New Black Eagle Jazz Band
Exclusive Concert from 1984
A unique and exclusive performances
by the New Black Eagle Jazz Band, 1984.
Few bands of the last half century have presented Traditional Jazz with
greater virtuosity or ensemble spirit. In the classic Black Eagles,
each musician was a master of their instrument responding with rare sensitivity
to the others as the band built momentum. Listening was key
to their extraordinary ensemble unity and imprinting their signature
onto Classic Jazz tunes.
This session highlights the charismatic singing and dazzling piano playing of Bob Pillsbury featured on “Cherry.” Note his Earl Hines-like free rhythms in “Pennies from Heaven."
The rich cornet tones of Tony Pringle are on display, his muted intimacy and powerful lead. A modest MC, his British Midlands brogue charms.
Hugh Blackwell played delightful reeds in the band for a few years after the 1981 departure of Stan McDonald, but professional circumstances intervened. He was followed by Billy Novick, who remains affiliated with the present-day Eagles.
New Black Eagle Jazz Band 11.84
South Bay Traditional Jazz Society, Sunnyvale,
Calif.
This page contains more than four hours from a magnificent two-night concert series of the band hosted by the South Bay Traditional Jazz Society in Sunnyvale, CA (near San Jose).
Tony Pringle (cornet, vocals, announcements)
Hugh Blackwell (clarinet, soprano and alto saxophones)
Stan Vincent (trombone)
Bob Pillsbury (piano, vocals)
Peter Bullis (banjo)
Eli Newberger (tuba)
Pam Pamier (drums)
Sampler Reel
Cherry (vocal, Pillsbury)
Who’s It
Ace of Rhythm
Lucky Rock Blues
http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_11.84_Sampler_reel.mp3
<B>Reel 1 of 8</B>
Oh! My Babe (glitch@2:55)
Pennies from Heaven
Shimmie She Wobble
http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_1.mp3
Bob Pillsbury
by Joe Mathieu
<B>Reel 2 of 8</B>
Working Man Blues
Lead Me, Savior
Grandpa’s Spells
Misty Mornin’
http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_2.mp3
<B>Reel 3</B> of 8
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Haarlem Bound
Roaming
Weary Blues
http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_3.mp3
Eli Newberger in recent times.
Eli Newberger is a brass bass virtuoso second to none with a vast
dynamic range and unmistakable instrumental voice. Delighted with these recovered treasures, he
is “just blown away by the music - the
band at the height of its ensemble intensity, reciprocating the enthusiasm of
the responsive audience - and the clarity of the individual voices.”
<B>Reel 4</B> of 8
Martha
What You Want Me to Do
Amazing Grace
The Old Rugged Cross
Jelly Bean Blues (inc at 5:15)
http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_4.mp3
Album Cover:
Novick, Pamier, Newberger, Pringle, Vincent, Bullis, Pillsbury.
<B>Reel 5</B> of 8
Blue Blood Blues
Steamboat Stomp
Cottage for Sale
Dreaming the Hours Away
http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_5.mp3
I’m astounded today at how vivid and realistically this performance was captured, requiring no EQ or processing, restoration nor noise removal. Only the announcements have been edited, a handful of deficient tracks omitted, and a couple of minor flaws noted.
“This
[session] is not simply a historical record. It’s the culmination of 14 years of gigs,
tours, festivals, recording sessions and lots of rehearsal: spontaneous,
honest, and stunningly recorded, it’s the best we could do and the best we’ve
done.”
-- Eli Newberger
<B>Reel 6</B> of 8
The Mooche
Joe Avery’s Piece
Dusty Rag
Two Deuces
Lily of The Valley
http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_6.mp3
<B>Reel 7</B> of 8
Once in A While
Lou-Easy-an-I-a (vocal, Pringle)
Big House Blues
Martinique
http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_7.mp3
Toronto Jazz Festival,
Jake’s Restaurant 1984.
Photo by John Gleeson
<B>Reel 8</B> of 8
When I Grow Too Old to Dream (quartet with Eli, piano)
Wild Man Blues
Black Cat on The Fence
Wrought Iron Rag
The Purple Rose of Cairo
http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_8.mp3
Early days at the Sticky Wicket Pub, their home base near Boston, MA.
Rear: Vincent, Pringle, McDonald
Front: Bullis, Pamier, Pillsbury, Newberger
Thanks to Eli Newberger for assistance and photos.
LINKS
Black Eagle on Youtube
https://youtu.be/h3l2YEwWpaA
New Black Eagle Jazz Band 1988 concert.
https://youtu.be/Tl5KD5z4rGA
https://youtu.be/6g8Wig3huOs
New Black Eagle Jazz Band today
http://blackeagles.com/
New Black Eagle on Facebook