Sweeney's Reunion Band
|
| Sweeney's Reunion Band was led by Mike Hashem. He's been doing his 'Banjo Shtick" for 40 years. Mike Hashem banjo, Al Bernard tuba, Paul Monat cornet, Melvin Deveau trumpet. Wow! What a band! They started with Alexander's Ragtime Band. Mel was featured on Clyde McCoy's Sugar Blues, Al Bernard held his own on an up-tempo Found a New Baby. Mike asked the audience "What do you want to hear?" Someone yelled: "Chinatown!" It was a scorcher, with Hashem's incredible energy and drive propelling the others, and brilliant solos by both Paul and Mel. |
 Al Bernard and Mike Hashem |
 |
Trumpet/Cornet duet Mel Deveau, trumpet, is a long time favorite on the North Shore music scene. He was in the house band at Sweeney's Gay 90's in Rowley. Also a capable pianist, he often pinch-hits at rehearsals. He can be heard on Mike Hashem's new CD, All American Banjo. Paul Monat Paul found great friends in Tom Saunders and Wild Bill Davison, and continues the Davison sound to this day with his New Condon Mob. Recently, the Coast To Coast Jazz Band officially hired him as their permanent cornet player replacing Al Smith formerly of the High Sierra Jazz Band. |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
© New England Traditional Jazz Plus
Milford MA 01757
http://www.nejazz.com
email
marce@nejazz.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
| By Marce, Updated May 29, 2010 |