Sammy Rimington, Sax (alto, tenor) Clarinet, Vocals

Sammy Rimington was born in London, England 1942, came to the United States in the mid-l960s and played with Big Bill Bissonnette's Easy Rider Jazz Band and The Rocking Horse in Hartford.  Throughout Sammy's career, he has been heard in many venues in America and abroad and always staying true to New Orleans revival jazz. 

Freddy Vigorito and Bill Sinclair are among some of the many local musicians who have had the pleasure of working with Sammy, while playing abroad over the years.

Anyone who is familiar with 'Palm Court' in New Orleans knows Sammy has played there many times.  One of his favorite venues. 

Sammy's long time and close friend, John Russell, made arrangements to have Sammy detour (he recently played the New Orleans & Heritage Jazz Festival) and grace the stage at Bill's Seafood in Westbrook.
Unfortunately, one afternoon with Sammy is hardly enough; however, we were delighted and grateful for this limited engagement.  It was wonderful to see and hear Sammy after a long hiatus from playing here in Connecticut. 

I first heard Sammy at the Millpond Tavern with the Galvanized Jazz Band, more than twenty years ago.  Today, he is still as good as the first time I heard him.

Sunday afternoon got off to a roaring start with a full house and much hooting and hollering when Sammy came front and center.  Many who have followed Sammy's career were there to pay homage to not only a talented musician, but a heck of a nice guy.  When Sammy delivers, he plays directly to the audience. 

Many local musicians were in the audience to pay homage to their fellow musician.  During the performance, many sat in for a number or two.  To name a few...Noel Kaletsky, Tom Sharp, Sarah Spencer. 
 

As I listened to Sammy play his alto sax, I thought....how much Sarah Spencer sounds like Sammy....hmmmm.  I approached Sarah and asked a few questions.  I was correct!  Sarah and Sammy follow the Emanuel Paul style and stay true to New Orleans revival jazz.  Sarah also mentioned one of her early sax was purchased from Sammy.  And, of course, both are from England.  The ties that bind!

As we settled down for an afternoon of sheer pleasure, the band opened with Bugle Boy.   Jerry Zigmont-trombone, John Russell-drums, Bill Sinclair-piano, Steve Bulmer-bass, Jimmy Mazzy-banjo and of course, the one and only Sammy Rimington.  Wow!  What a wonderful gathering of terrific musicians.  Thank you, Bill's Seafood, for the 30 years you have brought such talent to your doors and continue to support OKOM.

Sammy brought forth songs that I had not heard in a long time.  With Sammy on sax and clarinet, Jerry Zigmont on trombone, the rhythm section worked with both men to bring out their very best.  Good work, guys!

Here is a list of selections that delighted a very attentive audience.  Each number was played to perfection by the entire band.  Sammy on saxophone, clarinet and vocals, entertained us with an afternoon of incredible music.  Thank you, Sammy!  For many, you brought back a lot of memories.

Following Bugle Boy, some selections......
I Get the Blues, Red Wing, Jerusalem Blues, Give Me Five Minutes More, Phillip Street Breakdown, In the Garden, Don't Sweetheart Me, That's My Desire, Panama. 

It was nice to see Jerry Zigmont again.  He was often heard at Millpond Tavern playing with the Galvanized Jazz Band.  Over the years, Jerry has had the good fortune to play with the Woody Allen band.

I have recorded many notes (no pun intended) of each and every selection played.  Time and space does not allow me to expand with details.  If you are familiar with the the musicians mentioned here, then you know the kind of afternoon we were fortunate to be part of.

 

Jean Hadley                        
Photos by Joan Boutelle