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Robin Verdier meticulously picks every tune and arrangement like a painter creating a complex masterpiece, and re-creates the dance bands of the 1920's. (see complete listing at the bottom). Butt it's still fresh and harmonious in the hands of these talented New England musicians.
It was very different from his Slide & Guide September of 2010 or the Frabjous Fall Fling of November 2011. It was different from the beginning. If Dreams Come True featuring two clarinets, with MacInnis first on Flugelhorn and then cornet, ensemble sounding off like chimes.
My Dreams, by another one of Robin's favorite composers, Tiny Parham. The front line is absorbed in Robin's intricate arrangements. They get it right - and there are smiles all around, especially on Robin, and sighs of relief from the band. Blaire played soprano sax with passion and intensity on Sidney Bechet's Southern Sunset. We hadn't heard him for some time. In the late 70's, some of us were dancing to the Yankee Rhythm Kings in the back of New England Life Hall in Boston, with Blair on reeds. He retired in 2006 after 36 years as Music Director and Coordinator for Westford Academy, and still maintains an active schedule as a performer on clarinet and saxophone. It was a special treat having him back! The first set ended with a Fats Waller tune, that he never actually recorded but just about everyone else did, Come on And Stomp, Stomp, Stomp. Great upbeat tune! The Sherborn Staff took this opportunity to surprise manager Phil Cocco with a Happy 75th birthday cake. It was Phil who welcomed The Blue Horizon Jazz Band, and other Traditional and Dixieland Jazz, to the Sherborn Inn over 17 years ago.
Phil's wife and family were gracious enough to share him with his other "Jazz Family". We all enjoyed the delicious cake!
Back to business - Bob MacInnis gave a gripping
performance that touched everybody on
a complex arrangement of Oriental Blues. Hearing that Bob MacInnis is back from Florida is like
finding a treasure every spring.
But he's actually been back since mid-April, in time to play with the New Liberty Jazz Quartet at the Red Sox opener, as well as the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park, and also in parades in West Roxbury, Arlington and Lexington. He doesn't waste much time; he plays every night in Naples Florida! Shadows on the Swanee was relatively modern for this Ensemble - 1932. Lost 1936.
Time was running out. The third set had a combination of two tunes, Quincy Stomp and Blame it on The Blues. Then two 'Crazy' tunes in a row, Crazy ‘bout My Baby, with ensemble intro, then sax, cornet, clarinet solos, backed by Billy's rim tapping on the drum and Albie's tuba covering the bass lines. (This was the first time they’ve done it.) Next, Crazy Rhythm, for these jazz musicians, is inescapable.
Sonny Clay's Cho-King - MacInnis used his hand for a mute on cornet, with the clarinet and sax comping. Bill Reynolds on choke cymbal. Perfect!
These were the Roaring Twenties, and we were there, if only for a brief
moment. This was
a fitting ending to a pleasurable trip back in time with our favorite Historian
and his Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble.
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