Pianist / arranger / composer James Dapogny and trombonist Christopher Smith co-lead a hot band called PORK (ask them to explain when you get to Ann Arbor, Michigan) and my friend Laura Beth Wyman took her video camera to capture this hot band playing an Archie Bleyer arrangement of ST. LOUIS BLUES at the Zal Gaz Grotto, Ann Arbor, on December 7, 2014.
In this performance, PORK has the authentic sound of a Thirties hot dance chart down just right — nothing tense, no rushing. And the Dapogny-plus rhythm section interlude in the middle has only one thing wrong with it: it ends too soon:
PORK is Eddie Goodman, alto saxophone and clarinet; Mark Kieme, tenor and clarinet; Mike Jones, alto and clarinet; Paul Finkbeiner, Justin Walter, trumpet; Chris Smith, trombone; James Dapogny, piano; Jordan Schug, string bass; Rod McDonald, guitar; Van Hunsberger, drums.
Thank you, PORK! Thank you, dancers. Thank you, Ms. Wyman.
May we have some more?
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 