Since 1976, Vince Giordano has led one of the most authentic-sounding small big bands in 1920s jazz, an 11-piece orchestra that really sounds as if it was from 1929, except when they occasionally play slightly later swing tunes. In addition to tripling on bass sax, tuba, and string bass, Giordano (who takes occasional vocals and introduces each piece) utilizes his huge collection of period arrangements, adapting them for his hot band. When one considers the high musicianship of his sidemen and the professionalism (and pure fun) of their performances, it is no surprise that Giordano and his orchestra have long been in demand whenever Hollywood needs a 1920s band either on film or in their soundtracks.
It had been over a decade since Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks (a fixture in New York City) appeared in Southern California, so their concert at the Soraya in Northridge was a rare treat. The current version of the Nighthawks consists of trumpeters Jon Erik-Kellso and Joe Boga, trombonist Jim Fryer, Evan Arntzen on clarinet and alto, Dan Levinson on clarinet and saxophones, tenor-saxophonist Mark Lopeman, Andy Stein doubling on violin and baritone sax, pianist Peter Yarin, Arnt Arntzen on banjo and guitar, and drummer Paul Wells in addition to the versatile leader.
The first of two sets performed by the Nighthawks was particularly rewarding. After beginning with the brief theme use
