Tadd’s Delight: A Tribute to Tadd Dameron

Tadd’s Delight: A Tribute to Tadd Dameron

Tadd Dameron (1917-1965) was an African American composer and pianist who bridged the Big Band and Bebop eras of jazz and collaborated with many of the big names, including Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane. For the September edition of the Dunedin Jazz Club, titled “Tadd’s Delight”, the Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra will present a selection of six original tunes composed and arranged by Dameron, followed by a combo set of Dameron originals featuring club director Bill Martin on tenor saxophone, Ralph Miller on trumpet, Andy Lynch on bass, Matthew Tait on piano and Erik Dekker on drums.

Dameron influenced most of the band leaders from the 40s and 50s with his innovative harmonies and style of arranging having a lasting impact on the genre. The iconic tune “Good Bait”, which has become an often performed standard, was originally composed for Count Basie but subsequently arranged for Big Bands led by Billy Eckstein and Dilly Gillespie. “Fred’s Delight” was composed for Artie Shaw in 1949 and features a clarinet melody above the five piece saxophone section. “Moon from the East” is a straight number which features a Balkan style melody and was originally arranged by Benny Goodman for his tour of the Soviet Union in 1962.

Many of Dameron’s compositions were rearranged and recorded on the 1962 album for Riverside Records, Magic Touch. “Our Delight”, features a syncopated saxophone melody, while “On a Misty Night” features an extended solo for second tenor, which will be performed on the night by rising star Callan Power. The blues “Just Plain Talking” was originally composed for a nonet led by Benny Goodman, but this arrangement was remade for the Riverside album and features a solo by lead trumpet Louis Robertson. Essentially a blues with some modified chord changes, this fun tune provides an opportunity for the whole band to have a blow.

For the second set, the Hanover Hall All Stars will present a selection of Tadd Dameron originals that have become part of the standard repertoire of modern jazz players. Many of these tunes were originally recorded by Dameron with tenor saxophonist John Coltrane on the album Mating Call, including the Afro Latin title track, the swinging “Gnid”, the ballad “Soultrane” and the up-tempo “Superjet”. Martin’s tenor saxophone sound will get an airing on these numbers, while others will feature the refined trumpet sound of Ralph Miller. Dameron’s influence on the bebop era will also be reflected by the selection of “Hothouse”, originally performed by Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, as well as “Tadd’s Delight”, performed by the Miles Davis Sextet. The band also features experienced bass player Andy Lynch, as well as young guns Erik Dekker (drums) and Matthew Tait (piano), who will be performing in both ensembles on the night.

Personnel:

Hanover Hall All Stars

Ralph Miller (trumpet)

Bill Martin (tenor saxophone)

Matthew Tait (piano)

Andy Lynch (bass)

Erik Dekker (drums)

Tadd’s Delight: A Tribute to Tadd Dameron

The Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra directed by Bill Martin

Hanover Hall All Stars featuring Ralph Miller

Friday 27 September, 7:30pm

Dunedin Jazz Club @ Hanover Hall

Timings: 7 pm doors open, 7:30 Set One - the Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra, 8:15 break, 8:30 Set Two - Hanover Hall All Stars, 9:30 Finish.

Tickets at www.dunedinjazz.club

Adult: $28.75 (includes $3.75 GST) Cash $30

Senior / Unwage: $23 (includes $3 GST) Cash $25

Student: $17.25 (includes $2.25 GST) Cash $20