Steve Taddeo Swing Senders with special guest Dan Levinson at Bemis, October 27, 2018

Despite the heavy rain Noreaster there was a sizable crowd anticipating  Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders with Special Guest Dan Levinson, this fine afternoon. Featured were Jeff Hughes and Pat Stout trumpet, Dan Levinson, John Clark and Craig Ball reeds, Dan Gabel trombone, Justin Meyer bass, Bill Doyle guitar, Ross Petot piano and Steve Taddeo drums and Leader.  Guest vocalist Debbie Nordyke.
It was a top notch dream band and the greatest musicians in New England.

For those of us who couldn’t make it, Harold McAleer took videos.  Thank you, Harold!!

Debby Nordyke sings Blue skies.  John Clark on bari sax goes toe-toe with Dan Levinson on tenor sax,

Don’t Be That Way –  Starting with Dan on clarinet, all get to improvise a solo

 

Just The Way You Look Tonight

Steve Taddeo featured – even tried Tap Dancing with Found a New Baby- 11.4 minutes:

Dan Levinson winds up the concert in Bemis Hall on Oct 27, 2018
with a hot tune – Stomping at the Savoy

The audience was not disappointed!   Steve Taddeo brought together a top-notch group of musicians this afternoon at Bemis Hall.  Thank you, Harold McAleer for sharing.

Dan Levinson enjoyed playing along with them, and said he’d like to return next year with his family!!   Steve will keep us informed. Stay tuned!

“The Big 5” at Bemis Hall, August 12, 2018

Midiri Brothers with Jeff Barnhart, Steve Taddeo and Marilyn Griep

Steve Taddeo’s Big 5

Joe Midiri clarinet, soprano & alto sax, Paul Midiri vibes, Jeff Barnhart piano, Steve Taddeo drums, Caroline Griep vocals                                videos by Harold McAleer

Jeff smiling at crowd

Jeff Barnhart

 

 

Jeff Barnhart was excited to appear with The Midiri Brothers at Bemis Hall.

They were brought together by Steve Taddeo, with Caroline Griep vocals.

 

 

 

 

The Big 5 started early, practicing Ding Dong Daddy even before the crowd arrived.  They were prepared!

Joe on soprano sax

Joe Midiri

 

 

 

Joe Midiri was fantastic on clarinet (Nagasaki), soprano sax (Nuages) and alto sax.

 

 

 

 

Nagasaki

Paul on vibraphone

Paul Midiri    Photo by Tina Cass

 

 

 

His identical twin brother Paul stayed with Vibraphone this evening, keeping a miraculously fast pace.

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t Be That Way

Brunette, short hair, black dress

Caroline Griep

 

 

Caroline Griep was a match for them with her natural warmth and easy swing.  She kept up with Barnhart’s jesting between songs; and when he called on her on the spur-of-the-moment, she was prepared.

 

 

Taddeo kept up the beat, playing brushes behind many of them. He let go in the finale, his theme song – Dinah.

 

Note:  The Midiri Brothers and Jeff Barnhart may return sometime next June – stay tuned to our calendars.

side view of Caroline, Paul, Joe and Steve Taddeo

The Big 5 at Bemis Halll                  Photo by Tina Cass

Excellent videos by Harold McAleer, who also had a birthday this week. Thank you, Harold – Happy Birthday!

 

Marce

 

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders at Bemis Hall, June 8, 2018

7 pc Swing Band with 2 guitars

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders

Photos by Jason Towne

Pat Stout trumpet, Craig Ball clarinet, Herb Gardner piano, John Turner string bass, Steve Taddeo drums,  Billl Doyle rhythm guitar, Debbie Nordyke vocals, featuring Eric Baldwin guitar.

Taddeo kicked it off with an upbeat Don’t Be That Way with two guitars, trumpet and clarinet – great start to a fine afternoon of propulsive Rhythm and Swing!

smiling Vocalist with long blonde hair

Debbie Nordyke

 

 

 

Steve wasted no time Introducing former Broadway actress and vocalist Debbie Nordyke, singing Blue Skies, and from Brigadoon – It’s Almost Like Being In Love.

 

 

 

Bill Doyle on rhythm guitar

Bill Doyle on rhythm guitar

 

 

 

Bill Doyle’s guitar adds perfect rhythm to the band’s beat!

 

 

 

Craig Ball and Eric Baldwin teamed up for Count Basie’s Air Mail Special. 

Eric Baldwin was featured on  Seven Come Eleven, with help from bassist John Turner:

Debbie returned with Duke’s 1943 Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, and How About You.

playing clarinet

Craig Ball

 

 

 

Craig Ball played a Memorial for a dear friend and drummer, Bobby Reardon, who passed recently,  I Would Do Anything For You.  Taddeo emphasizing drums.

 

 

 

playing trumpet in front of drums

Pat Stout

 

Debbie Nordyk actually worked on stage with Lorna Luft, Judy Garland’s daughter, bringing back memories with the ’39 Harold Arlen ballad, Somewhere Over The Rainbow.  Pat Stout’s open bell trumpet soared!

 

 

Debbie continued with S’Wonderful  and the Gerschwin’s tune from Funny Face, Our Love Is Here To Stay.  It was the last musical composition George Gershwin completed before his death on July 11, 1937.  His brother Ira published it later.

full band with Debbie singing

 

Herb on Bemis's grand piano

Herb Gardner

 

 

 

With a mood of creativity, Herb Gardner approaches tunes with a spirit essential to this kind of music.

 

 

 

 

A hot sextet tells us The  World Is Waiting For The Sunrise

6 pc band

Sextet

 

Found a New Baby was WILD, with Taddeo’s famous ten-minute drum solo and walk-around.

Debbie calmed everyone down with a tune from Gerschwin’s Porgy & Bess, reminding us it was finally Summertime!  and Just in Time.

clarinet and trumpet

Craig Ball and Pat Stout

 

 

 

Honeysuckle Rose, with the Craig and Pat duet, was a barn-burner.

 

 

 

They closed with a WILD instrumental, Sweet Sue, with improvised solos pushed by the drum & bass.

Another version of the Swing Senders will be appearing at Primavera Ristorante at 7pm on Thursday, June 28th.  20 Pleasant St. Millis MA.  Come join us for a fantastic evening of Rhythm and Swing!

Sarah Spencer International Jazz Band at Bemis Hall  October 11, 2017

9 pc Real Trad Jazz Band - two reeds

Sarah Spencer International Jazz Band

Sarah and Minnie Mouse

Sarah and Minnie Mouse

 

Sarah Spencer returned from her home in England; stopped by at Disneyworld to catch up with friends, then settled in Connecticut, playing at Bill’s Seafood.  We were fortunate to have her with us in Lincoln, MA, with her International All Stars.  Our local musicians were thrilled to have Sarah here – that was obvious!

 

Jeff Hughes cornet, John Clark clarinet/soprano sax, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Herb Gardner piano, Justin Meyer  bass, Bill Doyle guitar, Steve Taddeo drums, Sarah Spencer tenor sax/vocals/clarinet/alto sax.

They opened with Jimmy singing Exactly Like You.  Sarah and The All Stars  played New Orleans Traditional Jazz – it was refreshing to hear it again!  She explained where the tunes came from, and what bands played them, like The Sam Morgan band, Papa Celestin,  Billy & Dede Pierce, Kid Thomas, Ma Rainey’s Tiajuana Man.

Clark on soprano, Sarah on tenor sax

John Clark and Sarah duet

 

 

John Clark took up soprano sax for Sweet Jenny Lee, a  Cab Callaway tune.

 

 

 

 

Steve Taddeo has been studying Baby Dodds – surprising the members of the band on Traditional Jazz – his passion is playing drums!
Sweet Jenny Lee

Sarah sang several songs, including Love, by Jabbo Smith.

Sarah singing. Taddeo reveling on drums, Jeff Hughes trumpet

Sarah sings Jabbo Smith’s Love

both singing on same mic

Sarah and Gerry sing

 

 

The band reveled in playing unusual pairings of musicians.  Sarah played clarinet on Savoy Blues, persuaded by John Clark.  Jerry Gagnon sang a duet with Sarah – that was a surprise!

Jimmy playing banjo and singing, head lowered

Jimmy sings with Justin Meyer behind him

 

 

 

Jimmy Mazzy sang Sweetheart of TKO, from “Papa” Celastin’s Original Tuxedo Orchestra.
Closer Walk With Thee had both Sarah and John playing clarinet, backed by the rhythm section. Justin Meyer was behind Jimmy with fluid intonation and flawless timing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herb Gardner learned and played many new songs this evening.

 

 

 

Herb Gardner enjoyed playing  on Bemis’s antique grand piano showing his astonishing improvisational skills – he had never heard some of these Traditional Jazz tunes!

 

 

 

 

Bill hidden behind mike, Gerry on muted trombone

Bil Doyle and Gerry Gagnon

 

Gerry Gagnon is amazing on trombone, improvising harmony lines, playing lovely slow glissando.
It was impossible to get a clear picture of Bill Doyle, playing guitar in the rhythm section, making every note count – invaluable to the band.

 

They closed with an astounding Panama.

All agreed that they will do this again next year.  The attentive and enthusiastic  audience applauded wholeheartedly!

The following Wednesday, Sarah Spencer played at a private house party in Concord MA that was well attended by Jimmy Mazzy fans.  She’s been driving from Connecticut to this party for years!

Thursday 26th she drove up to Primavera in Millis, Massachusetts and sat in with Jeff Hughes, Craig Ball, Jimmy Mazzy, Steve Taddeo and Ron L’Herault.  She said it was the most magnificent send-off possible; last few hours of her trip with the very best of friends.  Next morning she headed back home to England.

We look forward to her returning next year!!   We all love you, Sarah!

by Marce
videos by Harold McAleer

 

 

Dave Whitney Big Band at Bemis Hall, October 1, 2017

17-pc band (missing one trumpet)

Dave Whitney Big Band

videos by Harold McAleer

An extension of Dave’s small bands, his fourteen piece orchestra was formed in 1989.  The focus of this band was playing and preserving the classic sounds of the big band era.

Now an 18-piece band, members here were:
Saxophones
Dave Jost
Art Bakopolus
Diane Heffner
Bob Drukman
Kathleen Howland

Trumpets
Dave Whitney, leader
Joe Musumeci
Jeff Hughes
Brittany Betts, vocals

Trombones
Scott Hill
Mike Strauss
Hikaru Sato

Guitar: Karen Quatromoni, vocals
Piano Steve Dale,
Bass Dave LeBleu,
Drums Reid Jorgensen

This orchestra is comfortable playing for the listener and is equally at ease playing for dancers.  Besides saluting the big name bands such as Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Harry James, the Whitney Orchestra also plays the music of other fine bands such as Tony Pastor, Vaughn Monroe, Frankie Carle, Scat Davis and Red Nichols.

They greeted the full house with Dave’s theme song, When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful, and continued for an exhilarating afternoon of  fine swing and Jazz.

blowing trumpet

Dave Whitney

Well known in New England for his work with the Yankee Rhythm Kings, White Heat Swing Orchestra, and Chris Powers Orchestra, Dave Whitney was influenced by Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Bobby Hackett and many other great trumpeters of the pre-bop era.  Dave has been called “Premier early style trumpeter” of this area” and “Dean of swing trumpet”.   He was featured on Boy Meets Horn, and sang several tune including Marie and Sam, You Made The Pants Too Long.

 

on Steinway

Steve Dale

Pianist Steve Dale was featured on Sunrise Serenade.  Steve does many arrangements, and transcribed Louis Armstrong’s Back ‘o Town Blues.

 

 

 

An original member of the band, Reid Jorgensen’s drums pulsated on Louis Prima’s Sing, Sing, Sing.

singing

Brittany Betts

 

 

Trumpeter Brittany Bett’s sang several songs, including And The Angels Sing,

 

 

Guitarist Karen Quatromoni sang Peggy Lee’s Let’s Do It and I’m Beginning To See The Light.

Jeff Hughes was featured on flugelhorn with Billy Strayhorn’s Lush Life.

flugelhorn and piano

Jeff Hughes and Steve Dale

on baritone sax

Kathleen Howland

 

Jeff and Kathleen Howland blew the roof off on Count Basie’s 920 Special.

 

 

 

on alto sax

Art Bakopolus

 

 

Art Bakopolus, another one of the band’s originals, was featured on alto sax with All of Me.

 

 

 

 

on clarinet

Diane Heffner

 

Diane Heffner, clarinet, played in a medley of The Things I Love, Peaceful In The Country, and Something New.

 

 

 

There was even a touch of Dixieland, with a six-piece Band within a Band: Jeff Hughes & Dave Whitney trumpets, Dave Jost trombone, and Mike Strauss clarinet, Steve Dale piano, Dave LeBleu bass, playing Battle Hymn of the Republic.

6 pc Dixie Band, no banjo

Band within a Band playing Dixieland

Dave closed with everyone taking a fabulous solo on Mary Lou Williams’ Roll ’em.

The Dave Whitney Orchestra has entertained for numerous swing dance parties and has performed at Ryles, the Sherborn Inn, Rockingham Ballroom, Bridgwaye Inn, and bi-monthly at Angelica’s in Middleton, MA.  The Band now has a compact disc titled “Swingin’ at the Wunderbar”.  To get the CD email Dave davjazzer64@yahoo.com or write to Dave Whitney 33 Wyman rd.Bilerica,Ma. 01821.  $15, add $2 for shipping.

Tunes:
Intro: When Somebody Thinks Your Wonderful
Big John Special
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Tenderly
920 Special
Marie
I’m Beginning To See The Light
Back o’ Town Blues
All of Me
Pedido
Lush Life
Let’s Do It
And The Angels Sing
Battle Him of the Republic
Dixie Band
Sing Sing Sing
Are You Having Any Fun?
I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love With Me
Too Little Time
Sam, You Made The Pants Too Long
Sunrise Serenade
Harlem Butterfly
Boogie Blues
The Music Makers
Back Home Again in Indiana
Medley:
The Things I Love
Peaceful In The Country
Something Now
Boy Meets Horn
Imagination
Roll ‘em

Midiri Brothers with  Jeff Barnhart at Bemis Hall August 13, 2017

Barnhart, Midiris, and Taddeo

The Big Four

by Marce
videos by Eric Devine

A full house greeted Jeff Barnhart and the Midiri Brothers at Bemis Hall in Lincoln MA.  We were thrilled to have the Midiri Brothers back, and they were happy to return with Steve Taddeo.

This was Jeff Barnhart’s debut here; he enjoyed the antique Steinway piano and gave it a workout on High Society.

High society

Midiri Brothers were at their best with Jeff Barnhart singing My Gal Sal.

It’s the Talk of the Town

Caroline Griep joined them on vocals  How About You,

If I Had You:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBcEeSxO35s

The Midiri Brothers showed their Classical side with song taken from Antonin Dvořák with Joe on soprano sax – Songs My Mother Taught To Me.

Steve Taddeo showed Jeff his drum walk-around on Savoy.  (15 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-zmNhMnvIw

Taddeo with cymbal by the piano

Drum “walk around”

Joe Midiri took to tenor sax for Dark Eyes

He took to soprano sax for Honey Hush
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpa4qP_oyy0

The afternoon closed with a HOT Crazy Rhythm.

“Regulars” enjoyed listening to a fabulous afternoon of Swing and Jazz presented by Harold McAleer and The Lincoln Council on Aging, and produced by Steve Taddeo.

2 ladies and a gent

Connie, Bob, Jeannine

granddaughter and grandmother

Maryanne and Marie Mosiejczuk

Jeff Barnhart and The Midiri Brothers expressed their joy at playing here and said they would be back!  We will definitely let you know!

Thank you, Eric Devine, for the videos, and Harold McAleer and the Lincoln Council on Aging for the presentation.

Eric Devine

Harold speaking at mic

Harold McAleer

Tune List:

Ding Dong Daddy From Dumas
My Gal Sal
It’s The Talk of The Town
How About You – Caroline
If I Had You               “
Shimmy She Wobble
Honey Hush
High Society
Savoy
Dark Eyes
Song My Mother Taught to Me  – Antonín Dvořák

Sheik of Araby
Jeepers Creepers – Caroline
Sunny Side of the Street
Crazy Rhythm

 

 

Seacoast Stompers at Bemis Hall May 13, 2017

7 pc band with videographer Harold McAleer sitting in the middle of the aisle, taping

Seacoast Stompers with Dave Whitney

video by Harold McAleer

Dave Whitney trumpet, Craig Ball reeds, Lee Prager trombone, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Frank Stadler leader/piano, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bob Reardon drums, Maureen Benson vocals

The Seacoast Stompers had a rip-roaring afternoon with a Full House at Bemis Hall in Lincoln, MA.  For six years, they played monthly at the Acton Jazz Café, with a repertoire of tunes from the 20’s and 30’s.  Arrangements were spontaneous and ad lib with a variety of styles and tempos from smooth swing to groovy blues and hot driving Dixie.

Whitney on trumpet

Dave Whitney

 

Frank Stadler is leader of the band, but graciously let Dave Whitney rule the roost with his rousing trumpet. Dave is well known for his amazing Louis-type trumpet.

 

 
They began with a joyous romp on the Seacoast Stomper’s theme song, At The Jazz Band Ball,

Dave Whitney has some favorite tunes.  Maureen Benson joined him on Back o’ Town Blues.

Maureen Benson was comfortable with the band, personalizing some of the lyrics, picking on Craig. She gave us As Long As I Live, I Don’t Know Enough About You, It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.

Jimmy singing

Jimmy Mazzy

 

Jimmy Mazzy was featured on Porter’s Love Song to a Chamber Maid; took the vocal on Clarence William’s Cake Walking Babies, scatted on How Can You Do That Thing To Me, Old Fashioned Love – he has a treasure trove of tunes.

 

 

 

Al on Sousaphone

Al Bernard on sousaphone

 

 

 

Al Bernard is a master of the tuba, listening to the soloists and backing them with many different chord phrasings wrapped in that monstrous sousaphone, as if it were easy!

 

 

 

Frank on piano

Frank Stadler, Band Leader

 

 

 

The Seacoast Stompers played many favorites, Royal Garden Blues, Canal St. Blues, San. 

 

 

 

Lee on trombone

Lee Prager

 

 

Lee Prager’s deep, burnished, trombone was reminiscent of Tommy Dorsey.

 

 

 

Craig next to piano playing clarinet

Craig Ball

 

 

 

Craig Ball was featured on The World is Waiting  For The Sunshine.

 

 

 

 

Bob playing on snare drum

Bob Reardon

 

 

Bob Reardon plays drums with marvelous precision,  He keeps the band in time by tapping on the snare drum and ride cymbal, only letting loose on a couple of tunes.  He picked the closing tune – always requesting the same one – Limehouse Blues.

 

 

 

The Seacoast Stompers keep the music fresh with their amazing creativity!
Check them out!

Steve Taddeo Big Band at Bemis Hall, June 25, 2016

most of the 17 pc band

Steve Taddeo Big Band

by Harold McAleer

Trumpets: Larry Panzeri, Skip Gummoe, Bill Cable and Joe Hostetter.
Trombones: Chris D’Senzo, Kurt Thaler, Rick Ongoing and Bob Sinclair.
Saxes: Steve Gold, Maureen Ameral, Bob Tyler, Ben Petrucci and Dick Hieman.
Piano: Dave James, Guitar: John Deardon, Bass: Paul Brann
with Caroline Griep vocals and Steve Taddeo Drums and Leader.

Steve Taddeo has had a big band off and on since 1978, as well as The Swing Senders.  He brought this 18-piece Big Band to Bemis Hall to a good appreciative crowd on June 25, 2016..  They opened the concert with Don’t be that way.  Great band!

Highlights were the give and take between Caroline Griep and Steve about the origins of the songs.  Caroline sang many songs that afternoon including, I’ve got the world on a String, Massachusetts, from the Gene Krupa book, Tangerine, How ‘bout you, Orange Colored Sky.   

Trumpeter Larry Panzeri reprises this Sinatra special Luck Be a Lady!

The band roared thru a Count Basie tune, Freckle Face, Orange Coast (Bill Holman chart).

Caroline Griep is dedicated to her music.  The whole spirit of the room perks up perceptibly when she sings. 

I’ve Got The World on a String

They closed with the 1939 Gene Krupa Classic Drumming Man which featured both Caroline and Steve.

Steve has plans for bringing more musicians to Bemis Hall – Midiri Brothers and Dan Levinson:

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders with special Guests the Midiri Bros at Bemis hall Aug.13th, 2016. 2pm-5pm

Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders with special guest Dan Levinson,Sept.24th 2016 at Bemis hall 3pm-5pm.

Bemis Hall is at 15 Bedford Rd. Lincoln MA 01773

.

 

 

Bay State Syncopators reunion at Bemis Hall, May 27, 2015

7 pc 2 beat trad jazz band

Bay State Syncopators    April 2015

Dave Whitney and Paul Monat cornet, Blair Bettencourt clarinet, Dan Gabel trombone, Robin Verdier piano, Eric Baldwin guitar, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Reid Jorgensen drums

 picture and videos by Harold McAleer

The Bay State Syncopators were at Bemis Hall in Lincoln MA on May 27, 2015.  It was a reunion band formed in the 80’s by Paul Monat to rekindle the two-cornet sound of Bob Connor’s Yankee Rhythm Kings of the 70’s which had Paul  Monat and Dave Whitney on cornet and Blair Bettancourt on clarinet.  Bill Doyle subbed today on guitar.

The band carries on the New Orleans sounds of Louis, King Oliver and Jelly Roll, reborn in the 50’s by Lou Watters, Turk Murphy and Bob Helm in San Francisco.

 

 Dave Whitney tells about how it felt to have the band back:

“Musically the Band sounded great! Despite lack of Rehearsal Time we surprised ourselves on most of the tunes. After 40 years, Blair, Paul and myself still remember most of the routines.

Highlights were Big bear StompToo Late (from King Oliver 1930). Snake Rag, Cake Walkin’ Babies, Mabel’s Dream and Canal St. Blues.

Big Bear Stomp

 

Blair sang his specialty “Red Hot Mama” and I did Mississipi Mud, Cake Walkers and Memphis Blues.

 

Robin on piano

Robin Verdier

 

Robin did a great Piano feature on Froggie Moore and Dan Gabel fit right in like he had been there in ’75.
Bill on banjo

Bill Doyle                             (file photo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also kudos to Bill Doyle who came in on short notice on guitar and banjo..

 

 

 

 

 

Us YRK veterans had a great time and it brought back happy memories of the Sticky Wicket and Sacramento Jazz Fest.  Also a nice turnout of 60 or so people.”

 

Paul Monat is Blue and Broken Hearted – Wait for the high note at the end of this tour-de-force by cornetist Paul Monat!

The Bay-State Syncopators ended their concert in Lincoln with a rousing version of Lou Watter’s San Francisco favorite – Emperor Norton’s Hunch.

Dave Whitney
Harold McAleer

Seacoast Stompers at Bemis Hall, March 14, 2015 with Blair Bettencourt

7 pc Dixieland Band

Seacoast Stompers

Scott Philbrick cornet, Blair Bettencourt clarinet/soprano sax/vocals, Lee Prager trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Frank Stadler piano/leader, Al Bernard sousaphone, Bob Reardon drums

Daylight!!  Afternoons of Dixieland Jazz are rare!  It was a pleasure coming to Bemis Hall in Lincoln Massachusetts, even if it was raining, to hear the return of the Seacoast Stompers after a particularly brutal New England winter!  The band had to cancel their February concert because of snow.  We’ve missed them.

They began with At The Jazz Band Ball, always a barrel-house opener that sets the tone for an afternoon of uplifting, toe tapping, high energy music.  Each of these musicians is a pro in his own right; nurtured and inspired by New Orleans music, they are phenomenal!

Scott and Lee studying multiple pages of songs

Frank has maintained a list of each song, where and when it was played.

 

 

They are also independent.  Frank always brings in a list of tunes to play, but they generally ignore it.  Tonight he brought in a complete listing of tunes that he has meticulously maintained since they first began in 2008.  They checked out the list, looking for different styles, trying not to duplicate any melody.  Each musician chose a tune.

 

 

Unfortunately, reed player Craig Ball fell down the previous day and hurt his right hand.  He will be in a cast for some time.  Blair Bettencourt graciously filled in for him.  We’ve known Blair for over 40 years, so it was a pleasure to hear him again.

Scotty blows cornet

Scott Philbrick

 

 

Scott Philbrick is the ‘music leader’ of the band, letting them choose songs from the list, bringing them together as a team.  His cornet generally establishes the melody, and the band sores with him making powerful music.

 

 

Everybody Loves My Baby, we love Lee’s trombone.  Lee Prager joined the band in 2010 and has been a plus ever since.  His deep, burnished, trombone is reminiscent of Tommy Dorsey.  We don’t hear him often enough, he really makes a difference.  He was also featured on I’ll Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plans.

Lee at left of band on trombone with band behind him

Three Little Words, In My Dreams with Jim on sweet vocal.  An old Basie tune: Things Ain’t What They Used To Be.  The Front line had fun with shading on this one.   Blair surprised everyone with a long, smearing gliss up the scale, Scott picked it up with some effort doing a slow gliss from low to high on cornet.  It was much easier for Lee with that long, slow, slurring, slide on trombone!  Nice touch.

Al Bernard wrapped in sousaphone

 

 

Albie listens carefully and provides momentum for the ensembles, and also quietly backs many of the solos. Blair picked Tin Roof Blues, the musicians inspiring each other on this Trad Jazz chestnut.  Lee called Mama’s Gone, Goodbye, giving Albie one of many sousaphone solos.

 

 

Lady dancing with granddaughter

Elke and granddaughter Stella

 

 

 

Elke and Stella were having a ball dancing
in the back of the room.

 

 

 

 

There was a romping New Orleans take on Jelly Roll Blues, with ultra tight ensemble and great piano.  It’s obvious that Frank loves playing piano; he says all Steinway pianos are individuals, handmade by specialized craftsmen.  This one in Bemis Hall was built in 1870.  Frank said  “Playing it is a joy, even though I have a nine-foot Steinway at home”.

Frank bent over piano keys.

Frank Stadler loves playing piano.

Stealing Apples, Fats Waller’s tune made famous by Benny Goodman, was absolutely WILD, followed by a scorching Avalon.   This never gets dull!

Bob posing for picture at the drums

Bob Reardon posed for this one.

 

Bob Reardon listens carefully and gives the band just the bang it needs.  He picked Limehouse Blues, with a tempo that was frightening-fast.  (Forget the list, Bob always asks for Limehouse.)

Bob hit the drums with everything he had, using blue wire brushes. He knows his stuff – he has played for 27 years at the Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus.

 

 

Blair Bettencourt on bent soprano sax

Blair Bettencourt on bent soprano sax

 

Blair Bettencourt plays exciting clarinet.  He has a particularly soft way of playing eloquent bent soprano sax.  He also sang a couple of songs for us in a smooth, powerful voice.

Jimmy Enright and I were dancing to his clarinet at Bob Connors Yankee Rhythm Kings’ first performance in New England Life Hall in 1975.

 

 

Jimmy is extraordinary;  he had just arrived from Florida this morning where he performed with the Williams Reunion Jazz Band.

Jimmy singing and playing banjo

Jimmy Mazzy

 

How Come You Do Me Like You Do?  Sugar, In his own distinctive style, he pleads, cajoles, scats, sweet talks.  He picked I Want a Little Girl, backed by Blair playing soft soprano sax, with Scott and Lee on muted cornet and trombone.  Nice.

 

 

They closed with an upbeat Mandy, and sent us home with sunshine inside, if not outside.  You can catch them LIVE at Bemis Hall every month.  The Seacoast Stompers will return on April 11th, same time, same station, same fantastic group of musicians.  Hope to see you there!

Craig Ball and his sky-writing stratospheric clarinet will be missed by his throng of fans and the many bands he plays in.  We wish him a speedy recovery!!