by Marce
The Mood Elevators, Ginny Briggs, Karen Richards Tyo, and Chris Towle, exhibited their marvelous 3-part harmonies reminiscent of the Andrew Sisters’ 30’s and 40’s at the Sherborn Inn, with backing by John Clark clarinet/tenor sax, Ross Petot piano, Ken Steiner string bass, and John McLellan drums.
They had the The Andrew Sisters nailed with Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree, I Love Coffee. Exploring new things, they spiced the evening with a 1954 mambo, Sway, and the silliest song in their repertoire, Mairsie Doats.
The Boswell Sisters, from New Orleans, were represented with Charley Two-Step (hottest man in town.) This House is Haunted (by the echo of your last goodbye) a comedic 90’s tune was borrowed from the Chenille Sisters.
They caught Lynn Sickle by surprise with her favorite All of Me, adding some special verses written by Tomi Hayashi, with lyrics by Karen.
This was Karen’s night, she was featured with Dream a Little Dream of Me, popular both in the 30’s and 60’s, (nice low register tenor sax by Clark) Orange Colored Sky, and a swinging Pennies From Heaven.
Easygoing and personable, Karen really connects with the audience.
Another swinger – Glenn Miller’s In The Mood, Jean and Jack from Sherborn were swinging all over the dance floor!
John Clark actually joined the Mood Elevators on vocal with Some of These Days. He doesn’t do that often, has a very nice voice.
Chris, always sprightly and full of zip, was featured with I’ve Heard That Song Before.
Ginny, gregarious and sociable, touched on the upcoming holiday with Easter Parade and Low Gravy, a song that had everybody’s mouth watering, about gravy, and pork chops and biscuits. (Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers 1930)
The band had the floor for a tune written in 1937 by Allie Wrubel and lyricist Herb Magidson, Gone With The Wind, with Clark on clarinet. The tempo picked up again with Everything is Hotsy Totsy Now, Goody Goody. And again In a Mellow Tone smooth tenor sax.
Ross Petot played haunting and elegant piano on Billy Strayhorn’s Johnny Come Lately, a tune that became a standard for the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
Ross is also a fine stride pianist, arranger, composer and teacher.
It was great to have Dr. Dave and Helene back dancing again, to Apple Blossom Time, done in a nice waltz!
The Mood Elevators have several summer concerts coming up. Check their website at www.moodelevators.com. You’ll find them May 12th at the First Parish Church Universalist Unitarian Coffee house in Sudbury.