an intricate, swinging You Do Something To Me.
Ian Frankel – Powerful, flashy fingering!
It was unbridled insanity with the two of them playing wild, four-handed piano on Lady Be Good. Jeff is tall, but Ian stands 6 foot 8 inches.
From one hot pianist to another…
It was way past the time for Joel’s Banjo Set.
We are all aware that the primary reason for the House Party is soJoel Schiavone can play his banjo to an appreciative, live audience, and lead his dedicated volunteers in the Sing-Alongs. Joel loves this; he’s in his Glory reminiscing inYour Father’s Mustache,.
Banjo sing-along from Your Father’s Mustache
Jeff Barnhart piano and Tom Palinko drums accompanied Joel, John Gill and Bob Price on banjo, along with Craig Grant. Craig and Joel go way back to 1961 with a Dixieland Band, The Seven Sons of Harvard. Craig also played trombone with Your Father’s Mustache.
Volunteers and fans were singing along, just like ‘the good old days’ Glory, Glory Hallelulia, Dixie, Carolina in the Morning, Mammy, Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Daisy, And the Band Played On, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, and the grand finale – 1918 The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise (great trombone!)
Jeff and Brian joined the vocals on Hello Mary Lou.
“If your having as much fun as we are, you’re drunk!” Jeff
This was the first time vibes were introduced at a Jeff and Joel’s House Party, with the inimitable Midiri Brothers, with Paul on vibes, Joe reeds. Brother Joe challenged Noel Kaletsky to a duel on clarinet. Spectacular! Believe it or not, this lively tune is Sleep.
Moonglow, Midiri Brothers set, with Ian Frankel piano, Frank Tate string bass, and Kevin Dorn drums.
Paul Midiri solo on vibes with Irving Berlin’s wistful What’ll I Do.
John Gill returned to the mic with guitar for American Roots – Rock & Roll. My Little Runaway, Folsom Prison. Jeff Barnhart dedicated You Ain’t Nothing But a Hound Dog to Joel Schiavone. (We aren’t going to touch that one!)
Lew Green and Gordon Au judiciously chose to sit down, but not out – and continued playing trumpets.
Jeff lead the Fats Set – with Frank Tate, Gordon, Price, Craig, Palinko, Noel. Jeff dedicated this one to the Stock Market, I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling;great string bass with Gordon comping on trumpet. Jeff expressed what everyone else was feeling – This Joint is Jumping!
Jeff and Joel’s House Party promotes and preserves Classic Traditional Jazz with twelve hours of toe-tapping Joyful Jazz, with a continuous flow of outstanding musicians playing with passion and intensity. This is only a small sample – you must experience this yourself.
It has been said that This is better than an invitation to dinner at a fine restaurant and a show, and a lot more fun!
Many thanks to all the Volunteers who made this possible!
We’re looking forward to the next one on October 11, 12 and 13, 2013. Jeff and Joel will present a special Friday night event: from Paris, France, Daniel Barda, trombone, and Alain Marquet, clarinet, members of the Paris Washboard, supported by many more outstanding musicians. www.pariswashboard.org, Hope to see you there!
That weekend will sell out quickly – only 80 seats available per session. Get your tickets now! Registration Form
Steve’s “Dream Team”, with Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark clarinet and bari sax, Ross Petot keyboard, Justin Meyer string bass, and himself, Steve Taddeo on drums, was televised at Milford’s new Community Center TV station on South Main Street, to be broadcast locally in Milford, Hopedale, Mendon and Upton, Comcast Channel 8, Verizon 40. Video
Steve showed his admiration for Gene Krupa with Don’t Be That Way. Ross introduced Crazy Rhythm with a nice groove, with Clark taking over on clarinet, trumpet comping. Piano intro with the verse to I’ve Got a Right to Sing The Blues, Jeff Hughes featured on that beautifully toned Yamaha tuneable bell trumpet.
You Do Something To Me, written by Cole Porter, was the first number in Porter’s first fully integrated-book musical Fifty Million Frenchmen (1929). Ross performed in his specialty stride piano.
Next was some early George Gershwin, I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise. Nice trumpet. John Clark took out the baritone sax for Billy Strayhorn’s Day Dream. Beautiful!
They closed with a barn-burning Dinah, with Steve doing his drum-walk-around to the string bass and sneaking in some of Bob Haggart and Ray Bauduc’s Big Noise From Winnetka, Steve drumming on the string bass, somebody sneaking in the whistling! It was WILD!
Justin Meyer, a superb free lance bassist, plays full rich tone on acoustic string bass.
A consummate side man, he lifts any band he plays with.
Our favorite ex-DJ, Harry Platcow, now Professional Photographer, features local Jazz musicians at Milford TV several times a month.
Thank you, Harry!!
Steve Taddeo and the Swing Senders with Special Guest Stars – The Midiri Brothers of New Jersey, will present a Live Jazz Concert – Free! at Classic Jazz at Lincoln Center, Bemis Hall, Bedford Rd. Lincoln MA on Wednesday, May 22 – 7:30. Mark your calendars!
in it’s 18th year at the Sherborn Inn April 16, 2013
Stan & Ellen McDonald introduced Classic Jazz to the Sherborn Inn over 18 years ago. Thankfully, it continues every Tuesday, showcasing fine Traditional & Dixieland Jazz and Swing.
The Blue Horizon Jazz Band plays regularly on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Members are Stan McDonald leader/soprano sax & clarinet, Jeff Stout trumpet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Ross Petot piano, Peter Gerler guitar, Al Ehrenfried acoustic string bass, and Dave Bragdon drums. Peter Gerler was in New Orleans enjoying the French Quarter Jazz Festival, so there was no guitar or banjo this evening.
McDonald was really in high spirits, started straightaway on clarinet with a bouncy Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland, and then on soprano sax with What Is This Thing Called Love, supported by the multitalented musicians. Instead of playing successive solos, the front line alternated each solo with tight, intricate ensemble – all spontaneous. He always has had the best musicians in the Blue Horizon Jazz Band.
Jelly Roll’s Roaming is an old war horse. Yama Yama Man included an exciting duet with Gerry on trombone and Stan on soprano sax.
Jeff Stout played powerful trumpet on Good Ol’ New York with Stan on vocals. Save It Pretty Mama.Yes, We Have No Bananas was backed by Gerry’s fine, muted trombone.
Old Folks at Home was changed to the name we are all familiar with, Swanee River, a great New Orleans tune, with Stan stomping off the beat with his foot.
Piano led into a tune they have never played before, There’ll Be Some Changes Made, an upbeat tune with the band playing skillful propulsive rhythms.
Sidney DeParis recorded the next one sometime in 1945-46 with pianist James P. Johnson.
Our own ‘James P. Johnson”, Ross Petot let loose with a high-powered rendition of Harlem Hotcha
Stan McDonald was in rare form after recovering from a hip injury from last year.
He was at ease singing many of the songs, and his clarinet solo on Bechet’s Petite Fleur was marvelous!
He was featured on both soprano sax and clarinet on Sidney Bechet’s Bechet’s Fantasy backed by the combustible rhythm combination of Al Ehrenfried, Dave Bragdon and Ross Petot.
Bechet recorded this in New York in 1946 with Art Hodes piano, Al Nicholas clarinet, Pops Foster bass and Danny Alvin drums. Stan sounds just like Bechet.
Ross took the intro to Lotus Blossom, done by the DeParis Brothers, Sidney and Wilbur in the 50’s and 60’s. They kept New Orleans Jazz alive;
Fabulous trumpet by Berklee Professor Jeff Stout!
Spreading Joy is what this band does! Finale was Wild Man Blues with the band in polyphonic ensemble, Al’s fine string bass solo, closing with clarinet and trombone in a dynamic finish!
There is great LIVE New Orleans Tradtional/Dixieland Jazz, Swing every Tuesday at the Sherborn Inn. Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band continues to share it’s passion with us, in its 18th year, on May 21st.
