by Myron Idelson
photos: Marce
videos by CineDevine

On November 7 2015 at 2pm there was no ambiguity in store musically for an overflow crowd.  Steve Taddeo Swing Senders with special guest Midiri Brothers Paul and Joe, returned by unanimous demand, presented jazz lovers and enthusiasts with a fevered performance.

Against the drop back of historic Bemis Hall the Swing Senders thankfully populated by Joe Midiri clarinet, alto and soprano sax, Paul Midiri vibes, trombone and drums, Bill Cable cornet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Robin Verdier piano, Bill Doyle guitar, Justin Meyer string bass, Craig Ball clarinet, Steve Taddeo drums, Caroline Griep vocals, unabashedly raised traditional jazz to new heights.

Steve Taddeo is a rare talent, a brilliant and dynamic drummer with native talents who fires up the Swing Senders and any band he plays for because of his consistently inspiring drums.  His unique style displaying superb musicianship is bright, inventive, quite intense, soft with sticks or brushes and with no difficulty in communicating with the musicians and vocalist Caroline Griep on their lofty level.  His playing has unanimity of purpose, of thought, musical and otherwise, inspiring the band to a sense of freedom and play; all combined with an air of maturity that is unique unusual superlative uncommon – in other words RARE.

Stomping at The Savoy

The program consisted of Stomping at the Savoy, Ida, Avalon, All of Me, Jeepers Creepers, Pennies From Heaven, Crazy Rhythm, I’ll Do Anything For You, and Dinah.  Each one played with an exuberance and excitement producing a feeling of exultation which consistently caused volcanic eruptions of applause during and after every number.

What a Dream

What a joy!  This group, the Swing Senders, combined with Joe and Paul made it absolutely amazing.  It must be remembered by all of us who were there as an evening that consistently and joyously incited and inspired not only the audience but the fellow musicians. Steve’s Swing Senders and The Midiris invariably project a wonderful uninhibited aura of spontaneity that brightens every place they perform. Ditto for November 7^th.

Caroline’s value to the Swing Senders is tremendous; the guys love her and she loves them.  The whole spirit of the room, the band and audience perks up perceptibly when she sings.  Caroline is dedicated to her music and modestly never fully recognizing her talent.   She is devoted and anxious to please not only her listeners but her musical conscience as well.

In addition to Craig Ball’s scintillating wizardry on clarinet, Craig was the music director and was wonderfully imaginative and wisely selecting solos at the proper times, from himself, Bill Cable’s souring and sweet trumpet, Robin Verdier’s stride piano, Justin Meyer’s chordal bass, Gerry Gagnon sonorous trombone, Bill Doyle’s syncopated guitar.  All of their solos were driving, probing soaring and sweet.

Joe’s soprano sax rendition of Si Tu Vois Ma Mere displayed a pure tone and beauty so remarkable and emotional, steeped in greatness and perhaps musical immortality.  Many of us wept.

Pennies From Heaven sung by Joe produced a return to life of Louis himself.

Finally, the dueling drums with Steve and Paul were sheer drumming skill and beauty, gorgeous and heralded clean and clear strokes, for imagination and wit, for originality, consistency, extraordinary drumming skills, making obsolete single, double, and triple ratamacues and paradiddles.

No other audience has heard a drum duel to match Steve and Paul.  The evening can be summarized thusly: a story of inspiration and imagination, a story of energy, a story of love and a lesson for all of us in giving.  And we the listeners were the gracious receivers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many thanks to Harold and Shirley McAleer and Eve Welts for all their work at Bemis Hall, Vern Welch for moral support, and to SteveTaddeo for bringing us the Midiri Brothers.                                                                                  Marce