The band has accumulated trad fans from all over the world, and is kept busy playing at many private functions. But this evening they came to Tuesday Night Jazz at the Sherborn Inn - which has been our new "Sticky Wicket" for the last 15 years.  (Doesn't seem possible - where did the time go???)

The members now are Tony Pringle cornet, Stan Vincent trombone, Peter Bullis banjo, Billy Novick clarinet/alto sax, Bob Pilsbury piano, Bill Reynolds subbing for Pam Pameijer on drums.  Barry Bockus string bass, has taken the place of Eli Newberger, former tuba player for the band.  Reed player Billy Novick, the 'new kid' (he's only been with them since 1985) has been kept busy creating arrangements and re-working details on old and new tunes alike. 

Bill Reynolds is a jewel, a pure Trad drummer, as he demonstrated with a great drum solo and extended drum roll on the snare drum on I'll Close My Eyes and Bunk Johnson's Bluebells Goodbye.

They stayed away from Wild Man Blues, Panama, and other War Horses that they normally played at the Wicket, and instead went with You Can't Escape From Me, San Yacinto Stomp, Jelly Roll Morton's Cannonball Blues, Blame It On The Blues, Love Nest.  Pilsbury and Bockus had a special duet on Stars Fell on Alabama.

Tony's renowned 'clipped' cornet, especially on Black and Tan Fantasy; Stan's raucous tailgate trombone on Second Line, Pete's distinct banjo, Pilsbury's barrelhouse piano, Barry's Pops Foster slap bass, it was a pleasure to be listening once more to the New Black Eagle Jazz Band's outstanding traditional jazz sound.  They are unquestionably the "Keepers of the flame". 

You can catch them on the 2nd Thursday of every month 7:30-10:30p, at J.P. O'Hanlon's in Ayer, Massachusetts, or better still - hire them for your party.