Cornet Chop Suey
at The 22nd Annual Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz
Festival
July 25-27, 2008
| This St. Louis
band, named after one of Louis' tunes, has a dynamic front line
with Tom Tucker on cornet and Brian Casserly on trumpet that can recreate the great Louis Armstrong/King Oliver
duets of the 30's. The
clarinet and bari sax of Nate Ketner and low, growling trombone of
Jim Haislip complete this high energy row. Paul Reid, piano, is a
seasoned showman and humorist. Al Sherman bass, and John Gillick drums provide the potent
rhythm section. |
|
The band immediately began in trad New Orleans, second line style with
Sweethearts on Parade,
and followed with Jerry's booming bari sax on a fiery Lullaby of the
Leaves.
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click for larger image |
Fortunately for us, after touring the U.S. and
Europe with his own blues band, Brian Casserly decided to devote his
musical talents entirely to traditional jazz! His one-handed trumpet comes close to
catching Satch, and Cornet Chop Suey generally performs one set
totally dedicated to Armstrong. |
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The front line moves out across the audience, a classy trumpet
calling from one side of the tent, and the cornet's haunting
response echoing from the other, bari sax slowing strolling down the
middle.
We hear the most tender, passionate Somewhere Over the Rainbow,
while Jerry, still playing his sax, distributes roses to the youngest fans. |
|
Nothing like a good rousing drum solo to make you
feel good - John's rendition of Caravan, with what seemed like a ten minute drum solo,
was incredible, ending
in a perfectly executed drum roll. |
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Paul Reid, an inveterate entertainer, has a
personal conversation with Louis Armstrong (by himself) singing
Old Rocking Chair, alternating between Paul and Louis voices.
He ended with:
Paul voice: "This has been such a wonderful festival."
Louis voice: "Thank you very much, every-body!" We
totally agree. |
They concluded
this set with Brian's powerful voice resonating across
the whole crowded tent with What a Wonderful World, leaving
us jazz addicts craving for more. |
TGCTJF 2009 will be held July 31-August 2 at the
MountainRidge,
Tickets: 1- 800 HOTEVENT
Web Site: www.greatctjazz.org
Questions:
rross92239@sbcglobal.net
Give it a boost, place a Remembrance in the
festival Program!
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BACK TO TOP
| By Marce, Updated
November 16, 2008
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