Jazz Insights: Scott Hamilton

One of the world’s greatest saxophonists hails from little ol’ Providence, Rhode Island. Scott Hamilton was born here, grew up and made his name locally. He was to become the premier swing and mainstream jazz tenor saxophone player in the United States, and his style would remind us of the late Ben Webster or Coleman Hawkins. Even a bit of the great would be part of his personal blend. It was trumpet player Roy Eldridge who recommended Scott’s move to New York City. There in the Big Apple he performed with many of the finest talented musicians of on (and off) Broadway. Soon, he was hired by Benny Goodman and toured with his band soloing. When he broke away from Benny, he teamed up with Concord Records in California, recording with many of the finest West Coast jazz musicians. The late songstress Rosemary Clooney hired Scott and he toured with her during the 1970s. Scott performed in most of Europe. He also played in Japan with several groups. During his prime, he worked with a long list of big names, including reedman ; trumpet greats Warren Vache, and Roy Eldridge; and pianists George Wein and Mike Renzi. Now, in his 60s, he makes his home in New York, but continues to travel around the world. His vibrant personal sounds are always identifiable. The many albums that he has recorded are replayed regularly in the world of jazz. Rhode Island is proud to be part of his spectacular career. I will keep my eyes open if he should come back our way to perform. For jazz fans, it could be a lucky happening.

Jazz Insights: Rick Wells

Portsmouth’s Rick Wells is truly one of New England’s top jazz drummers. Rick separates himself from other drummers, smartly choosing to be more of an accompanist, rather than a showman soloist. He wisely recognizes that he is hired to complement other members of the group, not to take away from other talents during performances. His softness and unique touches blend perfectly in his contributions to any appropriate music. Yet, he gives his all to solo opportunities and is well applauded for his solo skills.

Wells grew up in New Jersey favoring the work of Chicago, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and admiring the skills of Buddy Rich, Mel Lewis, Art Blakey, Harold Jones and Conrad Duco. He attended William Paterson College, where he became a member of the jazz ensemble under the direction of Thad Jones and Mel Lewis. Lewis recognized Rick’s skills and encouraged him to try a career in music. Following Mel’s advice, he performed at weddings and with rock groups, honing different styles. During his time off, he worked in electronics, managed a catering business, got involved in Cub scouts and volunteered as a little league coach. Many years later Rick and his family moved to Rhode Island. He got involved with music once again with performances at the Greenvale Vineyards’ seasonal jazz series in Portsmouth, where he has played regularly for the past three years. He has played with most of the touring performers, as well as the leading local jazz groups, and his rising reputation has led to more work. Jazz Insights: David Zinno

Portsmouth’s David Zinno is one of New England’s premier jazz string bassist. He studied at the University of Rhode Island and Berklee College, then began his long professional career in 1980. Dave moved to Seattle, Washington, for a year where he accompanied Grammy Award winning vocalist and pianist Dianne Schuur and many other West Coast performing stars. Next, he brought his skills to New York City and spent 10 years there, accompanying some of the most important entertainers performing in the Big Apple. He began touring internationally with work in Europe, South America and North Africa, and joined the faculty at the annual Toulon Jazz Festival in France for about eleven years. He currently serves on the faculties at Brown University and University of Rhode Island. The demand for his veteran skills seem to be everywhere. He has accompanied top entertainers throughout his lengthy career, including gigs with the Broadway Orchestra of “Sugar Babies,” his bass backing for Michael Feinstein and regular work with Rhode Island’s own greats: saxophonists Scott Hamilton and Dino Govoni, trumpeter Eric “Benny” Bloom and Cranston’s spectacular pianist Mike Renzi, just to name a few.

Jazz Insights: Barbara Slater

Within the last decade, Barbara Slater became a quality female jazz singer in Rhode Island. She had previously earned a law degree and published several books to her credit. As a professional executive she paid her dues at media stations in Boston for many years. Returning to Providence, Barbara decided to become a jazz singer, which had always been a goal for her. She began taking singing lessons and studying important jazz musical background. Determined to make the grade, she organized a group of veteran performers to help in her delivery. Among the group was Kent Hewitt, Connecticut’s well known pianist, arranger and composer. Kent arranged her singing gigs to bring out her deep beautiful voice talent. (Her voice resembles the late great jazz singer Chris Connor). It didn’t take long before Barbara began singing with big bands and small groups alike.

She now joins a selected group of performing musicians that have attained later goals in jazz. Among her successful performances were gigs at The Hi-Hat Club in Providence’s Davol Square, Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, The Sidebar Pub in downtown Providence and several restaurant locations in greater Providence. An East Providence Library has featured her performances the last two years. Those of us who have followed her musical development are proud of her personal success in jazz. Hopefully, we will hear her voice more often in performances in other places within our state.

Jazz Insights: Paul Del Nero

Rhode Island’s Paul Del Nero has been a jazz bass player’s jazz bass player. He has been more than just the example; he has lived that life. For three decades he has accompanied some of the most important jazz soloists ever to perform. That list includes Mel Torme, Dave McKenna, , Buddy Tate, Mike Renzi, Phil Wilson, Mose Allison, Dakota Staton, Donald Byrd, Benny Golson, Tai Farlow, Nick Brignaola, Scott Hamilton, Hal Crook, Greg Abate, Ken Peplowski, Greg Hopkins, Alan Dawson, Herb Pomeroy, Richie Cole, Byron Stripling, Grady Tate, Duke Robillard, Claudio Roditi, Maxine Sullivan, Bob Brookmyre, Ray Santisi, The Smothers Brothers, The Four Freshmen, Vic Damone, Diahann Carroll, Robert Goulet and many more. He is quick to mention his tour with the Artie Shaw Orchestra, under the direction of Brockton’s Dick Johnson, and his long list of national and international jazz festivals that he has played. Most important, he is often seen in our local clubs, accompanying most jazz greats that grace our area today. He has a list of 16 recording credits to go along with his many Broadway musical gigs. Paul received his undergraduate degree from Berklee College and his master’s degree at New England Conservatory of Music, just down the street. Since 1993 he has been teaching at Berklee and now holds a full professorship there. In addition to all this, Paul has published several books on bass-playing and guitar. He is happily married and resides in Bristol.

Jazz Insights: Yvonne Monnett

Warwick’s Yvonne Monnett is a much sought-after jazz pianist accompanist throughout southern New England. Her Rhode Island musical roots began in Providence, beginning private piano lessons at age five. Young Yvonne wanted to become a seasoned jazz pianist. She improved her skills with important lessons obtained from the multi-talented Diamond Centofanti. Yvonne worked hard practicing Diamond’s basic teachings. Her effort became obvious in her performances.. She paid her dues, so to speak, playing clubs and lounges and private parties with notable local talent. Soon, Yvonne landed regular gigs, including sensational work with Bob Saraceno, Dick Lupino and the late Clay Osborn.. Yvonne has become a terrific entertainer, using her talented voice with her developed piano skills, and she is routinely listed among the best jazz pianists in New England. Her resume today includes several important gigs in New York City, one accompanying young Billy Gilman on live NBC’s “Today Show” (in 2002), and performing for Bill and Hillary Clinton (on an early campaign stop in Rhode Island). Her Thanks for the Memory album features her earliest influences gathered from the late cabaret songstress Blossom Dearie and the late great saxophonist . Yvonne, in her spare time, teaches jazz voice in the Applied Music Program at Brown University. Keep your eyes open for her advertised performances in Rhode Island with varied local talent. Her followers and fans alike will promise you a delightful entertainment experience.

Jazz Insights: Alan Bernstein

Newport’s Alan Bernstein is a lifetime music teacher and performer. His resume includes long stints as a school leader, teacher and as a jazz performer. While growing up in Newport, he began his love for music that included singing, guitar playing, stand- up bass playing and a sundry of other musical interests. He attended University of Rhode Island, where he graduated with a master’s degree in Music. Alan taught for a year in the Fall River school system before accepting a role with his hometown Newport School Department. He went on to spend 29 years teaching and mentoring lucky students throughout Newport county. He is formally retired from the Newport School Department today, and you can see him often sailing his boat in the waters of Narragansett Bay. Alan joined the late Mac Chrupkala’s popular musical group, performing in weddings, bar-mitzvars, funerals and a variety of special events during the last several decades. His skills, singing and guitar playing gigs are well known throughout Rhode Island. During his life, he has directed orchestras, jazz ensembles and assorted bands, and has had involvement in musical theater. Now, he is an agent, leader and performer on his own in Newport. Alan is married to Karen. Their daughter Chelsea is a talented musician with a resume of her own. He is the son of the late Stanley Bernstein and his 91-year-old mother, Esther, who continues to be his number one fan. Check the advertisements and schedules for music in Greater-Newport for terrific performances that include Alan Bernstein. Jazz Insights: Daryl Sherman

The current pride in the music world of Woonsocket is the talented Daryl Sherman, whose headquarters is centered around New York City these days. She has replaced the late spectacular jazz pianist Dave McKenna, who enjoyed the title for most of his long career before he passed away in 2010. Daryl is the daughter of the late Woonsocket trombonist Sammy Sherman. While growing up and attending Woonsocket High School, she took piano lessons from her dad. Later she found additional training that propelled her to professional status as an excellent entertainer. Her personality and high singing voice supplemented her piano skills and separate her from other female performers. Daryl’s long career includes important gigs with an impressive list of famous musical performers including Blossom Dearie, Bucky and John Pizzarelli, Artie Shaw, Dick Johnson, Dick Sudhulder and Mike Renzi. She has been performing quite regularly in England, Germany, Holland and Japan, among other locations, but most of her gigs still happen in greater Manhattan, where she has had long stints in several hotels and jazz clubs that continue to this date. She performs a couple of times each year here in Rhode Island. Usually she is featured at Sardella’s Restaurant in Newport, Greenvale Winery in Portsmouth and Chan’s Chinese Restaurant in Woonsocket. Daryl’s coverage of the American Songbook includes delightful renditions of cabaret selections from Broadway musicals and the magnificent compositions of the late great composers, and many awards and critical acclaims are important parts of her extensive resume. To purchase Daryl’s CDs, visit her personal website: darylsherman.com

Jazz Insights: Dick Lupino Rhode Island’s Dick Lupino has done it all. He’s a talented veteran bassist, guitar player, torch-singer, business man and important local music agent.packed into one. Dick is known for leading group performances at weddings, parties and high society gatherings. A graduate of the New England Conservatory (Boston), he has played with symphony orchestras, jazz combos and big bands alike. His career includes stints with Issac Stern, Chuck Berry, Fifth Dimension, Steve Lawrence, Mike Renzi and Micky Rooney. He has lived and performed in Boston, New York, Las Vegas, New Orleans, the Dominican Republic and several European cities. Dick has taught music in the Central Falls school system for 13 years, teaching music to elementary and middle school students. His teaching efforts granted him an honorable retirement for his dedication there. Currently he leads regularly performing groups on Wednesday evenings at Sardella’s Restaurant (Newport) and Saturday afternoons at the Greenvale Vineyards (Portsmouth). Dick hires outstanding veteran performers to headline these weekly gig. Many of these individuals come from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Seattle, Washington. Dick’s latest CD, titled I’ll Be Home for Christmas and featuring the background piano of the spectacular Mike Renzi, is a winner. So, keep your eyes on these two locations, Sardells’s Restaurant and Greenvale Vineyards (and Dick Lupino’s website) for terrific ongoing musical entertainment.

Jazz Insights: Shawnn Monteiro Cranston’s Shawnn Monteiro is one of the top female jazz singers in America. Her connections to the music world began with her late father, the renowned bassist Jimmy Woode, and late godfather, the gifted trumpet great Clark Terry. I agree with other critics that her voice is reminiscent of the magnificent talents of the great Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan and Nancy Wilson.

Although she was actually discovered performing at a club in San Jose, California, she went on to pay her dues, so to speak, with spectacular stints all around New England. Her reputation quickly spread to New York City, where she performed numerous concerts and events throughout her lengthy career. Shawnn has sung with many of the world’s greatest jazz performers, and a long list of famous big bands. Shawnn regularly performs in Europe, often bringing along several local musicians on her tours. She performs at many local clubs in Southern New England. Rhode Island is blessed with her ongoing talent and her local performances are a real bargain for jazz enthusiasts. When not performing, she teaches and instructs at The Hartt School (University of Hartford) and Rhode Island College (Providence).