[Dixielandjazz] Review of Jonathan Russell's appearance with Barbone Street

[Steve barbone]

Here is a review from a Jazz Society Concert featuring young jazz violinist
Jonathan Russell with Barbone Street. Left Coasters can expect this kind of
performance by "J" at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee in May. Do not miss him.

The kid drew audience here, about 15% more than their normal attendance.

The review refers to "J" arriving late. That was my fault as I screwed up on
the directions to the venue and sent them to a point 15 miles away. We
communicated via cell phones during the first 3 numbers and straightened it
out on the fly. (Kind of like improvising)

Cheers,
Steve


Barbone Street Jazz Band - In Concert - November 20, 2005 - - By Jim McGann
Tri State Jazz Society Newsletter 2/06.

Steve Barbone Clt, Paul Grant Tp, Clint Sharmin Tb, Mike Piper Dms, Sonny
Troy Gui, Ace Tesone DblBs and guest violinist Jonathan Russell:

"It's been while since we've seen Steve Barbone and Co. Last January, the
Barbone Street Jazz Band was scheduled to appear in Brooklawn but we got the
snowy blues instead. I forget the accumulation, but it ended up being an
OKOM-less last January for TSJS members."

"November arrived, with no snow in sight. The Barbone Street Jazz Band
arrived with some new faces, 10 year old Jonathan Russell on violin (who was
supposed to appear at the January concert), Clint Sharmin on trombone
subbing for Glenn Dodson, and Mike Piper on Drums subbing for Joe Mongillo."

"The first set started sans Russell who was still on the road by the concert
time. BSJB swung through three tunes - "Wolverine Blues", Basin Street
Blues", and "Shine". "Wolverine" featured a rare bass solo by Ace Tesone.
"Shine" allowed Mike Piper a drum solo spot, and "Basin Street" was a
feature for Clint Sharmin's trombone. Then Jonathan arrived, and the band
took a brief break so the violinist had the opportunity to set up and sound
check."

"At 2:45 PM, the augmented band was ready to go and began with Gershwin's
"S'Wonderful" at a medium tempo. Steve Barbone and Jonathan Russell had an
interesting series of trading choruses, beginning with 12 bars between the
soloists, then 8, then 4. Paul Grant's trumpet blows right through the door,
Sharmin's solo is original in concept and tone."

"Hearing the young violinist for the first time, one acknowledges the
influence of great players of the past like Ray Nance, who performed for 20
years with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Eddie South who led a group in
Chicago in the 1920's and 30's and Svend Asmussen, a respected violinist
from Denmark."

"The slow "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?" found Russell
taking the lead and providing an amicable vocal. From there it was time for
"Tiger Rag" performed "at a Showboat Tempo" according to Steve, referring to
Paul Grant's band at the so named casino. The tune brings out the Goodman in
Steve's clarinet, Russell's violin stays in the low register and Grant is
very Eldridge-like. A key change during the chorus adds to the excitement of
an already exciting performance."

The first set closed with "Royal Garden Blues" with Barbone growling in the
low register, Russell displaying his Grapelli side, Grant orbiting in
Gabriel territory, and some Blind Lemon from Sonny Troy.

"The second set brought some more excitement with a swinging version of
"Fidgety Feet", "Avalon" and "There'll Be Some Changes Made," the latter
featuring guest drummer Al Hobbs from Berlin, NJ who had a chance to trade
fours with the other instrumentalists. In between those selections were two
duets by Russell and Troy - "God Bless the Child" and "I Got Rhythm"
reminiscent of the Venuti-Lang duets of old."

"'I Want A Little Girl' opened the third set, featuring another vocal by the
violinist with Sonny Troy accompanying. The tune also offered some subtle
Barbone clarinet, and an almost boppish Grant trumpet. Dr. Bob Binder was
invited on stage to sing "Georgia On My Mind", followed by Barbone's sole
vocal of the afternoon, "I Can't Give You Anything But Love", supported by
Russell and Sharmin. The set closed with a swinging 'Sweet Georgia Brown.'"

"The Tri State Jazz Society audiences finally got a chance to witness the
talent of Jonathan Russell accompanied by the great Barbone Street Jazz
Band. Better Late than never!!!"