Hot Steamed Jazz Festival – 2013

Posted on June 21, 2013 by admin

2014 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival is
June 20, 21, 22

The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival June 21-23 at the Valley Railroad in Essex Connecticut was a complete SUCCESS – and Shirley Bombaci is now looking for an appropriate date in 2014 for a repeat performance! The spirits were with us this year with perfect sunshine, a slight breeze, and to top it all off, a Super Full Moon.

Shirley Bombaci

Shirley and the Committee worked tirelessly all year to pull the Festival together. President/Chair Shirley Bombaci, Vice President Bob Brummett, Treasurer Nina Sulinski, Secretary Beth Fitzsimmons; Members: Sue Brummett, Marge Olmstead, Nancy Loader (publicity) and Joanne Sousa who assembled the many volunteers. (They could have used more volunteers – Leo Martin was setting up the chairs on Thursday by himself.)

Music was top priority, they skipped frills like badges, expensive programs. The Friday night crowd was light, but Saturday and Sunday made up for it.

Eric Devine Videos

Jeff Barnhart

Gospel Sunday
Rev. Crowell couldn’t make it this year, so Jeff Barnhart was appointed temporary minister for He searched the internet for appropriate passages, and God answered him with Amazing Grace!

Jeff Barnhart and Bob Seeley Duet

Jeff and Bob Seeley managed to get together for a short 4-handed Boogie-Woogie.

Joel Silvestro and partner

Joel Silvestro was spotted on the dance floor, still demonstrating his marvelous dancing style.

THE BANDS at the 2013 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival included:

Festival All Stars, led by Jeff Barnhart. They started out Friday night with four people, including indefatigable Noel Kaletsky, who never stopped playing until the last note on Sunday! By Sunday, the Fest Band had a full stage.

Noel plays Sleep

Dan Levinson was here for the 16th year, bringing in a new generation of talented musicians, Dan Levinson’s Millenium All Stars from New York. We hope they will introduce Traditional Jazz to their peers at various venues there.

Bob Seeley will be 85 in September, that that hasn’t slowed this boogie-meister down at all!

The Midiri Brothers are entertainers as well as accomplished musicians. They are always crowd pleasers.

Ben Mauger is a Hot Steamed favorite, with a new clarinet player this year in Ben Mauger’s Speakeasy Six.

Route 17 Stompers were Art Hovey’s Sugarfoot Youth Band. All but a few of his Sugarfoot alumni have moved on to higher education, hopefully as professional musicians. Art is starting fresh with a whole new crew, mostly from Durham CT, who are already showing great promise, even a new Louis Armstrong and King Oliver. Some of his alumni were here to support the new group.

Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band was augmented by Skip Hughes, Jane Campedelli, and Ben Griffin. With a new manager in charge of publicity, Karen Senn – Watch Out! This band is going places.

Ladies marching with parasols, Shirley right beside them

Parasol Parade, with Shirley

The Wolverine Jazz Band has been practicing their performance on us at the Sherborn Inn for the last few months, and did not disappoint. This is a New England favorite, and has been invited to festivals all over the country. Dr. John Clark and this band have a great future!

Galvanized Jazz Band was also joined by Jane Campedelli. We missed Bob Price golden voice and banjo. Steve Keeler, Jazz Guitar subbed for Bob. You’ll be hearing more from him! Our own Sophie Tucker, Jane Campedelli was back from Florida, belting out tunes with the Galvanized and many other bands.

The Jazz Jesters from Cape Cod led by Jeff Hughes. Jeff has many bands playing music from the 20’s through the 50’s. The Jazz Jesters delve into the Jazz Decades of the 20’s and 30’s, (much as Ray Smith does every Sunday on www.wgbh.org 8-9pm.)

Funky Butt Jazz Band is led by Pierce Campbell, known for his finger-style guitar work and singing. He was appointed Connecticut State Troubadour for 2007-2008.

Bob Seeley leads more parasols with his tambourine

Proceeds from this festival benefited Paul Newman’s Hole In The Wall Gang Camp, celebrating its 25^th Anniversary this year. www.holeinthewallgang.org

In 1988, Paul Newman opened The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut so that children coping with serious illnesses could have a special hideout where they could simply be kids. Music fans contributed in special cups placed at each tent, and there was a raffle of baskets full of items from the Camp.

The Committee may have skipped many of the frills, but there were Hot Steamed Festival Tee Shirts and Polo Shirts available at a very reasonable price. There will be more great bands next year. We hope more volunteers will step up. How about it??

Thank you Shirley Bombaci and Crew for persevering and giving us another weekend of great Traditional and Dixieland Jazz. See you all next year!

Marce

Jeff & Joel’s House Party, April 2013

Posted on April 20, 2013 by admin

Next one: October 12-13, 2013 with special Friday Night Event (on the 11th) featuring: Daniel Barda, trombone and Alain Marquet, clarinet from France!!
Registration Form

videos by Eric Devine CineDevine

Athens Abell’s Home Grown Highways

April 20-21, 2013 It was an absolute BLAST!!

Fifteen great New England, New York, New Jersey and Florida musicians assembled by the genius of Jeff Barnhart presented a kaleidoscope of marvelous, toe-tapping Traditional Jazz and Swing (and some of Your Father’s Mustache, some Country and Rock) at the historic Schiavone home in Guilford, Connecticut.

Featured on trumpet – Lew Green & Gordon Au; reeds – Noel Kaletsky & Joe Midiri; trombone – Craig Grant & Paul Midiri; piano – Jeff Barnhart & Ian Frenkel; banjo/guitar – Bob Price, John Gill, & Joel Schiavone; bass/tuba – Brian Nalepka & Frank Tate; drums – Tom Palinko, Kevin Dorn, and John Gill; vibes – Paul Midiri.

This House Party started Saturday noon with non-stop music for four hours, continued Saturday evening and again Sunday. JazzMen were on the move constantly – in through one room, out through the other. (Move it! – one way only!)

This was better than any Festival!! Joel and Donna opened their historic 1804 home, removed the furniture, and added padded chairs to two ‘parlors’. The Green Room was in the kitchenette – but the musicians mingled with the crowd.

Jeff Barnhart at top of staircase with arms outstretched

King of the Hill!

Jeff Barnhart hand-picked the musicians, named a leader, and said “Play!”

The leaders gathered their troops for a strategic conference on tunes; some of them had never even met before.

Oh how they played!! It was MAGIC from beginning to end!

They enjoyed challenging each other and new associates with the wit and freedom that only comes from jazz improvisations.

They came in all sizes, every one a star! They were having fun, and it was infectious.

Very tall Frankel, less tall Green, less tall Kalesky, and even less tall Gordon Au

Looking up to the boss!

Buffet was delicious, thanks to Carol and Glen Ott! Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday brunch all included. Dinner included tortellini carboniera, chicken marsala, whole wheat pasta & vegetables, eggplant parmesan, baked ziti, chicken & broccoli. Salads: baby spinach & mushrooms, spring mix with cranberry & pita bread. Caesar dressing, raspberry vinaigrette, and balsamic. Many desserts, pies, cheesecake.

On to the fabulous music!!

Lew Green led his group on Winin’ Boy Blues, Jeff Barnhart vocal, Noel Kaletsky clarinet, Paul Midiri trombone, Brian Napelka tuba, John Gill drums.

We finally had the opportunity to see and hear the multi-talented John Gill.

Multi-talented John Gill plays all the instruments!

Joel interviewed John Gill for Your Father’s Mustache when he was 17. In the 70’s, he moved to San Francisco and played drums, banjo and soprano saxophone with Turk Murphy.

Here he played guitar, drums, trombone and a rare 8-string banjo.

A Bing-Crosby type Crooner, he also entertained us with Wise Guys, Pennies From Heaven, Found a Million Dollar Baby.

He was on guitar for a Country set honoring Johnny Cash, Folsom Prison (twice, by request.) The only tune that was repeated in these marvelous twelve hours.

Harking back to the 50’s and 60’s he was accompanied by Jeff on piano, Brian on string bass, Kevin drums on Blueberry Hill. The fans were merrily singing along; Blue Suede Shoes, Jerry Lee Lewis’s Great Balls of Fire.

Jeff Barnhart led a Bix group, with Lew cornet, Craig trombone, Bob Price banjo, Joe Midiri clarinet, Palinko drums, Nalepka on tuba – Singing The Blues.

He turned the ‘stage’ over to the Bass players – Brian Nalepka, bass and leader, supported by Joe, Bob, and Tom. Price’s banjo took the intro to Keep Your Sunny Side Up, with Brian on vocal.

Nice slap bass!!

Brian, founding member of the Manhattan Rhythm Kings, is a busy New York free lance musician. He was recovering from a broken leg.

He played a fantastic slap bass on Margie!

Jeff begins with the verse on Always, with Noel, Gordon, Craig, Bob on banjo, Frank string bass, and Tom drums.

New York’s Gordon Au, with a 1950’s Selmer Trumpet from Paris similar to the one Louis Armstrong used, led the “Swing Six” with Riverboat Shuffle. Fabulous!

Gordon leads a nice rendition of I Wish You Love, marvelous solos.

The future of Traditional Jazz and Swing is in good hands with these two gentlemen from New York. It will be around for a long time. Thank you! Gordon Au Grand St. Stompers

Powerful trumpet player,

Kevin Dorn, TJC, The Big 72

Torch bearer of Trad Jazz, NY drummer Kevin Dorn

“Wild Man” Gordon shook the rafters …. with the help of Noel & Jeff, John Gill on drums, Bob Price banjo, Brian Nalepka tuba.

Craig Grant takes the lead on trombone for Lover Come Back To Me with Frank Tate on string bass, Palinko on drums. Kudos to the audience – they listenedd; there was no talking while the music was playing, we could even hear every note of Frank Tate’s marvelous string bass.

Congenial hot banjo player from Florida, Bob Price played straight-man for envious teasing.

Bob started playing with Your Father’s Mustache when he was only 15. His dexterous fingers flew across the frets on an Eddy Peabody opener, Sweet Sue.

Interlude with two great pianists, Jeff Barnhart reaches back to 1833 for Chopin’s Clair de Lune, starting out seriously Classical, then jumping into Jazz. Ian Frankel chose an intricate, swinging You Do Something To Me.

Ian Frankel on old upright piano, upright keys all visible in front of him

Ian Frankel – Powerful, flashy fingering!

It was unbridled insanity with the two of them playing wild, four-handed piano on Lady Be Good. Jeff is tall, but Ian stands 6 foot 8 inches.

Jeff stands on the piano stool to shake Ian's hand

From one hot pianist to another…

It was way past the time for Joel’s Banjo Set.
We are all aware that the primary reason for the House Party is so Joel Schiavone can play his banjo to an appreciative, live audience, and lead his dedicated volunteers in the Sing-Alongs. Joel loves this; he’s in his Glory reminiscing in Your Father’s Mustache,.

Banjo sing-along from Your Father’s Mustache

Jeff Barnhart piano and Tom Palinko drums accompanied Joel, John Gill and Bob Price on banjo, along with Craig Grant. Craig and Joel go way back to 1961 with a Dixieland Band, The Seven Sons of Harvard. Craig also played trombone with Your Father’s Mustache.

Volunteers and fans were singing along, just like ‘the good old days’ Glory, Glory Hallelulia, Dixie, Carolina in the Morning, Mammy, Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Daisy, And the Band Played On, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, and the grand finale – 1918 The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise (great trombone!)

Jeff and Brian joined the vocals on Hello Mary Lou.

“If your having as much fun as we are, you’re drunk!” Jeff

This was the first time vibes were introduced at a Jeff and Joel’s House Party, with the inimitable Midiri Brothers, with Paul on vibes, Joe reeds. Brother Joe challenged Noel Kaletsky to a duel on clarinet. Spectacular! Believe it or not, this lively tune is Sleep.

Moonglow, Midiri Brothers set, with Ian Frankel piano, Frank Tate string bass, and Kevin Dorn drums.

Paul Midiri solo on vibes with Irving Berlin’s wistful What’ll I Do.

John Gill returned to the mic with guitar for American Roots – Rock & Roll. My Little Runaway, Folsom Prison. Jeff Barnhart dedicated You Ain’t Nothing But a Hound Dog to Joel Schiavone. (We aren’t going to touch that one!)

Gordon and Lew playing trumpets sitting down, under a large portrait of a naked lady

Lew Green and Gordon Au judiciously chose to sit down, but not out – and continued playing trumpets.

Jeff lead the Fats Set – with Frank Tate, Gordon, Price, Craig, Palinko, Noel. Jeff dedicated this one to the Stock Market, I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling; great string bass with Gordon comping on trumpet. Jeff expressed what everyone else was feeling – This Joint is Jumping!

Jeff and Joel’s House Party promotes and preserves Classic Traditional Jazz with twelve hours of toe-tapping Joyful Jazz, with a continuous flow of outstanding musicians playing with passion and intensity. This is only a small sample – you must experience this yourself.

It has been said that This is better than an invitation to dinner at a fine restaurant and a show, and a lot more fun!

Many thanks to all the Volunteers who made this possible!

We’re looking forward to the next one on October 11, 12 and 13, 2013. Jeff and Joel will present a special Friday night event: from Paris, France, Daniel Barda, trombone, and Alain Marquet, clarinet, members of the Paris Washboard, supported by many more outstanding musicians. www.pariswashboard.org, Hope to see you there!

That weekend will sell out quickly – only 80 seats available per session. Get your tickets now! Registration Form

Jeff & Joel’s House Party October 13-14, 2012

Posted on October 24, 2012 by admin

JAZZ LIVES – Michael Steinman, said it all: VERTIGO!

Photos by Eric and Sherral Devine

Next party: April 20-21, 2013Top: Noel Kaletsky, Sal Raniello, Genevieve Rose, Freddy Vigorito, Ross Petot, John Clark, Paul Monat
Stairs: Pam Pameijer, Craig Grant, Jim Fryer, Vince Giordano, Bob Barta, Jeff Barnhart, Joel Schiavone

Because of the decline in Traditional Jazz Festivals, Joel and Donna Schiavone again opened their 1804 home to eager Jazz aficionados.

At the last House Party, Jeff Barnhart picked the band, gave it a leader, and let them improvise JAZZ. This time, he picked the band (but anyone could opt in or opt out), picked a leader, gave them a theme “Play some Louis”, Play some Eddy Condon” Play some Blues”, “Play something HOT”. But only for two tunes.

Then the musicians moved out to the right, next band moved in from the left. It was absolute insanity! There were musicians and instruments constantly moving through the audience. But what else would you expect at Jeff and Joel’s House Party?

Paul Monat had the first band, with Jim Fryer trombone, Noel Kaletsky clarinet, Jeff Barnhart piano, Bob Barta banjo/vocal, Genevieve Rose string bass, Sal Raniello drums

I lost track of how many bands, or how many tunes (over 100).

I’m sorry I made you cry
Someday You’ll be sorry
Jazz Me Blues

two cornets

two clarinets

Two trombones- turbulent duet!
Shimme she-wobble

Only ONE –

Vince Giordano, whose music for Boardwalk Empire won a Grammy award this year.
Back Home Again in Indiana

Breeze

Paul Monat traded 4’s with himself on cornet and tuba.My Gal Sal

On the more serious side – Believe it or not, Jeff Barnhart does have a serious side.
He chose classical music for himself, Frederic Chopin – Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op.9 No.2

Ross Petot, New England’s best kept secret, pianist, teacher, composer, arranger. In his own signature stride piano, Gone With The Wind. He made the melody come alive.

Noel on clarinet, with Pam and Ross: Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans.
Dinah – I love Pam’s Trad beat!
Craig Grant on trombone: Milenberg Joys

Paul & Freddy, two cornets, Vince on bass sax, Storyville Blues

Dinners and breakfast were First Class, thanks to Carol and Glenn Ott.

photos by Marilyn Snow

Dippermouth Blues:

Genevieve Rose’s set had Jeff on piano, Barta banjo, Pam drums for Shanty in Old Shanty Town. She was unfamiliar with these tunes and has never played most of them.
A resourceful pro, she listened to the others, played rich tones, and maintained a powerful, full beat. Amazing!

Joel recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of “Your Father’s Mustache”
at Carnegie Hall.

Of course we had sing-alongs – with a four-piece banjo band, Joel, Bob Barta, Noel, and even Vince Giordano. Everyone got into the act. (I wish the camera had been on Michael Steinman!) Marce

Pam on washboard

Vince on drums

Jim Fryer on euphonium, with Sal Raniello and Jeff on piano: The Gypsy

This music spans all ages. Special surprise guest, ‘Red’ Balaban singing Porter’s Love Song To a Chamber Maid. Balaban played at Your Father’s Mustache in New York. He worked extensively as a sideman, for musicians such as Wild Bill Davison, Eddie Condon, Gene Krupa, Dick Wellstood, and Kenny Davern. He co-led Eddie Condon’s house band with Ed Polcer from 1975; other noted musicians in this outfit included Vic Dickenson, Warren Vache, and Connie Kay. The club closed in the mid-1980s. Balaban continues playing today in Connecticut. (Wikipedia)

Jeff introduced Fourteen-year-old Andrew Ferno, who covered the music spectrum with fine piano renditions of Do The Hucklebuck and Thelonius’s Blue Monkk.
Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, CT

Sunday Gospel Service with ‘Reverend’ Jon Seiger

Posted on June 24, 2012 by admin

Bob Seeley welcomed everyone at the piano, beginning with a slow, reverent Amazing Grace, then moving upbeat, with a little bit of Amazing Grace Boogie Woogie! He was AMAZING! The Good Lord Above could not help but here this!

Check out Jeff Barnhart, bowing in adoration at the end!

The Sunday band consisted of Jon Seiger cornet, Ray Skalski trombone, Jeff Barnhart piano, Albie Bernard tuba, and Bob Bequillard drums.

Rev. Josh Cromwell, our usual Pastor of the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival, notified Karen Senn that he was very sorry, but could not make this festival.

Jon Seiger was pressed into service. His resume: invocation with Wayne Pauli at the Jazztime-Ragtime Festival, 16 years as an organist at Allen’s Hill United Methodist Churchin Bloomfield NY, worked with the Oak Ridge Boys, though he favored no particular denomination.

He was nervous because this was his first sermon, so he kept it short and sweet. Speaking from the heart, he said. “God had a sense of humor – left us some basic instructions in the bible before leaving earth. There has to be a God – he gave us music, brought us all together here for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.”

Janie Campedelli came forward with a solemn rendition of Lead Me Saviour. The Band continued with Old Rugged Cross.

Jason Senn took up the mike for Louis’s Wonderful World. Louis must have been smiling! This little fella is a great entertainer and can really put a song across!