Volume 25, Number 1 Published by C. Robie Booth Winter-Spring 2014

Steve Lambert Quintet Will Be at The Wishing Well on March 9 Steve Lambert (top) stars for Swingtime Jazz Society. From left: Adam Siegel, Bob Halek, Bobby Kendall, George Muscatello, See Pages 8 and 9 for details. The Night Owl

Ye Newe Puzzler His first band was in the early 1930s, idled, and was successfully launched in Rome and Grimaldi’s in Utica (there with 1939 in . He had been with the late Lou Palmer). Smith Ballew, Joe Venuti, Vincent Lopez Dorothy Lamour sang for Herbie Kay (to and Artie Shaw. whom she was married from 1935-39) His sidemen included Buddy Morrow, from 1934 to 1936, when Hollywood Lou McGarity, Hank Freeman, Max beckoned. . . Horace Heidt’s band vocal- Kaminsky, and Al Quaglieri, singers Kay ist (not necessarily talent show winners) Little and . He was a included Frank De Vol, Art Carney, the tenor saxophonist and singer whose King Sisters, Gordon MacRae. . . Phil “Indian Love Call” on Bluebird label be- Harris was an accomplished drummer but came a hit. His big band continued its wanted to be a trombonist. success throughout the 1950s. Andre Watts was stunning in Brahms’ What was the name of this star? First Piano Concerto No. 2, Opus 83 with the answer to C. Robie Booth wins a lifetime ASO Jan. 11 at the Palace Theatre in Al- subscription to Swingtime. bany. The soloist used no sheet music Half-Notes during the 48-minute piece. I greatly en- Jean Gordon was a sultry singer for joyed the orchestra traipsing through Em- sweet band maestro Ray Pearl. He peror Waltz and the merry Pleasure Train gained fame for blasting union president Polka in which ASO conductor David Al- James Petrillo for ruining the music busi- len Miller played the train conductor com- ness. . . Art Hickman is more and more plete with tooter. credited with having the first organized Dave Bournazian, educator, band- dance band. It was 1913 in San Fran- leader and artist on all reeds, is in im- cisco. proved health. He played for Neal Hefti. Rocco Coluccio, a mar- Subscribe to Swingtime magazine. A lifetime subscription is just ten velous pianist from Rome, smackers, and it’s delivered to you by e-mail or first-class mail. Send NY, was Patti Page’s con- checks to: ductor and accompanist. As C. Robie Booth Rocky Cole, he did a trio 6 Briarwood Road Loudonville, NY 12211 album, ”Smooth and Rocky” Name ______that is a gas. He and the Address ______versatile organist-pianist- cellestist Milt Munn often ______jammed at the Savoy in E-Mail ______

Page 2 SwingtimeJazz.org Swingtime Winter-Spring 2014 In Memoriam: Ronnie Partch Ronald H. Partch, 87, of Burnt Hills, died Jan. 8, at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. Ronnie was a bassist, trombonist and bandleader who touched many lives. I knew him first as half of the John Park- Ronnie Partch Duo in the late 1960s. One of their regular venues was the Shadow Box, a night club featuring good music on Route 20 in Guilderland. They were named Photo by Jerry Gordon Duo of the Year in The Knickerbocker News Night Owl column. (John was a mar- velous pianist who introduced me to Denny Zeitlin.) Ron and Lew Petteys formed The Mel- lowtone big band, a swinging herd featur- ing the young vocalist Colleen Pratt. He performed with the Bob Whitman Trio, Charlie Doyle Quintet, Jody Bolden Duo, Bill Pearson Headliners big band, Sophisti- cated Jazz with singer Jan Eisen, and the Shenendehowa Big Swing Band. He played for at Saratoga Kool Jazz Festival and several times for the Lake George cruise ships. Glenville until retiring in 1981. He was a He had been vice president of the Sara- regular artist on the early television Earle toga Musicians Union and arranged for na- Pudney Show on WRGB. Lew Petteys, tional musicians to appear at SPAC. He highly regarded saxophonist, met Ron leaves his wife of 59 years, June L. when both were freshmen at Potsdam (Anderson) Partch, a bassoonist who could State College. “We’ve been friends ever have played for any major symphony or- since,” he told me. “My best friend. He had chestra but chose to stay home, where she a hell of an ear, the best I ever heard. was principal chair at the Albany Sym- Many things I did would not have been, phony Orchestra and widely recognized as without him - like booking for SPAC and one of the finest classicists ever. forming our own band. Partch received the Asiatic Pacific Vic- “When we were young and broke, we’d tory Medal from the Navy in World War II. pool our money so we could eat. Our chil- He earned his teaching degree from Pots- dren called each of us their uncle.” dam State College, where he played with Ron Partch was wonderful man, a warm the Varsity big band. He taught middle friend and a superb musician. school math and science at Scotia- —C. ROBIE BOOTH

Swingtime Winter-Spring 2014 SwingtimeJazz.org Page 3 LOOKING FORWARD Trombone, ASO and Song

We’ll be running a pleas- It debuted in 1910. It is ex- ant gamut from classical to otic and happily tuneful. pop during the end of winter “Bolero” will conclude the and the entrance of spring. program. I loved it the first The Albany Symphony time I heard it in fourth Orchestra directed by David grade. Today, after about Alan Miller programs Wag- 900 hearings, I don’t want ner, Rouse and Ravel for to ever hear it again. 7:30 Feb. 8 at the Palace Stravinsky, Joan Tower, Theatre. Conor Brown and Beetho- The prelude and liebestod ven are on the March 1 f r o m “ T r i s t a n a n d (7:30) and March 2 (3 p.m.) Isolde” (1865) is short and program at Troy Savings emotional. Bank Music Hall. Blair Clarice Assad Christopher Rouse, last McMillen will be guest pi- year’s artist in residence for anist. songbook.” Now, that’s mix- ASO, composed Trombone Clarice Assad ’ s ing it up! They are fine mu- Concerto for the New York “Scattered,” Concerto for sicians; should be a great Philharmonic in memory of Piano and Scat Singing, will show. Leonard Bernstein. It won be a highlight of the May 17 Pat Metheny Unity Group the 1993 Pulitzer Prize in (7:30) ASO concert at EM- plays Proctor’s March 20 at Music. Soloist will be ASO’s PAC, Troy. The composer 8. The player of the year own principal trombonist is also an acclaimed pianist (Down Beat) has, for the Greg Spiridopoulos. He and jazz singer. Also on the first time in 30 years ac- has performed with the program is Dame Evelyn cording to the blurb, a horn Boston Symphony Orches- Glennie, called the world’s in front. tra under five major con- greatest percussionist. Capital Repertory Theatre ductors and has recorded Lincoln Mayorga, pian- presents “Mountaintop” until frequently with the Handel ist, and Sheri Bauer- February 9 and “Gypsy” and Haydn Society and Mayorga, vocalist, will pre- from March 18-April 13. other prestigious groups. sent “American Snapshots” Frank Loscavo, a fine Maurice Ravel, who has at 7:30 May 1 at Proctor’s saxophonist, and pianist influenced many jazz musi- Theatre in Schenectady. Jon LeRoy will be playing cians, and was in turn influ- They’ll perform works by Feb. 7 at the Nanola on enced by early jazz, wrote Stephen Foster, Randy Route 9 in Malta. Music is the “Mother Goose Suite” Newman, John Fogerty and from 7 to 10. in 1908 for dual pianos. “the people’s American

Page 4 SwingtimeJazz.org Swingtime Winter-Spring 2014 January 16th - 18th, 7:30 p.m. St. Clement’s Church, Saratoga Springs January 23rd -25th, 7:30 p.m. Corpus Christi Church, Ushers Tickets $10 General Admission For more information, call 518-584-6122 Proceeds from these performances will go to St. Clement’s partnership with Water to Thrive to help build water wells in Ethiopia. Directed by Karey Hall-Trimmings Music Direction by Matt Declos Choreography by Tina Baird

Swingtime Winter-Spring 2014 SwingtimeJazz.org Page 5 Swingtime Snapshots

Photo by Paula McNulty Dave Gleason, Mike Lawrence and Pete Sweeney

Photo by Jerry Gordon Eliza Lopez and Vito Davi

Jammin’ with Swingtime ‘Twas a jumpin’ jam at the SJS January concert at Provence in Guilderland. A sur- prise guest was Brian Madden, tenor sax man, retired broadcaster now teaching at Photo by Jerry Gordon Photo by Jerry Gordon SUNY Oneonta. The next SJS concert fea- Photo by Jerry Gordon Peg Delaney, Patti Melita and Brian Madden tures the Steve Lambert Quintet at The C. Robie Booth and Dave Lawrence Wishing Well in Wilton. Story, Page 8. Paula McNulty Page 6 Swingtime Winter-Spring 2014 Page 7 Swingtime Presents the Steve Lambert Quintet in Concert On Sunday, March 9, the Swingtime Jazz So- degree in music at Skidmore College and stud- ciety will present the Steve Lambert Quintet at ied under Rich Syracuse. Later, he earned a The Wishing Well Restaurant, 745 Saratoga Rd. master’s degree in jazz studies at the Purchase (Route 9) in Wilton. The concert, from 4-6 p.m., College Graduate Program. While at Purchase, will be followed by an open one-hour jam ses- he studied double bass with Todd Coolman and sion. Space is limited, so call Doc Salvatore at Doug Weiss. In the jazz idiom, Bobby has been (518) 584-3548 for reservations. fortunate enough to share the stage with greats Steve Lambert, born and raised in such as Jimmy Cobb, Louis Hayes, Ray Ander- Schenectady, has been playing trumpet profes- son, Mark Vinci, Ralph LaLama, Cyrille-Aimee, sionally in the Capital Region for over 15 years. Matt Simons, Giacomo Smith, Glen Zaleski, Early in his career, he performed with and Spike Wilner, Keith Pray, Elizabeth Woodbury- learned from some of the best musicians in the Kasius, Zorkie Nelson, George Muscatello, Bob area, including Nick Brignola, Mike Canonico, Halek, Brian Mellick, and Jon Greene. Rennie Crain, Mike Wicks, George Muscatello, A Troy native, guitarist George Muscatello and Brian Patneaude. Steve moved to New studied at Schenectady County Community Col- York in 1999 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in lege and the Manhattan School of Music. While mechanical engineering from Columbia Univer- at Manhattan, he honed his skills with Wayne sity, after which he worked in the office of Sec- Krantz and Rodney Jones while immersing him- ond Floor Music for two years as assistant to self in the music of modern classical composers world-renowned jazz trumpet player/arranger/ such as Bela Bartok and Leo Brouwer. Well- producer Don Sickler. While on staff at Second known in the Capital Region music scene, Mus- Floor, he interacted with such legends as Jim catello is a member of the Brian Patneaude Hall, Renee Rosnes, Charli Persip, Ray Bryant Quartet and has performed with Nick Brignola, and Rudy Van Gelder, and worked on many Dave Calarco, and Mike Bisio, among others. SFM publications including "The Thelonious His longstanding weekly jazz series at Savan- Monk Fake Book,” "Sing Jazz!" and Charli Per- nah's, the Lionheart Café, and QE2 have further sip's "How Not to Play Drums." Steve also free- made him a mainstay in the region. A respected lanced around Manhattan, working at such jazz lecturer, Muscatello has been teaching at clubs as Kavehaz, Louis, and The Garage, and Skidmore College since 2007. honed his chops while frequenting many jazz Teacher and percussionist Bob Halek is a na- jams around the city including those at Smoke, tive of upstate New York. As a musician, his The Lenox Lounge, Smalls, and Cleopatra's versatility keeps him very active, recording and Needle. He returned to the Capital Region in performing with artists from many different disci- 2003. plines: Big Band, Jazz, Latin, Funk, Country, Born in Albany, saxophonist Adam Siegel be- Classical and R&B. He has performed on the gan his music career in high school. He gradu- Food Network and at the Newport Jazz Festival, ated from The University of the Arts, where he as well as concerts, festivals and clubs through- was instructed by Philadelphia-based tenor out the Northeast. His current schedule includes saxophonists Ben Schachter and Chris performances with The Empire Jazz Orchestra, Farr. Adam has shared the stage with such Keith Pray’s Big Soul Ensemble, The Capitol greats as Dick Oatts, Jon Gordon, Joe Mag- Region Wind Ensemble, City Rhythm and vari- narelli, Grant Stewart, Jeff Coffin and many ous club bands. Halek was named the 2012 dis- more. Adam is currently a member of the band trict-wide teacher of the year in the East Green- Sketches of Influence, led by composer/ bush School District, where he teaches instru- drummer Joe Barna. As a bandleader, Adam mental music. He also has appeared as a clini- has opened for the Sun Ra Arkestra. cian and guest conductor for various concert Bassist Bobby Kendall obtained a bachelor’s bands, jazz bands and percussion ensembles.

Page 8 SwingtimeJazz.org Swingtime Winter-Spring 2014 Proudly Presents The Steve Lambert Quintet with Adam Siegel (sax), Bobby Kendall (bass), George Muscatello (guitar) and Bob Halek (drums)

Sunday, March 9, 2014, 4-6 p.m. Followed by an open jam session from 6 to 7 p.m. The Wishing Well Restaurant 745 Saratoga Rd. (Route 9) Wilton, NY Pub menu and beverages available for purchase $15/person ($5 for students) Seating is limited. To make a reservation, call Doc Salvatore at (518) 584-3548

Swingtime Winter-Spring 2014 SwingtimeJazz.org Page 9 Cats and Jammers he Swingtime Jazz Society jam session in January, at Provence in Guilderland, resembled a Sea T of Reeds. David Bullard (also a fine flutist), Lew Petteys, Frank Loscavo, Brian Madden and Vito Davi. Drummers were Tim Coakley and Eric Binder; pian- ist, the inimitable Peg Delaney; bassist, Bill Delaney; trombonist, Jack Speraw; guitarist, Dave Lawrence (father of fea- tured bassist Mike Lawrence); trumpeter, Jack Rosenbach; vocalists Paula McNulty, Eliza Lopez and Patti Melita. It was one of the liveliest sessions we’ve ever had, and probably the biggest ex- cept when half The College of Saint Rose jazz orchestra sat in. Eileen Ivers hot-fiddle Christmas at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall was a whirlwind of rousing Irish music. The violinist’s vital- ity, energy and personality have no peer. She was simply marvelous. Talk about a hot fiddle. Three of her four sidemen were excellent musicians, especially the bassist, Down Memory Lane accordionist and the guitarist, all of whom had many hot riffs. That leaves us with Tommy McDonald, dressed in dungarees with Bob Hope and a lumberjack shirt, who screamed This photo was taken in March 1955 at De- through “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” pot Theater, San Diego Marine Base. In which could have been done more appro- front center is Ned Spain, then a Marine priately by the chorale composed of PFC, now the organist on Goldie the giant Schenectady songsters. Unfortunately, the Wurlitzer at Proctor’s Theatre. Ned played choir was reduced to back-up, like the organ before movies and thus had back- Raelettes or Dawn, on all three of its num- stage access. Here he took his buddies to bers. I found McDonald quite obnoxious, meet Bob Hope and Jerry Colonna but many found him entertaining. Four comely young Irish dancers from (standing behind Ned) who were there for the Boland School added color to the their weekly broadcast which also featured spectacle. Eileen is a founding member of Vera Vague (nee Barbara Jo Allen).

Cherish the Ladies and an original River- dance star who has won rave reviews all For the area’s most up-to-date jazz calendar, over the world. Put her on your must-see visit aplaceforjazz.org/calendar.htm list. Page 10 SwingtimeJazz.org Swingtime Winter-Spring 2014 Drum Battle at The Egg Feb. 1 Michael Benedict & Boptitude present a including Rufus Reed, Lew Soloff, David New- “Drum Battle at The Egg” at 7:30 Feb. 1 man and Lee Konitz. He is a member of the Per- at Empire State Plaza in Albany. cussive Arts Society, Hudson Music Teacher Drummers will be Michael Benedict, program and the Vic Firth Education Team. Pete Sweeney, Mark Foster, Bob Halek Mark has been involved in numerous freelance and percussionist Brian Melick. The activities, the New York State Theatre Institute event is modeled after Gretsch Drum and Williamstown Theatre Festival. He is on the Nights at Birdland in the 1950s and ‘60s, music faculty of Skidmore College in Saratoga like the one featuring Art Blakey, Philly Springs. Joe Jones, Charli Persip and Elvin Jones. Bob has been playing professionally since the age of 13. He keeps a very active schedule with Bopitude includes Chris Pasin, trumpet; many recording and performing credits in all dis- Brian Pateneaude, saxophone; David ciplines. He has performed on the Food Net- Gleason, piano, and Mike Lawrence, work, Newport Jazz Festival, Albany’s Tulip Fes- bass. tival, Lark Festival and A Place for Jazz. His cur- Admission is $20. rent schedule includes performances with The Michael studied percussion at the Crane Empire Jazz Orchestra, Keith Pray’s Big Soul School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and later Ensemble, Colleen Pratt Band, The Capitol Re- earned a master’s degree in jazz studies from gion Wind Ensemble, City Rhythm and various Rutgers University. Michael has performed with club bands. Bob is on the teaching faculty at Gary Smulyan, Ralph Lalama, Bruce Barth, Skidmore College Summer Jazz Program and Steve Nelson, Renée Fleming, Marian McPart- Proctors Summer Jazz Program. land, Frank Foster, Milt Hinton, J.R. Monterose Percussionist Brian is a featured recording art- and Nick Brignola. He was a member of the ist on over 360 commercially released re- Planet Arts Trio, the Spike Jones Orchestra and cordings highlighted by his seven solo projects. the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra. He has toured Brian teaches participatory workshops, master the United States extensively and has performed classes and individual lessons focusing on the in Europe and Africa. His most recent album, world of percussion and Udu drums. He has “Five and One,” was listed as one of the top jazz written and produced two books and instruc- albums of 2013 by Downbeat magazine. tional DVDs. Brian performs around the US and Pete is a drummer, author, and educator. He Canada with Cathie Ryan, Kevin McKrell, Eliza- has performed with Pat Metheny, Larry Coryell, beth Woodbury-Kasius & Heard, Maria Zeman- Lee Ritenour, John Abercrombie, Robben Ford, tauski, Globetrotting, Joy Adler, Bernstein Bard Andy Summers, Ronnie Earl, Duke Robillard, Ed Quintet, Sonny & Mann (Frank Zappa), and Frank Gambale. He Perley, Seth & has written 20 instructional books for the Alfred the Moodymelix, publishing company. Soul Session, Pete currently teaches at the Berkshire Music New York Players School, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Troy Mu- and Martha Gal- sic Academy and Union College. The Troy lagher. His ongo- drummer is a member of the Latin jazz group ing concert series Sensemaya. “Acoustic Door- Mark is a graduate of the prestigious Eastman ways” highlight School of Music in Rochester. He is a long-time diverse artists member of the Albany Symphony Orchestra. and music from Mark is also a member of the Empire Jazz Or- all over the world. chestra and has accompanied major jazz artists

Swingtime Winter-Spring 2014 SwingtimeJazz.org Page 11 Join Swingtime Jazz Society

The Swingtime Jazz Society roster of members has reached 65. You are en- I want to join the Swingtime Jazz Society. couraged to join us by using the coupon Enclosed find my membership fee of $100. on this page. The Society’s mission is to promote Name ______quality jazz by employing the finest re- gional artists for four or five events every Address ______year. The format is two hours of concert- cabaret music by the featured artists ______followed by a one-hour jam session open to all cats. All members have a full vote on future Phone ______attractions and electing officers of the non-profit corporation. We also have a E-mail ______wonderful series of dinner meetings hosted by members. There is a once- Mail to: Patti Melita, SJS Treasurer only fee of $100 for joining. PO Box 232 See Pages 1, 8 and 9 for our March Troy, NY 12181-0232 9 attraction, the Steve Lambert Quintet.

C. Robie Booth 6 Briarwood Road Loudonville, NY 12211-1102 (518) 428-7618

The Index

Cats & Jammers ……...……………. Page 10 Drum Battle ………………...………. Page 11 Jesus Christ Superstar …………..... Page 5 Looking Forward ...... ……..…..…... Page 4 Night Owl ……………...….………….. Page 2 Ron Partch …………....……………… Page 3 Snapshots ………….…………..…Pages 6, 7 Steve Lambert …..…...…...….. Pages 1, 8, 9 Swingtime Jazz Society ..…. Pages 8, 9, 12 Swingtime Subscription Form ……. Page 3

Page 12 SwingtimeJazz.org Swingtime Winter-Spring 2014