Swing Times Five at the Sherborn Inn, March 25, 2014

Guitar, drums, string bass, trumpet, piano, tenror sax

Jeff Hughes’ Swing Times Five

Jeff Hughes trumpet, Elmer Drotos clarinet/tenor sax, Dan Weiner guitar, Ross Petot piano, Pete Tillotson string bass, Dave Didriksen drums, Debby Larkin vocals.

Every once in a while we are privileged to be at a Jazz Experience that is priceless.  You never know when it will happen, you just have to be lucky.  This was one of those evenings.  (Jeff Hughes is responsible for many of them, bringing in special guests!) Tonight, it was a pleasure to hear for the first time, reed-man Elmer Drotos, even though he’s been around for many years:

“Saxophonist Elmer Drotos is one of the most virtuosic instrumentalists in the business. He has performed with bandleaders Lawrence Welk and Tex Beneke and toured with Artie Shaw, who called him “one of the best saxophone players I’ve ever heard.” 

Jeff kicked this evening off with Benny Carter’s When Lights Are Low, and You and The Night And The Music, with Drotos on clarinet, I Thought About You on tenor sax.  You could feel the whole band being lifted up by his intensity.

Deb smiling and singing

Debby Larkin, embodiment of Swing!

 

 

 

Even Debby Larkin was affected, flashing a gleaming smile, with a delightful I’ll Always Be In Love With You, and You Turned The Tables on Me backed by a tenor sax sounding like Ben Webster.

 

 

Richard Rodgers’ Have You Met Miss Jones was fierce, Pete Tillotson’s string bass trading 4s with Dave Didriksen’s drums.  The two are always in sync, and push the band.  Ross Petot keeps it all together, listening carefully to what each instrument is doing, nudging, filling in any blanks.

Jeff Hughes with 1941 hand-made Elden Benge trumpet

Jeff Hughes with 1941 hand-made Elden Benge trumpet

 

 

Jeff’s trumpet reached a wide range of resonance and tone on Shine; it was WILD!

 

 

 

Elderly couple dancing

John and Gisele

 

 

 

 

Gershwin’s The Man I Love, with Dan Weiner’s sweet sound on custom D’Aquisto arch-top  guitar had John and Gisele dancing.   They’ve been married over 60 years and still love dancing here at the Sherborn Inn.

 

Debby was back with an enchanting Dream a Little Dream of Me.  She continued with a tune made famous by Billie Holiday, Yours and Mine.

Drotos was featured in a tune reminiscent of Radio and The Cavalcade of Bands, written by Gordon Jenkins, Goodbye.  It is a  sad tune.   Jenkins actually wrote this when he lost his wife and child in childbirth.  Published in 1935, it became well known as the closing theme song of the Benny Goodman orchestra.  With Drotos on clarinet backed by the rhythm boys, it was mesmerizing!
guitar, drum, string bass, and piano backing Drotos on clarinet(Thank you for the history lesson, Dan Gabel.)

Debby returned with a swinging What a Little Moonlight Can DoLove For Sale.
Delighting in the melody and words, she swings without a letup!

There were several musicians in the crowd.  Vocalist Lisa Yves stepped up with  a rousing rendition of I’m Beginning To See The Light.  Lisa’s JAZZ FOR KIDS is the result of her dedication to making music exciting, innovative and fun for her young students.  www.lisayves.com.

Vocalist Freddy Shaw has been here previously with the Riverside Stompers.  He doesn’t need a partner – sings both the male and female voices with Somebody Stole My Gal.  He’s a hoot!

Our own Henny Youngman, ie, Myron Idelson, has been here many times.  He never repeats a joke, and they can be told in mixed company.  This evening he roasted the band, even got a laugh out of Ross Petot! (That’s not easy!)
Ross Petot laughing at piano at Myron's roasting himDebby returned with a song dedicated to Bob Sickles, in memory of our late Rockette, Lynn Sickles.   All of Me was Lynn’s favorite song, and all the bands here played it for her.  She’s here in spirit!

It was a fascinating evening.  Fortunately for us, Elmer Drotos is now playing in Greater Boston  and Cape Cod.  This was his first time at the Sherborn Inn, and he said he really enjoyed playing here with Jeff Hughes, and was looking forward to returning.

Dan Gabel joins band with trombone - 7 piece band and vocalist

Time was running out.  Jeff called in Dan Gabel and his Glenn Miller trombone for an upbeat Undecided.  With a full stage of fabulous musicians, Jeff sent us home with our fervent wish:  We’ll Be Together Again.  I sure hope so!  We might get lucky again – you never know.

 

 

Dan Gabel and the Abletones at SAC Park, by C.S. Imming

18 piece big band

Dan Gabel and the Abletones at  SAC Park, Shrewsbury MA

Listen and dance to New England’s favorite big band attraction!

by C. S. Imming

Elise Roth and Dan Gabel, unidentified trumpeter in background

Elise Roth and Dan Gabel

Elise Roth

Elise Roth

First Friday Swing at SAC in Shrewsbury, MA provided another great time for dancers and listeners alike.  Dan Gabel and the Abletones, featuring Elise Roth, performed a variety of tunes in their extensive playlist such as  “The Trolley Song”,  “How About You”,  “A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square”, and “Mack the Knife”, as well as songs by Vaughn  Monroe and other big bands.  The enthusiastic crowd kept the dance floor moving the whole night, as the band’s rich, dynamic sound kept irresistible melodies in the air.  Next First Friday Swing will be in April, so see you there and come prepared to move.

Video excerpts from the First Friday dance held March 7, 2014 at SAC Park in Shrewsbury, MA. Dan Gabel and the Abletones with vocalist Elise Roth.

More photos by C. S. Imming:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/swimcsi/sets/72157642106328154/

The Scandinavian Athletic Society   SAC Park   has a large wooden dance floor, full cash bar, table seating, handicap accessible.

More info on Dan Gabel and the Abletones at: www.theabletones.com
Or from Dan Gabel: 774-280-1502

The BAND!

Dan Gabel’s TAG Trio at Music at Mendon, United Universalist Church, Mendon MA November 3, 2013

 

Drum, piano, trombone, at front of  UU Church Hall

Dan Gabel TAG Band, Taddeo Anadolis Gabel

Dan Gabel trombone/vocals, Nikolas Anadolis  piano, and Steve Taddeo drums

Blackstone Valley Music students opened with a fine a capella Trio, Vito Caccavelli guitar/voice, Nathaniel Thompson voice,  Jane Walker violin/voice

13 yr-old boy on guitar, young boy in middle, girl at right with violin

Nathaniel Thompson voice, Vito Caccavelli guitar/voice, Jane Walker violin/voice

Wee Dark Engine Room:
In that wee dark engine room,
Where the chill seeps through your soul,
How we huddled round that wee pot stove
That burned oily rags and coal.

How the winter blizzards blow, and the whaling fleet’s at rest,
Tucked in Leigh harbor’s sheltered bay, safely anchored ten abreast.
The whalers at their stations, as from she’d to she’d they go,
Carry little bags of coal with them, and a little iron stove.

They sang every chorus, taking us on the ship with this powerful, warm song about a little iron stove. They closed with Amazing Grace, a well known spiritual.  We’re thankful to Blackstone Valley Music for encouraging these young musicians in their love of music!

Dan Gabel’s Tag Trio was the feature – Tag for Taddeo, Anadolis, and Gabel.

The three in black suits with bright red vests posing for picture

Dan Gabel TAG Trio

Nikolas Anadolis is from Greece, and had just returned from playing piano in Romania and Germany.  A fine trio they are, and definitely enjoy playing the music of the 30’s and 40’s. They added some new material, and a few Folk songs from various countries.

Dan Gabel reaching deep down for his Crosby Crooning

Dan Gabel, crooner

 

 

 

They began with their theme, Whispering, Dan Gabel beginning with the verse, crooning in his best Bing.

 

 

 

Dan Gabel brings out his Tommy Dorsey.

Dan Gabel brings out Tommy Dorsey.

All of Me, was a “good ol’ good one” with Nikolas’ flying fingers all over the piano, Taddeo playing boom-chick softly with brushes.  From the mid-20’s, If I Had You brought out the Tommy Dorsey sound.

Steve Taddeo using  soft brushes on drums

Steve Taddeo using soft brushes on drums

 

They moved to Cole Porter tunes, always good terrain, with two pop tunes and one not so well known.  Dan really laying it on thick like Eddy Cantor in the 1928, Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall In Love, winding it up in a British accent.

 

Cole Porter’s 1946 I Love You in a rhumba beat, Nikolas exhibiting his classical training.  From 1956 High Society, the seldom heard I Love You Samantha.  Found a New Baby, tom tom drums took the intro, with Dan on growling trombone, Taddeo let loose on drums.

Nikolas stretched out on this solo with Hoagie Carmichael’s Nearness of You.
Classic Masterpiece!

Nic bent over piano, serios grimacing as he seriously plays classical Nikolas Anadonis

A played a Greek folk tune that Nik taught Dan translates to Leave Your Cares to the Wind.   Love Is Just Around The Corner, was recorded by guitarist George Van Epps around 1946-49 with drummer Nick Fatool, (born in Millville MA in 1915).

They left us with a parting song, Fat Waller’s fabulous Honeysuckle Rose, delightful piano, Taddeo still on brushes.  (He never let the full Gene Krupa loose the way he usually does.)  The audience still said this was the finest performance they’ve heard in this series of Music at Mendon.

Music at Mendon is supported by the Congregation with some grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  This was the last presentation for the year; they will return in March 2014, and we’re sure there’s be some form of Dan Gabel Trio!

Steve Taddeo has his own Swing Senders Swing band in Waltham, and also Directs the Dick Donovan Big Band Monday nights at the American Legion, 140 River Rd. Middleton MA.

Dan Gable and The Abletones Big Band play on the first Friday of the month at the Scandinavian Athletic Center at 438 Lake St. in Shrewsbury at 7:30pm

Nikolas Anadolis attended music academies in Greece. He applied to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he received a full International Presidential Scholarship. www.nikolasjazz.com//. 

Nik & Dan will be playing in a Community Outreach Program, spreading cheer all over New England over the coming Holidays.  Watch for them!

 

Dan Gabel and the Abletones, new Venue – SAC Park, Shrewsbury

The full 18-piece band and vocalist.

Dan Gabel and the Abletones Big Band, with vocalist Elise Roth at SAC Park

By Marce and C.S.Imming

Dan Gabel and The Abletones Big Band with vocalist Elise Roth, at NEW LOCATION,  SAC Park, (Scandinavian Athletic Club) 438 Lake St. Shrewsbury, MA 01545   (508) 757-3948 E-mail info@sacpark-shrewsbury.com.

The first thing you need to know is that Lake Street, Shrewsbury, is NOT on the Lake.  If you can see the lake, you’re either in Worcester or on Quinsigamond Ave. in Shrewsbury.  Lake St. comes off Route 9 at one end and Rt. 20 at the other end – where it sharply veers off away from the Lake.

Map

A=Scandenavian Athletic Club on Lake Street Shrewsbury

Back in the 40’s, is was The Gazebo, and featured famous artists such as the Artie Shaw Orchestra.  It was a fitting setting for Dan Gabel and The Abeltones on this First Friday, November 1, 2013.  It’s a warm, friendly place, with large shiny, slippery, wood dance floor, and full bar; perfect for dancing, listening, mingling and sharing all things Big Band.

This was the premiere of the First Friday Series at SAC Park. They began with dance lessons. Being the day after Halloween, the musicians all wore costume hats and performed powerful music to a delighted crowd of Swing and Ballroom dancers.  Swing, Ballads, Boogies, Cha Chas, Waltzes, Tangos, you name it – they played it, with a new splendid singer, vocalist Elise Roth.

Video by C.S. Imming

Bill Doyle, guitar

Bill Doyle, guitar

 

The Halloween set included Artie Shaw’s Nightmare, Nelson Riddle’s Witchcraft. Moon songs, Moon River, Blue Ray.
Will Bradley’s Orchestra recorded this swingin’ jazz tune in 1940 – Celery Stalks at Midnight.  Drummer Jim Gancarz took the vocals, while Gabel took over the drums!

Bill Doyle’s nightmarish headset was flashing green lights.

 

Tunes were dedicated to the Red Sox’s winning team, who had just captured the World Series.  Massachusetts, and a tune that Dan wrote, Live Free or Die. There was a terrific tenor sax duel between Ed Harlow and Mike ?  on a tango, Sally’s Song.  Dan changed the words to Everybody Loves Rhode Island to Everybody Loves the Red Sox.

He wrote Abletones’ Jive – cleverly introducing each musician.   They will return on the first Friday of every month, sharing all things Big Band.  If you can’t wait, check out their CDs. 

C. S. Imming took very many Images!

Swing at Sunset 2013 – Compaq Big Band

17-pc Big Band

Compaq Big Band directed by Al Saloky                                                  Photos by Marce

 Wolverines/Vignola & Raniolo     Compaq Big Band      Hal McIntyre Orchestra

Compaq Big Band at Swing at Sunset, Friday, July 12, 2013

Director: Al Saloky,  Vocalist: Rebecca Holtz, Sound Engineer: Jeff Hagan,
Piano: Dennis Cecere, Bass: Gil Bristol, Drums: Rick Hansen, Guitar: Dave King
From left to right:
Saxes: Chris Hildebrand (1st tenor) John Finocchiaro (2nd alto) Scott Tringali (1st alto) Paul Peeirolo (2nd tenor) Ryan Brooks (bari);
Trombones: Paul Cole (2nd) Scott Taylor (1st) Jeff Schiebe (3rd)
Leslie Havens (bass trombone);
Trumpets: Bruce McLeod, Jeff Sawyer, Scott Beckman, Michael Peipman, Peter Sokolowski

Many More Photos by C.S. Imming

Pretty blond girl in short black dress dancing on stage

Rebecca Holtz  by Marce

 

The sky was threatening, causing some concern when The Compaq Big Band, directed by Al Saloky, played outside at the Vets Inc. in Shrewsbury. The band persevered, presenting a refreshing variety of Big Band styles, starting with Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, the title song of a 1966 album of Cannonball Adderley.   Al introduced perky Rebecca Holtz, smiling, singing, and dancing all over the stage, I’ve Got a Lot of Living To Do.

 

 

Al announced they would do something different, then get into some some swing.  There was space on both sides of the stage for dancing, but there’s no dancing to Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Big Band!  Rebecca is comfortable singing in a variety of moods.   She started with the Diane Reeves version of Big Phat Band’s Too Close For Comfort.

Rhapsody in Blue – Al called it the “The coolest American piece ever written”, with  dynamic trumpet by Mike Peipman,  and lead trombone, Scott Taylor.

Ryan on bari sax, Leslie (woman) behind him on bass trombone

Ryan Brooks and Leslie Havens

 

 

Ryan Brooks Baritone sax did the intro on Straighten Up and Fly Right, from Rebecca’s 2nd Album. They moved to Diane Schuur’s Traveling Light.

Deedle’s Blues, done by Diane Schuur and Count Basie Band, is definitely not a Blues!

 

 

Peter Sokolowski on flugel horn

Peter Sokolowski on flugel horn

 

 

Intricate trombone intro to Tom Kubis’ arrangement of a song that should really be our National Anthem, America The Beautiful.

Peter Sokolowski took out his flugelhorn for Straight, No Chaser.

 

Chris Hildebrand (1st tenor)

Chris Hildebrand (1st tenor)

 

 

Rebecca returned for Almost Like Being I Love and an old standard, Cheek to Cheek with fantastic tenor sax, Chris Hildebrand.

One of her favorite albums is the Count Basie Orchestra led by Frank Foster, I Caught a Touch of Your Love.

 

 

 

 

Rick Hansen, drums

Rick Hansen, drums

 

 

Al stepped aside for the Buddy Rich arrangement of Love for Sale, letting drummer Rick Hansen loose; nice solo trumpet by Bruce McLeod.
Rebecca is a treasure, she speaks in tunes:  I’ve Just Found Out About Love and I Like It. Why Don’t You Do Right.  
The clouds moved on and the rain held off!  They wrapped it up with another Diane Shuur – Count Basie Band, You Can Have It with Rebecca scatting, trading 4s with Scott’s tenor sax. “You can have it if you really want it, you can have the music all night long. Tell the drummer that you like his playing, tell the singer if you like the song.”  Great!  Let’s do it!

The audience called for more, but it was time to close.  We left anticipating the Hal McIntyre Orchestra next week at Swing at Sunset.

black shirt listing all the places the band played in England in 2006

2006 Tour of Great Britain shirt

 

(Note – The Compaq Big Band’s shirt shows off their 2006 tour of Great Britain.)
Many thanks to Dan Gabel and The American Big Band Preservation Society, WICN, and Vets Inc. for presenting a great series this summer.  Hope to see you again next year!!

The Vets – actually Veterans Inc. http://www.veteransinc.org/   provides homes and services for our veterans and their families.  “They were there when we needed them.  We must be there now that they need us.”  Some actually reside here at 59 South St. in Shrewsbury, others at 69 Grove St. Worcester, MA.

Dan Gabel and The Abletones at The Willows in Westborough

Dan Gabel and The Abeltones Big Band at The Willows, July 3, 2013

Dan Gabel and The Abeltones Big Band at The Willows, July 3, 2013

The Willows was opened in Westborough in 1987 by Danny and Dottie Salmon, who wanted to create a setting where active seniors could live life independently yet have the convenience and security of a familial, supportive atmosphere.  Judging by the atmosphere here on the patio on July 3rd  2013 the Salmon Family has succeeded admirably.

The residents, their family and friends, were here early, in high spirits, under umbrellas for protection from this fine sunny day.  They were celebrating an early 4th of July by singing many of our Patriotic songs, Yankee Doodle Dandy, It’s a Grand Old Flag, while waiting to hear Dan Gabel and the Abeltones Big Band.   Dan even invited them to sing up on the stage, but they were too modest.

Large crowd of Seniors in chairs and under umbrellas at the Willows patioThey heard the High Society Orchestra here last year, and  were eager to hear more of their treasured Big Band Music, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, Les Brown.  The Abletones were happy to oblige.

They began with a brief Whispering, checking out the sound system, then moved on to a rousing American Patrol, then Artie Shaw’s version of Cole Porter’s Begin The Beguine with John Clark featured on clarinet.  For Independence Day,  they played the Jerry Gray arrangement of Les Brown’s first theme song, Leap Frog.

Dan uses Abletones’ Jive to introduce each member of this 17-piece band:

Only 3 trumpets visible, with pianist Ross Petot

Four trumpets (one hidden) and Ross Petot piano

Trumpets: Kai Sandoval, Dan Fleury, Adam Mejaour, Don Clough

Five Saxophones, two tenor, two alto-one woman, one baritone

Five Saxophones, two tenor, two alto, one baritone

Saxes: Mike Caudill , John Clark, Lou Stamos, Emily Pecoraro, Tyler Birchfield

Four trombones, including leader Dan Gabel

Four trombones, including leader Dan Gabel

Trombones: Dan Gabel, Larry Meade, Joe Burke , Quinn Carson

Also: Ross Petot piano, Bill Doyle guitar, Ken Steiner string bass, and Steve Taddeo on a 1939 Slingerland drum set.

They played a melody written by Isham Jones in 1924, arranged by Dan, calling on his 1940’s best crooner voice on It Had To Be You.

My Old New Hampshire Home was a nice waltz for their lead  trumpet player  from New Hampshire.   It was the #1 song in the USA in 1899.  Pianist Ross Petot followed the original score at the beginning and end.

There was a request for some Glenn Miller.  Dan toured with the Glenn Miller Band for a year, and missed his New England.  That gave him the idea for a CD called Homesick for New England.  With assistance from vocalist Amanda Carr, the CD  will be released July 24th at Sculler’s Jazz Club.

Pennsylvania 6-5000 was the phone number for the Café Rouge in Pennsylvania.  It  was renowned for the performances by multiple artists including The Glenn Miller Orchestra.  Glenn Miller returned to Hotel Pennsylvania frequently, not just to play in the Café Rouge, but to stay there.  The Abletones were boosted by the audience’s whole-hearted response: “Pennsylvania 6 – 5 – Oh Oh Oh!!!”

With Gabel on trombone, the band played the Tommy Dorsey original 1935 arrangement of I’m Getting Sentimental Over You – twice.  Dan is a perfectionist – they’ll be working on it again until they get it perfect.  Do you think this is easy?

Everyone chimed in on vocal for a 1941 Vaughn Monroe old 78, Take It Jackson.  That was easy –  the only lyrics are repetitions of  “Take it, Jackson”.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFZIw4iJQWM   We’ll be hearing more about him.  The Vaughn Monroe Appreciation Society has asked Dan to write his biography.

Gabel on trombone, Bill Doyle on banjo

Dan Gabel and Bill Doyle in Dixieland Band

A band-within-a-band was created especially for this Fourth of July Holiday  – 7 pieces, with a Dixieland influence.   Dan Gabel trombone, Bill Doyle on banjo, Mike Caudill  tenor sax, John Clark clarinet, Ken Steiner string bass,  Steve Taddeo drums,  a rousing Battle Hymn of the Republic.

7 members stand to form a Dixieland Band

Dixieland Band plays Battle Hymn of The Republic

Steve Taddeo and John Clark were featured for the Finale on the 1938 Benny Goodman/Gene Krupa  Carnegie Hall Sing, Sing, Sing, with Clark taking a ten-minute BG solo to Taddeo’s electrifying tom tom drumming.

John Clark on clarinet

John Clark clarinet, duet with Steve Taddeo Drums on Sing, Sing, Sing

Steve Taddeo beating the drums

Steve Taddeo resurrects Gene Krupa on Sing, Sing, Sing, duet with John Clark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taddeo took his Krupa walk-around, drumming on the cymbal and anything else he could find amidst the residents, without losing a beat.  The Seniors loved it!  It was a fantastic Finale for Dan Gabel and The Abeltones Big Band at The Willows in Westborough.

The Salmons’ dedication to quality and excellence at The Willows is second to none. Part of it is featuring many local bands for their residents’ enjoyment on Wednesdays at 7:15pm – Public invited.   We’ll try to get the schedule and add it to our calendar.

Dan Gabel and the Abletones have an extensive schedule, including first Fridays at nearby Indian Meadows.  Check it out at www.theabletones.com.

Note:  The Jazz at Sunset Series in Worcester has been replaced by Swing at Sunset, thanks to The Big Band Preservation Society, WICN, and The Vets in Westborough.
The Abletones with vocalist Amanda Carr opened it this year on June 28th, as they did last year at the Ecotrium:  http://www.nejazz.com/oldsite/DanGabel15Jun12.htm.

 

Swing Senders with the Midiri Brothers in Lincoln MA

Swing Senders with the Midiri BrothersSteve Taddeo’s Swing Senders were enriched by the presence of The Midiri Brothers at this year’s final performance of Classic Jazz at Lincoln Library in Lincoln, Massachusetts, on May 22, 2013.

Personnel: Midiri Brothers, Joe reeds, Paul vibes, trombone and drums; John Clark reeds, Jeff Hughes trumpet, Scott Philbrick cornet/guitar, Bill Doyle guitar, Dan Gabel trombone, Ross Petot piano, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve Taddeo drums, Caroline Griep vocals. They looked and sounded like a Big Band – ten pieces of the finest Swing you would ever want to hear!

Caroline Griep

Caroline Griep

 

Joe Midiri on clarinet

Joe Midiri

Charismatic vocalist Caroline Griep flashed a gleaming smile and regaled us with Just You, Just Me, Jeepers Creepers, All of Me,  improvising and scatting with Bill Doyle on guitar on Don’t Get Around Much Anymore. 

She enjoys singing, and her pleasure comes through.

 

Paul Midiri on Vibes

Paul Midiri

 

Consummate entertainers, the Midiri Brothers drove from New Jersey to Massachusetts to be here with the SteveTaddeo’s Swing Senders.  Joe is a monster on reeds, whether on alto or soprano sax, or clarinet, had us on the edge of our seats when he hit D above high C and held it for a long note.

Lionel Hampton’s Flying Home, 1939-41,  Paul flying on vibes.  Steve closed it with the drum walk-around that is his specialty. “Got that Harold?”

Ross Playing stride piano

 

Ross was featured on Crazy Rhythm, with Bill Doyle on guitar and Scott cornet and Paul Midiri playing drums.

A trio, band within a band, had Clark on clarinet, Steve drums, Ross’s marvelous stride piano, You Do Something To Me.

 

 

Stomping at the Savoy piano did the intro with the two fabulous guitars of Bill Doyle and Scott Philbrick, John on bari sax,  Dan trombone, Jeff on trumpet, Joe clarinet, Paul vibes, Steve drums.   A scorcher!

Joe was on alto sax for his infamous version of Sunny Side of the Street, singing in the Louis voice he does so well.

Midiri Brothers were featured on Avalon.  ’nuff said!!

Dan Gabel trombone, Jeff Hughes trumpet

Dan Gabel and Jeff Hughes

 

 

Dan Gabel and Jeff were featured in a mellow Day Dream, a beautiful instrumental written by Billy Strayhorn and Duke.

 

 

 

 

Fred Waring’s Sleep is usually a Midiri’s full band feature, and it was marvelous with all the instruments, with drum intro, hot clarinet at each end.

They closed with the Swing Senders theme song, Dinah – video below in two parts, with hard driving tempo, Midiri on clarinet, Gabel trombone, ending with Paul and Steve battling it out on the drums.  Videos by Harold McAleer.

Dinah Part 1, Dan Gabel takes off on trombone.

Paul Steve drums 1
The sticks vie for dominance on this closing number of the Swing Senders at Bemis Hall — Harold McAleer videos.

Dinah Part 2

WOW!

Bob and Dan MacInnis

Bob and Dan MacInnis

 

Can’t tell you how great it was to see another set of brothers here –  Bob and Dan MacInnis.  Welcome back!!

 

 

Charlie  and Evelyn (90 years old)

 

 

Charlie and Evelyn find a space to dance no matter how crowded it is!

 

 

This was an impressive  evening of solid, hard driving Swing, with the Midiri Brothers joining the Swing Senders.  Steve Taddeo assures us there will be more to come this summer.

Meantime, the Midiri Brothers left at midnight for that long ride home.  They are seasoned musicians and inveterate entertainers!