December Features
Continued: Jazz at Chautauqua
One of the most pleasant of surprises was the magnificent playing of now-octogenarian Bob Wilber, who looked terrific, was erudite and informative in his announcements, had an almost regal stage presence and who played up a storm in the six sets he led and the four in which he functioned as sideman. It would be difficult to pick out the Wilber highlights because there were so many. Friday found him in a quartet setting, sharing solos with Howard Alden and Jon Burr and offering such delights as "Solitude," "Cherry" and an uptempo blistering but smooth take on "The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise," the hoary tune written by Gene Lockhart (June's dad and late movie star) and Edward Seitz in 1919, brought to life by Benny Goodman and now joyfully revived by Bob Wilber and company. A Wilber Quintet set with Dan Barrett and John Sheridan was all Ellingtonia with Wilber making like Johnny Hodges and Barrett making like Juan Tizol, Lawrence Brown and mostly "Tricky" Sam Nanton. They certainly answered the question, "What Am I Here For?" Twice, Wilber shared the spotlight with fellow reedmen Dan Block and Chuck Wilson along with Howard Alden and either John Sheridan or Rossano Sportiello on piano, and, of course, the ever-present bassist, Jon Burr, and either drummer Von Ohlen or Siers. These sessions were gems as were sets shared with the lilting Rebecca Kilgore, who suggested Ivy Anderson or Maxine Sullivan as the song demanded. At any rate, when we think back on this weekend, we will think most kindly of Bob Wilber and his cohorts for their contribution. Incidentally, Wilber had a built-in cheering section in the form of wife Joanne "Pug" Horton, who didn't miss a note that Wilber played.
Vince Giordano's Nighthawks always break it up at Chautauqua, and this year was no exception. Adding to the band's excitement was the band's violin section, comprising Andy Stein and Paul Patterson, the latter borrowed from the Faux Frenchmen, who also received several standing ovations. Dan Barrett lent his trombone and bits of wit and wisdom to the Saturday night performance. James Dapogny and John Sheridan alternated at the keyboard, and Howard Alden sometimes switched his guitar for a banjo. Vince Giordano's vocals remain appealing and his enthusiasm unbridled.
Marty Grosz, bon-vivant, raconteur and accomplished string player, once again paid tribute to the late Red McKenzie and took part in the Duke Heitger tribute to Henry "Red" Allen. Grosz was also part of a sprightly quartet along with Wilber, Kellso and Giordano that reprised tunes originally played by the famed Bechet-Spanier Quartet. The two Beiderbecke-inspired sets by the "Bixians" also found Grosz embedded in the rhythm section along with pianst Dapogny, drummer Kinsella and those renowned multi-instrumentalists, Giordano and Stein.
Andy Stein and Howard Alden augmented a Faux Frenchmen set on Sunday to provide yet another weekend highlight. This set featured Paul Patterson's "Chromatic Drag," Howard Alden on "Honeysuckle Rose," a wonderful Patterson-Stein duet (or duel) on "Doodlin'" and a quirky "Theme From Spiderman" that gave way to "Dark Eyes." Stein and Patterson should patent their act and go on the road.
The Alden-Barrett Quintet was once again a most welcome reunion. Any excuse to bring altoist/clarinetist Chuck Wilson on stage is a good excuse. Wilson also complimented the Wilber sets, as did the talented Dan Block who had solid rapport with Wilson and Wilber.
The trumpet players were all outstanding, Reinhart in his tribute to Bunny Berigan, Heitger in his salute to Red Alien and in leading the opening Spectacular and Sunday's grand finale. Kellso, Schumm and Wilder contributed mightily to the success of the 2008 weekend. Talking to Joe Wilder off-stage is as rewarding as digging his unique trumpet and flugelhorn style.
Rebecca Kilgore continues to delight. It's a sure sign that a vocalist is really good when the feeling exists that she hasn't been given enough stage time. Her easy swing, clear enunciation and heartfelt phrasing continues to impress, reinforcing the knowledge that she is truly one of the best singers around.
Kudos to Joe Boughton and his Allegheny Jazz Society volunteers for yet another in an annual series of great musical memories.
December 2008 issue | © 2008 The Mississippi Rag
P.O. Box 19068, Minneapolis, MN 55419.