New England Traditional Jazz Plus

Galvanized Jazz Band at Aunt Chilada's

by Jean Hadley

January 3, 2010

Freddy Vigorito and Art Hovey

Aunt Chilada's
3931 Whitney Ave.
Hamden, CT 06518
203-230-4640

Noel Kaletsky and Russ Whitman reeds, Freddy Vigorito cornet, Tom Artin trombone, Art Hovey tuba and string bass, Bob Bequillard drums, Cynthia Fabian vocals, and Bill Sinclair piano, a bit late because of the weather.

Although the weather was cold with a constant barrage of wind and snow, Aunt Chilada's had a full house. Kudos to Freddy and the band. Bravo to those who braved the elements.

Before the band's opening number, Freddy made a sad announcement. Joel Schiavone is in a New Hampshire hospital as the result of a skiing accident during New Year's. His injuries are very serious. We all missed Joel and wish him a speedy recovery.

Bob Back from a long Sunday night hiatus, was drummer Bob Bequillard. Bob has had a Sunday gig in Stonington, CT for the past several months, however, because he is on break for the month of January, he will be playing with the GJB. Welcome back Bob!

Freddy opened with a great number by Joseph Lamb - Sensation Rag - 1908. I particularly liked - Buddy's Habit - by Charlie Straight. He wrote it for his tuba player Buddy Gross who drank too much beer and had to make many trips to the bathroom. Hey, Bill Sinclair missed this one as he was lost somewhere in the snow storm only to arrive late and thankfully in one piece.

Cynthia brought the house down with her rendition of - A Good Man is Hard to Find - 1918 - made first as a piano roll then made famous by Sophie (Kalish) Tucker. Again, Freddy pulled a great number out of his hat. Another one - Champagne Rag - by Joseph Lamb - 1903. Hey, Freddy! That hat doesn't owe you anything. Now it was Tom Artin's turn. He gave his all to - If I Had You - by Irving King - l928. A delightful choice.

Cynthia finished the set with a roaring rendition of - Bill Bailey - 1902.

Back from their break, Freddy introduced a large table of jazz fans from Denmark. People who heard Freddy play in France only a few months ago. The Europeans sure love our music.

We were blessed with a few Gershwin selections. Songs everyone loves and seem to know.

Cynthia Then with Cynthia on stage again, she tried to get in sync with the band to sing a 1968 Ma Ma Cass number - Dream a Little Dream - however, after a false start, everyone came together and she was a real Ma Ma!!

Good ole - Tiger Rag - brought the house down once again. Bob Bequillard really beat those drums. Between Freddy and Art Hovey, I almost called 911 for oxygen!

Time to wind down from another great evening of entertainment. When the band began playing "The Saints" and the audience got into it, the parasols came out and soon there was a New Orleans atmosphere. You go girls!

Good job Noel, Russ, Freddy, Bill, Tom, Art, Bob and Cynthia.

Thank you again Butch and Leigh. See ya all Sunday, January 24th.

Jean Hadley
(File photos by Marce)

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Updated January 6, 2010