I have a new hero. His name is Harry Schroeder, and I've known him for years. Harry did something I would have thought impossible. He put together a huge band and presented a Duke Ellington Concert with the biggest horn section Key West has ever seen. It was held at the beautifully restored San Carlos, and every seat was filled.
I didn't recognize all of the players, but I was pleased to see Melody Cooper on Piano, Harry, of course on trombone, Dave Fadden on flugelhorn, Terry Ray on bass, Teddy Charles on vibes, Joe Dallas on trombone, Donna Dallas on flute, Stan Persky on tenor sax, and Chris Burchard on guitar. "Satin Doll" put everyone into an Ellington space. Melody's piano solo was nice, the flutes were beautiful, and Teddy Charles was his marvelous self. Dave blew some fine flugelhorn, Stan played gorgeous tenor, and Chris Burchard showed off his superior playing. Chris is relatively new in town and is really fine. Drummer Brad Gross was excellent. He has a real feel for tis tune.
It was the wonderful horn section that made this concert the joy it was. Intonation was often less than perfect. We have a lot of guys who don't get to play often enough, but the ensemble sound was breathtaking. This was obviously a labor of love. Joe Dallas conducted. Joe and Donna both are teachers in our school system. "Prelude To a Kiss" was marvelous, with a great solo from Stan. Persky Then Harry brought up my favorite jazz pianist, the incomparable Dave Burns for "Pete's Blues". Dave was phenominal as always. "In a Mellow Mood" displayed the wonderful Horn section.
Teddy Charles was featured on "Perdido". Teddy is a big band veteran. He played with Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman, and others. Teddy always shines, and Stan was wonderful. The two traded licks. It was a magic moment. Next Key West favorite Cliff Sawyer vocalized one of his trademark songs, "Don't GetAround Much Anymore". Stan soloed, also Dave Fadden, who just keeps getting better. I love Sawyer's timing and style. Chris Burchard showed off that fabulous Berklee technique. Chris is a bright new star in Key West's crowded galaxy. He often reminds me of Lenny Breau.
"In a Sentimental Mood" featured Harry Schroeder's trombone. He's never sounded better. The beautiful San Carlos is a good sounding hall. It was the perfect location for Ellington's timeless music. Donna Dallas played some ethereal flute on Billy Strayhorn's "Lotus Blossom". Then Joe Dallas shone on "Caravan", which was exciting to the nines. Terry Ray cooked on her bass, and was a solid bottom for the sound on every song. Our young drummer was smoking. On his solo, he put us in the desert. This may have been the best tune.
Harry was eloquent on "Mood Indigo". Mr. Fadden was superb on "Things Ain't What They Used To Be" This is such a big sound. Melody is fine on "Come Sunday", and on all the tunes. One of the highlights of the concert was Stan Persky's outstanding tenor on "Sophisticated Lady". Jerry Seeco arrangements were brilliant, as was his trumpet playing. He is so comfortable with his instrument. Jerry teaches at Boston's fabled Berklee School Of Music. His trumpet on "Cottontail" proved he's a truly free spirit.
Harry did more than half of the arrangements, and they were excellent. A horn section must read a part to achieve that wonderful ensemble sound we heard on "Take the A Train". Soloists have the freedom in a big band setting. Melody Cooper sang "I'm Beginning To See the Light". She danced and moved and was a delight. Burchard was spectacular on "C Jam Blues". The encore was a repeat of "Satin Doll". Congratulations to Harry for a brilliant achievement. Harry, we were royally entertained. Thank you! And thanks to all the wonderful musicians who made it happen. Stay cool!