Craig Ball, Steve Taddeo, Jeff Hughes, Al Bernard, Hunter Burtamy, John Clark, Herb Gardner
by Bill Falk
photos: Marce
Jeff Hughes’ Jazz Jesters keep getting better every time I hear them. Their recent gig
at the Primavera on 11/12/15 was superb. The band ripped through a wide variety of tunes, some well remembered from the 20’s and 30’s and some relatively unknown. Their execution was terrific – very melodic and enjoyable.
Unfortunately, the crowd was sparse, but all in attendance loved the music. Two reed
players on the front line worked extremely well. Craig Ball ripped off excellent solos on both clarinet and tenor sax and John Clark did the same on clarinet and alto sax. They
augmented each other soloing and backing up others. Also, John’s arrangements were outstanding.
Craig Ball
John Clark and Herb Gardner
Jeff Hughes, Steve Taddeo (rear)
As usual, Jeff displayed his great ability to lead the group, backing up soloists and still exhibiting his outstanding trumpet prowess. He ‘gets into the tunes so well, plus his sound is marvelous. I can’t get enough of Jeff.
Hunter Burtamy banjo, Al Bernard tuba
Hunter Burtamy on banjo added even more guts to the rhythm section. He didn’t solo much, but he brought out the band’s depth. Herb Gardner is a joy on keyboard. He drips with experience and innovation. Al Bernard is a wonder on tuba. He controls the
instrument completely. Steve Taddeo sets a steady beat on drums. He doesn’t overpower the rest of the players, but he sets the pace very well.
Sarah (Gardner) Nova
Sarah Nova, who is Herb Gardner’s daughter, was delightful on vocals. She shows her pedigree well on both jump tunes and slower music. Sarah was a terrific addition to the group as she delivered style and sound on “Keeping Out of Mischief”, “Where Are You”,
“Russian Lullaby”, “Keep Your Hands Off It”, to name some of her numbers.
The band featured “Lucky Day” (theme song), “Diane”, “Not Much,” “Bouncing Around,”
and lots of other songs. Their last number was the theme from “Our Gang”. I liked
“Empty Saddles in The Old Corral” – a perfect ending to a marvelous performance.
Under construction. We are waiting on approval of videos before this House Party is officially over for this year. Bookmark this page and check on our progress.
Meatime, check on Saturday and Sunday.. Marce
Bands on Sunday at Jeff and Joel’s House Party. Fabulous!
Jeff & Joel’s House Party #6 Columbus Day Weekend, 2015 By Sue Finn
Another fabulous weekend, they just keep getting better and better. This one had four sessions, starting with the Anderson twins on Friday evening. Peter and Will are so talented (and so young!) They played clarinet and alto and tenor sax and a wide range of pieces backed by Jeff, Jim and Brian. Joel joined them for one number in each set.
The two sessions on Saturday and one on Sunday followed the same format as last year. Generally, each combo of musicians stayed for three numbers with one chosen by each of the front line players.
Clarinet Marmalade
There were exceptions of course; Noel and Dan playing Clarinet Marmalade for example, piano solos by Jeff and Donn and, of course, ‘banjorama’ with 4 banjos on stage and everybody singing along with Joel. Each session ended with a grand finale with all the musicians on stage together. The food was great and the volunteers as fantastic as ever.
Strutting With Some Barbecue
Sunday’s session was my favorite. It started with ‘Struttin’ With Some Barbecue’ played like the Louis Armstrong/Gary Crosby version, starting slow, then fast with Jeff & Fred doing the vocals – really great!
Dan and Joel in Old Shanty Town
Dan & Joel sang ‘It’s only a Shanty in Old Shanty Town’.
Tom Boates sang Beale Street Blues and Jim joined him for an awesome version of Ory’s Creole Trombone complete with crossed slides – amazing.
Jim Fryer and Tom Boates play Ory’s Creole Trombone
There was some Sunday Gospel – Molly sang ‘Sermonette’ and ‘Get Rhythm in your Feet’. She also sang ‘Far Away Places’ with just Gen accompanying her – beautiful.
Other highlights – ‘Big Bear Stomp’ with Brian on tuba and, of course, Joel’s ‘banjorama’ . This time, Joel did some old radio commercials.
Joel Schiavone and New York’s Kevin Dorn
There was also a vote of thanks to Joel and presentation of a signed photo of all the musicians.
The session and the weekend ended with a rousing version of ‘Joe Avery’s Piece’ and then the grand finale with all the musicians playing – drum roll please – ‘High Society’ with Noel & Dan doing the famous Alphonse Picou clarinet solo. This was followed with a reprise of ‘We’ll Meet Again’which Jeff and Dan sang earlier – very nostalgic and, as always, nobody wanted it to be over……………..
Sue Finn 10/15/2015
None of this would have been possible without the aid of devoted and dedicated volunteers, some of whom worked all year to help Jeff and Joel.
John Hedden, Maureen, Marty Fay, in back Mairi Bryan and Andee Carolla
Judy Postemsky, Andee Carolla, Mairi Bryan, Glenn Ott, Carol Ott, Eric Devine, Bruce Scranton, standing behind Lecia Scranton
Misty (VFW), Glenn Ott, Bruce Scranton, Judy Postemsky, in front of Bruce is Lecia and in front of Lecia, Carol
Next Year: 2016 House Party Dates: October 7, 8, 9. Friday Night Taste of the Weekend! – October 7th- music 7:30-9:30pm, $40.00 per person featuring the one and only Paris Washboard with Jeff Barnhart! Tickets are already half sold (purchased by the people at this House Party!)
This will sell out, so get your tickets soon.
Phil Person trumpet, Stan McDonald soprano sax and clarinet, John Kafalas trombone, Gerry Gagnon tuba, Jack Soref guitar, Steve Taddeo drums
Stan began on soprano sax with I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me, guitar intro to What Is This Thing Called Love; an old chestnut rarely done, It Had To Be You.
Stan moved to clarinet for My Gal Sal, taking the vocal.
Tijuana was HOT!
Steve Taddeo plays softly too!
Baby, Ain’t I Good To You.. Taddeo was playing like Baby Dodds, varying his drum patterns with accents and flourishes; keeping the beat with the bass drum while playing buzz rolls on the snare.
Phil Person, Berklee College of Music
Rose of Rio Grande, melody was established by Phil’s marvelous trumpet. We’re fortunate to have him. He is friendly and easygoing, humorous, a straight ahead trumpeter.
He’s played with the Artie Shaw Orchestra, White Heat Swing Orchestra, Swing Legacy, and Duke Belaire Jazz Orchestra. Phil teaches ear training at Berklee.
John Kafalas trombone and Gerry Gagnon Tuba
An upbeat Lover Come Back To Me, with Phil starting on muted trumpet was incredible, with Gerry Gagnon playing that monstrous tuba in double time!
John Kafalas played trombone with feeling and skill making this truly a tour de force.
Jack Soref, Django-style guitarist
Our favorite Gypsy Jazz guitarist, Jack Soref, provided an expert rhythm beat along with drum and tuba.
At breaktime, Jack played Django Rheinhardt’s Nuage, softly backed by tuba, then joined by Stan McDonald on soprano sax. Beautiful!
Stan McDonald does Bechet on soprano sax
Leader Stan McDonald’s forte has always been Sidney Bechet. He played a genuinely heartfelt Si Tu Vois Ma Mere with warm melodic lines.
They wrapped the evening up with a fascinating Dardanella, at one point with the tuba backed only by guitar, and ended it with a joyous romp.
These musicians are a treasure; we hope they’ll all return with The Blue Horizon Jazz Band in 2016. Many thanks to Ellen McDonald, who has provided us with fantastic jazz every week for the last 20 years!
Jimmy Mazzy, Moishe Feldman and The Last Minutemen
Moishe Feldman piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo, Gid Loring cornet, Frank Batchelor trombone; back Jack Martin trombone, Craig Ball clarinet
NOTE: Jimmy Mazzy and The Last Minute Men have a new luncheon venue starting Sunday, November 22nd, 11am-2pm at Trails End Cafe, 97 Lowell Road, Concord, MA 01742 Phone: (978) 610-6633 Harold Koch piano. Come give them a warm welcome!
The inimitable Jimmy Mazzy
Jimmy Mazzy and The Last Minutemen with Moise Feldman on piano played at a House Party hosted by close friends on November 4th with about 50 fans enjoying the music.
For four happy months they gathered to honor their independence from the terribly, taxing, trying tyranny of tables.
What a ‘happy habit’ this became Gathering together to celebrate friendship and honoring Carrie and Jimmy Mazzy and the Last Minute Men
Moishe Feldman
MOiSHE from RUSSIA, also known as Michael Feldman, accompanies Jimmy with the Last Minutemen whenever he can. Now an American Citizen, he is a pianist, keyboardist, accordionist, orchestra leader, music producer/arranger in Classic Jazz, Ragtime and Klezmer music.
Nick Ribush on washboard
93-year-old Carol Moeller enjoyed sitting in on piano for a couple of numbers.
You can hear Nick Ribush backing Carol playing fine washboard!
Spark plug – Craig Ball
Craig Ball, clarinetist is a spark plug, lit up the whole band! Craig is leader of the White Heat Swing Orchestra that played at Boston’s Roxy night club for four years, and later swinging on the wharf at The Boston Harbor Hotel.
Carrie Mazzy, Harold Koch
Carrie Mazzy sang After You’ve Gone, with Harold Koch on piano.
Harold will be with the Last Minutemen when they start at a new venue in Concord on November 22nd.
Please come and support them for lunch 11am-2pm at Trails End Cafe, 97 Lowell Road, Concord, MA 01742.
The Ramblers – Bob MacInnis, Craig Ball, Scott Philbrick, Robin Verdier, leader.
The Ramblers made their first appearance at Primavera Ristorante, and we’re hoping they will return in 2016. This rambunctious quartet doesn’t play slow tunes – they played the music that had the Tin Pan Alley kids dancing in the 20’s and 30’s. (The Charleston started a new dance craze in 1923.) This quartet played a plethora of early Jazz from 1917 to 1929; their Traditional and Dixieland Jazz connected and inspired the audience.
Craig Ball, clarinet
Craig ball was able to shine with his expertise on clarinet, standing front and center. He usually keeps to the right or left of the band, backing the soloists.
Limehouse (1922)
When My Baby Smiles at Me was played by Benny Goodman at his 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert, a tribute to the Original Dixieland Jazz Band.
Robin Verdier, leader
Leader/Arranger Robin Verdier, a Jelly Roll Morton devotee, is our own erudite Rag Time pianist, well versed in this music. He is better known for his Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble that was here in August. He played some wild stride piano on Tiger Rag! Let Me Call You Sweetheart was definitely not a waltz!
Robin’s piano and Scott’s banjo were in sync, keeping the beat for the front line of clarinet and cornet/flugelhorn.
Scott Philbrick usually plays cornet.
This is the first time we’ve ever heard cornetist Scott Philbrick play banjo all evening, and he was fabulous singing the 1920 Broadway Rose. Who knew he could sing??
Scott will be on cornet with Jane Campedelli’s Jubilee Jazz Band at the 25th Anniversary of the Suncoast Jazz Jubilee coming up November 20 to 22 in Clearwater.
Running Wild (Miserable video – just shut your eyes and listen!)
Bob MacInnis ensures we hear the melody!
Bob MacInnis always maintains the melody on cornet. He’s been playing with bands all over New England all summer, and we’re lucky to have him for another couple of weeks before he heads to Florida for the winter.
He took out the flugelhorn for several numbers, Al Jolson’s 1921 California Here I Come, Con Conrad’s Moonlight.
San Francisco Bay Blues (first recorded in 1954) was really modern for this band!
Their music touches the heart and spirit; the audience loved every minute of it! We’re all hoping to hear more from The Ramblers next year!
(Any resemblance to a band that plays all summer at a New Hampshire amusement park is purely coincidental.)
Tunes:
Set 1
When My Baby Smiles At Me, Munro, Sterling & Lewis, 1920
The Curse Of An Aching Heart, Piantadosi & Fink, 1913
My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms, Meyer, 1922
Down Where The Sun Goes Down, I. Jones & Buck, 1928
Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Whitson, 1910
Limehouse Blues, Braham, 1922
Broadway Rose, Fried, Otis, & West, 1920
California, Here I Come, Meyer & DeSylva, 1921
Moonlight, Conrad, 1921
Set 2
Charleston, Johnson, 1923
Smiles, Roberts & Callahan, 1917
Varsity Drag, Brown, DeSylva, & Henderson, 1927
San Francisco Bay Blues, Jesse Fuller 1954
Sweet Sue, Young & Harris, 1928
My Gal Sal, Dresser, 1905
Some Of These Days, Brooks, 1910
You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me, Fain, Kahal, & Norman, 1930
Runnin’ Wild, (Bb) Gibbs, Gray, & Wood, 1922
Set 3
Tiger Rag, 19th century quadrille
When You’re Smiling, Goodwin, Fisher & Shay, 1928
After a delicious brunch created by the Kitchen Crew of Volunteers, Joel welcomed everyone to the Saturday afternoon session. Aficionados of all ages came from everywhere; Walter Landry was here at 96!
We all know that if you change one or two persons in a band, it changes the whole feeling/sound of the band. Jeff Barnhart used this to create many different bands, and bring variety to the House Party.
He created a band of the players, picked a leader, and suggested what type of tune they should play: up, slow, med-up, med-slow, WGJB style, Djangoesque, Yerba Buena style. The members got together, whether they’ve ever played together or not, and decided what tune to play and how they would handle it. They spoke to each other with their music. It created a “Festival” of bands.
Jeff Barnhart’s list of 28 instructions/performances started this afternoon with Scott Philbrick, Dan Levinson, Tom Boates, Jeff Barnhart, Joel Schiavone, Brian Nalepka, Jim Lawlor. Scott Philbrick was in charge for a medium-up tune that Brian could sing. When You’re Smiling.
Dan Levinson on fabulous tenor sax
The virtuosic Dan Levinson was back; this was his 17th year appearing at a Connecticut Jazz Festival.
He is responsible for many of the young musicians in New York playing our kind of music – Thank you, Dan!
He was in charge of this same group for a medium-slow tune (called for by the list.) Dan was inspiring on tenor sax with After You’ve Gone.
Tom Boates was next in charge for an up-tune, Baby Won’t You Please Come Home. And so it went with 28 tunes in every session a variety of music played by seventeen talented musicians. My cup runneth over!!
Donn Trenner, photo by Jan Sopelak
Group two introduced pianist Donn Trennor on keyboard. Trenner, 88 has a long history of playing and directing with many famous musicians. In the 1960s, Trenner worked as a studio musician, and led The Steve Allen Show house band. He also did work with Bob Hope. Donn has just released his book, Leave it to Me…. My Life in Music. He knows music!, playing sophisticated solo on Days of Wine and Roses , then rambling up with a powerful Satin Doll.
Molly Ryan sang a heartfelt Cottage For Sale, with Donn Trenner on keyboard; an enchanting duet.
Jim Lawlor, photo Jan Sopelak
Jim Lawlor came from New Jersey – traffic was horrendous, he was late, and minus a snare drum, But he managed well without it on Friday. By Saturday, the snare drum was located and all was well with the Trad Jazz world.
He even gave us a fine vocal on Pennies From Heaven, with Scott Philbrick and Brian Nalepka.
The third group had Molly on guitar, Dan on clarinet and tenor sax, Jeff back on keys, Kevin Dorn drums, for My Honey’s Loving Arms.
They do have fun playing music together. Molly’s vocal on My Blue Heaven, Dan grabbed the mic singing, “Just Molly and Me,” with Molly adding “and Barnhart makes three!” Check Jeff’s reaction!
Fourth band was led by Tom Boates with Jim Fryer, both fine trombonist, with Gen bass, Lawlor drums for a very different Mood Indigo from the Anderson Brothers.
Gen Rose, photo by Jan Sopelak
Genevieve Rose provides the right chords and excellent beat on string bass.
Fred Vigorito led the fifth band with a wild Oh Baby, lots of brass with Fred, Jim Fryer, Tom Boates, Scotty, Noel, Gen, Lawlor, Molly on guitar, and Donn Trenner keys,
Molly and Scott moved to guitar for a Noel and Fred’s knockout Chinaboy.
Fred on cornet and Noel on soprano sax let loose on Chinaboy boosted by two guitars
Tom Boates joins them for 3 guitars – Molly sings Dark Eyes….
Fred, Noel, Jenn, Kevin, Tom, Jeff, Joel played a gripping Sleepy Time Down South, and a fine medley of Hoagy Carmichael songs.
Sleepy Time Down South
Molly returned with this group for I Wonder Who’s Kissing Him Now.
Molly Ryan
She was given the choice of picking musicians and asked, “Who wants to play with me?” — That had everyone grinning!
She chose Dan, of course, Jim Lawlor, Gen, Joel, Jim Fryer, and Donn Trenner for Be Sure Its True When You Say I Love You – a beautiful waltz.
Getting back to a favorite Traditional Jazz number, with Yerba Buena’s, Bienville Blues, otherwise known as Storyville Blues, with veteran Trad players Freddy Vigorito and Scott Philbrick on cornet.
Yerba Buena number, Bienville Blues
Kevin Dorn
Canal St. Blues was a King Oliver stomp, with a powerful front line, livewire ensemble, backed by Kevin’s light but forceful drumming.
Time for another Banjorama, with Joel leading, and everyone singing along with Patriotic songs.
Joel leads the Banjorama, photo by Jan Sopelak, Show Photography
Tom Boates and Gordon Au
New York’s Gordon Au arrived. Welcome back, Gordon!!
Molly had the final vocals, intuitively connecting with the mood of each song: A Good Man is Hard to Find, I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles, and Get Out And Get Under The Moon.
Gordon joined on trumpet for a prolific brass finale, with Fryer on euphonium and Nalepka on tuba.
Gordon Au joins in Finale
It was a thrilling, crowd pleasing afternoon. We took a break and returned with a full house, anticipating a fine Saturday dinner and a Jazzy evening.
Completed videos have been sent to musicians for approval and will appear here as they are received. Some of these pictures will disappear. Enjoy for now.
After a delicious Dinner Buffet the first Saturday Evening band was led by Gordon Au, with Jim Fryer, Jim Lawlor, Dan Levinson on clarinet, Genevieve Rose on string bass, and Jeff Barnhart on piano. They began with a HOT Buddy’s Habits.
Band One led by Gordon Au, Saturday Evening at Jeff & Joel’s House Party, 2015
Same crew, Dan Levinson in charge, a 1922 tune played by the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Nobody’s Sweetheart Now. This is a Banjorama tune – Joel couldn’t help but come up to sing the melody.
Don Trenner traded places with Jeff, but before he could start, Dan Levinson pointed his clarinet at Donn and singlehandedly played Thanks For The Memories, in commemoration of all the years Donn played with Bob Hope.
Honeysuckle Rose – Fryer gets to sing
Scott and Noel played together for years in John Sheehan’s Heritage Jazz Band.
Change of crew – Noel Kalesky, Kevin Dorn, Scott Philbrick, Brian Nalepka and Jeff, The Things We Did Last Summer. Masterful duet between Scott and Noel. They’ve been friends for a long time.
Donn Trenner back, with Noel Kaletsky and Scott Philbrick with a rousing Lady be Good,
Dan Levinson on his fabulous tenor sax, Gordon Au, Tom Boates, Donn Trenner, Brian Nalepks, and Molly Ryan were up with Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams
Molly Ryan captures the crowd with Wrap Your Trouble in Dreams
Gordon continued with Molly singing Ain’t She Sweet, with Dan, Gen, Brian, and Donn. Gen on string bass marvelously trading 4’s with Donn Trenner.
Pianists kept switching with Jeff replacing Donn for Molly’s sweet Sugar.
Molly and Jeff were left alone for Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered.
Jim Fryer dedicates Easy Living to Connecticut
Jim Fryer has a Connecticut background, living in Wallingford for 12 years. He came up with Gen, Kevin, and Donn for Billie Holidays’ Easy Living. Jim dedicated it to the State of Connecticut.
Mood Indigo – Tom Boates and Jim Fryer
Scott and Noel, a tune they often played in Maine with Muriel Havenstein, Jeff and Brian joining them, for Swing That Music – Barnhart going WILD on keyboard!!
They do Swing That Music!!
Brian Nalepka is also an excellent vocalist.
Brian’s turn to lead, with his vocal, on Linger Awhile, with Tom Boates added on trombone.
Gotta give the boss his due – Joel on vocal with Scott, Noel, Tom, Jeff, Jim Lawlor – with a Father’s Mustache Honky Tonk Town..
Boss gets his chance to shine.
Gordon Au on trumpet, Scott, Molly and Tom Boates on guitar, for 3-guitar session on I’ve Got The World On a String.
Donn returned at piano for Exactly Like You with Fryer, Gordon, Dan, Molly on guitar, and Lawlor drums. Dorothy Fields did this with Jimmy McHugh in 1935, Lawlor vocal. Gordon played powerful trumpet, Gen couldn’t help bouncing with the rhythm. She and Dan had marvelous exchange on clarinet and string bass.
Lawlor sings too!
Molly
Kevin, Gordon, Fryer, Dan, Gen, Donn with Molly vocal on Meet Me Tonight Dreamland – 1909. The song came from Coney Island which was then only attended by the wealthy, hence “Dreamland”. It had very many lights. One night they caught fire and the place burned down.
Everyone left except Molly, Gen, and Donn for You Took Advantage of Me.
You Took Advantage of Me with Donn Trenner backing Molly
Molly took a break. Leaving the Trio, with Gen shining on string bass, Kevin drums, and Donn piano on Sunny Side of The Street.
Bogalusa Strut, with Gordon, Scotty, Noel, Dan on tenor sax, Boates, Fryer on euphonium, Barnhart and Lawler, with Joel sitting in, Nalepka tuba – euphonium and tuba duet! Superb drumming by Lawlor! The whole band joined in singing New Orleans.
Barnhart stunned by all that brass!
Clarinet duet, Dan and Noel, with Lawlor, Scott on guitar, Joel, Brian on string bass, Jeff on Avalon
Amazing clarinet duet on Avalon with Dan Levinson and Noel Kaletsky
Noel, Jeff, and Jim Lawlor continued with a wild fast tempo tune done by Wild Bill misguidedly named Sleep.
Time for Jeff’s Banjorama, with Joel, Kevin, Brian on tuba, Jeff, When Day is Done,Sweet Adeline, and many, many more, with all the fans and volunteers singing along. Your Fathers Mustache banjo players came from North Carolina and Christ Fennimore (left) came from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to join Joel. Fans and Volunteers joined heartily in the sing-along.
Everyone gets in on the act for the Banjorama
Donn Trenner back for Molly Ryan vocal on Jeepers Creepers, with Gen, Kevin, Gordon, Tom Boates, Scott on guitar. Dan on tenor sax. Fantastic.
Molly, Jeff, Gen, Tom, Kevin, Scotty still on guitar, I Ain’t Got Nobody. Growling trombone, Hot Stuff. Molly doing vocal duet with Jeff piano. Time for a slow waltz. This was not on the list. Molly vocal, Dan, Gen, Jeff, Kevin, Hushaby Mountain. Nice piano and Molly vocal, Gen bowing the bass, Dan on tenor sax. Ended the way it started, with piano and vocal.
Lawlor back, Noel on clarinet, Nalepka tuba, Scott on cornet, Gordon trumpet, Jim Fryer, Jeff. I Ain’t Got Nobody.
Gordon and Scott battling on I Ain’t Got Nobody
Scotty cornet and Noel clarinet absolutely fantastic, Gordon and Fryer, trumpet and trombone trading, 4’s for Lu Waters’ Come Back Sweet Poppa.
The Au Brothers were raised on Lu Waters by their uncle, Howard Miatta, who plays with the High Sierra Jazz Band. Our guys continued with a stormy version of Struttin’ With Some Barbecue.
There was time for one more ‘classy’ tune with a small ensemble, before the final fiasco. Donn Trenner called for Duke’s A Train, Donn in constant, fluid, rhythmic motion. Absolutely beautiful! This man loves to play piano.
Gordon ended it as he had begun, leading the Finale, a rip roaring Panama!
Everyone up for Panama
Breathless. That’s how we were left this Saturday Evening of Jeff and Joel’s House Party! Yet there was more coming on Sunday……
Bob Winter keyboard, Eli Newberger tuba, Jeff Guthery drums, Ted Casher reeds, Dave Burdette trumpet, Herb Gardner trombone/vocals, last set: Caroline Newberger washboard.
The band was still wrapped in the glow of their full house and reception at the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. They were relaxed and jovial; there wasn’t even a set list. Everyone was featured! They played a game – “Let’s stump the trumpet player” – with Bo Winiker’s substitute, Dave Burdette.
But Dave Burdette is one of the most in-demand trumpet players in the country and can play jazz, classical and everything in between. The Dave Burdette orchestra played for 10 years at Boston’s Ritz Carlton Hotel Roof Top.
They began with Do Nothing ‘till You Hear From Me, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Limehouse Blues tore the house down!
Everyone had a chance to solo. There was no amplification whatsoever, but that didn’t stop Herb from singing; Wonderful World, special request for Bill Bailey. They began with the verse, front line magnificent, with Dave on muted trumpet, Jeff reverberating the tuba on the hi hat. It was a never-ending tune, with Eli pointing to each musician to give it a final blast.
Bob Winter, pianist for the Boston Pops, enjoys being part of this band
Bob Winter picked a solo that we haven’t heard for a long time, Rhode Island is Famous For You.
Astounding piano!!
Caroline Newberger arrived, with washboard, for what they called “Tap dancing routine #1” for Tea for Two and Perdido. Caroline added to the rhythm section for the whole last set. She was featured on her special, and one of our favorites, Miami Rumba, accompanied by piano. (Dave’s trumpet sounded like Herb Alpert in the Tijuana Brass.) Jeff maintained the rumba rhythm on temple blocks.
Caroline Newberger on washboard
The combined talents of this front line are remarkable!
Ted Casher, Dave Burdette, Herb Gardner
Eli plays Polka Dots and Moonbeams
With Eli’s prowess on the tuba, he was able to reach low, low and ended up high on Polka Dots and Moonbeams. This brought back fond memories!
Dave Burdette
Dave’s version of Stardust was absolutely haunting, subtly backed by rhythm. Beautiful!
Ted couldn’t resist this tune, came in with clarinet ending with a note that hit the stratosphere!
At The Jazz Band Ball started at a pretty good clip, with fine polyphony. Dave played trumpet softly then with passion, slipping in a bit of ‘Stumbling’.
Herb Gardner sang many tunes as well as playing trombone
Herb sang many tunes, and his marvelous trombone was featured on Rose Room.
Jeff was let loose on Alexander’s Ragtime Band; he enjoys tapping on those variegated temple blocks!
Jeff is expert on temple blocks
Ben Pilch wrote:
“It was my second time seeing the group, Eli & the hot 6 concert on Thursday at Primavera. I enjoyed the concert very much. The group members are obviously excellent jazz musicians who are technically sound and very good improvisers. In addition, they have an obvious camaraderie, joie de vivre, and love of what they’re doing that is charming and infectious.”
“Another facet of their performance that I enjoyed was their spontaneity. Rather than clinging to a set playlist, they seemed often to decide on the spur of the moment what would be a good tune to perform at that moment. This allowed them to easily accept requests, and at this concert there were two, Bill Bailey and Alexander’s Ragtime Band. I enjoyed these performances a great deal, and I was delighted to hear the verses to these songs, less commonly heard than the more familiar choruses. A lovely atmospheric rendition of Stardust was, I thought, another high point. A great show! Ben Pilch (fan and audience member)
Eli and The Hot Seven
We’re declaring Dave Burdette winner of the “Let’s stump the trumpet player” game! The Hot Six +1 closed with Louis’s Sleepy Time Down South.
They’ll be back at Primavera on September 10th and October 15th, September 20th. They are at the FREE family-friendly Autumnal Equinox celebration – 12th Annual Revels RiverSing at Harvard Square’s Winthrop Park. They will be at Ken’s Steak House. They’re also looking forward to their 2nd appearance at Sculler’s Jazz Club on December 17th. Stay tuned.
The Ramblers play Dixieland and Hot Dance music from the Roaring Twenties, including tunes composed by Tin Pan Alley giants like Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Isham Jones. They will be playing on October 29 at Primavera, 20 Pleasant Street, Millis, MA. For this performance, the musicians are Craig Ball, reeds; Bob MacInnis, trumpet and flugelhorn; Scott Philbrick, banjo and trumpet; and Robin Verdier, keyboard.
Tony Pringle cornet/leader, Billy Novick clarinet/soprano and alto sax, Stan Vincent trombone, Herb Gardner keyboard, Peter Bullis banjo/manager, Jim Guttman string bass, Dave Didriksen drums,
The New Black Eagle Jazz Band will be starting its 45th year next month; you can tell by Tony’s beat-up, metal bowler-hat mute. They filled the House at Primavera Ristorante with their authentic, happy, foot-tapping Traditional Jazz beat. People drove for miles to hear this band. It was worth it, just to hear Billy Novick playing soprano sax! That was new to us. It certainly adds dynamism to the music!
Jim Guttmann was a new face on string bass. The Black Eagles have been using many different string bass players (much as the original Black Eagles Jazz Band did.) They must be experts in their craft and also know the unique Traditional Jazz Beat. Tony is uncompromising, maintaining the band’s unique sound.
Jim Guttman
Jim Guttman, a full-time musician, filled the bill. He’s taught double bass and coached jazz and klezmer music ensembles at the Rivers School Conservatory since 1989. He’s performed with a myriad of groups including the Klezmer Conservatory Band, singers Eartha Kitt and Mark Murphy, the Really Eclectic String Quartet, blues masters Johnny Shines and James Cotton, the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Texas swing legend Tiny Moore.
Dave Didriksen
Trad Jazz Drummers are also a rarity; Dave Didriksen filled in for Bill Reynolds; not an easy task. We’ve known Dave as a great drummer starting with the Commonwealth Jazz Band at The Outpost Farm in Holliston in the 80’s, then with the Wolverine Jazz Band, and now as drummer and Manager of Swing Times Five with Debby Larkin. Oh, and also Willows Book Store in Acton.
The New Black Eagles kicked it off with When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver, appropriate for most of us. (Where did the years go?) Savoy Blues, a tune that Louis Armstrong recorded in 1927, when he was just coming to prominence as an innovative cornet and trumpet virtuoso. Great string bass solo by Guttmann; Stan played his growling tailgate trombone.
Every band plays Shimme Sha Wabble differently. The front line was enhanced by Jim’s complex chords on string bass, pushed by Dave’s drum beat. and Herb’s titanic hands on keyboard.
Front Line
Herb Gardner has massive hands
Herb Gardner was featured on If I Had My Way, showing off his stride piano. He has always been a full-time musician, now with a full-time musical family with daughters Abby and Sarah. He bounces back and forth to the Carnegie Club in New York, even in the 4-feet of snow we had last winter. Herb has been filling in here in New England for many pianists, and has just about become the full-time pianist for the Black Eagles.
Peter Bullis
Tony, Peter and Stan are retired now, so they are playing full time too. Peter’s expression hasn’t changed. He is still plucking the banjo, maintaining that beat, as he did in 1971 at the Sticky Wicket, and he’s still wearing his Red Sox.
Once In a While, from Louis’ Hot Five, was fantastic with Billy on clarinet.
They slowed the tempo with a tune they haven’t played in a long time, Johnny Dodd’s Steal Away, with Jim bowing the string bass. Billy took the vocal on Jelly Roll Morton’s Sweet Substitute, backed by Tony’s sweet muted cornet.
Sam Morgan’s 1928 Short Dress Gal was one they played at the Wicket. (Tony mentioned that Cajun bands played this in their Patois in 1927.)
We’ve been listening to Billy since he added younger ideas to the Eagles back in 1986 – but this is the first time we’ve heard him playing soprano sax.
Noting the soprano sax, one fan requested a Sidney Bechet tune, The Fish Vender. He got I Remember When (Si Tu Vois Ma Mere) instead, with Billy and Jim Guttmann, Herb Gardner, and Dave Didriksen. Beautiful!
I’m kicking myself for not recording this from the beginning where Billy faithfully played Bechet’s passionate version. Once we recovered from that one, we heard an old Pop Tune, Girl of My Dreams, a lively tune. Billy started on clarinet but moved to alto sax in the end, backed by fine string bass.
There was some discussion about how to handle the beginning and ending of Delta Bound, ensemble or somebody on solo? They left it up to Billy; both beginning and end were amazing ensemble, Tony taking the lead with Billy comping on alto sax, Stan’s trombone stretched out low, low, as it could go.
They closed with Weary Blues, or Shake It And Break It – take your pick – same song. It was WILD; even Herb’s hands went wild on the keyboard. They ending as they began, with Billy on lovely soprano sax. WOW! What a night.
There were many dedicated New Black Eagle Fans here; they filled the room. They will be back at Brandeis University on October 4th; Cultural Center of Cape Cod on October 11th; Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College, North Andover MA on November 6th. Primavera Ristorante November 19th.
