"Elegant." "Riveting." "Soulful." "Classic mastery." These are a few of the terms that have been used to describe the unique and stunning swing-jazz music of acoustic guitarist Guy Van Duser and clarinetist Billy Novick.

The two filled this evening with good natured bantering and wonderful old tunes.  Even though they've been together for 33 years, Guy can still sneak in something that will catch Bill by surprise and make him laugh, as he did in Wabash Blues. Camaraderie - it comes out in their music, and they make a lot of music!

One of the first songs they did 33 years ago was China Boy - Really HOT!!  But they also tried a new song, Linger Awhile. They asked for requests.  Big mistake in this crowd spoiled by 7-piece Dixieland bands. The first one was for Embraceable You, which they played especially for the dancers, and then did their own brilliant jazz improvisation - without losing the  melody.  They moved to Andy Razaf's tune that was recorded by Fats  Waller, S'posin, with Billy taking an upbeat vocal. 

Billy wrote Senora's Blues for a 1991 movie, "Wild Hearts Can't be Broken,"  (It was about a horse.)  Very nice blues, but it ended up on the cutting room floor and not in the movie.  Too bad.  Musicians do not have an easy life.

I Know That You Know was WILD!  Someone reminded them that the bands here always play All of Me for Lynn, sitting at her reserved seat, this time next to an empty piano.  This was another first for the guys.  Approaching the finale, they played Just a Little While to Stay Here followed by Cole Porter's It's All Right With Me.  Begin the Beguine was sung by the Andrew Sisters, but  Billy makes a really sweet substitute.  Beautiful!  Ready for the River  has heartrending lyrics, Billy makes you cry. The dancers enjoyed Stars Fell on Alabama and Stomping at the Savoy on the Sherborn Inn's smooth, polished dancing floor.  The Sherborn Inn is the restored residence of Colonel Samuel Bullard (1733 - 1807);  I wonder if it's the same floor?

Besides playing in the far corners of Boston and Gloucester, and with the Black Eagles and Sunny and Her Joy Boys, Billy is an arranger and composer, his music has appeared in countless movie and television soundtracks, including John Sayles' "Eight Men Out" and "Lone Star," Wes Craven's "Music Of The Heart," "The Opposite of Sex," and "Seabiscuit." His clarinet playing can be heard on the current theme songs of the popular PBS shows "Antiques Roadshow" and "This Old House."  Guy has the uncanny ability to play bass lines, chords and melodies all at the same time. He also composes, arranges, and teaches at Berklee.

They have a huge repertoire, issuing nine recordings as a duo, and another eleven recordings under their own names. You may have also heard them as frequent guests on the "Prairie Home Companion"  and NPR's "All Things Considered", amongst others. Great way to spend an evening!  Guitarist Guy Van Duser and clarinetist Billy Novick are sincere, professional showmen. You'll find their schedule at www.billynovick.com.