Saturday, May 6 7:00 PMMcDowell Intermediate School, Little Theater, • 3320 Caughey Rd.There will be a nominal admission charge.

This concert will feature the JazzErie All Star Band, along with jazz bands from Collegiate Academy, General McLane and McDowell High Schools, plus the Edinboro University Jazz Band. Guest soloist Joey Pero, a former trumpeter with the Maynard Ferguson band, will perform with the student bands.

Some of you may have heard the JazzErie All-Stars at JazzErie’s Benefit Concert in February (snowstorm night). It sounded pretty

May 2007Issue No. 147

“13 Years Serving the Jazz Community”

For More Information: www.jazzerie.com

“KIDS HAVE THEIR SAY”good back then, but Dave Hetrick, McDowell Band Director says “You won’t recognize it. There have been major improvements with additional practice, some additional personnel, and the band is much tighter.”

This will be a final preview for JazzErie listeners before the All-Stars head for Europe and the Montreux Jazz Festival in July, putting Erie (and JazzErie) on the international jazz map. Directors Hetrick and Chuck Lute (Collegiate Academy), along with their spouses and some parents, will accompany the band members on their Continued on pg. 2 ....

Page 2 Erie Jazz Notes

Jazz EriE

2006-2007 Board of Directors

President..................... Dr. Carl HultmanVice President ........................ Ed GoebelTreasurer ..............................Liz Scarpelli

DirectorsDave Blaetz Susan GreyRobb Hoff Charles LuteAl Lubiejewski Julie MastersonJohn Marzalek Scott MeierSheldon Peterson Nick RonzittiMary Matson DickThompson

Past PresidentsDavid F. Van Amburg 1994-1995 (Founding President)

Atty. Al Lubiejewski 1995-1997Virginia M. Pelkowski 1997-1999R. Patrick Rodgers 1999-2002Steve Eidell 2002-2003Tom McLaren 2003-2005

JazzEriE NotEs is published monthly by JazzErie which is a subsidiary organiza-tion of the Erie Art Museum, a nonprofit organization.

JazzErie NotesEditor - Dick Thompson

published byPIP Printing West

2825 West 26th St. • Erie, PA 16506

Deadline is the 15th of each month.Send articles to:

rwtqveta12191@hotmail.comor Box 8833, Erie, PA 16505

JazzErie is a com-munity of music lovers and musicians and, a member-ship organization dedicated to sharing with children, adults and one an-other an awareness and love of

music, particularly jazz. JazzErie brings toget-her people who want to listen to jazz, learn about it, play it and just live it.

Check out our website at www.jazzerie.com for complete

information on current and upcoming events.

trip. The All-Stars now include a trombonist from Youngsville, Andrew Fohrd, trumpeter Ethan Budzynski from Fairview, lead trombonist Justin Dayhoff from NYU, saxophonist Brianne Lute from Edinboro, drummer Garrett Carson, Behrend, guitarist Jaclyn Cray from McDowell and electric violinist Andona Zachs-Jordan, Collegiate Academy.

The core band, which has been slugging it out in rehearsals since December, is comprised of trumpeters David Wingenbach, Larry Caplinger, Matt Harrison and Brian Stahl; trombonists Dan Gott and Jenna Lute; saxophonists Matt Wambsbans, Dan Marchini, Dylan Yetta, Jen Sesler, and Eric Stahl; drummers Taylor Blaetz and Andrew Gordan; pianists David Holcomb and Kaitlin Mitchell; bassists Sid Carson and Jacob Gordon and guitarist Anthony Letto.

The band and its directors have no fear. They were still picking up on new arrangements in late April. The work ethic is beautiful and the musicianship steadily improving. Its definitely a band to hear.

Kids....Cont. from pg 1.

Issue No. 147 Page 3

JAZZERIEDISCUSSION GROUP

March 15, 2007

by Charles Ventrillo

Kicking off the evening is one of everyone’s favorite organ recordings: “The Incredible Jimmy Smith,” which includes the much covered “Back At The Chicken Shack.” Smith is joined by Stanley Turrentine, Kenny Burrell and Donald Bailey for a historic session of warm groovin’.

Is it possible this recording is forty- three years old? John Coltrane’s frequently cited “Crescent” album defies time and style. The title song is played slowly then settles into a medium tempo groove. “Wise One” is described by Nat Hentoff as delicate and intimate and becomes a medium tempo Latin. For someone unfamiliar with Coltrane who has heard that he is difficult listening, this is a great first album to enjoy. Thanks to Denny Kitchen.

Al Lubiejewski introduces us to the “Spirit Of Life Ensemble.” The unit consists of two each of saxes, trumpets and trombones, a piano, bassist, drum kit, percussionists and vocalists. They are definitely “Blue Note bop” oriented in the Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Horace Silver tradition. This multi-cultural collective has performed throughout the world and is recorded by Christal Records in France. The album is “A

Little Oasis” from which we listened to “Dance For A New Day” and “124th & Ruiz.” Exciting music from this almost-a-big-band ensemble.

Join us next time on Thursday, May 17, 7:30 PM at the Erie Art Museum Annex for more great recorded jazz, latest music news and stimulating comment.

JAZZERIE BOARD MEETING

SUMMARYApril 3, 2007

The Board’s best wishes go out to Bob Protzman, who had successful heart surgery recently.

Liz Scarpelli, treasurer, submitted a favorable financial report. The Performance committee is confirming a date to begin the next concert season featuring the Richie Cole/Greg Abate Quinter, at Gannon in September. The final concerts of the current season will be Dave Pietro and Banda Brazil, at Beherend (April 18 and 19) and “Kids Have Their Say” at McDowell High School on May 5. Jazz Walk plans are proceeding. Volunteers are needed.

Three new members have been nominated and will be voted on at the Annual Meeting next month. John Kytic will be taking over chairmanship of the Membership committee.

A plan for Honorary Members of the JazzErie Board, made up of notable musicians who support the organization and will lend their names for publicity, was presented by Robb Hoff and approved.

The Summer Jazz Fest is still on, though initial fund-raising fell short of goals. The planning board is aware that more lead time is needed for effective planning/fund-raising and hopes to improve that next year.

Next Board meeting and Annual Meeting will be held at the Plymouth Tavern, Tuesday, May 1 at 7:00 PM. JazzErie members are invited.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers are needed for the night of the Jazz and Blues Walk, Saturday, July 14. Each volunteer will receive a free button. Interested persons should contact Tom McClaren, 833-5563 or at tmcl@verizon.net.

JAZZERIE THANKS THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS

FOR THEIR SUPPORT

Gannon University, 109 University Square.MacDonald, Illig, Jones and Britton, Attorneys, 100 State Street, Suite 700.Glenwood Beer, 2177 W. Grandview Boulevard.Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst College.Erie Art Museum, 411 State Street.Glass Growers Gallery, 10 E. 5th Street.World of Music, 1355 W. 26th Street.Froess Pianos and Keyboards, 2558 W. 8th Street.Romolo Chocolates, 1525 W. 8th Street.Lynch Music, Rte. 9 & Rte. 20, Fairview.Erie Book Store, 137 E. 13th Street.Raven Sound, 2617 Peach Street.Edinboro University ofPennsylvania, EdinboroPenn State Erie, The Behrend College, WesleyvilleLake Erie Fanfare, 113 W. 10th Street.Coors BeerScott Enterprises/Ambassador Center, 8040 Peach StreetEast Erie Turners Club, 829 Parade Street.

DOCKSIDER454-9700

Fri., May 4 One World TribeSat.,May 5 Rodger Montgomery Blues BandFri., June 15 Harper Jazz/Blues BandThu., June 28 Louisiana Gumbo

TheJazz Linewww.jazzerie.com

Page 4 Erie Jazz Notes

WORKSHOP/SEMINAR

Drummer Joe Harris, one of jazz’ living legends, will present an informal educational seminar on Saturday afternoon, May 12 at Romolo Chocolates, in the Coffee Shop. Call Romolo (452-1933) for exact time.

Harris, now 80 years young, played with the great jazz innovators of the 1940’s, ‘50’s and ‘60’s who have since become worldwide icons: Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie (three years with

PAPERMOON455-7766

Live jazz every Saturday.

Special events this month: Fri., May 12 – Drummer Joe Harris with the Basil Ronzitti Quartet.Fri., May 25 – Guitar great Larry Coryell (tentative, call first)Sat., May 26 – Jazz Jam, 8 – 11 PM. See article, this page.

COLONY PUB & GRILLE 838-2162

Live jazz every Thursday:Colony Club House Band featuring Gene Leone

EAST ERIE TURNERS452-2546

Jazz most Friday and Saturday evenings in the dining room, 8:30 - 11:30 p.m. Occasional special events in the Ballroom. Call for more information.

SCOTTY’S JAZZ CLUB 459-3800

Live jazz every Friday and Saturday night from 10 PM to 1 AM. $5 cover.

Fri., May 4 By Popular DemandSat., May 5 Katie Chriest & AZQ

Fri. May 18 The Rivers Band

Call us for information about additional bookings

AVALON HOTEL, BILLIE’S459-2220 X231

Live music every Friday & Saturday night, 9 PM – 1 AM

BREWERIE at Union Station454-2200

Live jazz some Thursdays and Saturdays. Call for information.

Saturday, May 5 - Dave Callighan Jazz Trio, 8:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Friday, May 25 - Dirty Murphy Blues Band, 8:00 - 12:00 p.m.

CALAO’S RESTAURANT, 2926 Plum, has begun presenting some evenings of live jazz in its upstairs bar. Call 866-9621 for more information.

AREA EVENTS

PRESBYBOPWayside Presbyterian Church, 1208 Asbury Road, Tuesday, May 1, 7:30 P.M. Open to the public. Free will offering. Call 833-7653 for more information

PresbyBop features pianist Bill Carter (“Bill Carter is a great piano player. I think his music is wonderful and I highly recommend his recordings.” – Dave Brubeck.)

Completing the group are Tony Marino, bass, Tom Whaley, drums (formerly with Carmen McRae), and Al Hamme, reeds (Birmingham University). PresbyBop has released six CD’s.

MUSIC FOR THE SPIRITEast Greene Presbyterian Church, 10200 Wales Road (between Rte. 8 and Rte. 430)

Sunday, May 6 6:30 PM Mary Alice Brown, Erie’s favorite musician and a source of inspiration for so many. Cancel everything else that evening!

CLEVELAND Nighttown Restaurant, 12387 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Hts., OH 216/795-0550 or www.nighttowncleveland.com

Fri., May 4 8 & 10 PM $20 cover.Detroit saxophonist Donald Walden All-Star Quintet.Mulgrew Miller (piano), Steve Nelson (vibes), Bob Hurst (acoustic bass), and Louis Hayes (drums).

Thurs., May 31 8 PM $20 Cover.Jimmy Haddad International Trio.Percussionist Haddad, Leo Blanco from Venezuela (piano) and Peter Slavov from Bulgaria (acoustic bass).

Fri. & Sat., June 8 and 9 8 & 10 PM $20 cover.Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express.B-3 organ and keyboard master.

Continued on pg. 5

Issue No. 147 Page 5

2007-2008 CONCERT SEASON:

Richie Cole/Greg Abate Quintet

JazzErie’s 2007-8 Concert Season will kick off on Saturday, September 15 with a burst of serious talent. The Richie Cole/Greg Abate Quintet will headline the 8 PM concert, which will be held at Gannon University.

The two saxophonists both have strong roots in bebop. Cole, associated for the past 10 years with his “Alto Madness Orchestra,” has appeared on over 50 albums and performs worldwide. Abate also tours the globe 150 days a year. He has recorded over 12 albums, one of which (EVOLUTION, with James Williams, Harvie S and Billy Hart, was nominated for a Grammy in 2004). He

appeared at the papermoon during the past year.

Completing the Quintet will be the Carmen Intorre BTW Trio. Drummer Intorre, Heard last year in Erie with Dominick Ferinacci, has been touring with Joey DeFrancesco, and appeared on the Ramsey Lewis TV jazz series last summer accompanying Hammond B-3 organists DeFrancesco and Dr. Lonnie Smith.

Thanks to local instrument dealer Frank Corapi, Cole and Abati will be relieved from having to tote baritone, alto and tenor saxophones to their gig here (a major headache with current air travel restrictions).

DOINGS AT THE PAPERMOON

While the papermoon has cut back on some of its regular jazz scheduling, owner Don McCain continues to express his commitment to jazz in other ways.

Drummer JOE HARRIS will appear at the papermoon on Saturday, May 12, from 8 – 11 PM with the Basil Ronzitti Trio. Harris has a heavy resume. He came to New York at the urging of his friend Ray Brown to play with the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band. In addition to gigs with Gillespie, Harris worked with Charlie Parker, Lester Young and Quincy Jones (listen to him with Quincy on the 9 DVD set of favorites put out by the Smithsonian Institute). He was in the movie “They Shoot Horses Don’t They” (Jane Fonda) with the Bobby Hutcherson band. And so on.

Negotiations are underway for a possible appearance by guitarist LARRY CORYELL on Friday, May 25. Call before you come, as this date is uncertain.

Saturday, May 26 will be the second of what drummer Joe Dorris hopes will be monthly JAZZ JAMs at the papermoon. 8 – 11 PM. Beginners to pros are welcome. The house band will be drummer and vocalist Dorris; Frank Singer, guitar; Tony Stgefanelli, bass and Nick Ronzitti, percussion. Format for participants: you can sit in for two songs per set, you may bring your own charts

(bring copies for band members), bring your own instrument. JAZZ JAMS was initiated last month, and five high school and two college students came to play, along with the house band. Papermoon is a restaurant, so persons under 18 may attend. ID is required if you order an alcoholic drink.

Dizzy’s Big Band during the period when Dizzy was introducing Latin rhythms into the band), Lester Young, Ray Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horn (three years), Bobby Hutcherson, Kenny Clark, Quincy Jones and others. He also worked as a studio musician for Radio Free Europe in Berlin in the late ‘50’s.

Harris was an instructor at the University of Pittsburgh from 1972 – 1986, and taught in Japan for three years. He now lives in Pittsburgh.

Harris has been invited to share some of his life experiences in music, “as well as those rhythms,” and to demonstrate rhythmic ideas, according to organizer Joe Dorris. The Workshop is free – anyone interested is welcome to attend.

WORKSHOP/SEMINAR (Cont. from pg.4)

Page 6 Erie Jazz Notes

The musical history of Guido Damico, Plas Presutti and Gene Leone outlines the history of jazz and pop music in Erie during the past 60 years. Guido and Gene’s history together started in 1945, in the Leo Palmieri 16-piece big band, pictured above. Guido was 15, Gene 14. The band, at least according to recollections of those who heard it, was good – featuring Stan Kenton and other big band arrangements.

Gene and Guido’s association traces forward til today, now as cohorts in Gene’s Spa Quintet, which includes Plas, frontliners Stan Bialomizy or Al Zurcher, trombonist Lee Williams and often singer Katie Chriest.

After finishing high school (East High), Guido went on the road with the Will Sunday Quartet. Tour dates included Detroit (Statler Hotel), Peoria, IL.; Birmingham, AL, a date in North Carolina and then nine months at the Officers’ Club in the Navy base at Norfolk, VA. Leo Palmieri was there with the band as well.

Then Guido was drafted (Korean War) and played in the Army band stationed in Frankfurt, Germany from 1952-3. The band was 110 members strong, and because the armed services were newly integrated, contained a sprinkling of African American musicians, as well as

Buddy Palmieri Band. Palmieri, leader, with clarinet; Gene Leone on piano; Guido Damico, drums.

musicians from Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey and other big name bands. There were four dance bands. (During this period, Gene was in the Navy band stationed in Washington, D.C. They also played aboard an aircraft carrier.)

Guido is self-taught, “But I learned a lot from the other drummers in the Army band in Frankfurt.” Returning to Erie after his hitch in the service, Guido played again with Will Sunday (“A hotel band,” he emphasizes, “but a good one.”) Meanwhile, Gene had landed a long-term gig at the Spa Club on W. 12th St., hence the “Spa Quintet.” It was there that Gene began to regularly exercise his vocal as well as his pianistic talents.

Plas adds the following information about the Spa, although he didn’t join the group until later. The bass chair was occupied by his older brother, Dominic , who also played guitar. George Ferrara played drums. “Things were different then,” Plas explains. “The band played six nights a week, 11 PM til 4 AM. It was an after-hours club. And most nights it was packed. Plus the band sometimes played jobs of Saturday afternoons and Sundays. They were very popular.”

During this period, Guido had hooked up with pianist Frank Alvero for about ten years, often in a trio with Ron Messenger (tenor sax and bass). “We worked five or six nights a week – at Sandelini’s in Meadville, and at the old

Holiday Inn. Then I worked with Stan Yopec’s band, The Continentals. Tom Osiecki played bass and Andy Fagoli played tenor. Stan is still around, and still has a band called the Continentals.

“I also worked with Gib Porsch (piano), along with saxophonist Bud Pacy and Plas. We played together for 25 years. We played all kinds of music. I also hooked up with a trio at the Summit Hotel: Bill Thompson, organ, Lucille Kelly, piano, and me. We played for shows, dances, everything. Then Lucille started her own trio with Tom Osiecki and me and we played the Lawrence Hotel (where the Avalon is now), six nights a week. Days I worked at the carpet company. The hotel used my company for carpets, so I was a regular employee at the hotel – music and carpets. (laughs)”

“In 1982 I was back with Gene and the Spa Quartet. At first it was Gene, Bud Pacy, Plas’ brother Dominic Presutti and me. Then Dominic had a stroke and Plas replaced him. Tony Tetuan also played trumpet with the group. We played at the old East Erie Turners. We had a regular gig Friday and Saturday nights at the Mannerchor Club until two or three years ago. I’d say the music we played was swing. Bud was a wonderful musician.”

SPA QUINTET

Spa Quintet .... Continued on pg. .7

JazzOn ThE radiO

WQLn FM (91.3)The Source for Jazz

Monday thru Thursday9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Jazz Flight - Rob Hoff

Friday8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Bob ‘n Blues - Al Lubiejewski10:00 p.m. - Midnight

Deep Blue - Jason Gibbs

Saturday8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Saturday Swing Session-Bill Garts

11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.Lush Life - Aubrey Dillion

Sunday6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Riverwalk - (Network)7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

“Jazz, Ballads & Blues”with Al Lubiejewski9:00 p.m. - Midnight“Everything Jazz”with Bob Protzman

CLASSY 100 WXKC-FM (99.9)

Sunday9:00p.m. - 11:00p.m.

Jazz Tracks

WRIE-AM (1260)Sunday

7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.Big Band Jump

WRIE-AM (1260)Saturday

8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.Dan Jones, “Mr. J”

Issue No. 147 Page 7

Damico also remembers playing regularly at the Holiday Inn South (now the Quality Inn) in 1982 and playing with Ernie Guy, a former Erie musician, in the Harold Madrigale band at Madiera Beach, FL for six months in 1981. Plas mentions a band of about seven years ago called the Blue Notes, with Jeff Gibbins, trumpet, Guido, himself, Mary Alice Brown on keyboards, Stan on reeds and Tommy Lewis on trombone.

In other life activities: Guido has served on the Board of the Musicians Union (Local No. 17) since 1988. He joined the union when he was 18. He has been married to his wife, Janet, (who helps him keep track of who he has played with) for 56 years. They have three girls, all married. Gene and his wife Ginny have five children. Plas and wife Toni have three.

“The Spa Quartet: Leone, Damico, Prescutti and Bialomizy.”

How do these musicians see today’s music scene? Guido: “There used to be jobs working five or six nights a week at the same place. That’s gone now. Jazz sometimes seems to be coming back, but now I’m not so sure. Maybe swing is coming back – people like to dance.” Plas: “There are lots of good musicians and lots of places out there. We play some now at the new East Erie Turners, plus weddings and private parties in the area. It’s hard for me to forecast the future – our generation is on the wane.” Gene is article-shy, and declined an interview. He continues to head the Spa, also headlines the House Band at the Colony Club every Thursday and pulls together local musicians for other gigs. He expressed part of his musical philosophy to me one day: “You know where swing comes from? It comes from here (pointing to his heart.” It seems to me that’s where all of Gene’s music comes from.

by Dick Thompson

JazzErie performances are supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment of the Arts, a federal agency.

JazzErie performances are also funded in part by The Erie Arts Endowment of the Arts Council of Erie.

Spa Quintet .... Continued from pg.6

JazzErie News welcomes PIP Printing West as its new publisher. PIP has

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