The New Black Eagle Jazz Band has been a joyful fixture in New England ever since its formation in 1971. Veteran New Orleans bassist Chester Zardis was part of their first record date and, in Nov. 1990, a reunion performance was scheduled at the Rhode Island School of Design. Unfortunately the 90-year old Zardis passed away the previous August so the event became a tribute concert. The night was filmed and there were hopes that it would air on PBS, but it was soon forgotten.
24 years later, in 2014, the band was alerted to the existence of the video. They were quite surprised by how well it was filmed and the quality of the music. It is now being released as The Last Of The First which Zardis was called since he was among the very last surviving New Orleans musicians of the pre-1950 era. In reality, other than a few moments, the Chester Zardis tribute part of the concert is de-emphasized in favor of some rather exciting music.
Six regular members of the New Black Eagle Jazz Band (cornetist Tony Pringle, trombonist Stan Vincent, pianist Bob Pilsbury, banjoist Peter Bullis, Eli Newberger on tuba, and drummer Pam Pameijer) are joined by clarinetist Tommy Sancton and the late tenor-saxophonist Brian Ogilvie. Clarinetist Billy Novick is absent but Sancton, who was on that first album with Zardis, and Ogilvie (who was with the group in 1981) are perfect substitutes. Sancton’s high n
