Bill Reynolds’ Back Bay Ramblers at Primavera Ristorante, April 9, 2015

Posted on April 15, 2015 by admin

7 pc trad jazz band, with guitar and 2 reeds

Bill Reynolds’ Back Back Ramblers

Mike Peipman trumpet, John Clark clarinet/alto, tenor, and baritone sax, Billy Novick clarinet/alto sax, Dan Gabel Trombone, Scott Philbrick guitar, Herb Gardner keyboard, Stu Gunn tuba/string bass, Nancy McGhee vocals, Bill Reynolds leader/drums.

Back Bay Ramblers are the result of the late Ed Reynolds dream. He created a great Traditional Jazz Band in the 1980’s that would record the rarely heard tunes of the 1920’s. Ed passed in 2014 at age 90. (More about Ed and his band below.)

His son, drummer Bill Reynolds, promised him he would continue the Back Bay Ramblers. Ed would be proud of the band that Bill has meticulously created; it is absolutely outstanding!! (He added tuxedos for class par excellence.) Most of these talented musicians lead bands of their own. This band uses structured arrangements, as did the larger earlier bands.

In New Orleans Traditional Jazz Bands were all improvisation, with emphasis on musicians’ solos. But as the music spread northward in the 20’s and 30’s, the bands grew larger to play in bigger rooms around the country, in restaurants and hotels in Chicago, Detroit. Their music became Hot Tunes, they played to larger dancing crowds. This obviously made written arrangements necessary, with tight sections playing in syncopation. The music was written and arranged so they could play together, sometimes on the same note, sometimes in harmony. It’s a balance of simplicity and complexity.

Tonight’s Back Bay Ramblers began with a tom-tom drum beat intro to Dream Sweetheart, words and music by Bud Green, 1932. Bill Reynolds has made this their theme song.

Nancy McGhee

They continued with Daddy, Won’t You Please Come Home, introducing the lovely and talented Nancy McGhee (who happens to be Bill’s cousin).
She is a classically trained vocalist. She graduated from Berklee and then went to the New England Conservaory. She is currently choral director at Lawrence High School

She continued with a tune written by Walter Donaldson and sung by The Boswell Sisters in 1931, An Evening in Caroline. It starts slowly with two clarinets, backed by guitar, then the brass comes in and it jumps up into two-beat barn burner!

Dan Gabel trombone, Mike Peipman trumpet, Bill Reynolds drums

Structured arrangements mean many rehearsals. Billy Novick and John Clark were familiar with the Back Bay Ramblers Book, but Dan and Mike were not. This was especially difficult for Mike, who was home in Australia at the time they were rehearsing and missed all but the last full band rehearsal. Mike and Dan played spectacular solos, and representing the brass section of a big band, they nailed it!

1929 Little by Little, four piece front line, nice exchange between Billy on clarinet and Scott’s guitar. A great Tiny Parham tune, Congo Love Song, played by two mellow alto saxes, and a vivid Congo drum beat.

Nancy was back with Top of The Town a 1937 Jimmy McHugh tune made for the movie of the same name. McHugh was a Boston native. His songs had an infectiously swinging quality that instantly endeared them to the listener. Perfect for Nancy.

The Ramblers used arrangements from various people. Cho King, a tune by Sonny Clay was arranged by Robin Verdier.

Scott Philbrick

The 1919 Alcoholic Blues was written by Edward Laska with music by Albert Von Tilzer. (Tilzer also wrote Take Me Out To The Ball Game in 1908.)

Some of these tunes the Ramblers played were written for guitar, others for banjo. Scott and Stu stayed in sync. Scott switched between guitar and banjo. When Stu Gunn played string bass, Scott played guitar. When he played tuba, Scott played banjo.

Scott is like vanilla extract in a cake; you can’t taste it when it’s there, but you know when it’s left out.

Marvelous bass man, Stu Gunn

Stalwart Stu Gunn instinctively moves from string bass to tuba, playing chords that maintain that very essential Traditional Jazz beat.

When he isn’t playing in a Jazz Band, you’ll find him playing classical music in several local symphonies.

Nancy returned with I Have to Have You, backed by soft trumpet; and one of Bill’s favorites, a Bob Connors arrangement, That Wonderful Something (is Love).

For those who don’t know Bob Connors, he led a marvelous band in the 1970’s, The Yankee Rhythm Kings; they excelled at Lu Watters two-beat California jazz. Bob was the original leader of The Back Bay Ramblers. Their book has 121 arrangements; Connors wrote 91 of them.

He and his wife now live in Florida. He’s retired from music, but keeps busy restoring archived movies and silent films. If you’re interested in movie history, he has a vast collection of rare films that you won’t find anywhere else.

A Bennie Moten tune, That Too, Do had audience participation and everyone in the band responding “Yeah” and “Right”; another Bob Connors arrangement.

Herb Gardner

Herb Gardner was invaluable, transitioning the musicians from one section to another and offering just the right chords behind soloists.

He’s been the pianist-in-residence here at Primavera, playing with numerous bands on piano, trombone and vocals.

Mike Peipman is originally from Australia

Bill did the tom tom drum intro to their newest tune – 1951 – the Australian Nullabor. Robin Verdier’s Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble plays this all the time.

Mike says it means ‘flat plain with no trees’ – “null arbor”? It may have come from the Australian aborigines, with heavy drum accents.

Bill Reynolds, leader

Bill’s drum continued the beat into ‘Leven Thirty Saturday Night. This was a Frank Powers arrangement – he was a reed player from Chicago who did many arrangements for Ed’s band.

It is also the name of one of the albums that Ed Reynold’s original Back Bay Ramblers recorded for Bob Erdo’s Stomp Off Records. Some are still available. (See below) All of the tunes played today came from these CDs.

Vocalist singing and pointing at the audience

Nancy is crazy about her man.

Nancy was back for Dreaming About My Man. She really feels the words and puts heart and soul into her singing.

Fat’s Waller’s Concentrating on You was recorded by Hunter’s Serenaders, a territory band from Omaha, Nebraska.

Ed Reynolds liked territory bands and often used some of their tunes.

Ridin’ but Walkin’, a 1929 Fats Waller tune was played at The Cotton Club. The Ramblers did it justice. It brought out Clark’s tenor sax – nice, Billy on clarinet with drum beat tapping on the choke cymbal, Mike on muted trumpet. Short but in the groove!

The River and Me was recorded by the Absolut Duke Ellington, who played it every night at the Cotton Club. It’s a fabulous swinging tune. The Ramblers used the Frank Powers arrangement. Trombone, trumpet, clarinet and tenor sax, Stu Gunn pushing them on string bass, all the musicians pushed the boundaries with some profound, imaginative swinging! They raised goose bumps!

Right Kind of Man was sung by Ruth Etting in 1929. Nancy’s fine vocal was followed by two alto saxes taking 32 bars in multi-dimensional harmony. Billy Novick and John Clark are always pushing music forward, expanding on it.

Back to instrumentals, Vipers’ Drag is a 1930 Fats Waller tune made popular by Cab Calloway.

Jungle Blues was arranged by Billy Novick. He and Bill Reynolds have been ‘partners in crime’ for over 30 years. Two clarinets harmonizing backed by steady drum beat.

Dynamite! Billy Novick and John Clark on various reeds

Nancy feels so blue!

Nancy was back with Nobody Cares, backed only by Herb Gardner on piano. She’s so blue, you can absolutely feel it!

Ed would definitely be proud of this band; it is absolutely outstanding! Their passion for this music is obvious. Hot Dance Music at its best!! We hope to hear more from them really soon.

Meantime, you can still get the fine music. Bill still has several CDs from Ed’s band.

Red Hot Band
Cuttin’ Up
‘Leven Thirty Saturday Night (4 left)
My Mom is in Town (1 left)
… also LPs and Cassettes of Boston Shuffle

Get in touch with Bill Reynolds at drumkits@verizon.net for any of these.

* * * * * * *

Ed Reynolds

Ed Reynolds, New England’s premier Jazz Historian and collector of Traditional Jazz records, deftly drew rarely heard traditional jazz ditties from 1925 to 1931 for his outstanding jazz musicians from our area and New York City.
Karen Cameron is originally from North Dakota. She was with Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians, and has sung with the Artie Shaw Band and other commemorative big bands around the country.

These are Ed Reynold’s Back Bay Ramblers 2001 at the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival. This band played some of the finest 1920’s period music at the festival. This is not swing – this is Traditional Jazz-Hot Dance Music at its best!

Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Primavera, April 2, 2015

Posted on April 9, 2015 by admin

John Kafalas, Steve Taddeo, Mike Peipman, George Gagnon, Jack Soref, Stan McDonald

Stan McDonald kicked off this evening with a low-register clarinet intro to Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland, introducing the music that embodies a joyful, timeless spirit, with marvelous improvised solos and intricate polyphonic jazz.

Jack Soref took the intro to Sugar on acoustic guitar backed by the rhythm section, followed by Kafalas’s fine trombone solo, with sax and trumpet together playing counterpoint. Jack is the latest member of the band and we welcome him and his Gypsy Jazz guitar. He has a unique talent.

Mike’s trumpet took the lead on Ole Miss with embellishments by Stan’s soprano sax, counter point support from trombone, backed by rhythm section. They are all improvising, yet each horn leaves space for the others; marks of professional musicians. Gerry’s tuba took the first solo into Jelly Roll Morton’s Tijuana, with drum/guitar back up, and the band following with fine solos and polyphonic jazz.

Gerry Gagnon, tuba and trombone player

Mike’s trumpet and Stan’s sax took the intro to Irving Berlin’s When I Leave the World Behind. Stan sang it with Gerry Gagnon softly backing him on tuba.

Gerry can be quite relaxed, or highly flamboyant on that monstrous instrument! He is a fine trombone player, but his tuba is so explicit, it just flows.

We had the pleasure of special guests here tonight, Henry & Jane Fischer from Orleans in Cape Cod.

McDonald standing between Jane and Henry

Henry and Jane Fischer of Cape Cod with Stan McDonald

Jane and Henry feature early jazz and pop music on Dixieland Jazz, etc. every 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month from 9am to noon on www.womr.org, Their emphasis is on melody and traditional harmonies, whether played by original artists such as Louis Armstrong and Django Reinhardt or The New Black Eagle Jazz Band or Vince Giordano. They play older popular hits, boogie-woogie, ragtime and swing; music from the heart and soul of New Orleans to the inventive West Coast masters Gerry Mulligan and Paul Desmond.

They enjoyed meeting and having conversations with the musicians. Join Henry and Jane on www.womr.org for a fun filled three hours’ Jazz Brunch on Sunday mornings — you’ll have a hard time sitting still.

The Blue Horizon continued with Memphis Blues, Steve using wire brushes on top hat and choke cymbal. Great front line, backed by guitar, with drum and tuba playing closely in sync.

Stan playing soprano sax next toopen case with BHJB flyer on it

Stan McDonald, leader of the Blue Horizon Jazz Band

Stan took first chorus on soprano sax for Rose of The Rio Grand, with tuba playing every 4/4 beat. Extraordinary!

Jack Soref thrilled the crowd with his mastery on Old Fashioned Love, followed by fantastic trumpet and trombone solos with Gagnon’s tuba carrying dialogue/counterpoint, and Steve tapping upside down on bass drum.
Steve started Lotus Blossom with a four bar rhythm intro, followed by intricate ensemble by the band, and Stan taking the vocal. He closed it with a sultry cadenza on soprano sax.

John Kafalas swings on trombone

Lover Come Back to Me emphasized Kefala’s supple fingers on trombone. He was backed by Taddeo using splash cymbal for emphasis.

Gypsy Jazz guitarist Jack Soref plays all genres of Jazz

Jack was featured on I Can’t Give You Anything But Love displaying his fantastic energy, chromatic ornamentation. Finally, in a Trio with only drum and tuba, he let loose in a lush arrangement of Django Rhinehart’s Minor Swing. (Jack lived in Paris for half a year and had the honor of jamming with the old masters like Boulou Ferré and Romanian violin maestro Florin Niculescu.)

Mike grimacing as he pushes out notes on trumpet

Mike Peipman, from Australia

Mike Peipman was featured on Dardanella, playing hot trumpet with passionate intensity. We are so lucky to have him here! (Thank you, Australia!) He’s been recruited by many local bands.

Stan McDonald took the first 32 bars with guitar back-up on Bechet’s Si Tu Vois Ma Mere with the band playing mellifluously behind him.

Steve Taddo beaming, on his antique Swingland drum set

Steve Taddeo on his antique 1939 Slingerland drum set

Taddeo’s drum beats kicked off Swing That Music, pushing the band into their free-wheeling jazz, flourishing and intensifying into a hot barn burner!

Steve exuded energy all evening, while not setting the dynamic level too loud. He was great!

That should have concluded the evening, but there was still time left.

They finished softly with What Is This Thing Called Love, dazzling trombone solo, lyrical and seemingly effortless, like the Teagarden gate, with drum cross sticking. It was a serene ending to another evening of jazz at Primavera Ristorante.

The Blue Horizon Jazz Band will be here with more energetic, timeless Traditional Jazz on May 7th. Hope to see you here??? Bring some friends!

Riverboat Stompers at Primavera Ristorante, March 26, 2015

Posted on April 2, 2015 by admin

Riverboat Stompers

Steve Straus clarinet/soprano sax, Neil Flewelling cornet, Frank Bachelor trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo, Phil Hower piano, Pierre Lemieux tuba, Richard Malcolm drums

The Riverboat Stompers are a seven-piece ensemble specializing in Traditional and Dixieland Jazz of the 20’s to 40’s. They bring an air of authenticity, and you can easily tell this is the music they cherish and have played for many years. Jimmy Mazzy sat in on banjo and vocals, free to sing many of his unique vocals.

The others all came from a distance, driving through a downpour for their first performance at Primavera Ristorante. We haven’t seen them since July at the Sherborn Inn; they were well received.

With tight ensemble they began Dark Town Strutter’s Ball, Honeysuckle Rose; heartfelt solos. Ain’t She Sweet, Pierre’s tuba was bouncing off the back wall; Rich Malcolm stood up from the drums, just tapping two sticks together!

Jimmy Mazzy

Jimmy’s soul-warming vocals are encouraged; he really gets his head around the lyrics. Lulu’s Back in Town, All of Me. Phil’s piano offered just the right chords behind him, as well as all the soloists.

Steve Straus on soprano sax

Lazy River started nice and slow, Frank’s trombone playing with passion. Then pushed by Steve’s soprano sax, the band surged upbeat.

Neil Fleweling

A new horn in the band, Neil Flewelling has admirable technique with solos that move lightly from phrase to phrase. Neil has been playing professionally for over 50 years and teaching music for over 40 years in the Haverhill school systems. He fits right in with this band.

They played serious Dixieland Jazz, no shtick. Steve did ask the audience to “name this tune.” Hint: A Traditional Jazz barn-burner, based on a Sousa March. Nobody remembered Fidgety Feet. (We’re all getting old!) Straus on clarinet, hot cornet and tuba duet.

Pierre Lemieux

South, fine tuba. Generally the tuba plays almost exactly the same bass lines. Pierre Lemieux’s tuba plays some melody and counterpoint. He is heard all over the North Shore, leads his own group “The Mill City Jazz Band” and is a regular in “Jim Kilroy’s Jambalaya Jazz Band” and “The Jailhouse Seven”.

I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Jim vocal, sophisticated exchange between cornet and sweet soprano sax. Tuba solo was backed by Rich Malcolm, standing, just clapping his hands for beat. The drummer is the heartbeat of Traditional Jazz. Rich may teach at Berklee, but he’s a knowledgeable Dixieland Jazz drummer and keeps a sensitive beat using anything at his disposal. Baby Face was wild, another Jimmy vocal, with Malcolm backing him by tapping on bell and rim of the bass drum.

Another New Orleans Chestnut, Bourbon St. Parade –“ Let’s fly down or drive down, to New Orleans.” Not a bad idea. They’re looking for volunteers for the upcoming French Quarter Festival on the 9th.

A 1922 original, Limehouse Blues, was recorded in 1922 by Red Nichols and his Five Pennies. Fancy drum solo, Rich twirling/spinning sticks in his hands, with the band playing behind him in low stop time. My Gal Sal, soft clarinet opener, with tuba softly mirroring his notes.

Phil’s piano took the intro to a lively Putting on the Ritz. 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. His strongly rhythmic left hand has enabled Phil to be continuously on the roster of trad jazz bands.

Exactly Like You, In My Honey’s Loving Arms, lyrical, hugging the melody, Jim singing.

Steve asked if we would like to hear a Gershwin tune? Why not? Piano took the intro to Lady Be Good, Neil’s cornet sneaked in a bit of Stumbling. (They can make Trad Jazz out of any melody.) The audience was paying attention, feeding off the band’s energy.

clarinet, cornet, trombone, also shows banjo, drum & tuba

Front Line

They closed with a zesty delivery of Kid Ory’s 1926 Muscat Ramble. It was excellent Dixieland Jazz from beginning to end. We hope to hear them again, with better weather. They do have a CD for purchase – check out their new website created by Frank Batchelor at http://www.riverboatstompers.com/.

Dave Whitney Orchestra, with Christine Fawson

Posted on March 24, 2015 by admin

Check out David Whitney’s Blog at http://petekellysblog.blogspot.com/

CD: Swingin’ at the WunderBar

An extension of Dave’s small bands, The Dave Whitney fourteen-piece orchestra was formed in 1989. The focus of this band is playing and preserving the classic sounds of the big band era. They play yearly dates at Canobie Lake Park and Southgate at Shrewsbury and are currently doing semi-regular dates at Chianti’s in Beverly.

The orchestra is comfortable playing for the listener and is equally at ease playing for dancers. Besides saluting the big name bands such as Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Harry James, the Whitney Orchestra also plays the music of other fine bands such as Tony Pastor, Vaughn Monroe, Frankie Carle, Scat Davis and Red Nichols.

The Dave Whitney Orchestra has entertained for numerous swing dance parties and has performed at Ryles, the Sherborn Inn, Rockingham Ballroom, Bridgwaye Inn, and bi-monthly at Angelica’s in Middleton, MA. Future projects include a compact disc.

LINEUP

Leader,Trumpet/Cornet and Vocals – Dave Whitney

Vocals and Trumpet- Christine Fawson.

Trumpets- Joe Musumeci, Jeff Hughes, Rich Given.

Trombones- Scott Hills, Mike Strauss, John Kafalas.

Saxes- Art Bakopolus, Bob Drukman, Ted Casher, Blair Bettencourt and Kathleen Howland.

Piano- Steve Dale, Bass-Dave LeBleu, Drums-Reid Jorgensen.

Also appearing occasionally are John Clark,reeds, Dan Gabel,trombone and Roy D’Innocenzo, guitar, a charter member of Dave’s first band in 1971.

Christine Fawson

Dave Whitney

Dave Whitney

Well known in New England for his work with the Yankee Rhythm Kings, White Heat Swing Orchestra, and Chris Powers Orchestra, Dave was influenced by Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Bobby Hackett and many other great trumpeters of the pre-bop era. Dave has been called “Premier early style trumpeter” of this area” and “Dean of swing trumpet”. As a vocalist he was influenced by Armstrong, Prima, Tony Pastor et al, and he is also adept at smoother vocals a la Sinatra, Eddy Howard, and Perry Como.

Christine Fawson
As a vocalist and trumpet player, Christine Fawson has always loved performing classic jazz standards from the American Songbook. She has been a member of Syncopation and The Jazz Diva’s, and the R&B band Beantown. Christine has also been a solo artist at festivals and concerts around the world. She is a member of the brass faculty at Berklee College of Music.

The first Dave Whitney Orchestra CD, “Swingin’ at the WunderBar” will be out shortly.
Contact: (978) 667-5524

VIDEOS:

Marie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=37&v=cAta1pKVUiM

A Kiss to Build a Dream On
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=25&v=6xDlH6ryP6M

St. Louis Blues March
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=88&v=cVt-xl2R_Gg

Daddy, with Christine Fawson at Chianti’s 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvT5JjGy3hs

Jazz Jesters at Primavera Ristorante March 19, 2015

Posted on March 20, 2015 by admin

The Jazz Jesters with Dan Gabel trombone

Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark clarinet/alto sax, Dan Gabel trombone, Herb Gardner keyboard/trombone, Al Bernard tuba, Steve Taddeo drums

We have so many marvelous Jazz Musicians here in New England, unknown to the rest of the world. The Jazz Jesters are a primary example. All except Jeff have made music their livelihood. They love what they’re doing, as does Jeff. But Jeffrey Hughes, Ph.D. lectures in Biological Sciences at Wellesley College to support that precious Jazz habit.

Jeff Hughes on trumpet

Jeff’s trumpet tonight is a 1946 Olds Super trumpet that he found in original condition at a second-hand store and picked up for peanuts.

The Jazz Jesters capture the style of music of the 20’s and 30’s that our mentor, Ray Smith featured in his Jazz Decades. They kicked it off with a Jimmy Mazzy vocal on Lucky Day, their theme song. (We are the lucky ones!!) They continued with Copenhagen, a tune the bands of the 20’s loved to play – named not for the city, but for chewing tobacco. John Clark arrangement.

Dan and Jeff play counterpoint to John’s clarinet.

Dr. John meticulously researches the original arrangements and gives them his added touch. Jeff Hughes said “a good arrangement gives the musicians plenty of room to improvise.” These musicians have astonishing improvisational skills!

Violinist Stuff Smith contributed to the song “It’s Wonderful” (1938) often performed by Louis Armstrong. That was in an interesting time. Bobby Hackett and Jack Teagarden also played it. Jeff gave it a zesty delivery on flugelhorn, Jimmy vocal; Steve swirling brushes on snare drum.

Steve Taddeo

Steve Taddeo is proud of his 1939 Slingerland Radio King drumset with one cymbal sent to him by Ray MacKinley. The remaining cymbals are from Buddy Schutz who played with Benny Goodman and Jimmy Dorsey.
He swirls brushes on the snare drum, uses cowbells, woodblocks and rim shots to maintain the beat.

Herb at keyboard. Primavera has no piano yet.

Herb Gardner, pianio-trombone

Herb Gardner has become the pianist of choice here at Primavera on Thursday nights. Herb’s solos are intelligent and heartfelt, and he offers just the right chords behind soloists.

Al Bernard maintains the Trad Jazz rhythm.

Gently pushing the band, Al Bernard maintains the harmonic structure with a steady, rhythmic pulsation.

One of Al Jolson’s most famous tunes was California Here I Come; this band prefers the sequel, Golden Gate. We liked Jeff’s vocal!

Dan Gabel gives his all to Margie

Dan was featured on Margie. Craig ball is usually here on reeds, but he’s nurturing a broken left hand that will be in a cast for a while. Dan Gabel filled in for him on trombone, playing off of Craig Ball’s saxophone chart.

He also did the vocal. Fabulous – he’s a natural. At 26, he holds the future of our music in his hands.

Bix’s Birthdate was March 10th. They celebrated him with the last tune he ever recorded, Deep Down South.

In 1929, after suffering a nervous breakdown Bix Beiderbecke went back to his hometown of Davenport, Iowa, to recover at his parent’s home. He returned to New York in 1930 and made his last recording sessions in September of that year, with the Dorsey Brothers, Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, Joe Venuti and others. He was 28 years old when he died.

The band also played Davenport Blues, a tune Bix Beiderbecke wrote about his home town.

Jazz Jesters play Davenport Blues

John Clark does a mean vocal.

Interesting interlude with the band
playing and John Clark handling a fast,
challenging vocal on a tune Fats Waller
recorded in 1935 – Zonky.
This was a first for us!

Herb Gardner joined Dan on trombone with I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me, with exciting, rhythmic improvisations.

Two virtuoso trombonist

We had just celebrated St. Patrick’s Day two days ago, so an Irish tune was called for – great head arrangement of Wearing of the Green with neat segue into Deep Henderson. Later they added Irish Black Bottom in 1920’s style.

Kansas City was the germination center of Jazz in the 20’s and 30’s. Benny Moten’s tune, Jones Law Blues, was a precursor to the Count Basie Band. Smooth number, nice dance tune.

The inimitable Jimmy Mazzy

Jimmy Mazzy was featured on a Louis Armstrong tune, in his own inimitable style, Mighty River. Great arrangement, with clarinet and tuba trading fours. Jimmy also had the vocal on a stock arrangement from the 20’s to the 50’s of River, Stay Away From My Door. (Appropriate with four feet of snow slowly melting into our local rivers.)

.Another tune that was hot in the 20’s and 30’s ‘Leven Thirty Saturday Night, by Archie Blyer, an American song writer, arranger, and record executive, and music director for Arthur Godfrey. (John Clark wasn’t born yet, but he has become an expert on Blyer.) The Jesters used the stock arrangement made famous by vocalist Julius LaRosa on the Godfrey Show, with Jeff singing the vocal.

Change of mood, a high-spirited arrangement of Paducah, composed by Don Redman in 1928 that was played by McKinney’s Cotton Pickers. Many of the music leaders were familiar with Paducah as a river port. In the late 1920s, jazz made its way up the Mississippi from New Orleans to points north and east as small bands and orchestras provided entertainment on river boats.

Coming to a close, Jeff Hughes and the Jazz Jesters sent us home with fun memories, Black Mariah (paddy wagon) then segue to Good Old Days, the theme song for Our Gang, the Little Rascals.

These virtuosic New England musicians achieve the marvelous sound of Jazz from the 20’s and 30’s, but give it their own twist. It’s still happy, toe-tapping music. We’re very happy and contented to have them here, but wouldn’t mind sharing them with the rest of the world! Are you ready, World?

Marce

Seacoast Stompers at Bemis Hall, March 14, 2015 with Blair Bettencourt

Posted on March 16, 2015 by admin

Seacoast Stompers

Scott Philbrick cornet, Blair Bettencourt clarinet/soprano sax/vocals, Lee Prager trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Frank Stadler piano/leader, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bob Reardon drums

Daylight!! Afternoons of Dixieland Jazz are rare! It was a pleasure coming to Bemis Hall in Lincoln Massachusetts, even if it was raining, to hear the return of the Seacoast Stompers after a particularly brutal New England winter! The band had to cancel their February concert because of snow. We’ve missed them.

They began with At The Jazz Band Ball, always a barrel-house opener that sets the tone for an afternoon of uplifting, toe tapping, high energy music. Each of these musicians is a pro in his own right; nurtured and inspired by New Orleans music, they are phenomenal!

Scott and Lee studying multiple pages of songs

Frank has maintained a list of each song, where and when it was played.

They are also independent. Frank always brings in a list of tunes to play, but they generally ignore it. Tonight he brought in a complete listing of tunes that he has meticulously maintained since they first began in 2008. They checked out the list, looking for different styles, trying not to duplicate any melody. Each musician chose a tune.

Unfortunately, reed player Craig Ball fell down the previous day and hurt his right hand. He will be in a cast for some time. Blair Bettencourt graciously filled in for him. We’ve known Blair for over 40 years, so it was a pleasure to hear him again.

Scott Philbrick

Scott Philbrick is the ‘music leader’ of the band, letting them choose songs from the list, bringing them together as a team. His cornet generally establishes the melody, and the band sores with him making powerful music.

Everybody Loves My Baby, we love Lee’s trombone. Lee Prager joined the band in 2010 and has been a plus ever since. His deep, burnished, trombone is reminiscent of Tommy Dorsey. We don’t hear him often enough, he really makes a difference. He was also featured on I’ll Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plans.

Three Little Words, In My Dreams with Jim on sweet vocal. An old Basie tune: Things Ain’t What They Used To Be. The Front line had fun with shading on this one. Blair surprised everyone with a long, smearing gliss up the scale, Scott picked it up with some effort doing a slow gliss from low to high on cornet. It was much easier for Lee with that long, slow, slurring, slide on trombone! Nice touch.

Albie listens carefully and provides momentum for the ensembles, and also quietly backs many of the solos. Blair picked Tin Roof Blues, the musicians inspiring each other on this Trad Jazz chestnut. Lee called Mama’s Gone, Goodbye, giving Albie one of many sousaphone solos.

Elke and granddaughter Stella

Elke and Stella were having a ball dancing
in the back of the room.

There was a romping New Orleans take on Jelly Roll Blues, with ultra tight ensemble and great piano. It’s obvious that Frank loves playing piano; he says all Steinway pianos are individuals, handmade by specialized craftsmen. This one in Bemis Hall was built in 1870. Frank said “Playing it is a joy, even though I have a nine-foot Steinway at home”.

Frank Stadler loves playing piano.

Stealing Apples, Fats Waller’s tune made famous by Benny Goodman, was absolutely WILD, followed by a scorching Avalon. This never gets dull!

Bob Reardon posed for this one.

Bob Reardon listens carefully and gives the band just the bang it needs. He picked Limehouse Blues, with a tempo that was frightening-fast. (Forget the list, Bob always asks for Limehouse.)

Bob hit the drums with everything he had, using blue wire brushes. He knows his stuff – he has played for 27 years at the Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus.

Blair Bettencourt on bent soprano sax

Blair Bettencourt plays exciting clarinet. He has a particularly soft way of playing eloquent bent soprano sax. He also sang a couple of songs for us in a smooth, powerful voice.

Jimmy Enright and I were dancing to his clarinet at Bob Connors Yankee Rhythm Kings’ first performance in New England Life Hall in 1975.

Jimmy is extraordinary; he had just arrived from Florida this morning where he performed with the Williams Reunion Jazz Band.

Jimmy Mazzy

How Come You Do Me Like You Do? Sugar, In his own distinctive style, he pleads, cajoles, scats, sweet talks. He picked I Want a Little Girl, backed by Blair playing soft soprano sax, with Scott and Lee on muted cornet and trombone. Nice.

They closed with an upbeat Mandy, and sent us home with sunshine inside, if not outside. You can catch them LIVE at Bemis Hall every month. The Seacoast Stompers will return on April 11th, same time, same station, same fantastic group of musicians. Hope to see you there!

Craig Ball and his sky-writing stratospheric clarinet will be missed by his throng of fans and the many bands he plays in. We wish him a speedy recovery!!

New Black Eagle Jazz Band at Primavera March 12, 2015

Posted on March 14, 2015 by admin

Tony Pringle cornet, Billy Novick clarinet/alto sax, Stan Vincent trombone, Herb Gardner keyboard, Peter Bullis banjo/manager, John Turner string bass, Bill Reynolds drums, special guest Mark Endresen guitar

This was the first time the New Black Eagle Jazz Band has appeared at the new Jazz venue, Primavera Ristorante, and also the first time there’s been a full house – probably around 50 people. Pimavera is very happy with having Jazz here, and it will continue indefinitely.

The Black Eagles are a popular Traditional Jazz Band now in their 43^rd year. Fans came from as far as Albany NY and Fairbanks, Alaska! No doubt, abundant sunshine and clear roads were motivating.

The band began with something we are all feeling, When I Grow Too Old To Dream. Their authentic Trad Jazz was exhilarating. Very few bands today maintain that special beat, and the Eagles elevate it to a real Art, in fact, the only Art that originated in America.

Lake Ponchartrain Blues – Tony’s clipped cornet is the sound that immediately identifies this band. My Memphis Baby, Billy on alto sax, Stan Vincent playing Big Jim Robinson tailgate trombone, on a tune by Narvin Kimball. Kimball was a 1920’s New Orleans banjo player who dazzled audiences with his left-handed single-string technique.

Herb Gardner

Herb Gardner took a solo and vocal on Crazy ‘Bout My Baby. Herb has been playing keyboard at Primavera for many different bands. He normally plays trombone.

(Bob Pilsbury, missed by his many fans, sends greetings from his home in Sudbury and would certainly like to hear from friends and fans. Address: Bob Pilsbury, 11 Barton St. Sudbury MA 01776.)

Bouncing Around is a 1920’s tune that was recorded by Armand J. Piron. Willie ‘the Lion’ Smith and his Cubs recorded The Old Stamping Grounds. The Black Eagles continued with many tunes played by these marvelous musicians. There aren’t many bands that can do them justice! Sam Morgan’s Bogalusa Strut. Louis Russell’s Saratoga Shout.

Rhytm Section, Bill Reynolds drums, Peter Bulllis banjo, John Turner bass

Rhythm Section, Bill Reynolds drums, Peter Bulllis banjo, John Turner bass

The rhythm section is laid back on ballads, but on a hot tune…look out!
Peter Bullis, still wearing his red sox, has been playing that Trad Beat for over 50 years.

Stan Vincen’ts nephew, Mark Endresen, a fine Calypso guitarist, sat in for Pete Bullis on Tomorrow Night, and a spiritual, In The Sweet Bye and Bye. They let Mark go on guitar – marvelous! Mark founded and is featured vocalist of Calypso Hurricane, an exciting, high spirited and internationally known group playing music of the Caribbean Islands. See http://calypsohurricane.com/ .

Joseph Tremitiere was definitely enjoying the music. He was here with his family, celebrating his 100^th birthday.

100 yr-old smiling and enjoying the music. Band - Aid Ron L'Herault and friend in background.

Joseph Tremitiere enjoying himself at 100! He’s sharp as a tack.

Billy Novick was featured on alto sax with Mark Endresen backing, and dedicated the next tune to Joseph: A Hundred Years From Today.

Mark Endresen feels the music as he backs Billy Novick

Peter returned for a number played in the 1920’s by trumpeter Henry ‘Red’ Allen with The Luis Russell Band, Roamin’; Tony’s moaning, muted cornet just went right through you!

Bob Kaelin drove all the way from Albany NY – said he was having withdrawal symptoms since he last saw the band in October. His request was Panama. (Billy Novick had just returned from there.) Bill Reynolds added a monster drum solo, including the drum roll he performs so eloquently. With camaraderie and classic musicianship, this band gives you music that you won’t hear anywhere else!

They closed with an old favorite, Brahms Lullaby, with Tony introducing the musicians who make this band renowned.

They liked the new Primavera venue, and will return here on May 28^th.
You can also hear them at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on April 8, Regattabar in Cambridge on April 17^th, and Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham on April 24^th. Check their web site at www.blackeagles.com.

Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Primavera Ritorante March 5, 2015

Posted on March 5, 2015 by admin

Blue Horizon Jazz Band with Jack Soref and Mike Peipman

Blue Horizon Jazz Band with Jack Soref, Mike Peipman, and Dave Didriksen

Stan McDonald soprano sax/vocals, Mike Peipman trumpet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Jack Soref guitar, Stu Gunn string bass, Dave Didriksen drums.

Stan McDonald was listed as one of the top five soprano saxophone players in the world in a 1985 Mississippi Rag poll. He has played with the likes of Ralph Sutton, Tommy Benford, Buzzy Drootin, Ross Petot, Sammy Price, Benny Waters, Doc Cheatham, Dick Wetmore, Marty Grosz and Scott Hamilton.

Stan McDonald, soprano sax

Stan was interviewed by Dave Radlauer on Jazz Rhythm, where the Bechet-style soprano saxophone master recalled his half-century musical career. The set of 3 one-hour programs are available here http://nejazz.com/oldsite/McDonCD.htm

McDonald always picks the cream of the crop musicians from this area for his Blue Horizon Jazz Band; tonight was no exception.

Mike Peipman raises the roof with West End Blues

Mike Peipman’s fiery trumpet can be delicate and powerful. Mike generally plays modern, contemporary jazz, but displayed his aptitude for classic jazz with an impeccable rendition of Louis Armstrong’s West End Blues. Spectacular!

Combining the careers of lead trumpet player and Jazz soloist, he has toured with numerous groups such as the Artie Shaw Orchestra and the Woody Herman Orchestra.

Gerry Gagnon trombone, Stu Gunn string bass

Gerry Gagnon, veteran BHJB member, anchored the band tonight with his fabulous ‘Jack Teagarden’ trombone. Gerry normally plays with the Boilermaker Jazz Band, all over the U.S. Canada and Europe.

Stu Gunn has a masters degree from the Boston Conservatory. He covers the total range of music from classical to theater to jazz on both tuba and string bass. We remember him with Bob Connor’s Yankee Rhythm Kings. Now he’s with the Boston Symphony and Cape Cod Symphony Orchestras. His solid bass line keeps him on-call with many Trad Jazz bands.

Dave Didriksen

Dave Didriksen filled in for Steve Taddeo with some solid drumming that kept the band on time; essential in Traditional Jazz.

He was followed by the band playing organ-type chorus on Baby, Ain’t I Good To You. Nice!

Dave is drummer for the Wolverine Jazz Band and drummer and Manager for Swing Times Five.
He also owns Willow Books in Acton MA.

Full view of Mollie with scarf down to her knees and big fur hat almost covering her face

Mollie Malone

Chanteuse Mollie Malone was in the audience and stepped up for a fine vocal on Django’s Nuage, in French, backed by Stu Gunn, steadfast on string bass and Stan’s soprano sax

Jack Soref plays high quality Jazz, Gypsy Swing. He introduced many of the tunes on guitar. His interpretation of Django Reinhardt’s romantic Russian tune, Ochi chyornye (Dark Eyes) even surprised the members of the band, and had everyone on the edge of their seats. Jack plays regularly with the Gypsy Swing Band Ameranouche.

We missed Ross Petot’s piano, keeping it all together. But Ross teaches on Thursday evenings, so many bands have had to improvise.

The Blue Horizon Jazz Band will be at Primavera Ristorante on the first Thursday of every month; next will be April 2nd, 7pm.
Our grateful THANKS to Ellen McDonald, who has patiently kept these Traditional Jazz Bands playing LIVE JAZZ for over 20 years!

We hope to see you here next month?

Novel Jazz to warm up Skidompha Library with Hot Swinging Jazz!

Posted on March 2, 2015 by admin

Bill Batty, drums with Novel Jazz at Skidompha Public Library

Bill Batty will be a guest percussionist with the Novel Jazz as they perform classic jazz at Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta, ME, on Thursday, 12 March, 2015, 7PM to 9:30PM. The performance will also feature Barney Balch (trombone), Dave Clarke (guitar), Herb Maine (acoustic bass), Mike Mitchell (trumpet) and one other special guest Lefty McAuslin (tenor and alto sax). This evening initiates their 2015 Skidompha concert series, bringing live jazz to mid-coast audiences. Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“NOVEL JAZZ” TO WARM UP SKIDOMPHA LIBRARY WITH HOT SWINGING JAZZ – Novel Jazz will be in concert on Thursday, 12 March, 2015 at Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta, ME. They’ll present an evening of classic jazz out of the Great American Songbook. More about the band can be found at their web site (www.mainejazz.net). These events began with the observation that lovers of books often are lovers of jazz. The superb acoustics of Skidompha’s atrium, plus the seating “in the round”, make it a superior place to see and hear jazz, all in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. It was while performing at Skidompha that the band decided to forge deeper into the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Trombonist Barney Balch began visiting the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. to work in their Ellington collection, digging out gems of these musical geniuses and bringing them back to life in summertime concerts.

The musicians of this group have been playing straight-ahead jazz for audiences throughout Maine (and beyond) for several decades. Collectively, they share over two centuries of experience in the jazz idiom. Performing on the 12th of March will be David Clarke (guitar), Mike Mitchell (trumpet), Herb Maine (bass) and Barney Balch (trombone). There will also be two special guests…Bill Batty on percussion and Richard “Lefty” McAuslin on tenor and alto saxophone.

Bill Batty started playing drums at the age of 9; three years later, he was playing professionally on the Maine “bottle club circuit”. He studied privately and also went through the Jazz and Contemporary Music program at University of Maine, Augusta. Bill keeps a full gigging schedule, playing blues with Blind Albert, jump/swing with Three Button Deluxe, straight ahead jazz with The Uptown Rhythm Kings/The BCD Trio, and Caribbean tinged music with steel drum band Steelin’ Thunder. Lefty McAuslin (tenor and alto saxophones) is a regular of the Boothbay Region during the summer months with his solo act. He also has worked in numerous bands, and backed up the famous vocalist Jimmy Dean. In the summer, Lefty performs with Bob Page and the Jazz Babies. Lefty is also known for his ability to play two saxophones simultaneously, a difficult technique first made famous by the late blues artist, Fats Jackson.

Skidompha evenings are informal, jazz in the round. Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18 years, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free. The library is located on Main Street in downtown Damariscotta. Call 207-563-5513 for more information. Skidompha’s winter closure policy is that of the local school district (AOS 93); if the schools are closed, so is the library.

Ditch that cabin fever and come out and hear Novel Jazz…keeping jazz alive and swinging in the midcoast! For more information visit www.mainejazz.netand/or www.skidompha.org.

Eli & The Hot Six with Rebecca Sullivan at Primavera Ristorante February 26, 2015

Posted on March 2, 2015 by admin

Eli & The Hot Six

Bo Winiker trumpet/flugelhorn, Rebecca Sullivan vocals, Ted Casher cllarinet/tenor sax, Herb Gardner trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Bob Winter keyboard, Eli Newberger leader/tuba, Jeff Guthery drums.

by Marce

Eli & The Hot Six is a powerhouse group of accomplished musicians playing music to warm the heart and melt the snows! They are spontaneous, inspiring one another, weaving around each other, with gentle sparkplug Bob Winter of the Boston Pops on keyboard, Jim Mazzy banjo and Jeff Guthery’s masterful drumming.

This was a celebration of the release of their first CD. It is extraordinary in that it contained sketches of each musician by Carolyn Newberger. Fans bought them quickly to obtain autographs of the musicians, at a special discounted price of $10.
Purchase here.
Oh, and the Contemporary Classic Jazz was incredible!

Muscat Ramble kicked off this evening, with Jeff Guthery playing a solo on graduated temple blocks.

Rebecca Sullivan

Rebecca Sullivan warmed the crowd with Gershwin’s Summertime, an upbeat I’ve Got Rhythm. Embraceable You, a tune from the new CD, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.
She drove from New York to get here, and returned afterwards to get to work in the morning at the NY Metropolitan Opera Guild!

Duke Ellington’s Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me, played very slowly, Bo leading with Ted’s clarinet and Herb’s trombone in the background.

Eli Newberger, the roaring tiger

The growl of the rip-roaring tuba-tiger on Tiger Rag. Eli’s dedication and devotion to this music are apparent on his face!

He jumps up and leads the front line parading through the enthusiastic audience; they love this music and enjoyed becoming part of it.

Eli and front line parading through the audience

Parade of the Tigers

Carolyn Newberger is usually sitting quietly, drawing sketches of the musicians. They are works of art, and available with the CD. Tonight she let loose and joined the band on washboard for an energetic Miami Beach Rhumba – fun tune, and they all had fun playing it.

Carolyn standing, playing washboard hanging from her neck

Carolyn plays washboard

Jimmy Mazzy feels the pain

Jimmy agonizes with the blues, almost reading the words of a man who searched for his loved one and found her body at St. James Infirmary. The instrumental solos build powerfully, with Jimmy ending in heartbreaking a capella, sadly, mournfully.

Perdido: Eli says it all in his Notes on the CD: Eli & The Hot Six LIVE, Contemporary Classic JAZZ.
“Ted Casher’ eloquent solo tenor sax builds a rhythmic foundation for this splendid song written by Juan Tizol, a trombonist in the Ellington band. Rebecca jumps in almost as an instrumental voice, extending chorus after chorus of melodic variations, counter rhythms, and little conversations with clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. One can hear why Bob and the horn players, steeped in this music and, indeed, knowing the passing harmonies and final ensemble riffs like the backs of their hands, love her so much. “

Ted Casher, Bo Winiker, Herb Gardner

They closed with Bye Bye Blackbird, first recorded by Gene Austin in 1926. It’s not bye-bye for this band, just the beginning. They will return often, we hope, before their official CD release at Sculler’s Jazz Club on May 21^st. Hope to see you there??

Scullers Jazz Club at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton Boston-Cambridge,
400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA 02134
May 21st – Show: $30, Show & Dinner: $70, Show Time: 8pm 617-562-4111

New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Swing, Traditional Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Big Bands

Tag Archives: WOW!