By: Rudy Lu
Harmonicas and singalongs are not anticipated for Chuck Lamb’s monthly Jazz series at Caffe Lena. But they were what Rob Paparozzi brought along with his wife for a car ride from New Jersey to Saratoga.
The harmonica is not an instrument that is usually associated with Jazz. But there are musicians that use this instrument regularly. If you have heard the theme from Sesame Street. You have heard Jazz harmonica. The late Toots Thielman was the acknowledged master of the instrument. He played with Quincy Jones, Billl Evans and Charlie Parker among others. Our own Jason Rogers is a well known practitioner locally.
Rob Paparozzi is a maestro in his own right. He has played the instrument in many genres and settings. He did the same during this 2 set session with Chuck Lamb and his trio at the monthly Peak Jazz series. This was a return engagement, the first being in 2024.
The whole concert consisted was very accessible and melodic. There was even a Beatles cover and several singalongs. Something unexpected from Jazz concerts.
1st set
Opening with Ben Tucker’s “Coming Home Baby”, a blues shuffle. The mood was set. Brazilian was next with “A Day in the Life of a Fool”. Ellington’s “In A Mellow Tone” next, followed by Randy Newman’s “See You Smile”.
Get the picture?
Rob also had a treasure chest of stories to share from his varied career. He used his arms, hands and body language to further express his memories. A recent memory was his overdubbing Bob Dylan’s harmonica parts in Timothy Charlemet’s movie, “A Complete Unknown”. He also gave Charlemet harmonica lessons so the overdubs appeared more authentic.
The presence of the late Joel Moss filled the room. “Old Friend ” was played, a truly bittersweet song.
The first set ended with Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson’s “Kidney Stew”. A blues shuffle dedicated to reaching for the best despite humble limitations,
2nd set
Jazz took the forefront with Sonny Rollins classic “Doxsee”. Paparozzi’s imagination took over when he worked “Walk Right In, Sit Right Down” into the performance then “Alice’s Restaurant” into the mix before returning to Rollins.
Henry Mancini’s “Moon River” was preceded with the story of Paparozzi’s experience playing this with the NY Philharmonic . He had to learn the music for this on the fly, the Philharmonic at the time did not appreciate this concerpt. He had to use the magic of Kinko’s to complete this gig! Mancini had passed on, but his widow was listening.
A bluesy “Monkey Around” by Phoebe Snow followed. He played this with Phoebe on a recording decades ago.
The old warhorse “Body & Soul”followed. A song all jazz musicians have played throughout their career.
The Beatles songbook ended the performance. That song from Help, “Ticket To Ride” was played instrumentally. But then was turned into a sing and clap along. There were smiles and grins all around,
Chuck Lamb’s creativity and melodicism was noted throughout. He frequently fused his classical training into never before variations of these tunes that have been heard before in prior recordings.
Rich Syracuse , the regular bassist for this series was hailed as the “Ray Brown” of the series, a true compliment to one of the leading bass players of the region.
Pete O’Brien is known primarily as a power drummer, always in the pocket . For this particular gig,he was subdued, using brushes on his snare and cymbals to accompany the melodies and harmonies that demanded to be listened to. The swing was unmistakable.
Not a typical jazz concert, but the presence of Joel Moss was clearly felt by all. He was nodding approvingly from the other side.
Setlist
1st set
Coming Home Baby
Day In The Life Of A Fool
In A Mellow Tone
See You Smile
Old Friend ( Dedicated to Joel Moss)
Kidney Stew
2nd Set
Doxsee
Moon River
Monkey Around
Body & Soul
Ticket to Ride
