Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks at Essex Winter Series, February 8, 2015

Full Band up on stage

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks

By Jean Hadley
Photos: Ed Ohr

Stu Ingersoll Jazz Concert
Jeff Barnhart, Jazz Artistic Advisor

The Essex, Connecticut Winter Series bring the finest music, in live performances, to the Connecticut River Valley and Shoreline Region; Sunday was an outstanding example.

People familiar with Vince Giordano and his Nighthawks know they are in for a performance unequaled by anyone on the scene today.

Vince Giordano

 

Vince has a plethora of information and an unsurpassed collection of Hot Jazz from the l920’s and 1930’s.  It is mind boggling to hear him, in an easy manner, recite the history of this music; details that only he has stored in his mind’s archives.   His love of this music began when he was only five; living in Brooklyn, New York.

Among his many, many accomplishments and awards, one recent award is most outstanding.  In 2012, Vince and the Nighthawks won a GRAMMY in the 54th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for their work on “Boardwalk Empire.”  The music soundtrack is available on CD and may be purchased on line.

Moving along, to Sunday’s outstanding performance, the auditorium was filled to capacity.  When Jeff Barnhart appeared, on stage to introduce the band, he received appreciative applause not only for his work with the series but for his talent and contribution to the world of jazz.

When the Nighthawks began to play, a hush came over the entire auditorium.  The audience, settled in for two hours of historical entertainment, sat on the edge of their seats listening not only to the music but, also the mountain of information Vince revealed about each selection.  The way Vince presents a concert fills his patrons with the feeling of wanting more and more; and wishing the performance hours were longer.

I used to write about each selection, the author, year it was written, however, with the advent of the computer, it is very easy for the reader to do his/her own research.  I prefer to write more about audience reaction and where the musicians are in OKOM.  People like Vince and his Nighthawks are a prime example of this.  OKOM is true Americana music.  Everything that followed the beginnings in 1895, evolved from these humble beginnings.   Yesterday was a prime example of how many are continuing to pay homage to our 120 year old music.  Kudos to Vince, his Nighthawks ensemble and all musicians here and aboard.  Both men and women continue, in there endeavors, to recreate OKOM and captivate audiences.   The attendance was certainly proof just how much OKOM is still alive and well.

Each and every one of the Nighthawks was outstanding.  However, over many years, I have watched three musicians “blossom” into beautiful flowers….if I may use this metaphor; outstanding, in their work, Jim Fryer, Dan Levinson and Jon-Eric Kellso.   Of course, each and every one of the remaining musicians has his own compelling artistry.

Erik Dan Jim

The Nighthawks repertoire was filled with music by Jelly Roll Morton, Paul Whiteman, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Earl Hines, King Oliver, Fletcher Henderson, Bix Beiderbecke and the list was endless.

Vince on vocals, Andy Stein on “phone fiddle” and several numbers when the front line used “megaphones” (1920.)  Unfortunately missing was Rudy Vallee.

Not forgotten and reminding us that the “washboard and banjo” played a huge part in our early music; Paul Wells (percussion) entertained us with his “washboard artistry” while Ken Salvo did his part on the banjo.

Jeff Barnhart at piano

photo by Ed Ohr

 

Vince called Jeff on stage to play his own beautiful arrangement of “In the Mist” written by Bix Beiderbecke (and perhaps the last song Bix wrote.)  It is amazing how much knowledge and understanding Jeff has for his music.

 

Jeff has entertained audiences since he was a youngster.  I have been told, at a very, very young age and, before my introduction to the Millpond Tavern in Northford, CT, he sat in with the Galvanized Jazz Band.

And, so we came to the end of our time together.  The audience was applauding for more but, of course, all good things must come to an end.  Vince reminded his audience that CD’s were available.  http://vincegiordano.com/music

This said; what a great way to continue hearing the Nighthawks and CD’s by other musicians in his ensemble.

Jean Hadley

Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks Essex Winter Series Valley Regional High School Deep River, Connecticut Sunday March 4, 2012

by Jean Hadley,
photos by Irene Cowern and Ed Ohr


Vince Giordano with Peter Yarin, piano     I. Cowern photo

Randy Reinhart, Trumpet

Michael Ponella, Trumpet

Jon-Erik Kellso, Trumpet

Jim Fryer, Trombone

Chuck Wilson, clarinet and sax

Andy Stein Violin, Baritone Sax,

Mark Lopeman, Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Soprano Sax

Dan Levinson, Alto Sax, Clarinet, Soprano Sax

Peter Yarin, Piano

Ken Salvo, Banjo, Guitar

Arnie Kinsella, Drums

Vince Giordano, string bass, tuba, bass sax

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Long Island, Vince Giordano began his long and illustrious music career at age five. At age 14, Vince joined the musicians union.  As the years passed, he became enamored with every instrument available to him. As a result, he has become a music virtuoso and mastering the art of playing many instruments. 

This afternoon was a wonderful example of his talent as a leader, musician, historian, crowd pleaser and friend to his fellow musicians and audience.

The beautiful auditorium was filled to capacity. The band looked strikingly handsome in their black tuxedos.  Lights lowered, the music began.  Music of the 1920’s filled the air and  it was difficult to sit still. 

One could imagine floating around a dance floor doing or watching the movement of the “Quick Step.”  Those were the days when people danced together and often times in competition.


Ponella, Wilson. Lopeman, Stein           I. Cowern photo

Here is a list of  some beautifully arranged and familiar songs I am certain everyone in the audience knew.

Dipper Mouth Blues

Limehouse Blues

Deep Harlem

She’s a Great, Great Girl

The Mooch

Rhapsody in Blue

I Found a New Baby

Midnight, the Stars and You

East of the Sun

Maple Leaf Rag

Chinatown

Avalon

I Would Do Anything for You

Medley from “Little Rascals”

Okay Baby

Beautiful Changes

Tiger Rag

These Foolish Things

Nagasaki

(Encore) Good Old Days


                                                     Ed Ohr photo

Jim Fryer entertained us several times with his Euphonium expertise…..as did Andy Stein with his Violin and Baritone Sax.


Andy Stein


Arnie Kinsella       Ed Ohr photos

Adding to the delight of everyone, Dan Levinson, Mark Lopeman and Chuck Wilson wowed us with their Megaphones (missing was Rudy Vallee);  Peter Yarin (piano) and Arnie Kinsella (with his vintage drums) portraying unique artistic technique, playing with the band versus against it.


Megaphones          Ed Ohr photo

And who could not appreciate the three guys “quietly” waiting for their turn to be heard.  Our dear, Jim Fryer, Michael Ponella and Randy Reinhart.   To the delight of those who love the Banjo, we were entertained by Ken Salvo.


Reinhart, Levinson, Ponella, Wilson, Fryer, Lopeman     I. Cowern photo

Always, front and center, we had our dear leader, Vince, on his ever famous “Silver Bass,” Tuba, Bass Saxophone and vocals.  Adding to his already endless talent, Vince gave us the history (with charm and wit) of each and every song played.  He never seems to tire entertaining his audience. 

When the audience returned after the break, Vince asked the audience for questions and requests.  Some of the songs are listed here.  Avalon is one….A bit of trivia about Avalon (1920) …. by Jolson, DeSylva and Rose.  The Opening melody was taken from Puccini’s aria Elucevan le stella from the opera Tosca.  


Levinson, Wilson, Lopeman            I. Cowern photo


Levinson, Wilson, Lopeman, Stein      Ed Ohr photo

For your music pleasure,  the Nighthawks will always please you and never disappoint you.