Who said it couldn't be done? Why has winter seemed short this
year? Thanks to the Yankee Clipper and the Heartbeat Jazz Band, we
have Wednesday to cheer us up and make the dark days of winter
bearable.
Nothing could have delighted an audience more than the music
performed by talent usually only found in places like New York.
Once again, to the delight of the crowd, Dianne Mower entertained us
with her interpretation of many popular songs. Add to the guest
list......
 |
Andy Sherwood (left
- retired Coast Guard) who kept the crowd in awe
with so many great numbers.
When he and Sherman played off each
other, it was sheer magic.
|
Because we have a plethora of wonderful musicians here in
Connecticut, we are able to bring the likes of Wednesday's
performance to the public. I counted 12 selections during the
course of the allotted time.
After an introduction number, Dianne sang Gershwin's S'wonderful
S'marvelous as Andy played to Dianne's scatting. What a team!
Followed by Sherman playing his saxophone to Dianne's I Can't
Give You Anything But Love....1928 Jimmy McHugh. Another
wow!
When they played When We Danced At The Mardi Gras....1931
Mercer & Opler, Andy once again, along with Art Hovey, really put
their heart and soul into this one.
Sherman Kahn
(file photo from TGCTJF) |
Originally, Stardust....l927 Parrish & Carmichael.....was
written Star Dust.
Sherman was featured performing as only Sherman can. His rendition
was most touching and brought back memories for many of us.
When
Sherman plays sax or clarinet, he brings a hush over the room. |
The band got into some great Duke Ellington numbers....with Dianne
on vocals, Andy and Sherm on tenor sax and Bill on piano, they
played Satin Doll...1973 Ellington, Strayhorn, Mercer. With Bill
Logozzo doing a great job on drums, the entire band gave it a Big
Band sound.
Another number Don't Get Around Much Anymore...1942 Ellington & Bob
Russell. In 1942, this was originally called Never No
Lament. Once
again, Dianne with Sherm and Andy on tenor sax. The band was
really swinging and giving it everything they had. Good job!!
After a short break the band returned more energetic than ever.
They opened with Wolverine Blues....1923 Spike Bros. and Jelly Roll
Morton. Followed by China Boy.....1922 Phil Boutelje & Dick Winfree.
A number made popular by Paul Whiteman 1929. Next came a fun
selection....Making Whoopee...l928 Walter Donaldson & Gus Kahn and
made popular by Eddie Cantor.
(You should hear Tom Schmutzler's take on this one.) Freddy is
requesting Tom's version. Stay tuned!
What would a day be without Dianne's rendition of Amazing Grace....1779 John Newton (clergyman) and Wm. Cowper.
The hour and a half was coming to a close. Another wonderful day at
the Yankee Clipper, great weather, a full house, good food, good
friends and above all music to remember.
The band finished their last set with That's A Plenty....1914 Ray
Gilbert & Lew Pollack with Sherm on sax and Andy on clarinet. The
band had a wild time with this one. Finishing with Write
Myself A Letter....1935 Joe Young. Dianne on vocals, Art on Tuba, Freddy
giving it the beautiful finishing touches as only Freddy can do.
It was a great time for all as Dianne and Freddy engaged the
audience in singing.
See you next week.
For those who have not tried a Heartbeat Wednesday at the Yankee
Clipper, take a break and join us. You will be very pleased.
Jean
Hadley
Yankee Clipper, 157 West Main St. Niantic, Connecticut - Every Wednesday 11:30AM - 1:00PM
(860) 739-9634.
