Steve Straus leader/clarinet, Neil Flewellen cornet, Frank Batchelor trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Phil Hower piano, Pierre Lemieux tuba, Rich MacMillan drums.
Riverboat Stompers
The Riverboat Stompers are a seven-piece ensemble specializing in Traditional and Dixieland Jazz of the 20’s to 40’s. Members of this band come from towns all over Eastern New England. They mix old New Orleans music from the 20’s with tunes from the ‘recent’ 60’s. They obviously love this music – they’ve dedicated their lives to it.
They kicked it off with livewire ensemble on Struttin’ With Some Barbecue. This is fine New Orleans jazz, with cornet, trombone and clarinet against a four-piece rhythm section.
Jimmy Mazzy sat in on banjo singing many of his inimitable vocals, starting with From Monday On.
Steve Straus
Steve Straus leads this rambunctious band on clarinet with amiable, good-natured humor. There is great passion and intensity in his clarinet playing. He sang several songs, especially adding drama to Ace In The Hole.
Neil Flewellen
Neil Lewelling was featured on Sleepy Time Down South. He plays a 60’s Getsen cornet, beautiful rich tone, playing spontaneous improvisations, with admirable technique and solos that move lightly from phrase to phrase.
Frank Batchelor
Frank’s trombone sound is deep and lush, and melodic and mellow when using several mutes. One of his favorites is a Fats Waller tune played by The Paris Washboard – Our Love Was Meant To Be. They played it with only four players – trombone, tuba, piano and drum.
Phil Hower
Phil’s playing offers just the right chords behind all the soloists. Phil Hower’s heroes are the great stride pianists of the 1920’s and ’30’s, and he does his utmost to emulate their technique and style. When the band took its first break – after playing for an hour and a half, he sat by himself playing I Love a Piano!
Jimmy Mazzy
Jimmy Mazzy’s soul-warming vocals are encouraged; he really gets his head around the lyrics. The band kept him busy – check out the list of tunes below to see how many he sang.
Pierre Lemieux
Pierre LeMieux was back after a lengthy absence. He plays bass lines on tuba and extends that by turning the monstrous horn into a viable solo instrument. He videotaped the whole evening, and we hope to get some of them later.
Rich MacMillan
You feel the rhythm rather than hear the drum beats by Rich Malcom. He is a knowledgeable Dixieland Jazz drummer and maintains that essential Trad beat. His unique moves highlight the structure of the music by changing color, density, and dynamics on a minimal drum set. He sometimes softens reverberation by drumming with his hands!
The Riverboat Stompers closed with a rowdy Wang Wang Blues, then softly segued into ¾ time with ‘Till We Meet Again. They are wonderful and dynamic musicians, fun to watch and great to listen to. They inspire one another; you can easily tell this is the music they cherish. So do we, and sincerely hope to hear them again! http://www.riverboatstompers.com
TUNES:
Struttin’ With Some Barbecue
From Monday On, Jimmy
Putting on The Ritz, Steve
Sweet Sue, Jimmy
My Blue Heaven, Neil
Downtown Strutters Ball, Jimmy
Rosetta, Jimmy
Do What Ory Say, Jimmy
Beale St. Blues, Jimmy
Lady Be Good, Jimmy
Exactly Like You, Jimmy
Ace in The Hole, Steve
Sunny Side of the Street
Our Love Was Meant To Be
Wang Wang Blues
‘Till We Meet Again
A full house greeted Jeff Barnhart and the Midiri Brothers at Bemis Hall in Lincoln MA. We were thrilled to have the Midiri Brothers back, and they were happy to return with Steve Taddeo.
This was Jeff Barnhart’s debut here; he enjoyed the antique Steinway piano and gave it a workout on High Society.
High society
Midiri Brothers were at their best with Jeff Barnhart singing My Gal Sal.
It’s the Talk of the Town
Caroline Griep joined them on vocals How About You,
“Regulars” enjoyed listening to a fabulous afternoon of Swing and Jazz presented by Harold McAleer and The Lincoln Council on Aging, and produced by Steve Taddeo.
Connie, Bob, Jeannine
Maryanne and Marie Mosiejczuk
Jeff Barnhart and The Midiri Brothers expressed their joy at playing here and said they would be back! We will definitely let you know!
Thank you, Eric Devine, for the videos, and Harold McAleer and the Lincoln Council on Aging for the presentation.
Eric Devine
Harold McAleer
Tune List:
Ding Dong Daddy From Dumas
My Gal Sal
It’s The Talk of The Town
How About You – Caroline
If I Had You “
Shimmy She Wobble
Honey Hush
High Society
Savoy
Dark Eyes
Song My Mother Taught to Me – Antonín Dvořák
Sheik of Araby
Jeepers Creepers – Caroline
Sunny Side of the Street
Crazy Rhythm
Sarah Gardner leader/vocals, Jeff Hughes cornet, John Clark clarinet and alto sax, Herb “Pops” Gardner keyboard, Albie Bernard tuba, Bill Reynolds drums
Sarah is a gentle sparkplug that touches the heart and spirit, a wonderful, lyrical vocalist. For years she has been teaching children with her songs, and created many CDs. This was her first foray into leading a band; she chose our top musicians to support her. It was such a blast for all involved, they can’t wait to do it again!
It began with an instrumental, Royal Garden Blues, to warm up the guys. Not that they needed it – there is a camaraderie that exists between these musicians. Their love and expertise for this music fell right into place and it all came together.
Bill Reynolds Sings
Sarah sang many songs, but left ample spaces for ensembles and solos, even sharing vocals. Who knew drummer Billl Reynolds could sing? He was in fine voice for All of Me and Embraceable You. He’s a creative drummer – using his hands on Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone.
Herb Gardner
“Pops” Herb Gardner sang songs that he composed: Summer People about crowds going to the beaches, and Gun Shots and Sirens about a man who moved from a busy city to the quiet country, and missed those. (His sleep was disturbed by crickets.)
John and Jeff playing tunes they never heard before.
Al Bernard on very old Helicon
Al was on a Helicon that was over 100 years old and solo’d on My Mother’s Son in Law and Keep Your Hands Off It (Sarah composition.)
Jeff Hughes on Vintage French Besson cornet
Jeff Hughes was on an amazing 150-year-old Besson cornet!
John Clark
Multi-instumentalist, John Clark, stayed with clarinet and alto sax.
Jerry Wadsworth, a faithful follower, drove for two hours from vacationing in Chatham on the Cape to Primavera in Millis to hear Sarah and her new band.
They closed with Goodbye, Sing This Song, also on her Jazz for ‘lil Jumpers” CD. She wrote that one too. That perfectly describes Sarah; uplifting and warm, lilting energy filled with sparkling songs. They will be back!!
TUNES
Royal Garden Blues
Everybody Loves My Baby
I Had The Craziest Dream
All of Me – Bill R
After You Get What You Want, You Don’t Want It
Come Rain or Come Shine
Summer People – Pops
I’m Flying High
Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia
Jazz For Little Jumpers
Happy Feet
My Mother’s Son in Law
Gun Shots and Sirens – Pops
Cheek to Cheek
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs
Me Myself and I
Embraceable You – Bill R
Keep Your Hands Off It
Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone
Comes Love
Step Down For Kids
Goodbye, Sing This Song
Phil Person trumpet, Ted Casher clarinet.tenor sax, Herb Gardner trombone, Bob Winter Keys, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger leader/tuba, Bob Tamagni drums, Watson Reid vocals.
Primavera Ristorante is their Home Base, where they can bring friends and family, relax and have fun, and try new things. They are an amiable group of very talented musicians who really enjoy each other’s company, constantly improvising and challenging each other.
They kicked it off with an old war horse, Kid Ory’s Muskat Ramble, played with a bossa nova rhythm; powerhouse group of accomplished musicians!
Phil Person
Then Eli featured individual members, beginning with a warm, muted trumpet presentation by Phil Person on Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me.
Bob Winter
Bob Winter dedicated a moving melody, Stars Fell on Alabama, to his brother and his wife who were visiting.
Herb Gardner
Herb Gardner came prepared, singing and playing I Think You’re Wonderful, showing his passion for this music.
Then the fun started.
Bob Winter also brought along his dentist, who just happened to play harmonica. Mel Gluskin, who is a dentist in Brookline, Massachusetts, played a lovely medley of Moon River and Somewhere Over The Rainbow. He said “Bob Winter gets a free cleaning.”
That reminded Jimmy of a tune filled with double entendre called Long John Blues: “I got a dentist who’s over seven feet tall.
I have a dentist who’s over seven feet tall.
His name is Doctor Long John
And he answers every call..
I went to Long John’s office. I said, “Doctor, the pain is killing.” He said, “Don’t worry, baby. It’s just your cavity needs a little filling.”
That’s enough. Jimmy has all the verses memorized.
Vocalist Watson Reid was called on with a Fats Waller tune that featured a police siren – but without the siren: This Joint is Jumpin’.
Watson Reid
Staying upbeat, Washington and Lee Swing was wild. Ted’s clarinet sounded like a 1700s flute leading a charge of revolutionary soldiers. Eli called for Bob Tamagni and Ted Casher to trade fours, then twos, then ones. Ted’s clarinet antics made Bob break up!
We just caught the tumultuous ending…
It was hard to tell who was having the most fun – the band or the audience!
But it wasn’t over.
Ted returned on gut-wrenching tenor sax with one of our favorites, Blue Turning Gray Over You. Coleman Hawkins, you’ve been replaced!
The Hot Six continued with a blistering instrumental, Rampart Street Parade, that had everyone’s feet tapping.
The finale was approaching. Already?? That was fast!
Eli was featured on a tuba solo that we haven’t heard in a long time. Bob Winter backed him on keyboard as Eli’s tuba went, low, low, low, on Polka Dots and Moonbeams.
Eli Newberger
Touching ending to an enjoyable evening!
They will be back next month. We’re eagerly awaiting another amicable reunion when Eli and The Hot Six return with another dynamic evening September 21st, the 3rd Thursday of the month. Join us??
Stan McDonald soprano sax, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Phil Person trumpet, Jack Soref guitar, Stu Gunn double bass, Richard Malcolm drums
The Blue Horizon Jazz Band was eager to play following a two-month hiatus at Primavera Ristorante. They played many of our Traditional Jazz Favorites; Gerry Gagnon, Stan McDonald and Phil Person carried the melody on front line. In Trad Jazz, somebody always plays the melody.
Front Line: Gerry Gagnon, Stan McDonald, Phil Person
They were backed by rhythm section: Jack Soref on guitar, Rich Malcolm drums, and Stu Gunn acoustic double bass. The front line played great ensemble backed by exemplary rhythm on Spreading Joy.
Stan McDonald, leader
Leader Stan McDonald was featured on Bechet’s Fantasy, and singing All By Myself.
Phil Person
Phil Person adds his own unique voice on trumpet with beautifully simple phrasing.
Rich Malcolm
Rich Malcolm maintains that important Trad Beat with unique improvisations. It’s a joy to watch his antics!
Jack Soref
Jack’s D-hole guitar was specially built for him by a friend in Worcester, combining several designs from various French guitars – sounding very much like Gypsy Jazz.
Stu Gun on acoustic double bass
Stu Gunn also maintains the beat, in sync with the drum. His solo on Memphis Blues expressed flawless intonation.
Gerry’s instrument is a 1946 Olds Super Trombone with wide tone band and hand engraved details. He is equally adept on tuba and fills in when Stu can’t make it.
Gerry Gagnon
Hand engraved trombone
Stan took a break after the second set. The rhythm boys were featured on I Remember When.
The Rhythm Boys: Rich Malcolm, Jack Soref, Stu Gunn
Then the 5-piece band took off with Sweet Sue, Chinatown, My Blue Heaven, Strutting with Some Barbecue, and Gerry singing The Sheikh of Araby. They closed the evening with Coquette.
My Blue Heaven
Chinatown
Coquette – video by Ellen McDonald
Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band plays at Primavera on the first Thursday of every month; they will return September 7th. Join us!
TUNES:
Got Rhythm
Blue Turning Gray Over You
Roaming
My Gal Sal
Tijuana
Some Sweet Day
Bechet’s Fantasy
Spreading Joy
Lotus Blossom
Memphis Blues
All By Myself
I Remember When
Sweet Sue
Strutting with Some Barbecue
The Sheikh of Araby
My Blue Heaven
Coquette
Bo Winiker trumpet/flugelhorn, Ted Casher clarinet/tenor and alto sax, Herb Gardner trombone, Bob Winter piano, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger leader/tuba, Zac Casher drums, Elaine Wu, Watson Reid and Nat Coolidge vocals, Carolyn Newberger washboard
Eli and The Hot Six is composed of seasoned veterans with the wisdom and expertise gained from playing many, many gigs in a variety of venues. They exhude rhythmic energy with delicate ornamentations — and it’s always new, enriching and nourishing for your jazz soul.
Eli Newberger
Eli leads them with a subtle pointing and each has the courage to follow his impulse and makes the melody come alive. His monstrous tuba becomes the rhythmic instrument that guides them.
Eli was the Tiger in Tiger Rag with swinging synergy inspired by the burning tempo. In the middle, Eli motioned to Bo and Bob, and they abruptly responded, trading two bars then one bar, at that fast tempo. It was done seamlessly; amazing!
Bo Winiker
Bo Winiker’s trumpet generally establishes the melody, but doesn’t always take the lead. His ability to improvise seems limitless.
Bo created arrangements for this 7-piece band that made it sound like a full orchestra on Don’t Get Around Much Anymore and a
Duke Medley of Mood Indigo,
Sophisticated Lady, I’ve Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good, with Ted switching to alto sax.
Clarinet master Ted Casher is also a full-blown tenor saxophonist with total command of the horn. it was a revelation to hear him on alto. His son Zac provided solid, swinging support every note of the way, with a loose touch that gets big sound.
Zac and Ted Casher, father and son team.
Bob Winter’s propulsive rhythms and fluent style were apparent on his unique version of Gershwin’s masterpiece Begin The Beguine. He plays challenging music that only top musicians can meet. He added so much!
Eli enjoying Bob’s surprises on keyboard
Herb Gardner
Herb Gardner’s supple fingers showed digital dexterity on trombone. He once said “Each trumpet player is different, and you change your lines to fit his style. Jazz is an exercise in manipulating music and it can be incredibly rewarding with these top players.”
Herb’s expertise was featured playing and singing on Nice Work If You Can Get It, and Let’s Misbehave, with a great drum solo by Zac.
Carolyn Newberger – file photo
Carolyn Newberger added a little spice to the band with Miami Beach Rhumba on washboard, with Bob Winter’s encouraging assistance.
Jimmy Mazzy and Zac Casher
Jimmy’s one-note banjo and singing style are renowned. He kicked off this evening with banjo and vocal on Basin St. Blues.
But he’s a busy guy, so the band has added several new vocalists.
Elaine Wu
Elaine Wu’s deep feeling takes us inside each song, making each composition tender or perky, treating us with many tunes, including one we’ve never heard before, I’m an Errand Girl for Rhythm, send me.
Watson Reid
Watson Reid realy enjoys singing with this band, he’s a tasteful, swinging and inventive interpreter of Bill Bailey and Flat Foot Floogie
Nat Coolidge
Nat Coolidge gave a sweetly earnest performance on Summertime and You Do Something To Me – this was his first time with the band.
They finished with a fiery St. James Infirmary, with Jimmy scatting it to a close.
Music is a powerful motivator. Join them on Sunday and Monday presenting The Genius of Cole Porter Jul 23rd 8pm at Barrington Stage Company, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201; Box Office: 413 236-8888 and Duke Ellington Swings! July 24 at 8:00 PM $45 info@barringtonstageco.org
TUNES:
Basin St. Blues – Jimmy
12th St. Rag
Nice Work If You Can Get It – Herb
Begin The Beguine – Bob
I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Elaine
Tiger Rag – Eli
Summertime – Nat
Bill Bailey – Watson
Miami Beach Rhumba – Carolyn
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Ellington Medley:
Mood Indigo
Sophisticated Lady
I’ve Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good
Errand Boy (Girl) – Elaine
Let’s Misbehave – Herb
Route 66 – Elaine
Flat Foot Floogie – Watson
You Do Something To Me – Nat
Saint James Infirmary Blues – Jimmy
Limehouse Blues
Bo Winiker trumpet, Ted Casher alto and tenor sax/clarinet, Herb Gardner trombone, Eli Newberger tuba/leader, Bob Tamagni drum, Elaine Wu and Watson Reid and guest Sarah (Gardner) Nova vocals
Skill and stamina – the musicians arrived early and practiced for two hours, then played for us from 7-9:30pm – preparing for their two-day Jazz presentation of The Genius of Cole Porter and Duke Ellington Swings! at Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, MA July 23 and 24. Tonight we had all Duke Ellington!! Who doesn’t LOVE Duke Ellington?
There were great solos from all the deeply skilled musicians, tasty notes, long and coherent phrases that reflected the story of the genre, the songs, and their individual contributions.
Front Line – Ted Casher, Bo Winiker, Herb Gardner
Elaine Wu and Watson Reid are now retired physicians, very relaxed and delighted to be singing full time.
They played some well-known Ellington tunes, starting with In a Mellow Tone, Mood Indigo, Sophisticated Lady; and some not-so-well-known, Elaine singing Never Trust Your Heart.
Guest Sarah Nova sang Shuffle Boogie and her own composition of Keep Your Hands Off It.
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore was WILD with Eli on tuba solo and Bo on flugelhorn.
We always enjoy Ted Casher’s tenor sax, but this was the first time we’ve heard him on alto. He said “it plays in the wrong keys”.
Drummer Bob Tamagni took a solo In Flat Foot Floogie where we could hear the melody elaborated rhythmically, which makes it ever so engaging. Great vocal by Watson Reid.
Bob Winter
Limehouse Blues was played at a good clip. Bob Winter played the melody rested in great chords, some expected, some not.
Herb played a solo like a young man with vim and vigor! Yet again the drummer played the melody, getting such a range of sounds on just a snare, bass and hi-hat. Eli sent those ripping riffs to the stars as he always has and we know he will continue to do so with such gusto.
I’m Beginning to See The Light, Take the A Train, Write Myself a Letter, Day Dream. Watson did his special version of Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home.
Three birthdays were celebrated: pianist Bob Winter, Marce, and Sarah Abramson. We all shared a delicious birthday cake brought in by Jeannine James. This was Sarah’s first time here – she loves tuba; Eli gave her a Happy Birthday solo right at her table. She was enthralled!
Eli plays Happy Birthday
Marce wants especially to thank two very special ladies who took time out from their busy schedule to be here for this occasion, Music Therapist Kathleen Howland and vocalist Sarah (Gardner) Nova.
….and Marce’s family, with three grandsons:
Jason Towne, Marce, DJ Sardonini (from Florida) and his friend Sarah, Brian Towne.
It was a memorable evening for all of us!
Folks in Pittsfield MA are in for a treat when Eli & The Hot Six present The Genius of Cole Porter July 23rd and Duke Ellington Swings! July 24th 8pm at Barrington Stage Company, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 info@barringtonstageco.org Box Office: (413) 236-8888.
Dan Levinson and The Swing Senders at Bemis Hall
Dan Levinson, Tom Ferrante, John Clark reeds; Jeff Hughes trumpet, Paul Monat cornet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Ross Petot piano, Bill Doyle guitar, Justin Meyer bass, Steve Taddeo drums, and…
Caroline Griep
Caroline Griep vocals.
Dan Levinson returned to Bemis Hall with the Swing Senders for a fine afternoon of great music, produced by Steve Taddeo. We’ll let Harold McAleer’s videos show how great it was……
Caroline sings Out of Nowhere
At one point, we had the Taddeo Trio with Dan, Ross and Steve:
China Boy
Fine and Dandy Taddio Trio
And a surprise Happy Birthday to Me – with three saxophones!
Finale – Crazy Rhythm, Taddeo drum solo:
The musicians still played their heart out despite the small crowd. Besides Fathers’ Day, there was a lot happening this week.
Mark your calendars – Steve will be bringing more fine musicians to Bemis Hall, 15 Bedford Rd. Lincoln, MA. Please join us in supporting this fine Jazz and Swing!
August 13, Sun. 2-4pm The Big Four with The Midiri Brothers with Jeff Barnhart piano/vocals, Steve Taddeo drums and Caroline Griep. FREE
October 11, Wed. 7:30-9pmSarah Spencerand her Transatlantic All Stars, Sarah Spencer saxophone, Jeff Hughes cornet, John Clark reeds, Herb Gardner piano, Justin Meyer bass, Jimmy Mazzy banjo, Bill Doyle guitar, Gerry Gagnon trombone and Steve Taddeo drums FREE
Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball reeds, Lee Prager trombone, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Frank Stadler leader/piano, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bob Reardon drums, Maureen Benson vocals
The Seacoast Stompers had a rip-roaring afternoon with a Full House at Bemis Hall in Lincoln, MA. For six years, they played monthly at the Acton Jazz Café, with a repertoire of tunes from the 20’s and 30’s. Arrangements were spontaneous and ad lib with a variety of styles and tempos from smooth swing to groovy blues and hot driving Dixie.
Dave Whitney
Frank Stadler is leader of the band, but graciously let Dave Whitney rule the roost with his rousing trumpet. Dave is well known for his amazing Louis-type trumpet.
They began with a joyous romp on the Seacoast Stomper’s theme song, At The Jazz Band Ball,
Dave Whitney has some favorite tunes. Maureen Benson joined him on Back o’ Town Blues.
Maureen Benson was comfortable with the band, personalizing some of the lyrics, picking on Craig. She gave us As Long As I Live, I Don’t Know Enough About You, It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.
Jimmy Mazzy
Jimmy Mazzy was featured on Porter’s Love Song to a Chamber Maid; took the vocal on Clarence William’s Cake Walking Babies, scatted on How Can You Do That Thing To Me, Old Fashioned Love – he has a treasure trove of tunes.
Al Bernard on sousaphone
Al Bernard is a master of the tuba, listening to the soloists and backing them with many different chord phrasings wrapped in that monstrous sousaphone, as if it were easy!
Frank Stadler, Band Leader
The Seacoast Stompers played many favorites, Royal Garden Blues, Canal St. Blues, San.
Lee Prager
Lee Prager’s deep, burnished, trombone was reminiscent of Tommy Dorsey.
Craig Ball
Craig Ball was featured on The World is Waiting For The Sunshine.
Bob Reardon
Bob Reardon plays drums with marvelous precision, He keeps the band in time by tapping on the snare drum and ride cymbal, only letting loose on a couple of tunes. He picked the closing tune – always requesting the same one – Limehouse Blues.
The Seacoast Stompers keep the music fresh with their amazing creativity! Check them out!
Stan McDonald soprano sax, Phil Person trumpet, John Kafalas trombone, Gerry Gagnon tuba, Jack Soref guitar, Rich Malcolm drums.
The Blue Horizon Jazz Band played fine Classic Traditional Jazz at Primavera Ristorante on May 4th. Stan McDonald dug into his massive collection of Traditional Jazz and provided charts for the musicians, bringing us great tunes the band hasn’t played in a long time.
Stan McDonald and Gerry Gagnon
Stan McDonald led on soprano sax, Stan plays with the taste and inflection and inspiration of Bechet. Gerry Gagnon’s turbo-charged tuba played booming bass lines. Gerry is the longest continuous band member, 23 years. Initially he played tuba, later switched to trombone. A master of both instruments, he plays tuba when bass player Stu Gunn is away and the band has a reunion with John Kafalas on trombone.
John Kafalas
John Kafalas’s trombone improvised counterpoint harmony lines to the sax and trumpet. John remembered the intro to “Farewell to Storeyville” perfectly from when he was a full-time member of the band years ago. It was good to hear that tune again! The band was glad when John moved back to New England.
Two Videos of Blue Horizon Jazz Band with John Kafalas by the late George Borgman: Featured in this video are band leader Stan McDonald, the leader switches between the soprano saxophone and the clarinet, longtime member Walter Miller on trumpet, Hans Brack on bass, John Kafalas on trombone & double-bell euphonium, John Rayworth on banjo, Stu Grover on drums and Phil Hower on the piano. – Recorded at the July Fourth “Jazz Picnic” 1989.
My Creole Belle
You Do Something To Me
Back to 2017………..
Phil Person
Phil Person’s purity of tone reinforced the melody and lifted the whole band. He gave us a moving solo on “I Remember When.”
Rich Malcolm
Rich Malcolm’s drums maintained the Classic New Orleans Street Beat that is so essential to Traditional Jazz. He played for the Sox at Fenway the night before! He was well warmed up for tonight!
Jack Soref
Jack Soref played two solos. First a Django inspired “It Had To Be You.” Second a spellbinding “Dark Eyes. Youngest member of the band, he appreciates Stan McDonald’s depth and knowledge about the musicians of the 20’s and 30’s.
A special request altered the second set. “Marjorie” was celebrating her 89th birthday in the dining room and kept peeking in on the music. Finally she came into the music room with her daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandsons. The band played a lively version of “Margie” as a birthday present. The entire family danced energetically with Marjorie to everybody’s enjoyment
The whole band played a memorable, hard-driving performance! There are only a few bands still playing New Orleans Traditional Jazz; Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band perseveres at Primavera on the first Thursday of every month. Please join us at 7pm on June 1st at 20 Pleasant St. Millis MA?
Tunes this evening were: June Night, Four or Five Times, All of Me, I’ll Never Be The Same, Rosetta, Running Wild, My Gal Rocks Me, Some of These Days, Blues in the Air, When I Leave the World Behind, Roaming, Rose of the Rio Grande, I Remember When, After You’ve Gone, Farewell to Storyville, Margie.
