Most readers of The Syncopated Times are familiar with clarinet/alto saxophonist Billy Novick from his long association with the New Black Eagle Jazz Band of New England, which until three of its key members passed away was one of this country’s finest traditional outfits. He’s also spent many years appearing as half of a duo with the outstanding guitarist Guy Van Duser (capable of emulating an entire band—melody, chords, bass, and counterpoint accompaniment at once—on his lone instrument) primarily performing jazzy material along with marches, rags and other esoterica.
Also a composer and arranger, Novick was engaged several years ago to create much of the music for a ballet version of The Great Gatsby, adapted from the famous 1925 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. That’s what this is, new arrangments of 1920s classic jazz material as well as original compositions that usually fit that idiom.
Including Novick, the Blue Syncopators is an eight piece reading jazz band (with improvised solos) made up of reed player John Clark and two other members of his Wolverines Jazz Band (pianist Ross Petot, tubist Stu Gunn), banjoist John Wheatley, trumpeter Mike Peipman, and tombonist Dan Fox. Added to this are vocalists Louise Grasmere and Dane Vanmater.
Dane Vanmater (heard on four selections) is the sort of nonjazz singer that might have been at home on the Lawrence Welk Show. He does
