2003 PENN JAZZFEST

THE TARNISHED SIX returned to PJS, after a few year' absence, to lead off the first two hours.  The rendition of  the spirituals was, as always, stimulating.  Accompanied by "preacher" Roger Munnell, we were led through   a series of 'sing-a-long hymns: Over In The Glory Land, What a Friend We Have In Jesus, Down By The Riverside, His Eye Is On The Sparrow, Old Rugged Cross. With hymnals provide the audience joined in. Much handclapping accompanied the singing.  Roger was joined in singing by Jim Ressler (cornet), Jim Chapman (reeds) John Kovalchik (tuba), and late additions to the band, Mike Evock (banjo) and Phil Charles (drums). A 'slight' departure, from the traditional spirituals occurred when Roger sang Ragtime Rosy Ragged The Rosary! And the band played  Dead Man Blues (Jelly Roll) which led into Oh, Didn't He Ramble. Amazing Grace offered different tempos, kept the audience on their 'toes'. A nice opening set

The second set, which Roger remarked allowed the band more freedom, contained many of   the  standards, all done to perfection. Shake It and Break  It  offered  great ensemble work.  St. Louis Blues (W.C. Handy) gave all a chance to solo. Ressler sang Titanic Man Blues. Turk Murphy's Trombone Rag saw Roger doing a nice job. Saturday Night Function (Duke Ellington) was sweetly done. Don't hear that one often.  Someday Sweetheart (Firehouse Five) saw a  nice  Kolvalchick  tuba  solo.

Several of the bands for jazz  fest  had  members  who had played with The Rent Party Revelers and Ed Metz, piano, sat in on Snake Rag! San Francisco Bay Blues found Cynthia Sayer on banjo with Roger doing the lyrics. Sailing On Chesapeake Bay offered Ray Heitger on clarinet . When Heitger and Munnell get together 'wild' things happen. All in all this was a happy session.  Humorous  and good identification with their audience. A nice  kickoff to the rest of the afternoon.

Tom Cahill