[Dixielandjazz] The " Chicago" Salty Dogs

[Harold Smith]

Last night (Oct. 7), Al Johnson, a banjo player friend, and I went to
Fitzgerald's in Berwyn (suburb of Chicago) to hear an absolutely
terrific performance by the Chicago version of the Slalty Dogs.  This
band is virtually the current Dogs roster, except that the wonderful
trumpet of Mr. Bob Neighbor kicks the band, instead of Lew Green's.

The band consists of:  Bob Neighbor, trpt., Kim Cusack, clar., Tom
Bartlett, trb., John Cooper, pno., Jack Kuncl, banjo, Mike Wallbridge,
tuba, and Wayne Jones, drums.  It won't be that way for much longer, as
Bob Neighbor is moving soon to Vermont, where he has purchased a home,
and will be gracing the jazz band community out in New England with his
presence.

The guys were really "on",and the joint was really cooking.  Everyone
played at he highest level.  This was, ostensibly, Bob's  "farewell"
performance before moving next week, and he really poured himself into
the music.  

A number of Chicago and area musicians were there to sit in during the
third set.  What a great evening.

Bob Neighbor, whom I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with on
several occasions, is one of the great trumpet/cornet players in the
area.   His musical credentials are just top-notch.  He originated in
the Bay Area, and is well-versed in the Turk Murphy school of West Coast
traditional jazz, as, really, eeryone in the Salty Dogs gang is. He has
been in the Chicago scene for the last 16 years.

Bob's range, phrasing, creativity is just boundless, and the folks out
East are really going to be very happy he'll be based out there.

The Sallty Dogs, either version,  is a tremendous group, and would be an
asset to any traditional jazz festival. ( Nothing like plugging the home
town boys, eh?)

By the way, two of the members of te band are also regular members of
the Chicago Cubs band:  Tom Bartlett, and Jack Kuncl.  These two guys
gave up the joys of Wrigley Field last night, and faced the terror of
the Eisenhower Expressway in order to play at Fitzgerald's.

Regards to all,  Harold Smith