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!
Pat Stout trumpet, Craig Ball clarinet, Herb Gardner piano, John Turner string bass, Steve Taddeo drums, Billl Doyle rhythm guitar, Debbie Nordyke vocals, featuring Eric Baldwin guitar.
Taddeo kicked it off with an upbeat Don’t Be That Way with two guitars, trumpet and clarinet – great start to a fine afternoon of propulsive Rhythm and Swing!
Debbie Nordyke
Steve wasted no time Introducing former Broadway actress and vocalist Debbie Nordyke, singing Blue Skies, and from Brigadoon – It’s Almost Like Being In Love.
Bill Doyle on rhythm guitar
Bill Doyle’s guitar adds perfect rhythm to the band’s beat!
Craig Ball and Eric Baldwin teamed up for Count Basie’s Air Mail Special.
Eric Baldwin was featured on Seven Come Eleven, with help from bassist John Turner:
Debbie returned with Duke’s 1943 Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, and How About You.
Craig Ball
Craig Ball played a Memorial for a dear friend and drummer, Bobby Reardon, who passed recently, I Would Do Anything For You. Taddeo emphasizing drums.
Pat Stout
Debbie Nordyk actually worked on stage with Lorna Luft, Judy Garland’s daughter, bringing back memories with the ’39 Harold Arlen ballad, Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Pat Stout’s open bell trumpet soared!
Debbie continued with S’Wonderful and the Gerschwin’s tune from Funny Face, Our Love Is Here To Stay. It was the last musical composition George Gershwin completed before his death on July 11, 1937. His brother Ira published it later.
Herb Gardner
With a mood of creativity, Herb Gardner approaches tunes with a spirit essential to this kind of music.
A hot sextet tells us The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
Sextet
Found a New Baby was WILD, with Taddeo’s famous ten-minute drum solo and walk-around.
Debbie calmed everyone down with a tune from Gerschwin’s Porgy & Bess, reminding us it was finally Summertime! and Just in Time.
Craig Ball and Pat Stout
Honeysuckle Rose, with the Craig and Pat duet, was a barn-burner.
They closed with a WILD instrumental, Sweet Sue, with improvised solos pushed by the drum & bass.
Another version of the Swing Senders will be appearing at Primavera Ristorante at 7pm on Thursday, June 28th. 20 Pleasant St. Millis MA. Come join us for a fantastic evening of Rhythm and Swing!
Paul Monat Cornet & Trombone; Dan Gabel Trombone, John Clark Reeds; Ross Petot Piano; Bill Doyle Guitar; Jon Dreyer Bass; Caroline Griep Vocals; Steve Taddeo Drums.
This was Steve Taddeo front and center. The outstanding drummer romped through the evening with great solo after great solo. He drove the band through lots of fast paced numbers featuring improvisation by the individual members.
Steve Taddeo
John Clark
John Clark held the band together with steady reed work. Plus, he soloed beautifully, especially on the Wabash Blues.
Don Gabel and Paul Monat were impressive on trombone duets – not something you see often.
I thought Bill Doyle on guitar paced the rhythm section while Jon Dreyer on bass was extremely consistent.
Bill Doyle
Jon Dreyer
Ross Petot blended in well on piano and soloed well later in the program.
Ross Petot
Caroline Griep
Caroline Griep sang several old standards, but I thought she was somewhat overpowered by the power of the band – which nullified her effectiveness.
The band played driving versions of standards mostly, and they certainly shook the rafters with sound. However, I thought they produced a little too much noise which hurt the overall effectiveness of the group.
Steve Taddeo is marvelous and always puts on a great performance. This was no exception. He is well worth the price of admission.
Avalon
Dan Gabel on Vaughn Monroe’s valve trombone
Don Gabel told an interesting story about his valve trombone. The family of the late, great Vaughn Monroe presented it to him and told him to play it, not let it sit idle. Old timers may remember Monroe’s version of “Racing With The Moon.” It was a big hit nationally.
by Bill Falk
photos by Marce
For more about Dan Gabel and Vaughn Monroe, see the October4-8 Calendar.
by Marce
Videos by CineDevine
(more upcoming)
September 24, 2016
Dan Levinson clarinet/tenor sax, John Clark baritone sax/clarinet, Jeff Hughes trumpet, Bill Cable trumpet , Paul Monat cornet, Dan Gabel trombone, Ross Petot piano, Justin Meyer string bass, Bill Doyle guitar, Steve Taddeo drums, Elise Roth and Paul Agnew vocals.
Dan Levinson with Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders All-Stars
New York’s incomparable Dan Levinson joined Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders for a fabulous evening of Jazz and Swing. The 10-piece band of All Stars began Hot with a At Sundown, and it never cooled down. CineDevine videos will be added soon.
Steve called up Abletones Big Band effervescent vocalist Elise Roth for a swinging Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen.
People sat on the edge of their seats listening to Dan Levinson and John Clark playing a rousing duet on Slow Boat To China.
Warm and engaging Paul Agnew sang Pennies From Heaven backed by Dan Levinson on clarinet and then Paul returned with the whole band for Ain’t She Sweet.
Paul Monat dug out his best Wild Bill Davison for Memories of You, with Dan Levinson playing counterpoint.
Elise Roth
Elise Roth returned with What a Little Moonlight Can Do, with both Jeff Hughes and Bill Cable trumpets, and Ross rippling up and down the piano keys.
Ross Petot
Ross Petot had Bemis’ marvelous vintage piano singing!
Steve walks up the aisle beginning his ‘walk around’.
The whole band backed up Steve Taddeo’s infamous ‘Drum Walk Around’ on Don’t Be That Way, with Harold McAleer video taping the whole thing. “Did you get that Harold??”
Steve tapped his way up the aisle to the back of the hall, to Marce’s table, and slammed Eric Devine’s Grandfather’s cymbal. (His Grandfather played jazz in the 50’s and 60’s in Chicago: Eugene T. Beckman 1906-1989).. As always, Steve ended the walk-around on Justin Meyer’s string bass.
An outstandiing quartet of Dan Levinson, Ross Petot, John Clark, and Steve Taddeo amazed the audience with a jazzy version of Irving Berlin’s 1927 Russian Lullaby.
Dan Gabel, leader of Abletones Big Band and High Society Orchestra.
Dan Gabel’s sophisticated trombone was featured on More Than You Know, reminiscent of Glenn Miller.
Elise continued with You Made Me Love You, with fantastic trumpet solo by Bill Cable.
Dan Levinson was featured solo on tenor sax, beginning with the verse of Song of Songs.
Finale: They blew the roof off on Steve Taddeo’s theme song – Dinah.
Finale – Dinah! Levinson also went WILD!! Bill Doyle’s rhythm guitar behind Ross’s piano solo.
Dan Levinson said he enjoyed being here and thanked everyone for their support. It was great playing with old friends he’d met at The Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festivals, and he made some new ones. He hopes to return next year.
Steve Taddeo said his All-Stars would be ready!
We were thrilled to have the Midiri Brothers back, and they were happy to return to Bemis Hall in Lincoln, Massachusetts with Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders:
John Clark director on reeds, Paul Monat cornet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Ross Petot piano, Bill Doyle guitar, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve Taddeo drums, Caroline Griep and Paul Agnew vocals, and of course Joe Midiri on reeds and Paul Midiri on vibes (and drums).
Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders opened their Aug 13, 2016 concert with the Midiri Brothers with this 1928 classic Crazy Rhythm – Harold McAleer’s videos tell the story best:
The next tune shows the band’s great solos by each musician, as well as the Midiri Brothers together, and portrays the fabulous afternoon of Swing and Jazz that we witnessed here today:
When I Grow Too Old To Dream
Bemis Hall was filled with avid fans, and they were not disappointed.
There were more tables in the rear.
Caroline Griep
Caroline Griep joined the band for Out of Nowhere,Slow Boat to China, Taking a Chance on Love. She’s always a joy to hear!
After You’ve Gone was WILD! Joe Midiri HOT clarinet. Paul Monat holding a long note on cornet, Paul on vibes and John Clark on bari sax playing innumerable notes on that onerous instrument. It just couldn’t get any better than this!
But there was much more!
Paul Agnew
Paul Agnew sang All By Myself.
Paul is a local vocalist (Braintree) who interprets the timeless music of the Great American Songbook with meaning and authority.
Steve let Gene Krupa loose on Don’t Be That Way, with everyone stopped and focused on Taddeo.
Steve Taddeo solo
Joe Midiri singing Louis
Joe Midiri does a great Louis Armstrong, singing Pennies From Heaven, and playing a duet with Gerry Gagnon’s fine trombone.
Our favorite is always when Joe does Sidney Bechet on soprano sax, – Si tu Vois Ma Mère:
Avalon was over 18 minutes long, with many great solos and the marvelous Midiri Brothers playing together. Steve Taddeo was featured in an 11 minute drum presentation, including his ‘walk around’; Justin joins him on string bass at 10, and Paul Midiri joins him for a drum duet at 13. They do enjoy this!
They closed this superb evening with Russian Lullaby.
The Midiri Brothers enjoy being here and promised they would return; we’re certainly looking forward to them next August 13th, 2017 at Ken’s Steak house, Rt. 9 Framingham MA – The Big Four, with The Midiri bros,Paul Midiri vibes, Joe Midiri reeds, Jeff Barnhart stride piano and Steve Taddeo drums, and With Caroline Griep vocals
Stay tuned to our calendars at www.nejazz.com.
Ken Peplowski clarinet/tenor sax, John Clark clarinet/bari sax, Craig Ball clarinet, Jeff Hughes trumpet, Bill Doyle guitar, Dan Gabel trombone, Ross Petot piano, Justin Meyer bass, Steve Taddeo drums, Caroline Griep vocals.
Ken Peplowski
Ken Peplowski joined the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under the direction of Buddy Morrow as lead alto. They played one-nighters every day for 48 weeks out of the year. In 1980, Ken moved to New York City, and was soon playing in all kinds of settings, from Dixieland to avant-garde jazz. In 1984, Benny Goodman came out of retirement and put together a new band, hiring Ken on tenor saxophone.
This afternoon with the Swing Senders, Ken Peplowski played virtuosic clarinet. He was very impressed with these musicians.
Caroline Griep
Vocalist Caroline Griep has excellent range and diction. She sang: All of Me, Taking a Chance on Love, Candy, S’Wonderful
She is the only vocalist we’ve ever heard say “Pick a key, I’ll find it.”
Lionel Hampton’s Flying Home was absolutely incredible with swinging ensembles and concise solos.
Ken listens to our musicians playing ensemble.
Ken listens to Dan Gabel, Jeff Hughes, and John Clark play Poor Butterfly
Taddeo’s Senders’ rhythm section is the best he has ever had, Bill Doyle on guitar, Justin Meyer on string bass, and Ross Petot on piano
Bill Doyle and Justin Meyer
Ross Petot
Clarinet Trio plays Sweet Sue – Craig Ball,, Ken Peplowski, John Clark
Steve, Ross and Ken do a rousing rendition of China Boy
Ken and Steve tom tom duet
They closed the Show with Taddeo’s theme song Dinah, Ken and Steve did a clarinet Tom tom duet and motioned for the whole band to join in and wail, and wail they did!!! .
Taddeo taps on string bass
Taddeo did his famous drum walk around and played a ferrous drum solo on Justin Meyer’s strings. The crowd loved it.
Enthusiastic Crowd
Peplowski was very impressed with the Swing Senders and said several times that he can’t wait to come back. He had one helluva swinging!!! The crowd gave the Swing Senders and Ken Peplowski a standing ovation.
TUNES:
Don’t Be That Way
Moon Glow
All of Me – Caroline
I Would Do Anything For You
Sweet Sue,
Taking a Chance on Love – Caroline
Flying Home (Love it!)
All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm
Candy – Caroline
China Boy – Ken, Steve, Ross
Poor Butterfly – Gabel, Hughes, and Clark
S’Wonderful – Caroline
If I Had You
Dinah
Swing Senders and Midiri Brothers full house at Bemiis Hall, Lincoln MA
by Myron Idelson
photos: Marce
videos by CineDevine
On November 7 2015 at 2pm there was no ambiguity in store musically for an overflow crowd. Steve Taddeo Swing Senders with special guest Midiri Brothers Paul and Joe, returned by unanimous demand, presented jazz lovers and enthusiasts with a fevered performance.
Against the drop back of historic Bemis Hall the Swing Senders thankfully populated by Joe Midiri clarinet, alto and soprano sax, Paul Midiri vibes, trombone and drums, Bill Cable cornet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Robin Verdier piano, Bill Doyle guitar, Justin Meyer string bass, Craig Ball clarinet, Steve Taddeo drums, Caroline Griep vocals, unabashedly raised traditional jazz to new heights.
Steve Taddeo is a rare talent, a brilliant and dynamic drummer with native talents who fires up the Swing Senders and any band he plays for because of his consistently inspiring drums. His unique style displaying superb musicianship is bright, inventive, quite intense, soft with sticks or brushes and with no difficulty in communicating with the musicians and vocalist Caroline Griep on their lofty level. His playing has unanimity of purpose, of thought, musical and otherwise, inspiring the band to a sense of freedom and play; all combined with an air of maturity that is unique unusual superlative uncommon – in other words RARE.
Stomping at The Savoy
The program consisted of Stomping at the Savoy, Ida, Avalon, All of Me, Jeepers Creepers, Pennies From Heaven, Crazy Rhythm, I’ll Do Anything For You, and Dinah. Each one played with an exuberance and excitement producing a feeling of exultation which consistently caused volcanic eruptions of applause during and after every number.
Joe Midiri clarinet, Paul Midiri vibes
What a Dream
What a joy! This group, the Swing Senders, combined with Joe and Paul made it absolutely amazing. It must be remembered by all of us who were there as an evening that consistently and joyously incited and inspired not only the audience but the fellow musicians. Steve’s Swing Senders and The Midiris invariably project a wonderful uninhibited aura of spontaneity that brightens every place they perform. Ditto for November 7th.
Caroline Griep is appreciated by band and fans alike.
Caroline’s value to the Swing Senders is tremendous; the guys love her and she loves them. The whole spirit of the room, the band and audience perks up perceptibly when she sings. Caroline is dedicated to her music and modestly never fully recognizing her talent. She is devoted and anxious to please not only her listeners but her musical conscience as well.
In addition to Craig Ball’s scintillating wizardry on clarinet, Craig was the music director and was wonderfully imaginative and wisely selecting solos at the proper times, from himself, Bill Cable’s souring and sweet trumpet, Robin Verdier’s stride piano, Justin Meyer’s chordal bass, Gerry Gagnon sonorous trombone, Bill Doyle’s syncopated guitar. All of their solos were driving, probing soaring and sweet.
Joe’s soprano sax rendition of Si Tu Vois Ma Mere displayed a pure tone and beauty so remarkable and emotional, steeped in greatness and perhaps musical immortality. Many of us wept.
Pennies From Heaven sung by Joe produced a return to life of Louis himself.
Finally, the dueling drums with Steve and Paul were sheer drumming skill and beauty, gorgeous and heralded clean and clear strokes, for imagination and wit, for originality, consistency, extraordinary drumming skills, making obsolete single, double, and triple ratamacues and paradiddles.
No other audience has heard a drum duel to match Steve and Paul. The evening can be summarized thusly: a story of inspiration and imagination, a story of energy, a story of love and a lesson for all of us in giving. And we the listeners were the gracious receivers.
Myron Idelson
Many thanks to Harold and Shirley McAleer and Eve Welts for all their work at Bemis Hall, Vern Welch for moral support, and to SteveTaddeo for bringing us the Midiri Brothers. Marce
Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders and The Midiri Brothers
by Marce
videos by Harold McAleer
Joe Midiri clarinet/soprano sax/vocal, Paul Midiri vibes/trombone/drums, John Clark clarinet/alto sax, Paul Monat cornet, Gerry Gagnon trombone, Ross Petot piano, Justin Meyer string bass, Dave MacMillan guitar, Steve Taddeo drums/leader.
Harold McAleer invited us into the Senior Center at Bemis Hall in Lincoln, MA for a free concert by Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders and The Midiri Brothers from New Jersey.
There are Smiles
Joe Midiri plays Sidney Bechet
There was a full house with nine musicians, sponsored by CJALL, Classic Jazz at Lincoln Center. Joe Midiri won the audience over immediately with his soprano sax with Sidney Bechet’s Si Vous Vois Ma Mere.
Don’t Be That Way featured the two masters of the clarinet, John Clark and Joe Midiri.
Swing Senders’ vocalist, Caroline Griep
Vocalist Caroline Griep was introduced singing Candy and I Can’t Get Started. She puts a song across with emotion and a spirited voice.
John Clark and Joe Midiri
John Clark was featured with the Midiri Brothers and rhythm section on Sidney Bechet’s 1938 What a Dream. Ross Petot took the intro on piano, and then it went wild with a duet of John Clark on alto sax and Joe Midiri on soprano sax.
Ross Petot had the antique Bemis piano singing!
Paul Monat revived some of his Wild Bill spirit with Stomping at the Savoy. Paul Midiri slipping in a bit of There’s a Small Hotel on vibes. Taddeo did his infamous walk-around before he let loose – it’s his band, everyone just got out of the way!
They took a break after that one, and Steve Taddeo made a presentation to Jason Ricky, an aspiring young drummer, by presenting him with one of his drums.
After the break, the Midiri Brothers were featured on Avalon with the rhythm section. Justin Meyer, Dave MacMillan with Ross Petot and Steve Taddeo kept the rhythmic fires burning, providing a solid foundation that let the others fly. Ross’s piano solo resounded across the cavernous room.
Paul Monat was featured on Bing Crosby’s first theme song, Blue and Broken Hearted – that Crosby ended up turning over to Will Bill Davison before he moved to The Blue of The Night. Paul did a take-off on Wild Bill that would have done him proud!
Paul Monat revives Wild Bill Davison
Caroline Griep was back with Lullaby of Birdland. It was a brief vocal; Gerry Gagnon’s masterful trombone played a duet with Dave Macmillan guitar, each of the eight musicians took fine solos before Caroline returned for the close.
Paul Midiri and Gerry Gagnon wild trombones
That’s a Plenty was pure pandemonium! Justin’s string bass took a solo and traded fours with Ross on piano. There were two trombones with Paul Midiri and Gerry Gagnon.
Dave MacMillan guitar
Dave MacMillan played an energized solo guitar while the musicians in the front line continued, bent down onto their knees, so everyone could see and hear him. This is comraderie!
Steve pulled out his theme song, Dinah for a drum duel with Paul Midiri that is indescribable! video by Marce
They closed with Joe Midiri singing in his amazing Louis Armstrong voice. John Clark was cookin’ with the Midiri Brothers, Joe closing with a long drawn out note on soprano sax, then hit the stratosphere!
This was an incredible evening. These musicians enjoyed playing together and kept the audience totally engaged. It’s the fourth time Steve Taddeo has played with the fabulous Midiri Brothers, and they were always memorable. We look forward to Paul and Joe Midiri returning next year!
Steve Taddeo’s Swing Senders with Bucky Pizzarelli
Videos by Harold McAleer and Verne Welsh.
September 23, 2014 with Jeff Hughes trumpet, John Clark clarinet/alto sax, Dan Gabel trombone, Ross Petot piano, Bill Doyle rhythm guitar, Justin Meyer Bass, Steve Taddeo drums/leader, Caroline Griep vocals, and very special guest John “Bucky” Pizzarelli, 7-string guitar.
We’ve had many great Jazz Tuesdays at the Sherborn Inn over the last 19 years, but this topped them all! Bucky Pizzarelli inspired the men to play better than ever with his amazing 7-string guitar.
Bucky is a dynamic rhythm player as well as a great soloist; loves to play. He says “Every gig is a brand new day.” They opened with Don’t Be That Way.
Caroline Griep
The Swing Senders’ vocalist, Caroline Griep, stepped up with her own excellent interpretation of Blue Skies. She was also featured on I Can’t Get Started, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,
Caroline tells Bucky S’ Wonderful:
Steve let his Krupa loose with Found a New Baby, going into his drumming walk-around, tapping anything within reach – tables, glasses, bottles on the wall at the bar. It concluded with Taddeo drumming on Justin’s bass, like Ray Bauduc and Bob Haggart on Big Noise From Winetka. Justin knew just what strings to pick – sounded fantastic!
Taddeo took the snare drum by the piano for a quartet with Ross, John Clark, and Jeff Hughes and a barn burning Dardanella.
The two guitars played it nice and easy on a duet of Darn That Dream.
They took turns leading and on rhythm. Marvelous!
Taddeo gave many of the musicians their own feature. Bucky played with the Vaughn Monroe Orchestra from 1944-1954, before he went into the service. Dan Gabel has been writing a biography of Monroe, and was featured on trombone with his theme song, Racing With The Moon. Bucky said he only played it about 4000-5000 times!
Justin Meyer was featured on Just You, Just Me, with George Darrah on the Slingerland drums. Bucky shines, playong soft and low on his solo of In a Mellow Tone and Send In The Clowns. His 7-string guitar is a joy to hear!
Jeff Hughes was featured with his 1946 Super Olds Trumpet on Prelude to a Kiss, marvelous trumpet, with piano backup, ending in a great extended flourish.
Ross Petot’s piano was featured with Bucky and the rhythm section of You Can’t Take That Away From Me.
For twenty five years Bucky played with the Benny Goodman’s Big Band and small groups. They did Sing Sing Sing from Goodman’s heyday. John Clark didn’t want to play Goodman, but Bucky coaxed him into it, with help from the rest of the band.
Steve let his Krupa loose and Bucky joined him, bringing this fabulous evening to a close with a standing ovation.
Bucky and Steve brought the evening to a close.
Bucky said these musicians were top notch, and Steve was a great drummer. He told Steve he’d be glad to return. He’ll also be at Sculler’s Jazz Club December 12th, 8pm for a Guitar Night with Gene Bertoncini and Ed Laub.
Bucky played a solo a year ago with Richard Rodgers’ 1935 It’s Easy To Remember (But So Hard to Forget) with Ed Laub, Walt Bibinger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1tEEdM6JWM
He’s is a guitar genius, and also has had the expertise to remain a free agent. In a Pizzarelli Biography he talks about 200 one-night stands with Vaughn Monroe, with Skitch Henderson on the Today Show, Benny Goodman, The 7th String, Life and Tales of Bucky Pizzarelli https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goDqtP4MtqQ
Tunes played this evening;
Don’t Be That Way
Stomping At The Savoy
Blue Skies
S’Wonderful
Prelude to a Kiss
Stealing Apples
If I Had You
Found a New Baby
Dardanella
I Can’t Get Started With You
Darn That Dream
Honeysuckle Rose
Just You, Just Me
In a Mellow Tone
Racing With The Moon
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Send in The Clowns
Sing, Sing, Sing
Joe Midiri clarinet and soprano sax, Paul Midiri vibes, trombone, and drums, Ian Frenkel piano, Jeff Hughes and Paul Monat cornet, John Clark clarinet and bari sax, Dan Gabel trombone, Bill Doyle guitar, Justin Meyer string bass, Steve Taddeo drums, and special guest vocalist Elise Roth.
Steve Taddeo finally assembled his “Dream Band”, with The Midiri Brothers, Ian Frenkel, and members of Taddeo’s Swing Senders. They blew the roof off a full house at the Sherborn Inn on Tuesday, August 12th. Many are leaders of their own bands. John Clark, impressive impresario, kept them (more or less) under control.
Harold McAleer’s videos give you a taste:
Midiri Brothers kicked it off Running Wild.
Special guest vocalist Elise Roth was featured on Johnny Mercer’s Jeepers Creepers, Milton Berle’s theme song Near You, and Am I Blue. Elise was gracious to sub for The Swing Senders’ vocalist, Caroline Griep, who was absent because of a death in the family. Elise Roth is the regular vocalist for Dan Gable and The Abletones.
Special guest vocalist, Elise Roth, with Dan Gabel, Justin Meyer , and Bill Doyle
Two masters of the cornet, Jeff Hughes and Paul Monat; Paul revived some of his Wild Bill spirit in their duet on Someday You’ll Be Sorry.
The Midiris had us in tears with Bechet’s Si Tu Vois Ma Mère.
Crucial members of the rhythm section, Bill Doyle and Justin Meyer kept the rhythmic fires burning, providing a solid foundation that let the others fly!
Bill Doyle, guitar
Justin Meyer, string bass
Joe sings some Blues,Paul moves to trombone. We love this music – you never know what will happen next!
Dan Gabel trombone, Elise sings Am I Blue?
This was indomitable pianist Ian Frenkel’s first appearance at the Inn, and we hope it won’t be the last. A true artist, Ian is well known and appreciated all over Connecticut.
Ian Frenkel, fingers flying across the keys.
John Clark, Ian Frenkel, Steve Taddeo: You Do Something To Me
Don’t Be That Way, Royal Garden Blues, After You’ve Gone, Big Bear Stomp, Wolverine Blues, all imaginative and swinging.
Taddeo was using a 1939 Slingerland Radio King drum set (identical to what Gene Krupa used) and the vintage cymbals (Avedis Zildjian) from the late Buddy Schutz. He was featured with his infamous 8-minute drum solo walk-around on Stomping at the Savoy, tapping on anything within reach!
Finale! Everybody lets go with Taddeo’s theme song, Dinah, with Paul Midiri and Steve Taddeo battling on drums,
That definitely was not rehearsed!
This was an incredible evening. Many of these amazing musicians will be BACK for a reprise, with the Swing Senders or with their own bands. The Midiri Brothers are heading for Oregon, Idaho, California, Clearwater Beach. But they’ll be back. Stay tuned.
