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Back in
the 80's, a special event came to pass. The owner of a VERY popular
restaurant and lounge in Delray Beach, FL decided to start a two-week
jazz festival with the help of world-class drummer, DUFFY JACKSON and
his famous jazz musician dad, CHUBBY JACKSON. |
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It turned into an
incredible event attended by thousands, as they crowded into the
little restaurant, even sitting on the stairway leading to the
restrooms, to hear the
FIRST ERNY'S SUMMER ALL STAR JAZZ BAND. The performers were Pianist (and Bill Evans look-a-like) Chuck Marohnic, just returned from Denmark with a hit album, playing an upright piano for the festival. Trumpet player John Swan, who also wrote most of the arrangements, vocalist Dux DeJohn, dynamite jazz singer, part of the famous DeJohn Sisters, bass player, legendary Woody Herman bassist Chubby Jackson, his son, probably one of the most gifted drummer/musicians/vocalists in the world Duffy Jackson, and me on tenor sax. |
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1. GROOVIN' HIGH - Dizzy - |
Very fast rendition of Dizzy's classic based on the changes to Whispering. Everybody solos on this one....quicktime! |
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2. AT IT AGAIN |
Arranged by John Swan, this cooker, based on the changes of Sweet Georgia Brown featuring the whole band, especially Duffy scattin'. |
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3. BLUES TODAY |
Arranged by John Swan, the Band plays the blues. |
| Dux DeJohn singing this jazz classic with her own jazz interpretation featuring the band and Duffy Scattin'. | |
| Ira Sullivan, playing a bebop version of Happy Birthday on the alto sax and flute, and a great solo by Dolph Castellano, for MaryAnn, Faaaaaaast. Al keeps the tempo perfect. | |
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6. LOVE LETTERS |
Ira Sullivan, again, this time on the fleugalhorn, playing his lovely, lyrical version of LoveLetters. This should be in Jazz textbooks as 'How to build a jazz chorus.' |
| Ira Sullivan, with Ron Davisson and Dolph, Al, and Tony, Jamming on Billies Bounce. |
