Rae Ann Berry is back on the case — and we are so much richer for her diligence. Here she captures a rocking session with the New El Dorado Jazz Band, that hot group honoring cornetist Papa Ray Ronnei and his friends.
In its current incarnation at the Sounds of Mardi Gras in Fresno, California, it is made up of Hal Smith, drums (he’s the co-leader); Marc Caparone, cornet (subbing for co-leader Clint Baker); Howard Miyata, trombone (“Uncle Howie” of Gordon, Justin, and Brandon Au); Mike Baird, clarinet (a charter member); Katie Cavera, banjo, guitar, vocals; Carl Sonny Leyland, piano; Georgia Korba, bass.
Katie assures us THE WORLD’S JAZZ CRAZY (AND SO AM I):
Do you like Mexican food? HERE COMES THE HOT TAMALE MAN:
The soaring, pensive FAR AWAY BLUES:
GATEMOUTH BLUES (harking back to Miss Lil and the Dodds brothers):
OLE MISS (named for a very fast train) has Kim Cusack subbing for Mike Baird:
THAT’S A PLENTY (how true):
Hotter than that!
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JAZZ LIVES 
What a great sound!! Also a great group of musicians!! I am so proud to say that I know a few of these greats.. Also, I am happy to see this posted on JAZZ LIVES! Thank you my dear nephew,,
Great clips of a fine band. Nice to hear the El DOrado remembered. Thanks to Rae Ann for recording and to Michael for posting.
Readers should be aware that the founder of the original El Dorado, trombonist Jim Leigh, is still playing great and leading the band Gremoli at the age of 80, and a fine two CD set of the original EDJB with Bob Helm is available from the San Francisco Traditional Jazz Foundation.
What a treat to see this great West coast band on Jazz Lives, thank you Rae Ann and Michael. It was fun to see Howard Miyata identified with the Au family instead of his many years with the High Sierra and Royal Society bands. We all love him, his talent and his impish humor…. it would have been great to be one of his students. Jim Leigh’s Gremoli JB is another fine aggregation but a lot more mouldy in style. LOVE your posts!!!! Even tho I wish I could be there in person…..
I lived through the “original” El Dorado here in So. Cal and want to commend Hal Smith for being the driving force behind his effort to remember the Ray Ronnei Era. This iteratiion of the New El Dorado fonds the spirit of the original – Thanks to all involved for carrying this forward!