Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Carol Moeller and Moishe Feldman piano,
Gid Loring cornet, Frank Bachelor and Jack Martin trombone, Dave
First washtub bass, Derek Lane-Smith English concertina, Carrie Mazzy vocals
Jimmy Mazzy has been
playing Wednesdays at the Colonial Inn for as long as we can
remember. Carol Moeller has been with him on piano for about
30 years. Today was a special birthday party to help the
sprightly Carol celebrate her 90th birthday.
They started
appropriately with My Buddy with Carol's fingers flying, much
as her father's did
during the silent film era.
Carol's father was called "Flying Finger's Bray". During the depression, he did a radio
show in exchange for advertising for piano lessons and performances.
He developed a method for teaching "stride piano" and his best
student was Carol. He often sent her out to cover for him when she
was still in her teens. She shared her love of jazz with many people, and was a major
influence on Jimmy Mazzy. Carol generally plays the last set
of the evening on Wednesdays.
Moishe took over on the piano for Back Home Again in Indiana.
Why? from Call Me Madame - hot solo by Batchelor on trombone,
and Derek Lane-Smith on concertina.
Carol showed off her birthday cards.
There isn't much advance planning here. Jimmy decides to
play something, and starts on a few notes. When the musicians
recognize it, they slip in, one by one.
Jimmy sings many of his oldies but goodies, the rhythm section
falling in behind him. Billie Holiday's Riffin' the Skotch,
Pappy.
There's a request for Do You Know What It Means to Miss New
Orleans. Jimmy sings it in his own unique, inimitable style.
The place is starting to fill up - it's a small venue.
Moishe, a Russian classically-trained pianist who loves jazz, has
his own unique style too. Sometimes his huge hands caress the
piano, sometimes they make it plead for mercy. When backing a
soft solo or vocal, he only uses one finger. Less is more!
Gid Loring has been playing cornet with Jimmy for
many years also.
Walking My Baby Back Home. Carrie Mazzy comes
up for a vocal, dedicating it to Carol, I Know a Little Bit About
a Lot Of Things.
Then Carrie brings out the birthday cake with nine large,
glowing candles.
Surrounded by dedicated friends and great jazz, it's a great way to spend a 90th birthday,
Happy Birthday, Carol!! And many, many, more!!
