Jeff Hughes trumpet/leader, John Clark and Craig Ball reeds, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Ross Petot piano, Al Bernard sousaphone, Steve Taddeo drums
Once again the Jazz Jesters brought their Hot Dance music of the Jazz Decades to the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival, with plenty of 20’s and 30’s early Bix and Bunny Berigan. They play many of their own arrangements with have tight ensembles and exciting solos. Unfortunately, most of those pictures were lost, so we’ve picked some substitutes.
They started with This is My Lucky Day – Henderson 1926, with piano intro, Jimmy scatting. Anytime they can can perform together is a lucky day – they’ve made this their theme song.
Craig Ball was featured on high register clarinet for the 1930’s Three Little Words.
The band played early Bix in his Wolverine Days, before he joined Goldkette, with John on baritone sax: I Need Some Petting
John Clark on baritone sax
The dynamic reedmen Craig Ball and John Clark are as expressive as the reed sections of a Big Band, changing combinations, saxophones on Song of India, clarinets.
They inspire each other, alternating alto and tenor sax and clarinet, baritone sax, and sometimes challenge the leader by changing the program on him.
1940’s Tommy Dorsey with Craig on clarinet, John on alto sax, I Know That You Know.
Jeff Hughes sings snappy Golden Gate
Jeff Hughes’ love of this music radiates out of every pore. Hot tempo on custom-made tuneable bell Yamaha trumpet for Al Jolson’s Golden Gate. Jeff even sang the vocal.
(He found the old sheet music list for this music one weekend going through an antique store.)
Davenport Blues with Jeff on flugelhorn:
Al Bernard
Pushing the band is Al Bernard, wrapped in sousaphone.
Ross was featured with the rhythm section on Cole Porter’s most famous tune, the 1929 What Is This Thing Called Love, beautiful ballad, Jimmy wailing it in Mazzy style, with Ross backing him on stride piano.
Ross Petot
John on alto, Craig on clarinet Blame it On The Blues
Paduca
Pardon My Southern Accent Jimmy vocal, with great tenor sax by Craig.
Steve Taddeo lets loose on drums
They let Steve Taddeo go on Fats Waller’s 1920 Zonkie. He loosened the snare drum to give it the Gene Krupa treatment. (It’s inevitable.)
Steve stayed in Gene Krupa mood. Jimmy started the verse on Irving Berlin’s Russian Lullaby, Jeff adding some fabulous Bunny Berigan.
The one and only, Jimmy Mazzy
1920 Walter Donaldson’s Sam, The Accordion Man featured Jimmy.
They closed with Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?
The Jazz Jesters reminded us of New Orleans, Bix and Bunny, St. Louis, Kansas City, Chicago, all the places the early jazz from the 20’s and early 30’s was played.
Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark reeds, Tom Boates trombone, Ross Petot piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums
The Wolves were in rare form, back from a six-hour recording the previous day on their latest CD, #13. They’re on their way to the Arizona Jazz Classic Festival this weekend. They practiced on us, playing early New Orleans music with fiery enthusiasm – How LUCKY are WE???? They were asked to play King Oliver tunes at the Arizona Jazz Classic Festival, and we heard many of them, plus other tunes from the 20’s and 30’s, with original arrangements by John Clark.
They started Hot and Heavy with Michigander Blues, and a joyous New Orleans Stomp. A tune Bix Beiderbecke did with Frankie Trumbauer, There’ll Come a Time.
Tom Boates was featured on Snake Rag, a King Oliver tune that is always a big request. We only get to hear Tom once a month – the lucky folks at Bill’s Seafood in Westbrook Connecticut hear him every Friday with the Bill’s Seafood All-Stars. Boates sang the vocal on St. James Infirmary Blues, alternating choruses with each of the musicians. Nice touch. He closed with a growling trombone and drawn-out flourish.
Front line, featuring Tom Boates, with Jeff Hughes trumpet and John Clark clarinet
Jimmy Mazzy doesn’t use arrangements.
Jimmy had many vocals (We never get enough of them!) All from memory. Just Pretending, which is seldom played by any other band. The Halfway House Orchestra did some self-loathing tunes, I Hate Myself for Loving You and I Hate Myself For Being So Mean To You. John took out the baritone for that one.
Rita Brochu and Kathleen Howland
Another King Oliver tune, Olga, nice dance tune, then a romping New Orleans tune Buddy’s Habit. Another K.O. tune that Louis played with his Hot Five, Sunset Café Stomp, got Kathleen Howland up and dancing with her Mom, Rita Brochu. It was Kathleen’s birthday. Dr. Howland is a teacher of Music Therapy, both in private practice and at several schools, and plays one heck of a baritone sax! Special request for Kathleen, one of Jimmy’s favorite depression songs, Dip Your Brush in the Sunshine had everybody up dancing.
Betty Weaver requested a song from John Clark, and he obliged with The Oceana Roll, a popular RagTime tune written in 1911 about the U.S. Navy and the USS Alabama: “Billy Mccoy was a musical boy On the Cruiser Alabama he was there at the piana Like a fish down in the sea, he would rattle off some harmony.” Never gets dull!!
John Clark sings The Oceana Roll
Jimmy was asked to lead on a K.O. tune, I’m Lonesome Sweetheart, powerful trombone pushing the band. Someday Sweetheart, another Jimmy vocal, gave Rick MacWilliams a chance to shine on tuba. We haven’t heard Chimes Blues in ten years, it was fabulous, with Ross Petot playing the chimes on piano.
Rick MacWilliams and Ross Petot, fabulous rhythm section
Excellent drummer Dave Didriksen completes the rhythm section, keeping time with rim tapping on snare drum and cymbals.
Dave Didriksen
Their final tune, a sizzling Panama, was recorded by Kid Ory’s Creole Jazz Band. The Sherborn Inn furnished some Pyrotechnics:
We’ve been so fortunate to listen to this dynamic Wolverine Jazz Band from its inception, They celebrate their 19th anniversary next month.
We don’t mind sharing them with the folks in Arizona! Enjoy!
Craig Ball and John Clark reeds, Steve Taddeo drums, Jim Mazzy banjo/vocals, Al Bernard tuba, Jeff Hughes leader/trumpet, Ross Petot piano.
Jeff Hughes trumpet, Craig Ball clarinet and tenor sax, John Clark clarinet, alto and baritone sax, Ross Petot piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Al Bernard tuba, Steve Taddeo drums.
The Jazz Jesters were just back from a studio recording of their first CD. They presented a nostalgic evening of authentic old tunes by hundreds of revered players newly arranged by John Clark.
When Dr. John Clark enrolled at Connecticut College, he discovered their vast Traditional Jazz library. He immersed himself in it, absorbing every record and tape. With that knowledge, he was able to create authentic arrangements of the bands of the 1920’s and 30’s – tonight was spectacular!
many saxes!
They always begin with their theme song, This is My Lucky Day, with Craig on tenor sax. Deep Henderson, Fred Rose 1920’s. It wasn’t meant for Fletcher – it was about Deep Henderson Creek. Two saxes give it a special fling. In Zulu Wail, the two featured a fascinating exchange between two clarinets.
Jones Law Blues (1929) was recorded by Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra. Nice blues, great solo by Jimmy on banjo, and muted trumpet by Jeff Hughes. This was the first time they used this tune.
Great trumpet solo. The Yamaha Tuneable Bell trumpet was custom made for Jeff; it has a wide bell that gives it a warm cornet sound.
Jimmy was featured in a 1927 Walter Donaldson, Changes. noteworthy Tuba solo by Albie, who is sometimes pushing, sometimes just providing a steady beat. Jimmy ‘owns’ Cabin In The Sky.My Blackbirds are Bluebirds Now. One tune was recorded by just about everybody through the ages, That’s My Desire.
John and Gisela dance all night!
Jeff and John like to test new tunes on us, like Lew Pollack’s 1920’s Dianne. Sweet dance tune, had John & Gisela Bruneccini dancing.
They played King Porter Stomp, Blue River, Cabin In The Rain, Copenhagen, sweet romatic Moon Song, transporting us back to the Golden Era of Jazz.
Golden Gate was HOT, with great solos and celestially rocking alto sax by Clark. Hughes was singing.
Jeff Hughes belts out Golden Gate
Ross Petot
Ross Petot is an exponent of George Gershwin’s and was featured on S’Wonderful. His piano technicque is always Wonderful!
The early 30’s were Depression Years and featured many love songs. Bunny Berigan recorded I Can’t Get Started. They let Steve Taddeo loose on drums. Steve used a newer 70’s drum, with 1930’s Buddy Schutz cymbals, cross sticking with press rolls like Gene Krupa used with the Mel Hallett band.
Steve Taddeo lets go!
Sweet Man was done by the Paramount Jazz Band. Jim and Jeff were proud to be members of Ray Smith’s Band. Tight number, with Craig’s clarinet, John’s alto sax and Jeff’s powerful trumpet on the front line.
They ended with an interesting 1920’s tune that interpolated another tune. That’s how they would introduce new tunes in the 20’s. The Jazz Jesters did their own, with a sweet Broadway Melody, interweaving Breakaway, with a surprise ¾ time tempo (waltz) and vocal by Jeff.
Jeff Hughes is a skillful band leader, and attracts the finest musicians. We’ll be hearing more of the great tunes played in the Jazz Decades when he collaborates with John Clark. We’ll let you know when the Jazz Jesters CD becomes available.
The Sherborn Inn has been sold. We may or may not have music here next year. We’re looking for a new venue to keep these fine musicians playing our kind of music, just in case. Any suggestions?
Jeff Hughes cornet, Craig Ball clarinet and tenor sax, John Clark clarinet/alto and baritone sax, Ross Petot piano, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Al Bernard tuba, Steve Taddeo drums
They are busy musicians, Ross plays in several bands and teaches, Craig leads the White Heat Swing Orchestra, John Clark bounces between Massachusetts and Connecticut, and his Wolverine Jazz Band plays at festivals and on many town commons. Steve leads the Swing Senders and directs the Dick Donovan Big Band. Al plays tuba and sousaphone in many Classical bands as well as Jazz bands. Jeff has multiple bands, the most active at the moment are Swing Times Five and the Jazz Jesters. Jimmy is always Jimmy, and we are most grateful to have him here with us.
Jeff and John dug down deep for some very old material, some of the best and hottest of the 20′s and 30′s, making it relevant to today with their own splendid arrangements. They came up with tunes we’ve never heard before, inventive and resourceful arrangements by our own Dr. John Clark, hot and sweet music reminiscent of The Jazz Decades.
They soared with their theme This Is My Lucky Day, Craig starting on tenor sax, John Clark on clarinet. These two dynamic reed-men create magnificent music with two clarinets, alto, tenor, and baritone sax, between them.
Albie had his smallest Conn Tuba that he saved from a demolition pile. He favors it when playing classical music; in Trad Jazz it pushes the chords and with Taddeo’s drums, keeps the beat. Ross Petot’s piano adds riffs and fills. The whole polyphonic sound has some folks dancing and others sitting on the edge of their seats. Fantastic!
They have a following of ‘regulars’ who never fail to appear for Jeff’s Bands.
Elke and Joan
Betty
Paul
Connie
Bob
Geri and Jerry
Stan and Gail
Charlie and Gisela Brunaccini
John and Gisela have been married over 60 years. They knew all the right steps, and danced all night!
John said “We enjoyed hearing the old original arrangements of great memorable tunes by talented musicians.”
There were more: Bix’s Davenport Blues, Sweethearts of Sigma Chi, Alabama Stomp, River Stay Away From My Door and Cabin in the Pines (that Jimmy sang with the Paramount Jazz Band.) Blame It On The Blues; a classic 1920’s tune played by many bands, Deep, was anotherJohn Clark arrangement.
Featured soloists were Clark on bari sax with Deep Down South. Jeff sang Archie Bleyer’s ‘Leven Thirty Saturday Night. Jimmy was featured on a ballad It’s Wonderful, (not Gershwin’s S’Wonderful.) Craig’s clarinet reached for the sky on House of David Blues. Ross was featured on Avalon, and did the arrangement for Lila. SteveTaddeo let his Gene Krupa loose on his own theme song, Dinah.
The band continued with a quintessential 1920’s tune, You Don’t Like It (Not Much!) and closed with Fats /Waller’s Zonky, with dueling clarinets and trumpet, exuberant rhythm – it was WILD!
This exciting and exhilarating band will return with more new arrangements of these marvelous old tunes on October 28th. Mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss this!
Jeff Hughes trumpet/leader, Dan Weiner guitar, Ross Petot piano, Pete Tillotson double bass, Dave Didriksen drums, Debby Larkin vocals.
Release Party for CD “Raincheck” at the Sherborn Inn
Swing Times Five is the ultimate choice if you’re looking for a lively evening without a dull minute. Swing, sweet ballads, sung by Debby Larkin, heartfelt solos and ensemble playing with some Hoagie and Bix made for an interesting evening. This was the official debut of their CD, “Raincheck”. The kicked it off with Benny Carter’s When Lights Are Low, with Jeff on smokey flugelhorn with Ross harmony on piano. Raconteur, composer, Hoagie Carmichael was featured this evening; he was a good friend of Bix Beiderbecke’s. Hoagie wrote many unusual tunes, including Riverboat Shuffle especially for Beiderbecke and his colleagues. Swing Times Five showed intricate ensemble on his 1937 Jubilee.
Jeff introduces Debby Larkin
Jeff invited Debby Larkin to join them for Hoagie’s Old Rocking Chair, and Burton Lane’s The Lady’s In Love With You. Hoagie composed many ballads, they mixed them up. Nearness Of You, great Pete Tillotson string bass solo. The title of their CD, Raincheck, was written by Billy Strayhorn. Another Strayhorn tune, Smada – with is Adams backwards, from the album ‘Masterpieces’ by Ellington. It was recorded for the Columbia label in 1950 as Ellington’s first LP album, one of the earliest 12 inch LP’s to take advantage of the extended time consisting of 4 tracks. This is the first time they played it; great melody, harmony and rhythm.
Great Rhythm Section
Guitar took the intro to The September Song, with more sweet flugelhorn. Jeff highlighted Bix-style trumpeting on Hoagie’s 1925 Riverboat Shuffle, Hoagie was in law school at Indiana University when Jazz struck him and he became an itinerant musician. An interesting tune he wrote apropos to the season, One Morning in May. Blue Orchids had more smokey flugelhorn with piano picking up the riffs.
Jeff Stout
Debby’s husband, trumpeter Jeff Stout joined them on a memorable Skylark, Jeff Hughes on flugelhorn, with cadences and chords thinking of Bix. The two Jeffs complement each other. They changed the mood for a Cole Porter, piano intro to Get Out of Town; Fast stride piano backed Stout’s powerful trumpet.
Weiner has a relentless, mesmerizing drive on guitar
Dan Weiner’s spectacular guitar fingering was featured on a Latin beat with S’Wonderful.
Suzanne Perel
The musician table was filled with guests enjoying the Inn’s fare. Mr. and Mrs. Arnie Krakowsky, Mrs. Phil Person, Suzanne Ferel, was asked to come up and sing a couple of tunes. An accomplished vocalist, Suzanne sang her own splendid version of Billie Holiday’s My Man Don’t Love Me, and With a Song In My Heart. Back to Hoagie with a song from the 1964 film starring R&B legend Ray Charles, Ballad in Blue. Stout trumpet and Hughes flugelhorn – it doesn’t get any better than this! Except maybe when Hughes returned on trumpet for a two- trumpet interplay on Duke Ellington’s Cottontail, accompanied by Ross’s fabulous stride piano. Fired up, Didriksen took off on drums; the air vibrated with excitement!
Two trumpets had us sitting on the edge of our seats!
Jeff’s trumpet traded fours with bass on an upbeat They All Laughed. Deb returned for Wes Montgomery’s Blue Skies, Jeff’s trumbet vibrating, with pulsating piano, fine guitar and bass duet.
This audience just loves Debby Larkin!
Debby Larkin’s version of Georgia blew us away! HOT! Basie’s Topsy, with Hughes on muted trumpet. Deb liked this because it’s the name of their shelter rescue puppy. Deb back with the unique I’m Checking Out, Goomby! ….one of the swinging tunes on the new CD “Raincheck” – she thanked Ross Petot for teaching it to her. They closed with We’ll Be Together Again with more of Jeff’s silky, smooth flugelhorn. It may be some time before Swing Times Five returns to the Inn. Several of the members belong to other bands that are travelling this summer. We’ll let you know when they return. Meantime, check out their new CD, “Raincheck”.
Swing Times Five – Raincheck
They are really excited about it, recording 9 tunes on the first take, in three hours at Peter Kontrimas’ studio. The CD will be on their new website www.swingx5.com currently under construction. Listen, download and buy Swing Times Five on CD Baby http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/swingtimesfiveLove Letters, It Had To Be You, I’m Checkin’ Out, Goombye, S’Wonderfl, Cottontail, Get Out Of Town, Speak Low, Lady’s In Love
Neville Dickie piano with Jeff Hughes trumpet, Stan McDonald soprano sax, Steve Taddeo drums
Neville Dickie tours the U.S. every year around this time. Neville is from Surrey, England and is known worldwide for his stride piano, boogie woogie, with a powerful left hand and flashy fingering on the right hand. We all looked forward to his 13th appearance at the Sherborn Inn; thanks to Ellen and Stan McDonald.
He was joined by Steve Taddeo on drums, Stan McDonald on soprano sax, and Jeff Hughes trumpet. He is a charming entertainer, and enjoyed having a few beers and renewing acquaintances with the fans that come out to hear him every year. They come from all over New England – he fills the house.
Neville began his renowned “showing off for the Company”, backed by Steve Taddeo, with Jimmy McHugh’s Doing The New Lowdown, marvelous.
He said there’s nothing complete without Fats Waller, Keeping Out of Mischief Now. He’s known for his rapid left stride, but we like his active right hand toying with the melody.
He once heard Stan and Ross Petot play the Harlem Hotcha, written by James P. Johnson. It was originally done by the Omer Simeon Trio with Johnson on piano, Simeon clarinet and Pops Foster bass. Neville’s lightening left hand was supported by Steve feeling his way on snare drum and hi hat, trying not to be intimidated by the famous Dickie.
Neville invited Stan McDonald and Jeff Hughes to join them, with a piano intro to Rose of The Rio Grande. Neville played chugging, rocking chords, Stan on hot soprano sax also did the vocal, Jeff’s trumpet softly in the background. Neville started with the verse on a Darktown Strutters Ball, fingers floating over the keys. Stan on sax and singing.
Back to the duo of Neville and Steve with I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter, Neville playing in 6ths and left hand patterns like Jelly Roll Morton, giving his playing a “New Orleans” flavor. (I was coached by Ross Petot.)
Neville had several DVD’s for sale, he included a free CD with each one sold. He played ingenious stride on one of the tunes on his Back to Boogie DVD, Bells of St. Marys. He explained how the composer, Douglas Furber, was on a boat leaving South Hampton in England when he heard the Bells of St. Marys as the boat was leaving. It inspired him to write the tune. Dickie ended the piece with dramatic bell sounds on piano. Going back to boogie woogie, he turned to the jazz style of Albert Ammons with his 1940’s boogie, Shout for Joy.
Neville invited Stan and Jeff back. Neville’s right hand played warm, soulful, cascading piano to Jeff’s glorious horn solo on Bunny Berigan’s I Can’t Get Started. Sweet!
Jeff Hughes and Neville Dickie play Bunny “Berigan’s I Can’t Get Started”
Neville said “You won’t hear anything better than that!” We totally agree.
Neville enjoys sharing the stage, playing backup piano in the quartet for Maggie. The Ensemble’s powerful performance, with Stan’s scorching soprano sax turned Tijuana into a barn burner!
Stan’s scorching sax
Our own dynamic pianist, Ross Petot, sat at the piano playing haunting and elegant melodies during intermission. His hands crossed playing stride on I Hate Myself For Being So Mean To You by Isham Jones; Somebody Loves Me, Who’s Sorry Now, But Not For Me, Love For Sale, King of Araby.
New England pianist Ross Petot
In the middle of Araby, Neville returned and took over the treble end of the piano. The two together are remarkable piano pyrotechnicians. The baby grand vibrated with impeccable rhythm! We look forward to this every year!
Neville Joins Ross at piano
They trade places, playing 4-handed piano
Taddeo joins the pianists
Neville back at the piano with the volatile Finger Breaker. Jelly Roll Morton composed Finger Breaker; Willie ‘the Lion’ Smith called it Finger Buster. Either way, it’s extremely fast and difficult. Harlem Blues went from Blues to intense Boogie. It was the first blues ever published – 1940 – by Blue Note founder, Albert Lion.
Quartet resumes with All By Myself, Jeff backing Neville with soft trumpet; James P Johnson’s Old Fashioned Love, Stan on sax and vocals. Neville boogied with a hispanic tinge on Dardanella.
Steve back with Neville playing marvelous left-hand boogie woogie on Golden Earrings, from the movie with Marlene Dietrich. Swanee River Boogie was ecstasy! We never get enough boogie!
Closing time was approaching; Neville wanted to give Taddeo a chance to play. He said he’d make it easy, started Honeysuckle Rose with a slow, rolling left hand. Steve went along, adding a soft drum roll. By now he was comfortable with Neville, and tore into his Gene Krupa walk-around routine, stepping away from the drums with sticks tapping the beat, tapping on anything within reach, table, glasses, dishes, never missing a note. That caught Neville and the ladies at the nearest table by surprise! He tapped on, back towards Neville and returned to the drums to audience applause.
George Hannah
Steve has been teaching drums to student George Hannah. George sat in on drums, playing just the right accents and sounds with Neville on Indian Summer. We’ve been watching him grow up with drums – he’s come a long way!
The quartet returned with Wild Man Blues, with trumpet in glissando, staccato phrasing. They closed this evening with sax and trumpet intro to Lover Come Back To Me.
Myron Idleson called this the Mount Rushmore of Jazz Concerts. He said their talent is a gift from God, and their playing is their gift to God. I’ll add ‘to us too’.
Neville headed for New Jersey to play with the Midiri Brothers for the Tri State Jazz Society, then on to Maryland. If you’re ever in England, Neville and wife Pat started the Sutton Jazz Club where he plays monthly at The Thomas Wall Centre, Benhill Avenue, Sutton, Surrey. http://www.jazzpiano.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/advance_dates.htm
We look forward to having him back here again next year.
Steve will be in concert with the Midiri Brothers here on August 12th. Dick Donovan’s Big Band directed by Steve Taddeo is at the American Legion, 140 River Rd. Middleton MA every Monday evening.
Jeff will be back at the Sherborn Inn with The Wolverine Jazz Band, Swing Times Five, and Debby Larkin, Dave Whitney, Dan Gabel. They all want him. And He’ll still be wearing a hat.
Stan’s Blue Horizon Jazz Band will be back at the Sherborn Inn June 17th.
We are so fortunate to have all this marvelous jazz!! I count my blessings every day!
Jeff Hughes cornet, John Clark clarinet/bari sax, Tom Boates trombone, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Ross Petot piano, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums
They will be busy locally this summer: June 1, Melrose (noon-4); July 9 – Willows at Westboro; July 29 – Southgate at Shrewsbury; July 30 – Sherborn Center; August 20 – Norwood; August 21 – Natick Senior Center
All stellar Jazzmen who invoke the spirit of New Orleans Jazz, we are fortunate that they rehearse with us at the Sherborn Inn! They began with a new song that will be on the CD coming out the end of this month – Dear Old Girl – for the sentimental Irish.
Jeff Hughes
Savoy Blues, Jeff raucous on 1954 Long Model, “K-Modified” Selmer cornet, and being Bix Beiderbecke on There’ll Come a Time. He’s an expert on many famous cornetist and trumpeters, and is known for always wearing a hat.
Jimmy Mazzy
We have many Jimmy Mazzy vocals, Al Jolson’s California Hear I Come, T’Ain’t So, Jelly Roll Morton’s Sweet Substitute, with Jeff comping, more below.
Dave Didriksen
This was the 115th anniversary of Duke Ellington’s birthday, so naturally there were some Duke’s: Sweet Mama (they haven’t played before).
1929 Cotton Club, Duke’s, Digga Digga Do let Dave Didriksen go on drums.
Jimmy volcal on Al Jolson’s California Here I Come, backed by bari sax, drum rim-tapping behind him. Pre-Cotton Club Creole Love Call – Jimmy whistling the Adelaide Hall riff. A tune Paramount Jazz Band did, and always messed up the beginning: Who Wouldn’t Love You? The Wolverines don’t mess up.
Ory’s Creole Trombone
Tom was featured on Ory’s Creole Trombone. Magnificent!
Rick MacWilliams hidden behind tuba
King Oliver recorded Olga in 1930 on Victor, Rick recreating the tuba solo, great New Orleans polyphony by front line. This is a song that nobody ever plays.
Panama is one of our favorite Ragtime Marches,Jimmy Scatting, John Clark on that monster baritone saxophone.
Ross was featured with the Trio on a more modern tune, In a MellowTone, stride piano giving it a Ragtime feel, joined by Jeff on cornet at close.
A no-holds-barred rendition of Sunset Café Stomp had all the feet tapping. The first tune John Clark ever heard that captivated him and moved him toward Traditional Jazz was Mugsy Spanier‘sI’m Sorry I Made You Cry. Mood Indigo, Clark on low register clarinet, Jim vocal, soft muted trombone and cornet. They hit all our favorites! They closed with a Spanish beat on Oriental Man.
Look above for all the places this marvelous Traditional Jazz Band will be playing this year. Also check our calendars, and get on John Clark’s email list: jazzbnd@aol.com He sends out email updates once a month to everyone on his list.
Eric Baldwin, Pete Tillotson, Jeff Hughes, Bill Duffy
Jeff Hughes flugelhorn/trumpet, Eric Baldwin guitar, Bill Duffy piano, Pete Tillotson string bass.
Jeff has an instinct for what people need – Jeff’s Jazz Four were a welcome relief from the hectic days of Easter, Passover, The Boston Marathon and Patriots’ Day all falling on the same weekend. They played what “Ray Smith would call Chamber Jazz”, calming everyone’s nerves with soothing melodies.
It was a committed ensemble – they didn’t need any other instrument. Jeff played from the heart, and they followed wherever he led. His main instrument of choice was a smooth, smokey Flugelhorn, alternating between classic Duke Ellington and Nat King Cole.
The opened with Duke’s In a Mellow Tone, Jeff on flugelhorn, then I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart on trumpet. Perdido was a hot one, with Jeff’s finger-snapping adding another instrument. Great 1930’s ballad, Sweet Lorraine, the piano gave it the beat, trumpet, guitar and bass in sync, accenting the rhythm; it ended with Jeff’s graceful, melodic flugelhorn.
Bill Duffy does Nat King Cole
Pianist Bill Duffy was new to us, but not to the Greater Boston Community. He had a seven-year residency at the Four Seasons in Boston, and played the Nat King Cole Songbook at Scullers Jazz Club. He has a warm and supportive style.
Duffy was featured on Nat’s Walking My Baby Back Home and on a Johnny Mandel tune, Emily, using notes sparingly, making every note count. The fans completely quiet, listening.
Nat King Cole was an extraordinary pianist of the 1950’s, then the world discovered he could sing. Just You Just Me, Bill’s fingers floated over the keyboard, string bass playing fine melody behind him.
Early 50’s Straighten Up and Fly Right, piano intro, Jeff on open bell trumpet, trio in unison behind him.
Pete Tillotson string bass
Back to Duke to take out the first set with the Hot Club Days, Caravan. No drums – not necessary, Pete’s string bass took over the drum beat.
It ended with a thundering piano, and Jeff’s lively muted trumpet. Feet were tapping, heads were bobbing, even the band couldn’t stay still, guys moving from side to side, Duffy bouncing on the piano bench.
Flugelhorn opened Set 2 with It Might As Well Be Spring, piano picking up riff and running with it. Lovely! Chet Baker also played trumpet and flugelhorn, he liked Let’s Get Lost.
Music pours out of Jeff Hughes.
This music was just what the Doctor ordered! Jeff kept the musicians on their toes with all kinds of extraordinary endings.
Another Duke, Prelude To a Kiss, Sweet muted trumpet. Bill on piano watching Jeff every minute. Crowd enthralled, perfectly quiet, listening to masters at work. Soft low register ending on trumpet.
Eric Baldwin on Eastman arch-top guitar
Eric Baldwin was featured with Nat’s tune about Love,
Eric Baldwin plays with various groups in the area and is now teaching at Haverhill Public School.
He was both front line and rhythm; took an explosive solo on Dick McDonough’s 1930’s depression song, Chasin’ A Buck.
Next tune was a different kind of love, definitely not the sweet kind, Cole Porter’s Love For Sale. Jeff picked up the beat, loud open bell trumpet and piano, Jeff interjecting a quick, loud blast into all the solos. He threw a blaring note at bass and the bass took off.
Flugelhorn feature, Quiet Nights and Quiet Stars, sweet. Musicians watched Jeff intently and followed him. They stayed in that mood with Antonio Carlo Jobin’s One Note Samba – Jeff demonstrating Samba, dancing around the mic. Piano arpeggio, fingers flying up and down the piano. Jeff stopped on a dime, surprising everyone. They also stopped abruptly. Not one extra note.
There was something for everyone. Fats Waller’s Jitterbug Waltz, trumpet playing beautiful waltz, piano tinkering behind him.
Count Basie’s Topsy, hot ensemble intro, open bell trumpet, miraculous sounds coming out of Eric’s guitar. String bass took the chords, trumpet interacting with each instrument. Stunning!
Piano feature on Slow Boat to China, sterling piano, guitar and bass in sync behind him.
Bill Duffy rapt at the piano playing Slow Boat to China
Hoagie Carmichael and Bix Beiderbecke were great friends. Hoagie ‘appropriated’ some of Bix’s sounds in his tunes – you could hear it in Sky Lark.
Bronislau Kaper wrote Invitation. It became the theme music for 1952 film “Invitation” from which it derived its popularity and became a jazz standard. “Bad things happen in the city”. Latin beat background, open bell trumpet, rapid string bass. “Cops & Robbers to the max.” It’s a great tune to play at any tempo, latin, straight-eighth, or swing and it lends itself to many interpretations.
A little bit different finale, Horace Silver’s Song For My Father. Great open bell trumpet, Duffy coaxing all kinds of music out of the piano.
Jeff wished us all a great Spring and Summer. He’ll return with the Wolverine Jazz Band April 29th, and Swing Times Five on May 27th, and probably as a side man with many others in between. You never know what he’ll come up with next. Watch our calendars.
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.
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 YouTurned 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’s trumpet reached a wide range of resonance and tone on Shine; it was WILD!
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! (Thank you for the history lesson, Dan Gabel.)
Debby returned with a swinging What a Little Moonlight Can Do, Love 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!) Debby 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.
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.
Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark leader/clarinet/bari sax/vocal, Tom Boates trombone/vocal, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Ross Petot piano, Rick MacWilliams tuba, Dave Didriksen drums
The Wolverines are busy preparing for their trips to Festivals and their regular summer venues. They’ve been invited to the Hot Steamed in Essex, CT, America’s Dixieland Jazz Festival in Olympia, WA, Arizona Classic Jazz Fest. They rehearse with us at the Sherborn Inn – how fortunate is that??
They will be busy locally this summer: June 1, Melrose (noon-4); July 9 – Willows at Westboro; July 29 – Southgate at Shrewsbury; July 30 – Sherborn Center; August 20 – Norwood; August 21 – Natick Senior Center.
However, St. Patrick’s Day was approaching, so instead of their theme song, they kicked it off with an popular tune – Wearing of the Green, a song about the Irish rebellion of 1798.
We had special guests up from Connecticut – their first time here – Jean Hadley, Joan Boutelle , and friend/driver Angie. Thanks for coming folks!!
Inspired by one another, the Wolverines play incredible Dixieland, Satanic Blues, John Clark already on baritone sax, Tom Boates growling trombone. Smokin’!
They tried out new tunes, preparing for their next CD, creating arrangements as they played them. “Some mighty fine guesses going on here.”Chimes Blues will be on their new album, Ross Petot playing chimes on piano.
Jeff Hughes watches Ross Petot play amazing stride piano
We’re always ready for a Jimmy Mazzy vocal, and there were many: T’aint So. (Yes, ‘tis!) Come Rain or Come Shine. Lonny Johnson’s Tomorrow Night, a 1920’s tune that changed over the years from the 40’s to 50’s Rock & Roll; even Elvis recorded it. Jimmy’s special ballad, After You’ve Gone with Jeff soft trumpet behind him; Rick MacWilliams majestic tuba solo. Sound of the Wanderer, a 1920’s tune that featured Helen Hughes, incredible interplay between trumpet and trombone.
Sunset Cafe Stomp was a Charleston. It was named after the Sunset Cafe, also known as The Grand Terrace Cafe, a jazz club in Chicago in the 20’s to 40’s.
Recorded by Louis Armstrong:
“Gentlemen, ladies too
Push ’em round n round
They loose their head
They’ll drop dead …. doing the Sunset Stomp.”
Tom Boates and Jim Mazzy
Eubie Blakes Memories of You sweet Clark clarinet feature, Tom on muted trombone.
Tom Boates set sparks flying on Snake Rag!
Zero by Santo Pecora, New Orleans trombonist was HOT!
John Clark finds his voice
From their latest CD, a fun tune, Egyptian Ella, with John Clark vocal.
Jeff Hughes, trumpet
This band never disappoints! They showed what a good band can do. There were many more great tunes.
They closed with a big hit at all the festivals, Dinah, Jeff Hughes’ sharp trumpet intro with banjo riffs, gave Dave Didriksen a chance to let go on drums; it was so hot it triggered the famous Jimmy Mazzy shout!
Hot Band!
They’re more than ready for the upcoming festivals. We don’t mind sharing them. You can even Hire them. They’ll be back here again on April 29th and June 14th (for those of you keeping track.) Folks come from all over; Marilyn will probably be driving from down Maine.
Hope to see you here! Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main Street, (inters. of Rts. 16 & 27) Sherborn, MA Reservations: (508) 655-9521 or info@sherborninn.com. Please make a reservation – the Wolverines tend to fill up the room.
