When was the last time...(Allen Kanovsky didn't know a name of a tune?)

Submitted by Al Kanovsky 01/13/14

...you heard 'live' musicians play "The Sheik of Araby", "Back Home In Indiana", "Has Anybody Seen My Gal", "The Saints Go Marchin' In" and "Basin St. Blues" in one set. If you had been in Preservation Hall, New Orleans, requesting those tune would have cost you about 50 clams and I don't mean little necks. This was Anthony Corrado's Jam band. Paul Banman (piano), Shea Eischen (drums) and sitting in, Bob Ullman (guitar) Robert Bass (congas), Gene Patrelli (trumpet), Brian Newsom (banjo), Vinnie Mazzola (trombone) and Anthony playing clarinet. Holding the instrument up, he asked the audience if they knew what it was. Mr. Corrado was kind enough to edify us by letting us know it was a clarinet. When I walked in the band was in a be-bop mode, playing "Manteca" followed by "Night In Tunisia" then "All the Things You Are" during which Hannah Dolgin sat in on alto sax.  It was my favorite dancing partners (Babette) Sweet 16 or thereabout. Asked by Anthony what I thought she would like to hear, I replied "Maybe some swing tunes from the "Big Band Era". I guess the time frame confused him enough to come up with Dixieland standards. In any case it was fun listening to.

The feature for later that night was vocalist, Lourdes Valentin. I must say listening to her grow as an artist is like watching a butterfly arising from a cocoon. Ms. Valentin will take chances with melodies and rhythms even during the first chorus. This, to me, is a sign of a true JAZZ singer.  Her rhythm section had Jaui Schneider on piano, Jeff Carswell playing upright bass, and George Mazzeo at a magnificent, bright red, drum kit. Rita Wilburn and her friend Michelle have come in. I look up to see an old pal, Ron (Anonymous) and his sister Betty, back from Detroit. The band does a little bit of swing "Come Fly With Me" and I take the opportunity to dance with Rita. It is an opportunity not to be missed. We all sing "Happy Birthday" to Babette and they serve up an incredible, all chocolate, birthday cake. Lourdes has started to compose. One of her originals is "Crossroads" A very nice melody and an insightful lyric. Ask for it the next time you see her. Ms.Valentin likes doing show tunes in her own inimitable style. Using unusual rhythms for her selections she did "Consider Yourself Well In', "Dancing Cheek to Cheek", "Put On A Happy Face" and "Accentuate the Positive". Swing, Latin, Straight ahead JAZZ and even the BLUES, Lourdes has the chops for it all. Rita is invited up and she does "Summertime" followed by "Fever". Be prepared to call EMS. I could go on naming all the tunes that Lourdes did but I might miss my nap. Just let it be said that it was a great night for all who were there. My buddy Bill had left due to his curfew. I think they should put a curfew on his alcohol consumption and I hope he got home safely----he did have a cup of coffee before getting behind the wheel.   

Al's Disclaimer:

A short note: The reason I write this is because I love music and words. I do not book acts. I do not promote acts. I do not accept invitations to review artists. I go to venues of my own choice. When and where is not influenced by anything other than who I would like to hear that night or day. If I don't like what I hear, I won't write about it. When I like it I let you all know. I never mention a name without asking permission. "Pardon me, Miss. Would you like to dance?"       

 ~ ~ ~

Traveling to catch some of Florida's good music? Check out these places and rates!

~ ~ ~

Posted by Jazz & Blues Florida

Please visit http://www.jazzbluesflorida.com to see the scene.

Or, just email me at Charlie@JazzBluesFlorida.com to sign up to have

Florida's jazz & blues news delivered to your inbox.

And, if you like what you see here, please HIT THAT FACEBOOK SHARE BUTTON below!

Thanks!

Did you know that as Florida’s ONLY promotion platform for live jazz & blues:

We have the only monthly publication dedicated to previews of upcoming jazz and blues shows in Florida at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com ?

We have the most comprehensive festival page for Florida jazz & blues at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/Festivals ?

We have the most complete listing of Florida jazz & blues performances at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/MusicListings.htm ?

We have the most comprehensive and active news blog for Florida jazz & blues news www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/Blog ?

We have the most complete and current listing of Florida jazz and blues links at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/links ?

We have the largest email notification system for upcoming jazz and blues events in Florida?

Web Form Generator