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.
Bo Winiker leader/trumpet, flugelhorn, Phil Person trumpet, Ted Casher clarinet/tenor sax, Jimmy Mazzy banjo/vocals, Zac Casher drums, also Bill Winiker on drums and various vocalists
Bo Winiker was leader of Eli and The Hot Six this Thursday because Eli and Carolyn Newberger were vacationing in Vietnam and Cambodia. Bill Winiker was also here, and brought their Mom, Annette. The Winiker Band played at the legendary Parker House in Cambridge Square for 28 years. That’s where the ‘boys’ grew up; but they lived in Millis, MA, so the Primavera Music Room was full!
Velma Casher and Annette Winiker photo by Bill Winiker
It was such a pleasure to meet Annette Winiker, still spry at age 92!
Bill took a picture of her with Ted Casher’s wife, Velma.
Bo had the band playing toe-tapping Traditional Jazz for the whole first set before moving to vocalists and swing! It was a great night, with hot solos and delightful counterpoint.
Jimmy Mazzy
The first set started with an instrumental South, then Jimmy singing Basin St. Blues, and scatting in Strutting With Some Barbecue. .
Phil Person
Phil Person’s warm, sweet trumpet was featured with Do Nothing ‘Till you Hear From Me. Phil is a skillful interpreter of the melody, as well as muted trumpet commentary behind vocals.
Zac and Ted Casher
Sweet Sue from New Orleans, Jimmy Mazzy’s unique interpretation, with energetic interchange between The Dynamic Duo – Ted and Zac Casher.
Nat Coolidge photo by Bill Winiker
Nat Coolidge sang with Eli and The Hot Six at the Fundraiser for Windrush Farms recently. He’s been involved with it for 40 years; It serves special needs kids, helping them ride horseback – and they even have a horse riding Olympics. They really enjoy it! Tonight Nat sang Hoagie Carmichael’s Georgia on my mind, adding some Jimmy Durante lyrics – sounding like Vaudeville!
Bill Winiker
Bill and Bo Winiker made a Cd for their 50th anniversary in Jazz. The title track was Getting Some Fun Out of Life. Bill Winiker took over the drums and they played it now, dedicated to their late Father, Ed, who had started the Winiker Band in 1962 where Annette played string bass.
Zoe Musmon
Set two had two young vocalists named Zoe. The first Zoe Musmon sang the beautiful waltz, Che Sera Sera.
She connected with the audience, singing to each of us, with Benny Goodman’s Stomping at the Savoy.
Bo called on Bob Winter to play a tune that describes him perfectly – The Piano Man. He loves to play the piano, and was with the Boston Pops for over 30 years.
Surprise! Elaine Wu walked in – she was at another program, but left early to be here! That’s dedication – We call her our “Dr. Jazz”. She took over, beginning with the verse on I’m Old Fashioned, backed by Ted Casher on tenor sax. She led the band – continuing with Blame It On My Youth, and Oscar & Hammerstein’s Nobody Else But Me, explaining that “That’s about an adolescent, who wants to be anybody else, until she falls in love”. The Band gave her a grand finale!
Elaine Wu leads the band
Nat was back with They Can’t Take That Away From Me, and Rodgers & Hart’s The Lady Is A Tramp.
Zoe Stewart
Next came the second Zoe – Zoe Stewart, from Milford MA who sang After You’ve Gone by Henry Creamer and Turner Layton. She already has her own special timing, took the band by surprise by modulating her voice. She will be going to college in the fall for Musical Theatre.
Jimmy Mazzy returned, singing Swing That Music and Stars Fell on Alabama.
Bo on smoky flugelhorn
Moving quickly along towards the finale,, Zoe Musman came back with Cole Porters’ Night and Day and Cheek to Cheek, Bo on smoky flugelhorn.
This evening flew by so fast! We could hardly believe it was already over!
Bo kept it moving pressing these amazing musicians, and just having fun being the leader.
He closed it with You’re a Lucky Guy. (please excuse my shaking – Marce)
Eli and The Hot Six are at Primavera Ristorante on the 3rd Thursday of every month (except December.) We hope you’ll join us next month on November 15thfor more fantastic Jazz!
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!
Jack Soref guitar, Jim Guttman bass, Jameson Stewart guitar,
The last decade has seen a flowering of Django Reinhardt’s legacy, with bands and festivals popping up internationally. The Jack Soref Trio is an exciting gypsy jazz ensemble. Reaching both forward and back in time, it pays homage to the music of Django Reinhardt, while simultaneously enriching the tradition with its own compositions, arrangements and swinging improvisations.
Jack Soref
Jack is one of the pillars upon which Boston’s considerable gypsy jazz scene rests. A Wisconsinite, graduated from Berklee, started hanging with European itinerants, moved to France in order to live and play with them. (He still wears their weird pointed shoes.) He has performed with such gypsy jazz luminaries as Adrien Moignard, Gonzalo Bergara, violinist Tim Kliphius and the great German Sinto musician Titi Bamberger.
Jameson Stewart
Jameson Stewart is originally from California, but has been performing on the East Coast in many different musical styles, on many different instruments, for the last 8 years. When Jameson’s not on the road, he can be found playing Django style guitar with Jack on Tuesdays at The Burren in Somerville. Just about every other night of the week, he can be found playing Upright bass, bass guitar, Tenor Banjo, mandolin, or guitar, somewhere in New England.
Jim Guttman
Bassist Jim Guttmann has played everything from klezmer to classical — and most styles in between. He’s been with the Klezmer Conservatory Band (KCB) for 38 years. The KCB was almost single-handedly responsible for launching the modern klezmer music revival. Guttmann has remained with the group ever since, appearing on all ten of their recordings; touring Europe, Australia, and America; and performing and recording with Joel Grey and Itzhak Perlman.
The Band kicked off the first set with “Rosetta”-
Rosetta
They also played tunes by modern Django Style guitarists like “When I was a Boy” written by Spanish guitarist Biel Ballester, or “For Sephora” a composed by Sinti (the gypsy tribe Django comes from), virtuoso Stochelo Rosenberg
Each set included many of Jack Soref’s original compositions like the moody, “Rain on the Terrace” about the Memorial Union Terrace in Madison Wisconsin.
Swing numbers like “It Might be True”, and it’s sister tune “Some Things Are”
His high energy waltzes “Valse Jacek” “Valse Kilsyth” or the uptempo, minor key, romp “Stompin at Atwood’s”
Guitarist Jameson Stewart was featured playing the lead on the band’s arrangements of
“It Had to be You” by Jones, & Kahn and Django Reinhardt’s “Artillerie Lourde”
When he plays at the Primavera, Jack always likes to dedicate a tune associated with Sidney Bechet, to Stan and Ellen McDonald. Tonight, it was “Georgia Cabin”
The band also played some sweet, classic tunes like “Me, Myself, and I” by Gordon, Roberts, and Kaufman (on which Jack sang in front of an audience for the first time)
“I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling” by T. ‘Fats’ Waller and “Hummin’ to Myself” by Fain, Magidson, and Siegel.
Jack is here at Primavera on the 1st Thursday of every month with The Blue Horizon Jazz Band. Join us September 6th?
Bo Winiker trumpet, flugelhorn; Phil Person trumpet; Ted Casher clarinet, tenor and soprano sax, Bob Winter piano, Eli Newberger tuba, Bob Tamagni drums; plus Elaine Wu vocals, Carolyn Newberger washboard. (Missing: Herb Gardner and Jimmy Mazzy)
This is a group of superb musicians who meet here once a month under the guidance of leader Eli Newberger, because they enjoy playing together! There was no set theme, so each musician played what was in his heart, resulting in amiable ensemble improvisations and rousing counterpoint.
The Hot Six played Memories of You in a tribute to Aretha Franklin, that phenomenal vocalist who died the day before. Eli was eager to inform us that she played tuba in a band, way back when she was in High School! It was a fine tribute, ending in a tuba fanfare
Eli Newberger tribute to Aretha Franklin
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Belinda Barhbone
Elaine Wu joined the band with a Leonard Bernstein song from On The Town, We’ll Catch Up Some Other Time.
She introduced Belinda Rathbone who sang No Moon At All and Just In Time; Bob Tamagni playing the melody on drums.
Bob Tamagni
Bob makes a lot of music with a very simple drum set – snare drum, small bass drum, cymbal. He doesn’t need anything more – he can do anything with it!
Elaine Wu sang a riveting Route 66, special request from “Regulars” Despine and Bill Gray. Eli took the intro, with Ted Casher on tenor sax.
Phil Person
Not usually a Jazz tune – the Band played Gone With The Wind, straight from the heart, with inspired solos. Phil was amazing on muted trumpet.
Carolyn Newberger, washboard wizard
The evening was full of surprises. Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom Time was played in the Perez Prado style, with Carolyn Newberger joining them on washboard. It was a riot!
Bo Winiker
Bo Winiker sang a Billie Holiday tune, Getting Some Fun Out of Life, which they certainly do! He also sang a song about Bob Winter – That Piano Man, with fabulous duet by Bo and Phil on trumpet
Bo Winiker and Phil Person freewheeling
With no trombone or banjo, the two trumpets had unrestrained freewheeling on many tunes including In The Good Old Summertime and At The Jazz Band Ball. They were wild!
Dr. Melvin Gluskin
Another surprise guest – Bob Winter’s dentist, Dr. Melvin Gluskin, came up and played fine harmonica on Moon River slipping in a bit of Over The Rainbow.
Ted Casher
Ted Casher was featured on smokey tenor sax – with I’ve Got Rhythm. Beloved by all his students, the man has rhythm, and fluid command of the jazz language.
There was a full house, including Elaine Wu’s sisters who were vising from California. Elaine dedicated her last set to her first grandchild, a beautiful baby girl, Shandra, singing from The Bells’s of St. Mary’s, Aren’t You Glad You’re You, Carol Hall’s Jenny Rebecca, and Love – and celebrating the everlasting love a Grandma has for her Grandchild. Welcome to the world, Shandra!
Elaine Wu sings to new granddaughter
At The Jazz Band Ball was a barn-burner! Followed by an upbeat Just You, Just Me.
They closed with Strike Up The Band,
When these musicians get together it’s magic!
We vowed to be back here next month on September 20th for more of Eli and The Hot Six!
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
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??
