Novel Jazz returns to Skidompha Library with Hot Jazz

Posted on January 8, 2016 by admin

NOVEL JAZZ RETURNS TO SKIDOMPHA LIBRARY FOR A WINTER EVENING OF HOT JAZZ

7 musicians standing in a row with trees in background

Novel Jazz Septet

NOVEL JAZZ RETURNS TO SKIDOMPHA LIBRARY- Novel Jazz Septet will be performing classic jazz at Skidompha Public Library, 184 Main St., Damariscotta, ME, on Thursday 21 January, 2016, 7PM to 9:30PM. The performance will feature Barney Balch (trombone), Dave Clarke (guitar), Mickey Felder (piano), Bryan Jones (Alto Saxophone), Herb Maine (acoustic bass), Michael Mitchell (trumpet) plus Bill Manning (drums) This evening will be the first Skidompha Novel Jazz evening of their 2016 season, beginning their 12th year at Skidompha. If you have never attended and are curious, come check them out to see why the Novel Jazz evenings at Skidompha have been so popular for so long! Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free. For more info, call 207-563-5513 or point your web browser tohttp://www.skidompha.org/ or the band’s web site —–www.mainejazz.net . (Photo by Tara Mitchell).

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After a busy year of concerts featuring Ellington and Strayhorn compositions during the Strayhorn centennial, the Novel Jazz Septet begins their 2016 season at the Skidompha Public Library atrium, 184 Main Street, Damariscotta, Maine, on Thursday, 21 January 2016, from 7-9:30 PM, for an evening of music from the Great American Songbook. These events began with the observation that lovers of books often are lovers of jazz. The superb acoustics of Skidompha’s atrium, plus the seating “in the round”, make it a superior place to see and hear jazz, all in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. It was while performing at Skidompha that the band decided to forge deeper into the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Trombonist Barney Balch began visiting the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. to work in their Ellington collection, digging out gems of these musical geniuses and bringing them back to life in summer time concerts.

The musicians of this group have been playing straight-ahead jazz for audiences throughout Maine (and beyond) for several decades. Collectively, they share over two centuries of experience in the jazz idiom. Performing this evening will be Barney Balch (trombone), David Clarke (guitar), Mickey Felder (piano), Mike Mitchell (trumpet), Bryan Jones (alto), Herb Maine (bass) and Bill Manning (drums).

Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free. We encourage parents to bring their children, the future of this art form. The library is located at 184 Main Street in downtown Damariscotta. Call 207-563-5513 during business hours for more information. Note, if there is any question about weather, please call the Skidompha Library during business hours. Skidompha’s winter closure policy is that of the local school district (AOS 93); if the schools are closed, so is the library. For more info, point your web browser to http://www.skidompha.org/ or the band’s web site www.mainejazz.net .

This promises to be a very special night of jazz as the band celebrates the beginning of their twelfth year of performances at Skidompha. If you have never attended a Novel Jazz event and are curious, check them out and see why the Novel Jazz evenings at Skidompha have been so popular for so long. Come to Skidompha on 21 January… music to keep both your soul and toes warm during this cold winter season!

Dave Whitney Trio at Bullfinch’s 2016 New Year Jazz Brunch

Posted on January 3, 2016 by admin

Dave Whitney Trio with Gray Sargent

The Dave Whitney Trio kicked off 2016 at Bullfinch’s Jazz Brunch for the 22^nd consecutive year with swinging ensembles and brilliant solos. It was standing room only, demonstrating the respect and affection that musicians and fans have for Dave Whitney. He is known as New England’s Dean of Jazz, usually on trumpet, but today leading with melody and harmony on cornet.

Dave Whitney cornet, Jon Wheatley guitar, Mark Carlsen bass, and special guests Gray Sargent guitar, Jim Porcella and Mollie Malone vocals. What a fantastic way to start the New Year!

The Brunch began unusually early, at 10am, with just a few customers straggling in, but that soon changed. The Trio began with a soft Moonglow; folks relaxing after a hectic New Year’s Eve.

Jon Wheatley

These Foolish Things, featured Jon’s sweet and sultry guitar with bass backup, and Dave sounding like Bunny Berigan.

Dave sang several tunes, connecting with the mood of each song: Irving Berlin’s Blue Skies, The Gypsy, Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans? and more.

He added a Latin beat with Jobim’s Bossa Nova, Triste. ( Meaning sad)
By now the tables were filled. They picked up the pace with a ‘good ol’ good one’, Found a New Baby with Mark cleverly slapping the bass.

Folks were getting reacquainted, (lots of talking). Gray Sargent was here with his wife Pam and brother John; Betty Weaver and Paul DeMille have been present at these New Year’s Brunches since they started over 20 years ago. There were many musicians in the room whose names we don’t know. Jim Porcella, Peter Gerler, Mollie Malone were in the audience. A Sticky Wicket ‘regular’, Ruth Schwab arrived with Joe Grasia.

Mark Carlsen bowing string bass

You Took Advantage of Me. Mark was bowing the string bass.
His rhythm moves!

The band took a well deserved break – this is a four-hour program.

Dave Whitney

They returned for a special request, a tune done by Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong, You’re Sensational.
You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To.

Dave played riveting cornet on Clyde McCoy’s Sugar Blues.

This band Swings from start to finish! They moved upbeat with Back Home Again in Indiana. Dave took the vocal on The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else, giving Mark a crowd pleasing string bass solo.

Tin Roof Blues, is always a favorite, with captivating cornet and guitar, Mark walking and bowing the bass.

Mollie Malone

Dave introduced Mollie Malone. Mollie sings in Billie Holiday style with I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, and a sweet I’ve Got a Crush On You.

Jim Porcella

Bombay Jim Porcella of the Swinging Saphires and Swinging Tenors was here. He was called up with It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing (of course!) and Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.

Special treat was seeing and hearing Gray Sargent again! He once had his own Trio – now he and Marshall Wood are backing Tony Bennett all over the world.

Gray Sargent

Gray joined the Trio, thrilling the crowd with sheer joy and mastery on 9:20 Special by Count Basie, and Isn’t It Romantic?

The musical highlight of this afternoon was a breathtaking Lady Be Good, with two virtuoso guitars, Gray Sargent and Jon Wheatley playing together with real camaraderie and classic musicianship. The Quartet closed this four-hour afternoon with heartfelt, hot music.

Jon and Gray on guitar, with Dave and Mark

Jon Wheatley and Gray Sargent play Lady Be Good

This was a Joyful Affair from beginning to end, with many surprises! We’re looking forward to hearing the Dave Whitney Trio at another Bullfinch Jazz Brunch in the near future. We’ll keep an eye out for Gray Sargent and Tony Bennett.

We definitely plan on being here again next year celebrating New Year’s Day 2017 at Bullfinch’s Jazz Brunch, and for many years to come!

Marce

Ken’s Steakhouse Sunday Jazz Series Cancelled!

Posted on December 30, 2015 by admin

95 Worcester Rd. (Route 9w) Framingham, MA 01701
PH: (508) 875-4455 MAP IT

IMPORTANT NOTICE! PLEASE READ!

The ownership (not the management) of Ken’s Steakhouse has decided to cancel ALL jazz sessions at Ken’s —indefinitely!

CANCELLED:

September
18 Wolverine Jazz Band

October
2 Swing Times Five
9 Dan Gabel High Society Orchestra
16 Black Eagle Jazz band
23 Wolverine Jazz Band

November
6 Riverboat Stompers
13 Black Eagle Jazz Band
27 Dave Whitney Orchestra
with vocalist Nancy McGhee

December
11 Black Eagle Jazz Band

Eli’s Hot Six celebrate his 75th Birthday at Scullers

Posted on December 17, 2015 by admin

Eli Newberger

Eli & The Hot 6 celebrated Eli’s upcoming 75^th Birthday with style at Sculler’s Jazz Club on December 17, 2015. The 8pm show sold out in no time and they had to add another at 10pm. The music at Scullers was up to their best,

The Boston Globe published an article December 29th by Bella English: “Tuba in hand, acclaimed physician Dr. Eli Newberger delights in his first passion.”

© Photos by Eric Antoniou www.ericantoniou.com/

The Hot Six feature some of Boston’s finest, legendary musicians: Eli Newberger on tuba, Bob Winter on piano, Herb Gardner on trombone, Bo Winiker on trumpet and flugelhorn, Ted Casher on clarinet, soprano and tenor saxes, Jimmy Mazzy on banjo and vocals, Carolyn Newberger on washboard, Jeff Guthery on drums, Rebecca Sullivan vocals.

Eli and The Hot Six with Rebecca Sullivan

Eli & The Hot Six’s approach honors the New Orleans tradition of ensemble improvising while featuring the solo brilliance of its distinctive, contemporary musical personalities.

Videos of Eli and The Hot Six with Rebecca Sullivan at Sculler’s Jazz Club are on Eli Newberger’s You Tube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/user/EliNewberger.

Eli wrote:
“The music is stunningly beautiful and swings like mad. Everyone is both at ease and acutely tuned in, projecting emotional pinpoints and delivering delightful surprises.

Rebecca’s treatment of Ira Gershwin’s verses is unbelievably touching. Bob is like an Impressionist painter, deploying the whole piano as his palette, mixing stunning new colors and inventing heavenly harmonic washes in his solos. Herb’s punchy singing of “You Cares” sounds like he’s channeling Henry “Red” Allen, especially in his ironic take on Ira’s immortal line, “Who cares if banks are failing in Yonkers, when it’s your kiss that conquers?”

Ted, Jimmy, and Bo are so focused the ensemble — and vice versa– that even their brilliant solos (and there are too many to count) weave new threads into the gorgeous fabric of improvising:

Ted, for example, quotes Count Basie’s “Lil’ Darling” and Bob tosses it all over 3 choruses later in his pianistic evocation of the whole Basie band, even as Jeff does his best Jo Jones. Bo performs 2 “stop choruses” that ignite lightening storms — with flashes of instrumental accents through the remaining portions of those songs.

Jimmy shouts 3 fantastic final choruses on “St. Louis Blues,” (ending with an exalting Mazzy scream of “I love that gal like a schoolboy loves his pie, like a Kentucky colonel loves his rock and rye!” that Frank Cunningham was obliged to compress — because Jimmy almost lifted the track off the mixing board). This makes Ted into a Texas tenor and transforms Herb into a tailgate tiger. (Programming note: I included this W.C. Handy song both because he so influenced Gershwin, but because the “Summertime” melody uncannily resembles Handy’s second, minor, strain. And in real time at Scullers, I asked Rebecca to sing “Summertime” next (and did she ever!), but I refrained from pointing this out, so as not to shatter the mood.”

Ted Casher, Bo Winiker, Herb Gardner

Rebecca Sullivan

Jazz singer Rebecca Sullivan added an additional instrumental voice to the ensemble, in addition to her own deeply-felt interpretations of iconic vocal masterpieces.

Eli tuba, Jimmy singing, Jeff in back on drums

Jimmy Mazzy and Eli Newberger have been together for years

Bob Winter, master improviser

Caroline playing old washboard around her neck with spoons

Carolyn Newberger

Washboard Artist Carolyn Newberger Strikes Up The Band on washboard.

Carolyn and Rebecca chortling after Bob Winter’s and Carolyn’s humorous piano-washboard “conversation” on “Strike Up the Band!” It was one of the high points of the first set at Scullers!

Bo Winiker

Ted Casher

Herb Gardner

Jeff Guthery

Eli joined Bob for 4-hand piano on “St. Louis Blues.”

Bob shares piano with Eli

Eli and The Hot Six forthcoming public performances are all at Ristorante Primavera, 20 Pleasant St. Millis, MA 7 to 9:30 as always.

January 14

March 19

April 14

Professional Photographer Eric Antoniou caught beautiful photos despite the low light. Frank Cunningham’s preliminary CD cuts are nearly all top notch, so a Hot Six Gershwin CD is going to happen, soon! Stay tuned.

Bill Reynold’s Back Bay Ramblers at Ken’s Steak House

Posted on December 6, 2015 by admin

Bill Reynold’s Back Bay Ramblers

This was Traditional Jazz at its height, leader Bill Reynolds choosing tunes mostly from the early 20’s that we have never heard before. This was an enchanting revival of Bill’s Dad, Ed Reynolds’ Back Bay Ramblers. The musicians were all dressed in tuxedos, because his father insisted that “The ‘Band had to be dressed as well as the listeners”, and the listeners in Ed’s time wore fancy dresses and tuxes.

This was Ed’s concept and style of music. It was not only popular music of the day, but it also contained a lot of jazz. Ed took pop music and chose tunes that had a lot of section work between horn, trumpet, saxes, and clarinet. What the arrangements did was feature very tight section work by these four professional musicians. It was all written, except for the solos. Ed respected good musicianship, you couldn’t fake it, so you had to be a good reader and good technician to play this music.

Bill’s Back Bay Ramblers were definitely up to the task. He has two amazing sax players in Billy Novick and Mark Earley, Mike Pipeman taking the lead on trumpet, the ubiquitous Dan Gabel, leader of the Abletones Big Band, on trombone, Ross Petot magnetic on piano, with Jim Guttman’s string bass and Bill’s drum working in sync to maintain the proper Trad beat; music to our ears!

Some of the first tunes were requested by Dan Gable, Hello Lola, that was played by a star studded band in 1929, The Mound City Blue Blowers with Coleman Hawkins (ts) Charles “Pee Wee” Russel (cl); Glenn Miller (tb) William “Red” McKenzie (kazoo); Jack Bland (g); Eddie Condon (bj); Pops Foster (b); Gene Krupa (d); Bill said he hoped this band would make them proud.

Nancy McGhee has a great feeling for this music.

Bill introduced Nancy McGhee with Dreaming ‘Bout My Man 1931, done by Hunters’ Serenaders, a Territory Band. Nancy is a beautiful and talented vocalist, a graduate of both Berklee and The New England Conservatory. She teaches music at Lawrence High School…. and is also Bill’s cousin.

She sang Concentrating on You that was done by Connie Boswell in 1931. She was featured on Honeybunch, made popular by Jane Green in 1926. Down Among The Sugar Canes, sung by Lilian Roth in the 1930’s.

The Ramblers played Duke Ellington’s Riding But Walking that Duke’s Cotton Club Orchestra played in 1926. Fine trumpet by Mike Peipman who took the lead on every tune. It’s on their Red Hot Band CD, and for sale.

Both saxes were marvelous together on the 1929 That’s Where You’re Wrong 1929. Dan Gabel was blowing his trombone into a megaphone. More about that later.

Mark on bari sax, with tenor and alto beside him

Mark has a collection of saxes.

Top and Bottom was recorded by the Joe Steele Orchestra in 1929. Trumpet lead, with the band backup. Nice bass by Jim Guttmann. Mark Early on baritone sax.

Raising The Roof was done by Henderson’s Roseland Orchestra in 1929, starting here with two clarinets, then Mark moving to tenor sax. Very abrupt ending – this was repeated on many tunes, always catching the audience by surprise.

Ross Petot looks great in a tux!

Ross Petot is marvelous on piano, anchoring the band with rhythmic motion.

Here comes Marjorie is a peppy tune that was played by Benny Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra in 1930.

We’re fortunate to have Australia’s Mike Peipman here in New England!

Really modern for this band, Stomp Miss Hannah was done by Australian Lazy Ade Monsborough in 1951. He was an important force and a popular figure for decades in his native country. We have our own Australian, Mike Pipeman, who plays trumpet in many New England Bands.

The Back Bay Ramblers’ version was arranged by Billy “The Kid” Novick.
Fantastic saxophones!

Bill Reynolds on choke cymbal

Good Feeling Blues was done in 1929 by Zack White and His Chocolate Beau Brummels, The whole band played an abrupt quarter beat on the first measure, and then there was a brief silence before the band continued with the melody, playing in stop time, with Bill on choke cymbal. Great trumpet with two saxes, and Ross on piano solo. They have never played this before. Amazing!

The Musical Stevedores’ Happy Rhythm from 1929 was taken slower than written, but still fast; Dan on magnetic muted trombone.

Nancy returned with Without You Sweetheart, done by the Vincent Lopez Orchestra in 1927. Nancy’s vocal brought it fresh nuance, backed by Ross’s piano.

Absolutely amazing saxophones by Billy Novick and Mark Earley

Lotta Sax Appeal was done in 1929 by Andy Kirk and His Twelve Clouds of Joy. Mary Lou Williams was arranger, composer and piano player for Andy Kirk.

Ross took a piano intro, with Billy leading on alto sax. The range and diversity of our two saxophones was captivating!

It’s on the Back Bay Ramblers’ CD, Red Hot Band. Billy asked if anyone knew what year this was. Jeannine James won a CD for picking the year of this tune. It wasn’t very difficult – 1929 of course.

I’m Gonna Meet My Sweety Now was sung by 19-year-old Kate Smith in 1927. The Ramblers played it as an instrumental, featuring Dan on trombone, playing through a megaphone.

That idea came from a famous trombone player, Spiegel Wilcox, who went to see Paul Whitman, with trombone player Sammy Lewis. Spiegel saw the megaphone jerry-rigged up to a bird cage holder, with Sammy playing trombone through the megaphone. Spiegel thought it sounded amazing and made one himself and used it frequently.
Dan Gabel was creative, supporting the megaphone with his feet!

Dan Gabel, wearing red sox, playing trombone, megaphone beside him

Dan playing trobone through megaphone held up by his two feet up off the ground

That To Do was recorded by Benny Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra. This needed audience participation, with all of us obliging with “Yeah” and “Right”. It’s on the Ramblers CD Cuttin’ Up. Dan added flair with his ‘laughing trombone’. Billy played clarinet, Mark tenor sax, with fascinating interplay between drum and sax.

The River and Me. Recorded by Duke. Dan playing on megaphone traded 4’s with Billy’s clarinet. It’s a good swinging tune that was specially arranged for the band.

Vipers Drag – was recorded by Cab Calloway in 1930. Finally a song we knew, but we’ve never heard it played this way. Dan making guttural, talking, trombone sounds; Mike’s muted trumpet playing riffs. The whole band made the melody come alive.

There was time for one more tune; brought Nancy back for 1929 I Have to Have You.
It was an enchanting evening, with Bill’s Back Bay Ramblers playing the beautiful music rooted in the 1920’s, just as Ed Reynolds had. Thank you, Bill!

Also:
The Ramblers played the previous night to a full house of GBVS (Greater Boston Vintage Society) dancers dressed in vintage attire at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA. Dance floor was loaded, and they were actually screaming when Nancy sang, she had an instant fan club!

Dance floor filled with young people in 20's attire, having a ball!

GBVS in vintage attire dancing to the Back Bay Rambles.

So what is the future for this style of music?
The 20’s will return – it will soon be 2020. See you there!
To hire the band, or get a CD: email drumkits@verizon.net

New Black Eagle Jazz Band at Ken’s Steak House

Posted on December 3, 2015 by admin

New Black Eagle Jazz Band at Ken’s Steak House, November 22, 2015

Tony Pringle cornet/vocals, Billy Novick reeds, Stan Vincent trombone, Peter Bullis banjo, Moishe Feldman piano, Jim Gutmann string bass, Bill Reynolds drums.

by Peter Gerler and Marce

November 22, 2015, Framingham, MA. The New Black Eagle Jazz Band brought their romping classic New Orleans Jazz to Ken’s Steak House and were greeted by a colony of loyal fans. They came from all over—New York, Connecticut, even London—including many from the former Sticky Wicket. Marilyn Charkins, present in the house, was in her 20’s when she first heard the NBEJB at the Wicket. Elizabeth Mazza sold CDs at the breaks.

Ruth Schwab was there, driven by Joe Grassia. Ruth’s husband Walter created the first Black Eagle CD in their cellar. The Bob Chicoine family was here celebrating Bob’s birthday–his fervent wish. Artist Joe Mathieu accompanied them; he created our logo and has illustrated many Jazz CD covers. This band has faithful, steadfast friends.

Jim Guttmann excellent bowing string bass

They started the set with a prescient When I Grow Too Old To Dream, then Special Delivery Blues, Jim bowing bass for the first time of many.

Tony Pringle

Of Jelly Roll Morton’s Froggie More Blues, Tony Pringle said the title was supposedly taken from a contortionist who did frog imitations. (On the other hand, there is a corner of Joe “King” Oliver’s hometown, Donaldsonville, LA, known as “Froggie Mo’”) Pringle played lovely muted cornet (as did Oliver), underscored by rollicking piano and rhythm from Feldman, Pameijer, Guttman, and Reynolds.

On Roaming, Billy Novick rendered some great alto sax. The tune was recorded by Luis Russell’s Band in 1930, with Henry “Red” Allen on vocal.

Stan Vincent

Stan’s trombone was featured on Ain’t Misbehaving, along with a Pringle/Feldman muted cornet/piano duet. Guttman and Reynolds followed, laying down fine bowing against soft brushes.

Following Cole Porter’s It’s All Right With Me, the band rolled out Paul Barbarin’s New Orleans chestnut Bourbon St. Parade. Second liners with parasols were nowhere in sight. We’ll have to fix that!

On Sam Morgan’s Bogalusa Strut, Novick played dance-step angulations, his solo echoing the original from Morgan’s 1927 New Orleans recording. Moishe’s piano threw gossamer over the heat.  Morgan’s band was first in New Orleans to record spirituals in jazz time—a marker, since the black church was a crucible for swing.

This band is one of the few that still plays authentic traditional jazz as it was played in 20s and 30s New Orleans. Leader Tony Pringle is adamant that this beat be maintained, which is what these people come to hear – tight ensemble and challenging New Orleans polyphony.

Peter on banjo, mouth open, still wearing his red sox

Peter Bullis, original member since 1971

The band has just begun its 45th year. The original members, still with the band since 1971, are Tony Pringle, cornet and leader; Peter Bullis (still wearing red socks), banjo and manager; and Stan Vincent, trombone.

Bill Reynolds started subbing on drums when Pameijer moved to Connecticut, but Pam pops back in for special occasions. Billy Novick arrived in 1986 and has had a big influence on the band.

Moishe (Michael) Feldman

Sitting in were Jim Guttman on string bass – he plays regularly with Novick at Gloucester’s Franklin Cafe –and pianist Moishe Feldman. Moishe revels in being part of it, his hands evoking soft riffs and touches, giving distance to the soloists. It’s a perfect, conversational alliance.

The last set was a short one. On Ellington’s Rent Party Blues from 1929, Billy’s alto sax echoed Johnny Hodges’ lyricism, while Stan’s trombone evoked a New York City nightscape. Swaying at the keyboard, Moishe answered the band’s every move.

Bill with drum stick raised over snare drum

Bill Reynolds

They closed with a fine solo by Bill Reynolds—one of New England’s best trad drummers–on the barn-burning Weary Blues. The Black Eagles have always burned that prairie fire—no different here. The tune symbolizes the New Orleans polyphony. A 1978 recording has the Louis Nelson Band with Butch Thompson, Sammy Rimmington, and Danny Barker, all of whom have played with the Black Eagles at one time or another.

Danny Barker, along with Tommy Sancton, were the last guests to play at the Sticky Wicket – it closed the next day, November 1990. But the New Black Eagle Jazz Band continues with concerts all over the country, and the support of faithful fans.

Jeff Hughes

Posted on November 29, 2015 by admin

PO Box 572, Woods Hole, MA 02543 jhughes@wellesley.edu

Jeff sitting at home in wicker chair on porch, Falmouth MA wearing, hawaiian shirt and straw hat, holding cornet

Jeff Hughes plays cornet, trumpet, and flugelhorn

Jeff Hughes (dubbed “Mr. Melody” by Ray Smith) has made a name for himself as a Bix-styled cornet player and disciple of Bunny Berigan in the Boston area with the Wolverine Jazz Band, Dave Whitney Orchestra, Dan Gabel and the Abletones, and numerous other groups. By day, he is a mild-mannered marine biologist, but by night he is the leader of many bands:

Bands

Jeff’s Jazz Jesters
Jeff Hughes’ Jazz Jesters Novelty Orchestra
Jeff Hughes’ Swing Times Five
Lost in the Sauce
Mainstay
Brahmin Bellhops
7th Heaven Seven
Monomoy Seven
Hot Toddies
Jeff’s Jumpin’ Jive
Jeff Hughes JazzNews

Jeff in gray suite and white fedora blowing trumpet

Jeff Hughes with flugelhorn

Videos:

http://youtu.be/j5oWZ524WFI – Monday at the Sherborn Inn
Farmers Market Waltham
http://youtu.be/sUijZC3h5EY – Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band – Tiger Rag
http://youtu.be/csHNYfCjzzI– Summer Jazz at Winged Cove
http://youtu.be/oM8Zlp1m1Ek – Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band – When the Saints Go Marching In
http://youtu.be/DDDOHo_8wAM – Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band – Jeff solo “Crazy”
http://youtu.be/9mjDDkZbeT4 – Summer Jazz at Winged Cove – Jeff solo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3Zy9pCWs24&list=PLGhNXO1J4-Em6q1yxv-WOvye3tnIhw9An Paramount Jazz Band 2007 Port Angeles, WA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5Y-E8_iIPY&list=PLGhNXO1J4-Em6q1yxv-WOvye3tnIhw9An&index=2 I’ll See You in C-U-B-A (March of the Hoodlums)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H-vFeimtHw Paramount Jazz Band Ragging The Scale
http://youtu.be/dpQrqsCJq3M – Lost in the Sauce Band at Bemis Hall
http://youtu.be/igGkj9pfMLc – “Tin Roof Blues” – Lost in the Sauce Band Bemis Hall
http://youtu.be/MBep7LnIUj4 – Wolverine Jazz Band – “Jelly Roll Blues” at America’s Classic 2010
http://youtu.be/WMC8qRsGVaQ version two at Bemis Hall
http://youtu.be/nZAilJWOeKU – Wolverine Jazz Band – “Someday Sweatheart”
http://youtu.be/kwyXQUxW-AI – Wolverine Jazz Band – Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival “Just Pretending”
http://youtu.be/lg6FCv8btpM – Wolverine Jazz Band – “Caravan” (dark video)
http://youtu.be/aWMkoikZKks – Wolverine Jazz Band – “Why”
http://youtu.be/3pCf6qc4YSY – Wolverine Jazz Band – “Savoy Blues”
http://youtu.be/P1LZOLvG4Bc – Chris Trapper Music Video (featuring WJB)
Steve Wright’s YouTube Paramount Jazz Band

Jimmy Mazzy and The Trail Blazers at Trail’s End Café, November 22, 2015

Posted on November 27, 2015 by admin

The Trail Blazers, Harold Koch, Craig Ball, Jimmy Mazzy

By Nick Ribush and Marce
Videos by Harold McAleer

Jimmy Mazzy debuted at a new venue that hopefully will become a permanent home for The Trail Blazers (new name). Trail’s End is a fine restaurant at 97 Lowell Road in Concord Massachusetts not far from the monument. It is the perfect setting for the new Trio of Jimmy Mazzy banjo and vocals, Craig Ball reeds, and Harold Koch keyboard.

We all know Jimmy and Craig (leader of the White Heat Swing Orchestra). Harold Koch is an old friend of Jimmy’s who played piano with him (and Lee Childs) at The Groton Inn in 1971. He has a swinging stride left hand, a vehicle for rapid improvisation, and he knows exactly how to support Jimmy and Craig.

“The Trail Blazers are in the Lounge, a bright and cheery room, with fun seating options, in comfy overstuffed, ‘get lost in’ chairs and flexible table set ups. The large bar has many welcoming stools for extra seating in an overflow crowd situation,” said Midge Symmes.

Marce and Nick were fortunate to occupy the overstuffed chairs with direct view of the band – comfy indeed!

97 Lowell Rd. Concord MA 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Jeanette and Fred Wilkes

This first venture at the Trail’s End was sold out with all of Jimmy’s loyal fans. Fred and Jeanette Wilkie drove all the way from Hudson, New Hampshire to be here.

Jim White sat at the keyboard playing Avalon, as the crowd was settling in.

Owner Jim White at keyboard with Jimmy Mazzy

Craig Ball arrived, and played beautiful low register clarinet, while Harold Koch’s marvelous stride was featured in Nobody’s Sweetheart Now. Jimmy’s unique scatting delighted us in I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me.

Blue Skies was lovely, and appropriate for this day. DAYLIGHT HOURS 11am – 2pm!

Harold is Jimmy’s secret weapon, playing a lively Broadway Melody.

Harold Koch

Craig Ball

Craig went wild on clarinet with My Heart Stood Still. He took out the soprano sax and had Bob Cronin and Sandrine dancing up a storm on Deed I Do. Craig is a monster on tenor sax, too!

Carrie Mazzy

Carrie joined the Trio sanging Billie Holiday’s When a Woman Loves a Man, And I still Do, and Goody Goody.

The inimitable Jimmy Mazzy

Jimmy took the vocal on Marie, with Harold playing wicked stride piano, left hand bouncing across the keyboard. It’s a joy to just watch him play.

Partial view of Lounge, 14-seat Full Bar is at left

The band continued with Jimmy’s Blues (a 12 bar blues) with Craig on soprano for half, then moving to clarinet. The Trio is marvelous!

They also played:
Dinah
Darktown Strutters’ Ball
I’m Just Breezin’ Along With the Breeze
Linda
After You’ve Gone
Hard Hearted Hannah
Life Is Like a Bowl of Cherries
Somebody Stole My Gal

At the first break, Jimmy played a lovely ballad (not meant for banjo) that was Jimmy Enright’s favorite song, Sleepy Lagoon. We lost him 28 years ago November 19th. Thank You Jimmy Mazzy!

Knowing owner Jim White enjoyed the afternoon gives one hopeful thoughts of a future for the Trail Blazers at the Trail’s End Café! Stay tuned.

Eli and The Hot Six at Primavera, November 19, 2015

Posted on November 24, 2015 by admin

Eli and The Hot Six – Bob Winter, Eli Newberger, Jimmy Mazzy, Jeff Guthery, Ted Casher, Bo Winiker, Herb Gardner © Ray Drueke

This was the last Jazz Concert of 2015 at Primavera, and a very worthwhile one. The Hot Six reached deep down playing their hearts out creating beautiful music. They just love playing Jazz!

Herb Gardner ©

This was Herb Gardner’s evening, bringing old school musicality to vocals and on trombone with Ain’t She Sweet, and The Sheik of Araby – with the band members responding: ‘Without No Pants On’.

He started another vocal on Basin St. Blues, then turned it over to Jimmy with a trombone intro, the band playing in stop time behind him. Herb ended with a rambunctious trombone flourish.

Eli Newberger, celebrated tuba virtuoso and keyboardist, leads the band, pointing at whoever gets to play next. This is Jazz, no charts.

He plays tuba with a deep, sonorous tone, maintaining that contemporary classic beat and managing difficult straight four/four notes by circular breathing.

They paid tribute to the French with Ted’s sweet arrangement of Petite Fleur on clarinet. Lovely! This was also the hundredth anniversary of Sidney Bechet.

Jimmy Mazzy ©

Jimmy sings with sensitivity, Someone To Watch Over Me, changing the words from: “Although he may not be the man some girls think of as handsome, to my heart he carries the key.” to “Although she may not be the Squaw some boys think of as awesome, to my heart she carries the key.”

We’re thrilled to have Jimmy back with the Hot Six; he’s been travelling. He changed moods with Our Love is Here to Stay. He is also in The Tuber Trio with Eli and Ted Casher. We hope he’s here to stay.

Bob Winter ©

Bob Winter finesses amazing sounds out of that keyboard, starting with soft melodic single-note piano lines on Some Of These Days, gradually rising to an astounding variety of piano styles.

He is the pianist for the Boston Pops, but also loves this music and plays skillful, soft commentary behind the soloists and vocals.

In Memoriam: We lost Jimmy Enright 28 years ago today. The Hot Six played Everybody Loves My Baby, with Jimmy Mazzy’s passionate voice rising to the infamous Jimmy “Holler’.

Bo Winiker on flugelhorn

Jimmy continued with C’Est Si Bon, backed by Ted’s clarinet, with Bo on flugelhorn. Bo’s rhythmic annotations on trumpet and flugelhorn lift the whole band.

Sizzling 12th Street Rag

Carolyn Newberger arrived and dug out the washboard. The band played a tune that her Mother used to play for her growing up, fairly soft and subtle, Tico Tico.

Bob and Carolyn always connect and inspire each other; their duets are sparkling and exciting!

Ted Casher ©

Ted plays gut-wrenching saxophone on Blue and Sentimental. There were no lights on the band so my videos were really dark. Ray Drueke came to the rescue and lightened them somewhat. Just close your eyes and listen to Ted play a dreamy Coleman Hawkins tenor sax.

Jeff with a big smile looking to his right

Eli had everyone clapping in time to a fiery Limehouse Blues. Jeff Guthery let loose on drums. He is the youngest member of the band, and recently had his recital at Berklee College of Music.

This was one of those never ending tunes, with Eli giving each musician a turn on the final verse.

Sarah Nova ©

Herb Gardner’s daughter, Sarah Nova was in the audience – a fine songstress in her own right. Sarah teaches jazz to young children with her CD, Jazz For Lil’ Jumpers. She gave us a lively version of Them There Eyes.

Eli and The Hot Six closed this evening of great jazz with Bo on flugel horn and Jimmy singing Louis’s Sleepy Time Down South. This was the Primavera Finale for the year 2015. Jazz will return to Primavera Ristorante on January 7th, 2016.

Eli and The Hot Six with Rebecca Sullivan will be at Sculler’s Jazz Club on December 17th – celebrating Eli’s 75th birthday!

Professional photographer taking pictures

Ray Drueke, Austin Lane Studios

Photos Copyrighted by Ray Drueke, Austin Lane Studios (401) 635-0163.

30 High-resolution photos available for sale.

Jeff Hughes and The Jazz Jesters

Posted on November 17, 2015 by admin

Craig Ball, Steve Taddeo, Jeff Hughes, Al Bernard, Hunter Burtamy, John Clark, Herb Gardner

by Bill Falk
photos: Marce

Jeff Hughes’ Jazz Jesters keep getting better every time I hear them. Their recent gig
at the Primavera on 11/12/15 was superb. The band ripped through a wide variety of tunes, some well remembered from the 20’s and 30’s and some relatively unknown. Their execution was terrific – very melodic and enjoyable.

Unfortunately, the crowd was sparse, but all in attendance loved the music. Two reed
players on the front line worked extremely well. Craig Ball ripped off excellent solos on both clarinet and tenor sax and John Clark did the same on clarinet and alto sax. They
augmented each other soloing and backing up others. Also, John’s arrangements were outstanding.

Craig Ball

John Clark alto sax and clarinet, Herb Gardner keyboard

John Clark and Herb Gardner

Jeff Hughes, Steve Taddeo (rear)

As usual, Jeff displayed his great ability to lead the group, backing up soloists and still exhibiting his outstanding trumpet prowess. He ‘gets into the tunes so well, plus his sound is marvelous. I can’t get enough of Jeff.

Hunter Burtamy banjo, Al Bernard tuba

Hunter Burtamy on banjo added even more guts to the rhythm section. He didn’t solo much, but he brought out the band’s depth. Herb Gardner is a joy on keyboard. He drips with experience and innovation. Al Bernard is a wonder on tuba. He controls the
instrument completely. Steve Taddeo sets a steady beat on drums. He doesn’t overpower the rest of the players, but he sets the pace very well.

Sarah (Gardner) Nova

Sarah Nova, who is Herb Gardner’s daughter, was delightful on vocals. She shows her pedigree well on both jump tunes and slower music. Sarah was a terrific addition to the group as she delivered style and sound on “Keeping Out of Mischief”, “Where Are You”,
“Russian Lullaby”, “Keep Your Hands Off It”, to name some of her numbers.

The band featured “Lucky Day” (theme song), “Diane”, “Not Much,” “Bouncing Around,”
and lots of other songs. Their last number was the theme from “Our Gang”. I liked
“Empty Saddles in The Old Corral” – a perfect ending to a marvelous performance.

Bill Falk

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

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