Here’s the second part of a glorious evening of music and dance at Swing Remix, music provided and created by Gordon Au’s Grand Street Stompers — who were, for this gig, expanded: Gordon, trumpet, arrangements, compositions; Joe McDonough, trombone; Ricky Alexander, Matt Koza, reeds; Nick Russo, guitar and banjo; Rob Adkins, string bass; Rob Garcia, drums. (R1 was there, stepping, twirling, and dipping, although my camera did not catch her in flight.) It added up to great dance music, delightful small-band jazz, splendidly played, with inventive arrangements that make familiar songs seem new.
Here’s Part One.
Bechet’s SI TU VOIS MA MERE, featuring Matt Koza, in honor of Earl McKee:
From an elegy to an original by Gordon, dedicated to a wayward feline:
A classic from the time when people still carried nickels for the pay phone:
The lovely Harry Ruby – Rube Bloom paean to simplicity:
A nocturnal horror in Swing:
Let’s!
and an encore, from GUYS AND DOLLS:
May your happiness increase!