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"I Got Rhythm" by Jimmy Mazzy and The Gershwin Constellation

1y ago
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From a tribute to George Gershwin in Boston on February 16, 2012, featuring the virtuoso banjo and scat singing of Jimmy Mazzy. These musical stars were aligned in transcendent orbit. They are listed from left to right below. All the players were listening intently to one another, even as they turned toward the jazz heavens for extra inspiration. For example, Ted Casher, just after beginning his clarinet solo, smiles over at pianist Bob Winter as he sends up Bob's last salute to his jazz idol, pianist Art Tatum. Moments earlier, Bob had dwelled on the rhythmic and harmonic implications of simple repeated patterns, just as Tatum did in his own astounding performances of the song. It's as if Ted is saying to Bob, "I know where you got that!" Then Ted weaves a tapestry of musical ideas that extends both backward to 19th century New Orleans, in a respectful quotation of Alphonse Picou's whirling variation on the melody of "High Society" with the Tuxedo Brass Band, and forward to the bebop of Jimmy Hamilton and Buddy deFranco. Randy Reinhart starts his chorus with a thoughtful tip of the hat to trumpet master Clark Terry of the Count Basie and Duke Ellington bands. As Randy spirals an extended contemplation of the legacy of ClarkTerry's own mentor, the wonderful Louis Armstrong, he punches out variations on the syncopated essence of Gershwin's melody. We sense in Randy's performance the master's celestial blessings on James "Bubber" Miley, Roy Eldridge, and Dizzy Gillespie. Underpinning Randy's stunning plunger work and forceful pyrotechnics is a powerful comprehension of Armstrong's expressive vision. Bob Winter, Piano Jimmy Mazzy, Banjo and Vocals Eli Newberger, Tuba and Leader Randy Reinhart, Cornet Ted Casher, Clarinet Herb Gardner, Trombone Live recording sound and video mixed by http://www.sagamoresongs.com Additional audio and video material may be enjoyed at http://www.elinewberger.com/music.html