May 2007 Issue No. 147

“13 Years Serving the Community” “KIDS HAVE THEIR SAY” good back then, but Dave Hetrick, McDowell Band Director says “You won’t recognize it. There have been major improvements with additional practice, some additional personnel, and the band is much tighter.”

This will be a final preview for JazzErie listeners before the All-Stars head for Europe and the Montreux Jazz Festival in July, putting Erie (and JazzErie) on the international jazz map. Directors Hetrick and Chuck Lute (Collegiate Academy), along with their spouses and some parents, will accompany the band members on their Continued on pg. 2 ....

Saturday, May 6 7:00 PM McDowell Intermediate School, Little Theater, • 3320 Caughey Rd. There will be a nominal admission charge.

This concert will feature the JazzErie All Star Band, along with jazz bands from Collegiate Academy, General McLane and McDowell High Schools, plus the Edinboro University Jazz Band. Guest soloist Joey Pero, a former trumpeter with the Maynard Ferguson band, will perform with the student bands.

Some of you may have heard the JazzErie All-Stars at JazzErie’s Benefit Concert in February (snowstorm night). It sounded pretty For More Information: www.jazzerie.com Kids....Cont. from pg 1. azz rie trip. The All-Stars now include J E a trombonist from Youngsville, JazzErie is a com- munity of music lovers and Andrew Fohrd, trumpeter Ethan musicians and, a member- Budzynski from Fairview, lead ship organization dedicated trombonist Justin Dayhoff to sharing with children, from NYU, saxophonist adults and one an-other Brianne Lute from Edinboro, an awareness and love of drummer Garrett Carson, music, particularly jazz. JazzErie brings Behrend, guitarist Jaclyn Cray toget-her people who want to listen to jazz, from McDowell and electric learn about it, play it and just live it. violinist Andona Zachs-Jordan, Collegiate Academy. Check out our website at www.jazzerie.com for complete The core band, which information on current and has been slugging it out in upcoming events. rehearsals since December, is comprised of trumpeters 2006-2007 Board of Directors David Wingenbach, Larry Caplinger, Matt Harrison President...... Dr. Carl Hultman Vice President...... Ed Goebel and Brian Stahl; trombonists Treasurer...... Liz Scarpelli Dan Gott and Jenna Lute; saxophonists Matt Directors Wambsbans, Dan Marchini, Dave Blaetz Susan Grey Dylan Yetta, Jen Sesler, and Robb Hoff Charles Lute Eric Stahl; drummers Taylor Al Lubiejewski Julie Masterson Blaetz and Andrew Gordan; John Marzalek Scott Meier pianists David Holcomb and Sheldon Peterson Nick Ronzitti Kaitlin Mitchell; bassists Sid Mary Matson DickThompson Carson and Jacob Gordon and Past Presidents guitarist Anthony Letto. David F. Van Amburg 1994-1995 (Founding President) The band and its directors Atty. Al Lubiejewski 1995-1997 have no fear. They were still picking Virginia M. Pelkowski 1997-1999 up on new arrangements in late April. The work ethic is beautiful and the R. Patrick Rodgers 1999-2002 musicianship steadily improving. Its Steve Eidell 2002-2003 definitely a band to hear. Tom McLaren 2003-2005

JazzErie Notes is published monthly by JazzErie which is a subsidiary organiza- tion of the Erie Art Museum, a nonprofit organization. JazzErie Notes Editor - Dick Thompson published by PIP Printing West 2825 West 26th St. • Erie, PA 16506

Deadline is the 15th of each month. Send articles to: [email protected] or Box 8833, Erie, PA 16505

Page 2 Erie Jazz Notes Little Oasis” from which we listened to JAZZERIE “Dance For A New Day” and “124th & VOLUNTEERS DISCUSSION GROUP Ruiz.” Exciting music from this almost- NEEDED March 15, 2007 a-big-band ensemble. Join us next time on Thursday, May 17, Volunteers are needed for the night of 7:30 PM at the Erie Art Museum Annex the Jazz and Blues Walk, Saturday, July for more great recorded jazz, latest music 14. Each volunteer will receive a free news and stimulating comment. button. Interested persons should contact Tom McClaren, 833-5563 or at tmcl@ verizon.net. JAZZERIE

BOARD MEETING JAZZERIE THANKS THE SUMMARY FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT April 3, 2007 The Board’s best wishes go out to Gannon University, 109 University Bob Protzman, who had successful heart Square. surgery recently. MacDonald, Illig, Jones and Britton, Attorneys, 100 State Street, Liz Scarpelli, treasurer, submitted Suite 700. a favorable financial report. The Glenwood Beer, 2177 W. Grandview by Charles Ventrillo Performance committee is confirming Boulevard. a date to begin the next concert season Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Kicking off the evening is one of featuring the Richie Cole/Greg Abate Center, Mercyhurst College. everyone’s favorite organ recordings: Quinter, at Gannon in September. The Erie Art Museum, 411 State Street. “The Incredible ,” which final concerts of the current season will Glass Growers Gallery, includes the much covered “Back At be Dave Pietro and Banda Brazil, at 10 E. 5th Street. The Chicken Shack.” Smith is joined by Beherend (April 18 and 19) and “Kids World of Music, Stanley Turrentine, and Have Their Say” at McDowell High 1355 W. 26th Street. Donald Bailey for a historic session of School on May 5. Jazz Walk plans are Froess Pianos and Keyboards, 2558 warm groovin’. proceeding. Volunteers are needed. W. 8th Street. Three new members have been Romolo Chocolates, Is it possible this recording is forty- 1525 W. 8th Street. three years old? John Coltrane’s nominated and will be voted on at the Annual Meeting next month. John Kytic Lynch Music, Rte. 9 & Rte. 20, frequently cited “Crescent” album defies Fairview. time and style. The title song is played will be taking over chairmanship of the Membership committee. Erie Book Store, 137 E. 13th Street. slowly then settles into a medium tempo Raven Sound, 2617 Peach Street. groove. “Wise One” is described by A plan for Honorary Members of the Edinboro University of Nat Hentoff as delicate and intimate and JazzErie Board, made up of notable Pennsylvania, Edinboro becomes a medium tempo Latin. For musicians who support the organization Penn State Erie, The Behrend someone unfamiliar with Coltrane who and will lend their names for publicity, College, Wesleyville has heard that he is difficult listening, this was presented by Robb Hoff and Lake Erie Fanfare, 113 W. 10th Street. is a great first album to enjoy. Thanks to approved. Coors Beer Denny Kitchen. The Summer Jazz Fest is still on, Scott Enterprises/Ambassador Al Lubiejewski introduces us to the though initial fund-raising fell short of Center, 8040 Peach Street “Spirit Of Life Ensemble.” The unit goals. The planning board is aware that East Erie Turners Club, consists of two each of saxes, trumpets more lead time is needed for effective 829 Parade Street. and trombones, a piano, bassist, drum kit, planning/fund-raising and hopes to percussionists and vocalists. They are improve that next year. definitely “Blue Note bop” oriented in the Lee Morgan, , Horace Next Board meeting and Annual Silver tradition. This multi-cultural Meeting will be held at the Plymouth collective has performed throughout Tavern, Tuesday, May 1 at 7:00 PM. the world and is recorded by Christal JazzErie members are invited. Records in France. The album is “A

Issue No. 147 Page 3 SCOTTY’S JAZZ CLUB MUSIC FOR THE SPIRIT 459-3800 East Greene Presbyterian Church, 10200 The Wales Road (between Rte. 8 and Rte. Live jazz every Friday and Saturday 430) Jazz Line night from 10 PM to 1 AM. $5 cover. www.jazzerie.com Fri., May 4 By Popular Demand Sat., May 5 Katie Chriest & AZQ PAPERMOON 455-7766 Fri. May 18 The Rivers Band

Live jazz every Saturday. Call us for information about additional bookings Special events this month: Sunday, May 6 6:30 PM Mary Alice AVALON HOTEL, BILLIE’S Brown, Erie’s favorite musician and Fri., May 12 – Drummer Joe Harris 459-2220 X231 a source of inspiration for so many. with the Basil Ronzitti Quartet. Cancel everything else that evening! Fri., May 25 – Guitar great Larry Live music every Friday & Saturday Coryell (tentative, call first) night, 9 PM – 1 AM CLEVELAND Sat., May 26 – Jazz Jam, 8 – 11 PM. See article, this page. CALAO’S RESTAURANT, Nighttown Restaurant, 12387 Cedar 2926 Plum, has begun presenting some Rd., Cleveland Hts., OH 216/795-0550 COLONY PUB & GRILLE evenings of live jazz in its upstairs bar. or www.nighttowncleveland.com Call 866-9621 for more information. 838-2162 Fri., May 4 8 & 10 PM $20 cover. Detroit saxophonist Donald Walden All- Live jazz every Thursday: DOCKSIDER Star Quintet. Colony Club House Band featuring 454-9700 Mulgrew Miller (piano), Steve Nelson Gene Leone (vibes), Bob Hurst (acoustic bass), and Fri., May 4 One World Tribe Louis Hayes (drums). EAST ERIE TURNERS Sat.,May 5 Rodger Montgomery Blues 452-2546 Band Thurs., May 31 8 PM $20 Cover. Fri., June 15 Harper Jazz/Blues Band Jimmy Haddad International Trio. Jazz most Friday and Saturday evenings Thu., June 28 Louisiana Gumbo Percussionist Haddad, Leo Blanco from in the dining room, 8:30 - 11:30 p.m. Venezuela (piano) and Peter Slavov from Occasional special events in the AREA EVENTS Bulgaria (acoustic bass). Ballroom. Call for more information. PRESBYBOP Fri. & Sat., June 8 and 9 8 & 10 PM Wayside Presbyterian Church, 1208 $20 cover. Asbury Road, Tuesday, May 1, 7:30 P.M. Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express. Open to the public. Free will offering. B-3 organ and keyboard master. BREWERIE at Union Station Call 833-7653 for more information 454-2200 WORKSHOP/ PresbyBop Live jazz some Thursdays and features pianist Saturdays. Call for information. SEMINAR Bill Carter (“Bill Drummer Joe Harris, one of Carter is a great Saturday, May 5 - Dave Callighan jazz’ living legends, will present an piano player. I Jazz Trio, 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. informal educational seminar on think his music is Saturday afternoon, May 12 at Romolo wonderful and I Friday, May 25 - Dirty Murphy Blues Chocolates, in the Coffee Shop. Call highly recommend Band, 8:00 - 12:00 p.m. Romolo (452-1933) for exact time. his recordings.” – Dave Brubeck.) Harris, now 80 years young, played Completing the group are Tony Marino, with the great jazz innovators of the bass, Tom Whaley, drums (formerly with 1940’s, ‘50’s and ‘60’s who have since Carmen McRae), and Al Hamme, reeds become worldwide icons: Charlie (Birmingham University). PresbyBop has Parker, Dizzy Gillespie (three years with released six CD’s. Continued on pg. 5 Page 4 Erie Jazz Notes (bring copies for band members), bring appeared at the papermoon during the DOINGS AT THE your own instrument. JAZZ JAMS was past year. PAPERMOON initiated last month, and five high school and two college students came to play, While the papermoon has cut back along with the house band. Papermoon on some of its regular jazz scheduling, is a restaurant, so persons under 18 may owner Don McCain continues to express attend. ID is required if you order an his commitment to jazz in other ways. alcoholic drink.

2007-2008 CONCERT SEASON:

Richie Cole/Greg Abate Completing the Quintet will be the Quintet Carmen Intorre BTW Trio. Drummer Intorre, Heard last year in Erie with Dominick Ferinacci, has been touring with Joey DeFrancesco, and appeared on the Ramsey Lewis TV jazz series last Drummer JOE HARRIS will appear summer accompanying Hammond B-3 at the papermoon on Saturday, May 12, organists DeFrancesco and Dr. Lonnie from 8 – 11 PM with the Basil Ronzitti Smith. Trio. Harris has a heavy resume. He came to New York at the urging of his Thanks to local instrument dealer friend Ray Brown to play with the Dizzy Frank Corapi, Cole and Abati will be Gillespie Big Band. In addition to gigs relieved from having to tote baritone, alto with Gillespie, Harris worked with and tenor saxophones to their gig here Charlie Parker, Lester Young and Quincy JazzErie’s 2007-8 Concert Season (a major headache with current air travel Jones (listen to him with Quincy on the will kick off on Saturday, September 15 restrictions). 9 DVD set of favorites put out by the with a burst of serious talent. The Richie Smithsonian Institute). He was in the Cole/Greg Abate Quintet will headline movie “They Shoot Horses Don’t They” the 8 PM concert, which will be held at (Jane Fonda) with the Bobby Hutcherson Gannon University. WORKSHOP/ band. And so on. Negotiations are underway for SEMINAR (Cont. from pg.4) a possible appearance by guitarist Dizzy’s Big Band during the period when LARRY CORYELL on Friday, May Dizzy was introducing Latin rhythms 25. Call before you come, as this date is into the band), Lester Young, Ray Brown, uncertain. Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horn (three years), Saturday, May 26 will be the second of Bobby Hutcherson, Kenny Clark, Quincy what drummer Jones and others. He also worked as a Joe Dorris studio musician for Radio Free Europe in hopes will be Berlin in the late ‘50’s. monthly JAZZ Harris was an instructor at the JAMs at the The two saxophonists both have strong University of Pittsburgh from 1972 papermoon. roots in bebop. Cole, associated for the – 1986, and taught in Japan for three 8 – 11 PM. past 10 years with his “Alto Madness years. He now lives in Pittsburgh. Beginners Orchestra,” has appeared on over 50 to pros are albums and performs worldwide. Abate Harris has been invited to share some welcome. The house band will be also tours the globe 150 days a year. of his life experiences in music, “as well drummer and vocalist Dorris; Frank He has recorded over 12 albums, one as those rhythms,” and to demonstrate Singer, guitar; Tony Stgefanelli, bass and of which (EVOLUTION, with James rhythmic ideas, according to organizer Nick Ronzitti, percussion. Format for Williams, Harvie S and Billy Hart, was Joe Dorris. The Workshop is free participants: you can sit in for two songs nominated for a Grammy in 2004). He – anyone interested is welcome to attend. per set, you may bring your own charts Issue No. 147 Page 5 SPA QUINTET

Buddy Palmieri Band. Palmieri, leader, with clarinet; Gene Leone on piano; Guido Damico, drums.

The musical history of Guido Damico, musicians from Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Holiday Inn. Then I worked with Stan Plas Presutti and Gene Leone outlines Dorsey and other big name bands. There Yopec’s band, The Continentals. Tom the history of jazz and pop music in were four dance bands. (During this Osiecki played bass and Andy Fagoli Erie during the past 60 years. Guido period, Gene was in the Navy band played tenor. Stan is still around, and and Gene’s history together started in stationed in Washington, D.C. They also still has a band called the Continentals. 1945, in the Leo Palmieri 16-piece big played aboard an aircraft carrier.) band, pictured above. Guido was 15, “I also worked with Gib Porsch Gene 14. The band, at least according to Guido is self-taught, “But I learned (piano), along with saxophonist Bud recollections of those who heard it, was a lot from the other drummers in the Pacy and Plas. We played together good – featuring Stan Kenton and other Army band in Frankfurt.” Returning to for 25 years. We played all kinds of big band arrangements. Erie after his hitch in the service, Guido music. I also hooked up with a trio at played again with Will Sunday (“A hotel the Summit Hotel: Bill Thompson, Gene and Guido’s association traces band,” he emphasizes, “but a good one.”) organ, Lucille Kelly, piano, and me. We forward til today, now as cohorts in Meanwhile, Gene had landed a long-term played for shows, dances, everything. Gene’s Spa Quintet, which includes Plas, gig at the Spa Club on W. 12th St., hence Then Lucille started her own trio with frontliners Stan Bialomizy or Al Zurcher, the “Spa Quintet.” It was there that Gene Tom Osiecki and me and we played the trombonist Lee Williams and often singer began to regularly exercise his vocal as Lawrence Hotel (where the Avalon is Katie Chriest. well as his pianistic talents. now), six nights a week. Days I worked at the carpet company. The hotel used After finishing high school (East Plas adds the following information my company for carpets, so I was a High), Guido went on the road with about the Spa, although he didn’t join regular employee at the hotel – music the Will Sunday Quartet. Tour dates the group until later. The bass chair was and carpets. (laughs)” included Detroit (Statler Hotel), Peoria, occupied by his older brother, Dominic , IL.; Birmingham, AL, a date in North who also played guitar. George Ferrara “In 1982 I was back with Gene and Carolina and then nine months at the played drums. “Things were different the Spa Quartet. At first it was Gene, Officers’ Club in the Navy base at then,” Plas explains. “The band played Bud Pacy, Plas’ brother Dominic Presutti Norfolk, VA. Leo Palmieri was there six nights a week, 11 PM til 4 AM. It and me. Then Dominic had a stroke with the band as well. was an after-hours club. And most nights and Plas replaced him. Tony Tetuan it was packed. Plus the band sometimes also played trumpet with the group. We Then Guido was drafted (Korean War) played jobs of Saturday afternoons and played at the old East Erie Turners. We and played in the Army band stationed Sundays. They were very popular.” had a regular gig Friday and Saturday in Frankfurt, Germany from 1952-3. nights at the Mannerchor Club until two The band was 110 members strong, and During this period, Guido had hooked or three years ago. I’d say the music we because the armed services were newly up with pianist Frank Alvero for about played was swing. Bud was a wonderful integrated, contained a sprinkling of ten years, often in a trio with Ron musician.” African American musicians, as well as Messenger (tenor sax and bass). “We worked five or six nights a week – at Spa Quintet .... Continued on pg. .7 Page 6 Sandelini’s in Meadville, and at the old Erie Jazz Notes Jazz On The Radio WQLN FM (91.3) The Source for Jazz

Monday thru Thursday 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Jazz Flight - Rob Hoff “The Spa Quartet: Leone, Damico, Prescutti and Bialomizy.” Friday Spa Quintet .... Continued from pg.6 How do these musicians see today’s music scene? Guido: “There used to be 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Damico also remembers playing jobs working five or six nights a week at Bob ‘n Blues - Al Lubiejewski regularly at the Holiday Inn South (now the same place. That’s gone now. Jazz 10:00 p.m. - Midnight the Quality Inn) in 1982 and playing sometimes seems to be coming back, Deep Blue - Jason Gibbs with Ernie Guy, a former Erie musician, but now I’m not so sure. Maybe swing in the Harold Madrigale band at Madiera is coming back – people like to dance.” Saturday Beach, FL for six months in 1981. Plas Plas: “There are lots of good musicians 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. mentions a band of about seven years and lots of places out there. We play Saturday Swing Session ago called the Blue Notes, with Jeff some now at the new East Erie Turners, -Bill Garts Gibbins, trumpet, Guido, himself, Mary plus weddings and private parties in 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Alice Brown on keyboards, Stan on the area. It’s hard for me to forecast Lush Life - Aubrey Dillion reeds and Tommy Lewis on trombone. the future – our generation is on the wane.” Gene is article-shy, and declined Sunday In other life activities: Guido has an interview. He continues to head the served on the Board of the Musicians Spa, also headlines the House Band at 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Union (Local No. 17) since 1988. He the Colony Club every Thursday and Riverwalk - (Network) joined the union when he was 18. He pulls together local musicians for other 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. has been married to his wife, Janet, (who gigs. He expressed part of his musical “Jazz, Ballads & Blues” helps him keep track of who he has philosophy to me one day: “You know with Al Lubiejewski played with) for 56 years. They have where swing comes from? It comes from 9:00 p.m. - Midnight three girls, all married. Gene and his here (pointing to his heart.” It seems “Everything Jazz” wife Ginny have five children. Plas and to me that’s where all of Gene’s music with Bob Protzman wife Toni have three. comes from. Classy 100 by Dick Thompson WXKC-FM (99.9) Sunday JazzErie performances are supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a 9:00p.m. - 11:00p.m. state agency funded by the Commonwealth of JazzErie News welcomes Jazz Tracks Pennsylvania and the National Endowment of PIP Printing West as its the Arts, a federal agency. wrie-am (1260) JazzErie performances are also funded in part new publisher. PIP has by The Erie Arts Endowment of the Arts Council Sunday of Erie. served JazzErie well over th epast few years as publisher 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. Big Band Jump of our posters, fliers, and in the past years, the wrie-am (1260) newsletter as well. Saturday 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Dan Jones, “Mr. J”

Issue No. 147 Page 7 Non Profit JazzErie Notes Organization U.S. Postage September 2005 Issue No. 127 Paid Erie, PA The Monthly Newsletter of JazzErie Permit #44

Erie Art Museum 411 State Street

Erie, PA 16501 ✁ ✁ Complete this Membership Application and mail to: Join JazzErie JazzErie, P.O. Box 8833, Erie, PA 16505-0833 Mail this Membership Application to: JazzErie, P.O. Box 8833, Date______Erie, PA 16505-0833 Name:______Register Me As A: (check one) Cost Address:______q Individual $20 City:______q Family $35 State:______Zip:______q Student $10 Day Phone:______q Senior (65 or older) $15 Do you want to be notified by e-mail of an upcoming event? ______q Senior Family $25 q (One member is 65 or older) Would you be willing to serve on a JazzErie Committee in the future? ______q Corporate/Business $100 E-Mail:______Fill out a Membership Application on-line at www.jazzerie.com You will receive an invoice to pay by mail.