Bo Winiker trumpet/flugelhorn, Ted Casher clarinet/tenor and alto sax, Herb Gardner trombone, Bob Winter piano, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger leader/tuba, Zac Casher drums, Elaine Wu, Watson Reid and Nat Coolidge vocals, Carolyn Newberger washboard

Eli and The Hot Six is composed of seasoned veterans with the wisdom and expertise gained from playing many, many gigs in a variety of venues.  They exhude rhythmic energy with delicate ornamentations — and  it’s always new, enriching and nourishing for your jazz soul.

 

Eli leads them with a subtle pointing and each has the courage to follow his impulse and makes the melody come alive.   His monstrous tuba becomes the rhythmic instrument that guides them.

Eli was the Tiger in Tiger Rag with swinging synergy inspired by the burning tempo. In the middle, Eli motioned to Bo and Bob, and they abruptly responded, trading two bars then one bar, at that fast tempo.  It was done seamlessly; amazing!

 

 

Bo Winiker’s trumpet generally establishes the melody, but doesn’t always take the lead.   His ability to improvise seems limitless.

Bo created arrangements for this 7-piece band that made it sound like a full orchestra on Don’t Get Around Much Anymore and a
Duke Medley of
 Mood Indigo,
Sophisticated Lady,
I’ve Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good,
with Ted switching to alto sax.

Clarinet master Ted Casher is also a full-blown tenor saxophonist with total command of the horn.  it was a revelation to hear him on alto.  His son Zac provided solid, swinging support every note of the way, with a loose touch that gets big sound.

Bob Winter’s propulsive rhythms and fluent style were apparent on his unique version of Gershwin’s masterpiece Begin The Beguine.  He plays challenging music that only top musicians can meet.  He added so much!

 

Herb Gardner’s supple fingers showed digital dexterity on trombone. He once said “Each trumpet player is different, and you change your lines to fit his style. Jazz is an exercise in manipulating music and it can be incredibly rewarding with these top players.”
Herb’s expertise was featured playing and singing on Nice Work If You Can Get It, and Let’s Misbehave, with a great drum solo by Zac.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carolyn Newberger added a little spice to the band with Miami Beach Rhumba on washboard, with  Bob Winter’s encouraging assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jimmy’s one-note banjo and singing style are renowned.  He kicked off this evening with banjo and vocal on Basin St. Blues.

But he’s a busy guy, so the band has added several new vocalists.

 

 

 

 

 

Elaine Wu’s deep feeling takes us inside each song, making each composition tender or perky, treating us with many tunes, including one we’ve never heard before, I’m an Errand Girl for Rhythm, send me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watson Reid realy enjoys singing with this band, he’s a tasteful, swinging and inventive interpreter of Bill Bailey and Flat Foot Floogie

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nat Coolidge gave a sweetly earnest performance on Summertime and You Do Something To Me – this was his first time with the band.

 

 

 

They finished with a fiery St. James Infirmary,  with Jimmy scatting it to a close.

Music is a powerful motivator.  Join them on Sunday and Monday presenting The Genius of Cole Porter Jul 23^rd  8pm at Barrington Stage Company, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201; Box Office: 413 236-8888 and Duke Ellington Swings!  July 24 at 8:00 PM  $45  info@barringtonstageco.org

TUNES:

Basin St. Blues – Jimmy
12^th St. Rag
Nice Work If You Can Get It – Herb
Begin The Beguine – Bob
I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Elaine
Tiger Rag – Eli
Summertime – Nat
Bill Bailey – Watson
Miami Beach Rhumba – Carolyn
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Ellington Medley:
Mood Indigo
Sophisticated Lady
I’ve Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good
Errand Boy (Girl) – Elaine
Let’s Misbehave – Herb
Route 66 – Elaine
Flat Foot Floogie – Watson
You Do Something To Me – Nat
Saint James Infirmary Blues – Jimmy
Limehouse Blues