Stan McDonald soprano sax, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Phil Person trumpet, Jack Soref guitar, Stu Gunn double bass, Richard Malcolm drums

The Blue Horizon Jazz Band was eager to play following a two-month hiatus at Primavera Ristorante.  They played many of our Traditional Jazz Favorites;  Gerry Gagnon, Stan McDonald and Phil Person carried the melody on front  line.  In Trad Jazz, somebody always plays the melody.

They were backed by rhythm section: Jack Soref on guitar, Rich Malcolm drums, and Stu Gunn acoustic double bass.  The front line played great ensemble backed by exemplary rhythm on Spreading Joy.

 

 

 

Leader Stan McDonald was featured on Bechet’s Fantasy, and singing All By Myself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phil Person adds his own unique voice on trumpet with beautifully simple phrasing.

 

 

 

 

Rich Malcolm maintains that important Trad Beat with unique improvisations.  It’s a joy to watch his antics!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack’s D-hole guitar was specially built for him by a friend in Worcester, combining  several designs from various French guitars – sounding very much like Gypsy Jazz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stu Gunn also maintains the beat, in sync with the drum.  His solo on Memphis Blues expressed flawless intonation.

 

 

 

 

Gerry’s instrument is a 1946 Olds Super Trombone with wide tone band and hand engraved details.  He is equally adept on tuba and fills in when Stu can’t make it.

Gerry Gagnon

Hand engraved trombone

Stan took a break after the second set.  The rhythm boys were featured on I Remember When.

Then the 5-piece band took off with Sweet Sue, Chinatown, My Blue Heaven, Strutting with Some Barbecue, and Gerry singing The Sheikh of Araby.  They closed the evening with Coquette.

My Blue Heaven

Chinatown

Coquette – video by Ellen McDonald

Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band plays at Primavera on the first Thursday of every month; they will return September 7^th.   Join us!

TUNES:
Got Rhythm
Blue Turning Gray Over You
Roaming
My Gal Sal
Tijuana
Some Sweet Day
Bechet’s Fantasy
Spreading Joy
Lotus Blossom
Memphis Blues
All By Myself
I Remember When
Sweet Sue
Strutting with Some Barbecue
The Sheikh of Araby
My Blue Heaven
Coquette