Volume 23, Number 3 Published by C. Robie Booth, Ltd. Autumn 2012 Photo by C. Robie Booth Fantastic Felines Sparkle for Swingtime These swingin’ chicks are three of a half-dozen singers for the Georgie Wonders Or- chestra appearing for Swingtime Jazz Society Oct. 14 at Colonie Elks Lodge. From left: Katherine Hudson-Sabins, Linda Egan Johnson and Erin Upson. Story, Page 3. The Night Owl Ye Olde Puzzler All of Swingtime’s contestants correctly identified the seminal bassist Jimmy dynamics and swirling flourishes, as heard on a Blanton. Predictably, the winners were recent “Skylark,” are without peer . Her origi- largely bassists: Bill Delaney, Pete Toigo nal “Crazyology” is a wonderful romp. Re- and Mike Wicks, plus drummer Tim member Rocky Palmer and the Ritz? ? ? We’re Coakley. sorry to see the Brown Derby in downtown Al- bany go out of business. Some Fridays they had Ye Newe Puzzler excellent jazz. Who was a protégé of Jean Goldkette who led Recently discovered a wonderful singer, Judy one of the first big bands under the Goldkette Starr, on Hal Kemp’s “I’ve Got a Pocketful of umbrella, which also included the Don Redman Dreams.” orchestra? Also “discovered” was Margie Woodward, a Our mystery man, a Detroit drummer born in beautiful leading lady in many B movies of the Kentucky, began his band in the mid-1920s. His 1930s and ‘40s. She starred with two of the first sidemen included Benny Carter, Coleman Haw- Dick Tracys, Ralph Byrd and Warren Morgan. kins, Rex Stewart, Fats Waller, James P. John- The third and last Tracy was Warren Beatty. son, Quentin Jackson, Hilton Jefferson and Enjoyed very much “Ella” and star Tina Fabri- Redman. que at Capital Repertory Theatre. Her phrasing, His theme song was If “I Could Be With You enunciation, tone, stage presence, intonation One Hour Tonight.” His band was also known and impersonation of the great jazz singer were as the Chocolate Dandies. without peer. Often, even her voice was similar. Ellington, OASIS and More I did not like her “A Tisket, A Tasket” anywhere Dr. R. David Kissinger’s OASIS classes on near Ella’s, but I thought her “Mr. Paganini (Don’t Duke Ellington continue Oct. 9, 16 and 23 at You Be a Meanie)” was even better than the Colonie Senior Services Center. “The Mature original. The Jazz Quartet was astounding in Duke” will cover his career from the 1940s until every way: George Caldwell, piano; Ron his death in 1947. It will focus on suites, movie Haynes, trumpet; Derick Polk, bass; Rodney and television projects and collaborations with Harper, drums. A wonderful evening of musical other jazz giants. The concluding section is theater. about his unusual sacred works. Lots of anti-Americanism in Colonie. I’ve had OASIS is an adult education program with free seven antennas snapped off my car because of membership and reasonably priced classes the Stars and Stripes I always fly at the tip of it. ranging from $5 (“Living Healthy with Diabetes”) The original Act III, predecessors of Act IV, to $65 (a trip to Clark Museum in Williamstown, comprised Frank Mastan, organ; Pat Andre, Mass., including transportation, buffet lunch, a drums; Georgie Wonders, saxes, flute and lecture and all the exhibits). The Ellington series bass ! ! ! They played six nights at week at is $50 for three two-hour programs. Rudy’s Uptown Club. Frank’s 18-year duo with bassist Doug Harris Half Notes is still playing Wednesdays and Thursdays at Rich Syracuse handcrafted a bass for a left- Grappa 72, Central Avenue in Albany, along with handed player. Think about it. Lee Shaw’s drummer Michael Carlito. —C. ROBIE BOOTH Page 2 SwingtimeJazz.org Swingtime Autumn 2012 Georgie Wonders Swings for Dancers This is one groovy band. It’s a dancer’s delight and a tasty treat for lovers (friends, too) of the Swing Era. Georgie Wonders Or- chestra is being pre- sented by the Swing- time Jazz Society at 4 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Colonie Elks Lodge on Wa t e r v l i e t - S h a k e r Road, a half-mile east Photo by C. Robie Booth of Shaker schools. The swinging GWO trumpet section (from left): Tony Zillo, “Our music is so old Jack McGirr, Pete Campisi, Marty Knowlton it’s like brand new,” says the veteran leader, whose entire dards are from originals by Glenn Miller, professional life has been music. “Many Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, the Dor- younger people are now picking up on seys, et al. this great style of music. They’re actually The orchestra played the score for the dancing together to it! The GWO special- world-distributed documentary “Molecules izes in big-band music from the 1920s to to the Max” and has backed many name the ‘50s.” singers. You’ll also hear a bit of progressive jazz The concert is from 4 to 6, at which time (Kenton, Herman) with a carload of fine there is an open jam session for instru- soloists. The vocalists are great too, mentalists and vocalists. The big band headed by soloist Linda Egan Johnson comes back on for the finale at 6:55. and the Georgettes: Erin Upson, Kathe- The Elks Lodge has an excellent dance rine Hudson-Sabins, Art Duncan, Dave floor. There is a good variety of food, rea- Rhodes and leader Wonders. Their sonable prices and great grog. Admission “Baby, Baby, Don’t You Go Away Mad” is for adults is $15; $5 for children and stu- truly a gem. dents. Call Robie (pronounced row-bee) All the arrangements of big band stan- at 428-7618 for reservations or details. For the area’s most up-to-date jazz calendar, visit APlaceForJazz.org/calendar.htm Swingtime autumn 2012 SwingtimeJazz.org Page 3 LOOKING FORWARD Chromatics To Honor Lee Shaw The much-heralded boss of tors in Schenectady; May 4 at Capital District jazz musicians, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. pianist Lee Shaw, is honorary The company, under the di- chair and featured artist for the rection of the charismatic chore- opening Troy Chromatic Con- ographer Ellen Sinopoli, are cert. Melissa George, Claire Jacob- The Cafehaus concert will be Zysman, Marie Klaiber, Andre at 3 p.m. Sunday Sept. 30 in Kiggins Hall Robles, Sara Senecal and Laura Teeter. at Emma Willard School in Troy. Hip Hooligans Cut a Rug at Siena Lee’s long-time trio mates are Rich Patti O and the Hip Hooligans quintet will play Syracuse, bass, and Jeff Siegel, drums. for a concert-dance Nov. 25 at 4 p.m. in the Ma- Their program will be ”Women Compos- loney Room at Sarazen Student Center, Siena ers and Women in Music.” The committee College, Newtonville. chair, Mary Ann Willetts, said they will Patti Melita is the leader-vocalist for this splendid group which includes primetime pianist “recognize the pianist and composer for Nat Phipps, guitarist Bernie Mulleda, bassist her outstanding artist achievements: a life Pete Toigo, and saxophonist Lew Petteys. in music from classical to jazz.” They probably play for more dances than any Sinopoli’s Season Capital District aggregation. They’ll also sprinkle in some incredible jazz. The Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company The cabaret setting, complimentary edibles appears next at 4 p.m. Saturday Sept. 15 and reasonable drinks and free soda promise an at the Olana State Historic Site in Hud- atmospheric soirée. son. It is based on children’s books. Chil- Admission is $15 for adults, $5 students dren free, adults $5. Rain date, Sept. 16 (including high schoolers who like to cut a rug). at 2. Tickets may be purchased at Sarazen box office. Call for details at 428-7618. Sponsor is the Friday Sept. 21 finds them at Sage Col- Siena College Creative Arts Committee, Mary leges Opalka Gallery in Albany at 7:45 Brizzell, chair, and C. Robie Booth, event chair- p.m. A sculpture exhibit by John Van Al- man. stine will be complemented by 15-minute Post the Poster! dances. Please use the poster on Page 10 to publicize Don Knaack and his Junkman band our big concert-dance Oct. 14. We hope you will joins the dancers Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in find a spot at your business, library, place of Hubbard Hall, Cambridge. Nov. 16 and 17 worship, club or neighborhood store. at 8 p.m. they’ll be at the Russell Sage Check the Jazz Schedule College James L. Meader Little Theater in There is good music aplenty hereabouts this Troy. Dec. 1, they’re in Tivoli, with three autumn. While we’ll try to cover the highlights, we can’t cover the field nearly as completely as biggies in the spring (our first mention of A Place for Jazz, so kindly check their splendid 2013!) on Jan. 12 at their home, The Egg comprehensive schedule at aplaceforjazz.org/ at Empire State Plaza; March 12 at Proc- calendar.htm. Page 4 SwingtimeJazz.org Swingtime Autumn 2012 Continued on Page 10 Swingtime autumn 2012 SwingtimeJazz.org Page 5 Swingtime Snapshots Photos by C. Robie Booth Lou Pappas and Bob Halek Josie Wallace, niece of the late Helen Wallace Fitzgerald, sings at Swingtime Jazz Society jam session. John Angerosa is at the 88. Jack Rosenbach, Jack Speraw Steve Horowitz and Tim Coakley Page 6 Swingtime Autumn 2012 Swingtime Snapshots Photos by C. Robie Booth Drummer and emcee Joe Barna (right) congratulates Bill McCann at Jazz Journalists Award reception honoring the radio jazz disc jockey. Patti Melita Headliner Al Haugen and Don Egry Lou Pappas and Bob Halek Lew Petteys and Mike Wicks Swingtime Autumn 2012 Page 7 Cats and Jammers The jammers at Swingtime Jazz Soci- ety’s recent Appletini’s concert should be applauded for one of our best jam ses- dent of George Gershwin? ? ? sions.