JB: I’m concluding an interview/listening session with New Black Eagle Jazz Band members Stan Vincent (trombone), “Pam” Pameijer (drums) and Billy Novick (reeds) about the band they were in together in Boston for almost 40 years, the New Black Eagle Jazz Band (NBEJB). The NBEJB accomplished performing complicated pieces like “East St. Louis Toodle-oo” and “Weatherbird Rag” (and literally hundreds of others) without music, written arrangements, or even crib notes on the stage. Before we continue exploring additional specific tunes, I’ve a question for you gents. Were you all blessed with photographic memories or were there some other kinds of methods at work here?
Cornelis H. “Pam” Pameijer: From an early age I was hooked onto classic jazz of the 1920s and I listened for endless hours to Morton, Oliver, Armstrong, Fletcher Henderson, Bechet, etc. I think that lead to a natural feel for the music. I call it a natural saturation by complete immersion. As a result the songs and arrangements came easily as I had heard the originals many times. I may have stumbled on a break or a particular arrangement of a more complicated tune the first time, but usually by the second time I was okay. I subbed for a band in Washington and they had a very different repertoire. Having developed a quick ear I had little difficulty following their arrangements. I do not read music and the
