Primavera Thursday Night Jazz Schedule

Picture of Primavera entrance

Primavera Ristorante

Thursday Jazz Is Pleased to Present
Jazz at Primavera Ristorante   www.primav.com/

20 Pleasant St. Millis MA 02054
Reservations (508) 376-2026
7:00 to 9:30pm   Admission $12  

All Jazz on Hold until Future Notice

2020

 March
  5             Blue Horizon Jazz Band
  12           Dixie Diehards
  19           Eli and The Hot Six  
  26           Sarah Gardner Sass ‘n Bones

 April
  2             Blue Horizon Jazz Band
  9             Riverboat Stompers
16           Eli and The Hot Six
   23          Sarah Gardner Sass ‘n Bones
   30          Saturday Afternoon Trio

 May
   7            Blue Horizon Jazz Band
  14           Dixie Diehards
  21           Eli and The Hot Six 
  28           Sarah Gardner Sass ‘n Bones

 June
  4             Blue Horizon Jazz Band
  11           Riverboat Stompers
  18           Eli and The Hot Six 
  25           Sarah Gardner Sass ‘n Bones

American Jazz from the Roaring 1920’s through the Swing Era of the 1940’s. Come Enjoy Hot and Authentic Dixieland, New Orleans,Chicago style and Big Band music for listening and dancing.

$12 admission will be collected in cash by the hostess seating you. We apologize but we cannot charge the admission to your credit card.  Resv.  (508) 376-2026

                     All arranged by Ellen McDonald.  Thank you, Ellen!!

Image6

 

Riverboat Stompers at Primavera Ristorante November 27, 2018

Riverboat Stompers

Frank Batchelor trombone, Neil Flewelling cornet, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals,  Phil Hower piano, Gerry Gagnon tuba, Rich Malcolm drums.  We heard fantastic, Toe Tapping Traditional Jazz, with just a short break from beginning to end!

Frank and Neil shared leadership because Steve Strauss was unable to be here.  We missed his clarinet and jovial repartee.
There were no announcements.  Before each tune, Neil and Frank spent about a minute discussing keys and tempos with the rest of the band, and then, except for one short break, played solid, Classic Jazz from 7 to 9:30pm.

The hot sounds of the jazz age came alive as soon as they hit the first note in Original Dixieland One Step.

singing and playing banjo

Jimmy Mazzy

 

The inimitable Jimmy Mazzy singing and scatting many songs, Somebody Stole My Gal, introducing Sweet Lorraine, It’s a Sin To Tell a Lie,  Blue Turning Grey Over You, and more.

Jimmy will be honored as the 2019 American Banjo Museum’s Hall of Fame inductee in the category of Performance, 4 string Banjo. Hall of Fame ceremonies are held the weekend following Labor Day each year, as part of the ABM’s Banjofest weekend. He is definitely an asset in many bands!!

 

Neil singing

Neil Flewelling

 

 

Cornetist Neil Flewelling took over vocal for I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.

Neil drove two hours to get here, stopping on the way to pick up Marce.  A dedicated musician, he shared the lead with Frank. Neil plays cornet with  passion and emotion coming through his horn, inspiring others to play better.

 

 

The band played livewire ensemble. Rose of Washington Square.  Someday Sweetheart. One of Neil’s favorites – Sleepy Time Down South.  Bei Mir Bis Du Schoen.  Floating Down to Cottontown.  Muskrat Ramble was a barn burner!!

playing enormous tuba

Gerry Gagnon

 

 

Pierre Lemieux was unable to be here.  His enormous footprint was filled by Gerry Gagnon, who transforms the ungainly horn into a viable solo instrument.  He plays in the Boilermaker Jazz Band, Blue Horizon Jazz Band, and more.  He let loose on that monstrous tuba starting with Coney Island Washboard Roundolay.

 

 

playing very sparse drumset

Rich Malcolm

 

Rich Malcolm, staff member at Berklee College of Music, knows Trad Jazz drums, a rare treasure.  He kept it simple, maintaining that beat, keeping them in proper time, with subtle tapping on snare drum, rims, hi hat.  Backing vocals and solos, he only used a soft, discreet hi hat.   He let loose on Coney Island Washboard, Somebody Stole My Gal.

 

looking intently at keyboard

Phil Hower

 

 

Phil Hower offers suggestions on keys and more, relentlessly listening to the other members of the band.  He shrewdly enhances or complements each one, and plays inspiring solos of his own.  it was all great Jazz.

 

 

 

Frank Batchelor stood guard in the band, discussing the next tune, listening to suggestions..  Generally they started with a duet,  Neil on cornet, with Frank playing riffs and  embellishment behind him.  Then each took a solo, and nodded at whoever would play next.  Each musician is a Jazz Titan in his own right, so there was no hesitating.  They generously supported each other without interrupting and stirred up some Fantastic Traditional Jazz!!

Frank Batchellor and Neil Flewelling lead the band,

 

Louisiana Fairytale was on their list.  But they chose If I Had You, eerily similar, which was far down on the list.   There just wasn’t enough time to do all the tunes.   Jimmy took the vocal.  Worked out fine.

The Band backs Jimmy on Somebody Stole My Galfull 6-pc band playing great Jazz

 

The evening was coming to a close; we wished there was more time!!
Neil closed out this evening of great Jazz, singing Ain’t She Sweet.

They will be back!!  Join us next year on January 31 and March 14.  You’ll hear some fantastic Traditional Jazz!  The Riverboat Stompers never disappoint.

Jeff and Joel’s House Party #9, October 12-14, 2018

14 Musicians

14 Musicians

Jeff & Joel’s House Party was fantastic again!  The weekend was almost sold out, and more than 40 people have made their reservations to save their seats for next year. I wasn’t able to attend, but thanks to Eric Devine, we have videos and photos!  Marce Freddy Vigorito said: “The Jeff and Joels House Party, was Oct 12, 13, 14, and it was spectacular. It was Paris Washboard Super Swing with: Alan Marquet, Charlie Provost, Louis Mazetier, Daniel Barta, Michel Bonnet! Plus, Noel Kaletsky-clar/sax, Fred Vigorito-cornet, Neil DeFeo-tromb, Steve Taddeo-drums, Albie Bernard-tuba, Lou Bocciarelli-bass, Jeff Barnhart-piano, and Joel Schiavone-banjo!  It was a fabulous weekend! I can’t say it any better than Lou Bocciarelli, one of the finest bass players in the world!  Here’s what he said to his fellow musicians and those responsible for the event”. Lou Bocciarelli: “Hello All . . .Thanks for a wonderful weekend of beautiful music, great performances, funny stories, lots of laughs, and the joy of sharing our time together.  This was special.  Thanks to the volunteers who gave of their time and caring nature.  You made us feel special and important.  To the musicians, your performances were joyous and gracious.  Your easy and inclusive manor made it easy to deal with the terror of wondering if I would “know” the next song.  Joel and Jeff your dedication is appreciated and your jokes and stories were . . . well your dedication is appreciated.  Thank you for including me as well as my son Cole.  Very special. All the best, Lou”

8 musicians plus Cole in the middle blowing away on trumpet

Cole Bocciarelli, joins band on trumpet.

Lou continues: “I’d like to add that we had three new performers this year, two from Paris Washboard, washboard player Charles Provost, and cornetist Michele Bonnet.  They were fabulous!  We also had drummer Steve Tadeo from Mass who was a real crowd pleaser with his Krupa style, and Neil DeFeo from Royaton who dazzled the fans and the musicians with his incredible technical ability.” “Thank you Jeff and Joel, and the volunteers, especially Bob and Robin Rich.  This was their first year managing the event, and they did a great job, and from the feedback we got, the food was fabulous too!  So, you all know what to do now, plan to be a part of this wonderful event next year, November 1, 2 and 3, 2019!   http://jeffandjoelshouseparty.com.”

5 piece band from Paris

Paris Washboard Super Swing

Eric Devine (CineDevine) was on hand with his fine videos of the performances. Here are some of them.  Stay tuned for more; as they become available, links will be added. Eric Devine: “I had a fabulous time at the 9th edition of Jeff & Joel’s House Party again this year. Hope you enjoy this 1919 composition by Clarence Williams and Spencer Williams:”. Royal Garden Blues  Michel Bonnet, trumpet, Fred Vigorito cornet, Noel Kaletsky, reeds, Daniel Barda, trombone, Neil Defeo trombone, Louis Mazetier piano, Lou Bocciarelli, bass, Steve Taddeo drums, Joel Schiavone, banjo.

  There’ll Be Some Changes Made  Paris Washboard Super Swing   Vipers Drag     Louis Mezetier, piano   I Never Knew   Fred Vigorito, cornet Alain Marquet, reeds Daniel Barda, trombone Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Albie Bernard, tuba Charles Prévost, washboard:   Judy Postemsky said:

Joel Schiavone and Marty Fay

Friday night was close to sold out; if you saw empty chairs, it is because many folks prefer to sit at the round tables, where they can get up more easily, graze the great food. I believe everyone attending was more than pleased with the outstanding food organized and prepared by Robin and Bob Rich.   Many of us helped to set up and serve the food on Saturday and Sunday. The musicians were wonderful throughout all three days!  Joel did just fine – playing his banjo and singing his tunes as he has always performed in the past!   Crazy ‘Bout My Baby – 4 handed piano, Mezetier and Barnhart   It Had To Be You Fred Vigorito, cornet Alain Marquet, reeds Neil Defeo, trombone Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Albie Bernard, tuba Charles Prévost, washboard Joel Schiavone, banjo   Lonesome Me  – Louis Mezetier This was Steve Taddeo‘s first time at these House Parties.  He said: “The House Party was awesome!  I was nervous driving down there for my first time. But after my first rim shot on the Slingerland Drum Set, I felt like a million dollars playing with all those Greats!  I even had a chance to sit in with the Paris Washboard’s Charles Provost.

Washboard and drums

Al Bernard, Charles Provost and Steve Taddeo

Caravan – Check out hand drumming at 6:15 – both drummers!

Taddeo lets his Gene Krupa loose: Found a New Baby Check back below as Eric Devine’s adds more videos of this fabulous 3-day weekend:

Somebody Stole My Gal
Michel Bonnet, trumpet Alain Marquet, reeds Neil Defeo, trombone Louis Mazetier, piano Lou Bocciarelli, bass Steve Taddeo, drums

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that Swing
Michel Bonnet, trumpet Fred Vigorito, cornet Alain Marquet, reeds Daniel Barda, trombone Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Lou Bocciarelli, bass Steve Taddeo, drums Joel Schiavone, banjo

Getting Sentimental Over You
Neil Defeo, trombone Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Lou Bocciarelli, bass Steve Taddeo, drums
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTPrkYmizzE&fbclid=IwAR1e3lfpCssdUpSDBKj_xBFWYfW-UTyxvx10BnMHFuYkqD4yCIhPCefo92E

Basin Street Blues  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-8sqD7_1xY&fbclid=IwAR10IgYN3P1SoebDaqacBnjOJULBAUG5uiey8-vbF73BMm-IkTvoWzyhhnQ

This Joint is Jumping!  Jeff Barnhart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_rSk4jG7ZE&fbclid=IwAR2U5PQsB4ScYbMrPOgfDxGfOZFgRt3Bhh5Hp7sSacRejaJr7wvsx51cPvQ

Flat Foot Floogie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLVJWpORzN0

Sweet Sue  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzLozhqkWfs&fbclid=IwAR2zcta7vN0WK_c4Pt6bvZf8HYtMNFSsU__3Vrgkml_E7DHAp_mMVf-rfJY

Blues My Naughty Sweety Gives To Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWO8MLHwMUI&fbclid=IwAR3LnqA2oo-IqZ2-YIDsKgk-0O1R4vu1ZE30cgIvIQfxb5zNEV2nYm7QNWo
Noel Kaletsky and Alain Marquet go head to head on clarinet.

Mezetier House Party Blues, Mezetier, Taddeo and Bocciarelli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvvK5bWcSjQ&fbclid=IwAR2tjSNXwdWEOI10cJN2HzsjjjJz_oT9E3WYjDQHB-E4hbdCatijNd7gHAA

Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Jeff Barnhart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3jWiu92msI&fbclid=IwAR2eJ2fcs1ffl9YFWXOfne-4FoGwjtYkI0JFlQujhi1ffCJRNcOtqVIQDOk

China Boy 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbMXU6f_10I&fbclid=IwAR3JlFQ1i_L-akJwC4GBZd0DF73U4bNecy5GavURfIDXDJd_fVpU7JkJTJg

It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie – Paris Washboard

Baby Won’t You Please Come Home  Michel Bonnet, trumpet Fred Vigorito, cornet Noel Kaletsky, reeds Jeff Barnhart, piano/vocals Lou Bocciarelli, bass Steve Taddeo, drums

Them There Eyes 

 

“So, you all know what to do now, plan to be a part of this wonderful event next year, November 1, 2 and 3, 2019!   http://jeffandjoelshouseparty.com.”

Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Primavera Ristorante, September 6, 2018

6 pc Trad Jazz Band, no banjo or piano

Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band

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

Stan playing soprano sax with guitar and bass players behind him

Stan McDonald

 

They started with a cheery Spreading Joy.  It was going to be a great night!

Then Stan took off on soprano sax on Sidney Bechet’s Lotus Blossom;  Bechet was his role model.

 

He led the band on All By Myself, and What Is This Thing Called Love – with Gerry using his hand for a mute. A fast and furious  Everybody Loves My Baby began with the verse, then played with energy and syncopation.  That closed the first set.

Birthday Time: The Band played Happy Birthday for both Stan and Ellen McDonald, whose birthdays were at the end of August, and also for fans Jerry Wadness (same as Ellen) and Bob Sickle whose birthday was today.

 

Gerry on muted trombone

Gerry Gagnon took leadership at the second set, continuing with a fast  In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree, with Stu Gunn playing melody on his double bass.

Gerry said they would play a “song of revenge”; and surprised us with Who’s Sorry Now?

 

 

 

 

This band is pushed by the fantastic rhythm trio.  Jack Soref was featured on his favorite Gypsy Guitar with Whispering, with only Stu and Rich..

Jack on guitat with only bass and drum players

Jack Soref feature

Rich playing drums softly

Rich Malcolm

 

 

Rich Malcolm is a tasteful drummer, not overtaking the band, but always listening to the players, and adding a tap on drum or cymbal  here and there for emphasis…and always keeping that indispensable beat.

 

 

 

 

My Blue Heaven  with Rich getting some solo drumming.

Stu on bass looking up to ceiling

Stu Gunn

 

 

 

 

Stu Gunn gets carried away, sashaying back and forth with the beat;

 

 

 

Sweet Sue

 

Phil playing trumpet

Phil Person

 

 

Phil Person takes the lead with wonderful open bell trumpet, trombone playing harmony on one of our favorites, Tin Roof Blues. 

 

 

 

 

I’m Confessing That I Love You was dedicated to us, their faithful fans.  The feeling is mutual!!    Sunny Side of The Street  continued with fine ensemble – pals sharing favorite tunes.  Nat King Cole’s usually sweet Mona Lisa was a surprise, with a Louis Prima Shuffle – who knew??  Hot and Fabulous!

Playing off the cuff, there was a discussion on what to do next.  Somebody wanted a Fats Waller tune; they decided on Fats Waller and Harry Link’s I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Fallin.  Fabulous, freewheeling,  supporting each other, listening to the others’ invented lines, then adding their own improvisations.

Continued upbeat – Girl of My Dreams, Gerry Gagnon sang with heart and soul, emotional power!.  Another surprise!

He sent us home humming  Sweet Coquette.

Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band will return on the first Thursday of next month, October 5th.  Join us for more Sidney Bechet – and many more surprises!

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!

Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Primavera Ristorante June 7, 2018

6 piece Trad Jazz Band, no trombone or piano

Blue Horizon Jazz Band

Stan McDonald soprano sax, Andy Moore clarinet, Phil Person trumpet, Jack Soref guitar, Stu Gunn string bass, Richard Malcolm drums

Stan McDonald is a staunch supporter of Traditional Jazz.  The Blue Horizon Jazz Band is one of the few bands left who will satisfy us Trad Jazz fans!  Gerry Gagnon (tuba/trombone) couldn’t be here tonight, but his chair was filled with a fine clarinet player, Andy Moore, a friend and cohort of Jack Soref.

They began June with the welcome June Night, then sang a Happy Birthday to Stan’s son, Andy, who was sitting in the audience – he was 51 the day before.

Lilting energy on Four or Five Times,  

All of Me.  I’ll Never Be The Same – Andy and Stan playing spontaneous counterpoint to Phil Person’s sweet trumpet.

Andy Moore and Stan McDonald play counterpoint.

Rosetta, one of our favorites, closed the first set.   Stan McDonald stepped out.

with long white pony tail, playing fine trumpet

Phil Person

 

 

 

Phil Person took over lead of the band – his sweet trumpet taking on a more powerful tone.

 

 

 

 

Jack on Django guitar

Jack Soref

 

 

 

Jack Soref Manouch guitar was featured with Django’s Nuage.  Never get tired of hearing this!

 

 

 

 

Ron L’Herault, trombone from the Dixie Diehards, joined them for the rest of the evening.

playing drums. head thrown back

Richard Malcolm

 

 

Basin Street Blues was a request from drummer Rich Malcolm.  Andy Moore playing  low register clarinet.  They were in sync, fantastic solos backed by superb rhythm section.

 

 

 

 

After some conversation on the chords (this is a democratic band),  I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me began with celestial ensemble.

Jelly Roll Morton’s Honeysuckle Rose

head thrown back, singing

Andy Moore

We learned that Andy is also a fine singer, lending his voice to I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love With Me,  You Took Advantage of Me, and I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling.

Guitar took the intro on I’ve Got a Right To Sing The Blues, with  the front line each taking a full chorus.

Ron L’Herault took the vocal on Sweethearts on Parade.

Whispering

playing muted trombone

Ron L’Herault

 

 

 

They closed with Ron playing New Orleans tailgate trombone and singing Big Butter and Egg Man.

 

 

 

 

It was a fine evening, hearing Trad Jazz and getting re-acquainted with Andy Moore’s clarinet.  He and Jack Soref are both in the Sinti Rhythm Band, playing mostly private gigs all over New England.

The Blue Horizon Jazz Band plays here at Primavera Ristorante on the first Thursday of every month.   Join us for some fine Jazz!!

Dixie Diehards Dixieland Jazz Band at Primavera Ristorante 24 May 2018

7 piece Dixieland Jazz Band

Dixie Diehards Dixiland Jazz Band

Ron L’Herault – MC – Vocals & Trombone
Carl Gerhard – Trumpet, Vocals – Music Director
Paul Peterson – Soprano Saxophone
Bill Kiesewetter – Keyboard
Jimmy Mazzy – Banjo/vocals
Bill Kass – Tuba
Dale Ellenberg – Drums

The Diehards opened with a rip-roaring South Bourbon St. Parade, moving to another hot one, the ODJB Royal Garden Blues.  Trumpeter Carl Gerhard effortlessly holding a long note.  Set everyone at the edge of their seats.

Carl on trumpet, I think

Carl Gerhard

 

Carl Gerhard’s trumpet is resonant with feeling and warmth.  He was the Director and Bandmaster of Navy bands, retiring  after 30 years of service.  His true love is playing traditional jazz in the New Orleans style.  He took a fine vocal on the Ain’t She Sweet, the 1927 song that sold a million copies of sheet music!.

 

 

 

playing soprano sax

Paul Peterson

 

Paul Peterson played soft soprano sax on the Andy Raszof Eubie Blake tune, Memories of you.  Paul has been teaching music in the Bridgewater–Raynham School District, and executes dramatic and remarkable solos on the soprano sax.

 

 

Ron holding trombone and singing

Ron L’Herault

 

 

Ron L’Herault MC’d, played tail-gait trombone, and sang many vocals; Five Foot Two, Sweet Sue, South Basin Street Blues. He sang a tune which started its life in a Yiddish Musical comedy production, “I Would If I Could.” In English it’s called “To Me You Are Beautiful,” but we all know it by its Yiddish title, Bei Mir Bis Tu Schoen.  

 

 

 

Avalon

 

Jim plays banjo and sings with tuba backup

Jimmy Mazzy

 

 

Jimmy Mazzy was featured on Up a Lazy River – you could have heard a pin drop.  They give him a lot of room to play and sing, Darktown Strutter’s Ball, Give Me Your Telephone Number, Up a Lazy River,
Struttin’ With Some Barbecue

 

 

 

looking at camera with a big smile

Bill Keiswetter

 

Bill KIesewetter plays excellent stride piano; he was influenced by Fats  Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Floyd Cramer and the Dukes of Dixieland.  Bill is retired from many years in the computer industry, and happy to be playing full time.

 

 

The rhythm section had “strength up the middle.”  They laid back on ballads but on a hot tune…look out!

playing tuba and reading script

Bill Kass

 

 

 

Bill Kass’s tuba provided chords and a strong, steady, beat.  Check out his solo again on Struttin’ With Some Barbecue!

 

 

 

 

Playing drum set with no large bass drum

Dale Ellenberg

 

 

Dale Ellenberg maintained that important Dixieland beat.  He introduced  Spencer Williams’  Everybody Loves My Baby, with Jimmy taking the vocal.

 

 

 

 

 

They closed this fantastic evening with the ubiquitous Closer Walk and The Saints:

The Diehards have a full schedule planned for this summer, most of them private.  The next public appearance is July 18, 7-9pm at The Old Stone Church
1st. Congregational Church, 785 South Main St, Raynham MA. 02767
508-822-6177

Williams Reunion Jazz Band at Winsor House Inn 2018

6 piece Dixieland Jazz Band, no drums

Williams Reunion Jazz Band

By Marce, Videos by Brian Towne

Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Bates ‘62; Tom Boates trombone, U. Mass ‘73; John Bucher cornet, Amherst ‘52 …and Williams classmates: John Halsey ‘59, piano (pro in NYC); Bob Kingsbury ‘58, clarinet and Fred Clifford tuba ‘58.

The Williams Reunion Jazz Band played another fantastic Jazz Brunch at The Winsor House Inn, 390 Washington St. Duxbury MA on Sunday, May 27th 2018.  They were here this weekend for the Duxbury Bay Maritime School’s Opening of the Bay.   http://dbms.org/

The Williams Reunion Jazz Band was born on New England College campuses in 1954 when Dixieland was alive and well and “runnin’ wild”.  Three of them from Williams College were here, with John Bucher Amherst ’52, and two of their permanent guest stars,  playing the music they have cherished – the music of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller, Bix Beiderbecke and Hoagie Carmichael.  The music of Classical Jazz.

88 yr old cornet player

John Bucher

 

 

 

The Band started with a wild Just a While to Stay Here, Jazz Me Blues (Bix tune from 20’s).  It’s so good to hear John Bucher’s Bix type stylings again.

 

 

 

Keeping in the Bucher family, a tune he played with the Woody Allen Band at Michael’s Pub, Keeping Out of Mischief Now, Jimmy vocal.  These two are the heart and soul of the band, Bucher the heart, Jimmy the soul.  They played a duet, cornet and banjo, on As Long As I Live.

Trombone forefront, keyboard in back

John Halsey and Tom Boates

 

 

Tom Boates, Director of  Music at Guilford High School in Guilford, CT, kept the band jumping. with John Halsey behind him on keyboard.  There was an on again off again problem with the keyboard, so it was difficult to hear  John’s fingers flying across the keyboard! He’s still playing creatively at Arthur’s Tavern in NY.

 

 

 

At The Jazz Band Ball, is an ODJB original.  They closed the first set with a medley of two hot ones: China Boy and China Town. WOW!

 

Bob on clarinet

Bob Kingsbury

 

 

 

They returned with the 1902 Bill Baily. Rose Room – mellow, rich clarinet by Kingsbury.  Then a grand ol’ tune they never played before, C.C.Ryder, Jim vocal, fabulous muted trombone by Boates.

 

 

 

Fred on big tuba

Fred Clifford

 

 

Fred Clifford’s tuba makes up for the lack of drum, with his turbo-charged oompah beat. Next came one of Fred’s favorites, Running Wild, with Jim on vocal, backed by Fred’s tuba.  He also backed his banjo on the 1926 Deed I Do.  Amazing duo!

 

 

 

 

Carrie Mazzy, their ‘Den Mother’, came up for a duet with Jimmy, with a nice tune by Jabbo Smith, Love.

Jimmy singing and playing bano, with tuba in back

Jimmy Mazzy

 

 

 

Jimmy Mazzy is featured playing banjo and singing many of the tunes.  He played the intro to a tune from the Rhythm Kings, From Monday On. Banjo and Trombone teamed up again for I’m Confessing That I Love You.

 

 

 

Ice Cream:

The crowd was feeding off the band, and the band was feeding off the crowds energy!!  Bob Kingsbury thanked the attentive audience – a full house – saying “You brought out the best in these guys!”

The Williams Reunion Jazz Band ended as wild as they started, with their theme song, Swing That Music.

Jim Mazzy and Fred Clifford join The Dukes of Winsor’s who play a monthly Sunday jazz brunch at The Winsor House Inn from September thru June that includes Jeff Hughes on cornet, Stan Vincent on trombone, Pete Collins on clarinet, Herb Gardner on piano and Mark Endresen on guitar.

We’ll see the Williams Reunion Jazz Band again next year; they are here annually for the Duxbury Opening of the Bay on Memorial Day Weekend.  If you can’t wait, get their CDs – check out http://www.siterrific.com/WRJB/

Eli and The Hot Six at Primavera Ristorante April 19, 2018

8 pc Hot Band, two trumpets

Eli and The Hot Six

Bo Winiker and Phil Person trumpet, Ted Casher clarinet and tenor sax, Herb Gardner trombone, Bob Winter piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Eli Newberger tuba, Bob Tamagni drums, Elaine Wu vocals

Eli playing tuba at the front of the band

Eli Newberger

 

This band is never dull!  On this cold and rainy day, Jimmy opened on his renowned one-string banjo singing April Showers. But it soon got HOT in here with two trumpets and clarinet, Eli strolling up front playing tuba.

 

 

 

Eli says  “I can’t get over the excitement that Phil  and Bo create, individually and together, and the band’s new energy.  Add Elaine and our vocal themes and solos, including Bob Winter’s, and we’ve got a joyful evening, full of honest emotion and unexpected brilliance, every single performance.”

They continued with optimistic tunes for better weather.

Keyboard player sings. Bob plays with the Boston Pops.

Bob Winter Sings!

 

 

 

Hope For Better Days–  Surprise – Bob Winter Singing!!  Wonderful!   Followed by band ensemble on Look For The Silver Lining.

 

 

 

Bo Winiker

Bo Winiker playing flugelhorn

 

 

Speaking of Silver Linings, Elaine Wu was back with tunes that help people relate to each other – Carol King’s Music, Ellington’s In a Mellow Tone, and off to Rio for One Note Samba, with Bo on flugelhorn.

 

 

 

 

Phil on muted trumpet

Phil Person

 

 

 

Phil Person’s sweet trumpet was featured with Honeysuckle Rose, with Jimmy scatting.

 

 

 

Bob Winter continued in propulsive rhythm and fluid style on keyboard with Without You.

Caroline seeming in ecstasy with head thrown back, playing washboard.

Carolyn Newberger

 

 

Carolyn Newberger joined Jimmy singing Coney Island Washboard Rondelay.

Carolyn is usually sitting in the audience drawing pictures of the musicians.  She had a successful showing of her art this month at Galatea Fine Arts in Boston.

 

 

Elaine with left arm swung out, singing

Elaine Woo rules!

 

Elaine returned singing Too Marvelous For Words, then introduced a couple of friends to sing a song.  This whole evening was about friendships.  Belinda sang All The Things You Are, and Nat tried some Jimmy Durante on You Do Something To Me, and with a Jazz Waltz from the movie The Yearling, and I’m All Smiles.

 

 

Herb up front on trombone with Eli on tuba behind him

Herb Gardner

 

 

Herb Gardner was featured on trombone and vocals with ‘Till We Meet Again.

 

 

 

Jimmy playing banjo and singing

Jimmy Mazzy

 

 

 

Jimmy dove through his plethora of songs for a 1927 tune played by the  Jean Goldkette Orchestra, Slow River.

 

 

 

Ted on tenor sax

Ted Casher

 

 

 

Ted was featured on tenor sax with Squattee Roo.

 

 

 

Eli and Jimmy have been a team for many years. Eli backed him on a very slow If You Knew How Much I Love You.   The band ramped up with a real barn-burner, South Rampart St. Parade.

Bob, with eyes closed and head thrown back, playing snare drum.

Bob Tomagni

 

 

Behind the band, always listening, adding emphasizing beats, keeping them in time, Bob Tomagni on drums.

 

 

This fine evening closed with Bo back on flugelhorn and Jimmy singing New Orleans.

The large, enthusiastic crowd clapped all night long! This was an exhilarating evening – we didn’t want it to end – but time was up.  But…Eli and The Hot Six, with Bo and Phil on  trumpet and Elaine and Carolyn will return on  May 17th   – Join us for an evening full of surprises!

Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Primavera Ristorante April 5, 2018

5 pc. Traditional Jazz Band, no banjo

Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band

 

Stan McDonald soprano sax, Phil Person trumpet, John Kafalas trombone, Jack Soref guitar, Gerry Gagnon tuba.   The band’s drummer, Rich Malcolm, director of Audio/Visual at Berklee, was absent because he had to cover the class for a fellow employee who underwent surgery.

The Blue Horizon Jazz Bands plays every 1st Thursday of the month at Primavera, a fine Italian Restaurant family owned since 1989.  Great Traditional  Jazz in addition to fine Italian Cuisine at a fair price!

Stan on soprano saxophone

Stan McDonald

 

 

Stan McDonald played for the first set, opening on soprano sax with fine renditions of Swing That Music, Memphis Blues and Dardanella.  That was followed by Canal St. Blues.  Feet were tapping as they continued with Everybody Loves My Baby.   That closed the first set.

 

 

 

Gerry on tuba

Gerry Gagnon

 

Gerry Gagnon took over leadership of the band, but he gave everyone a say on what they would play and how they would play it.

The important job of keeping that Trad Beat was accomplished by Jack Soref on guitar, with help from Gerry playing 4/4 on a monstrous Conn 20J recording tuba with a deep, sonorous tone.

 

 

The band started the second set with a barn-burning version of Limehouse Blues, and I Would Do Most Anything For You (dedicated to the audience).  And they did!!

John on trombone

John Kafalas

 

 

John Kafalas fills in on trombone whenever Gerry moves to tuba.  John has been a part of this band for many years, improvising fine counterpoint harmony lines to the lead parts of the  trumpet player.

 

 

 

On the 85th Anniversary  of Louis Armstrong’s playing with King Oliver, they gave us Sugar Blues.

 

Phil on trumpet

Phil Person

 

 

They moved upbeat with Found a New Baby.  Phil Person took the lead on trumpet on Margie.   Phil plays a sweet, ‘pretty’ trumpet. He is an Assistant Professor of Ear Training at Berklee who helps students learn arranging, harmony, conducting, tonal harmony and counterpoint.

 

 

 

The band kept the tradition of New Orleans music of the 20’s to 50’s alive and vibrant.
That’s a Plenty.

 

Jack on 'Django' guitar

Jack Soref

 

 

 

They continued with a tune requested by “regular” Connie T.  It Had To Be you.  Jack Soref took the last 8, demonstrating what a  guitar solo should sound like!

 

 

 

China Boy, was a rouser!  They continued with The Mill’s Brothers’ When I Grow too Old to Dream, I’ll See You In My Dreams.

This Blue Horizon Jazz Band is a light-hearted, versatile band.  They closed with Just a Closer Walk With Thee.  a traditional gospel song that has been covered by many artists.

The Blue Horizon Jazz Band plays the 1st Thursday of every month here at Primavera Ristorante, 7pm.  They will be back May 3rd.     Consider joining us??

Marce