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
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!!
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.
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 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!!
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.
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.
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 Gal.
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 & 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! MarceFreddy 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”
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.”
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.
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 BabyCheck 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
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
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!
Stan McDonald soprano sax, Phil Person trumpet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Jack Soref guitar, Stu Gunn double bass, Rich Malcolm drums
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 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 Soref feature
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 Gunn
Stu Gunn gets carried away, sashaying back and forth with the beat;
Sweet Sue
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!
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.
Phil Person
Phil Person took over lead of the band – his sweet trumpet taking on a more powerful tone.
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.
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
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
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!!
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 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!.
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 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
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
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!
Bill Kass
Bill Kass’s tuba provided chords and a strong, steady, beat. Check out his solo again on Struttin’ With Some Barbecue!
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
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.
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 ofMischief 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.
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 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 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 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/
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 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.
Bob Winter Sings!
Hope For Better Days– Surprise – Bob Winter Singing!! Wonderful! Followed by band ensemble on Look For The Silver Lining.
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 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.
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 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 Gardner
Herb Gardner was featured on trombone and vocals with ‘Till We Meet Again.
Jimmy Mazzy
Jimmy dove through his plethora of songs for a 1927 tune played by the Jean Goldkette Orchestra, Slow River.
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 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!
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 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 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 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 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 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??
