Yes, Ellington, authentically, down to the grease and funk: expertly performed by Nick Rossi’s Jazzopaters at Mr. Tipple’s in San Francisco, on April 20, 2024. The flawless video is by Sunny Tokunaga.
THE MOOCHE was a dance, an Ellington standby for forty-five years. The wonderful musicians are Nick Rossi, banjo, leader; Patrick Wolff, alto saxophone, clarinet; Colin Hancock, cornet; Victor Imbo, trombone; Nathan Tokunaga, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet; Kamrin Ortiz, baritone saxophone, alto saxophone, clarinet; Rob Reich, piano; Clint Baker, double bass; Riley Baker, drums.
Somewhere, as I write this, a group of earnest musicians is doing their own “Ellington tribute,” which features SATIN DOLL and TAKE THE “A” TRAIN. I am glad that any music is performed in the name of Ellington, but I want Nick Rossi’s Jazzopaters to catch the eyes and ears of concert producers, club owners, swing dance organizers, festival planners. They are the real thing, offering vibrant living history, delightful to dance to.
And here’s PELICAN DRAG, from October 28, 2023, different personnel but the same groovy heart:
Let me whisper in my most subtle tones: “Don’t sleep on this band!”
And for those who are wide-awake to beauty, you can learn (and hear) more at
https://www.nickrossiarts.com -and/or- https://www.facebook.com/jazzopaters.
I’ll see you there.
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 