Ok, 3, 2, 1

BILLY HAYS’ Orchestra was made up of well-known studio musicians (e.g. Mike Mosiello, Andy Sanella). Some sources take the band’s name as a pseudonym for Sam Lanin, while others consider it to be one of dozens of Harry Reser’s nicks. The band’s original photos, however, prove Billy Hays was a real person and his band was a real band.
These shots, made in 1929 at the first session of Billy Hays’ Orchestra for Victor Records, were presented to Glen Richards (the administrator of Hot Dance & Vintage Jazz Pages) by Samuel M. Zehel, whose grandfather, Joe B. Smith, was the lead alto player in the band. On the first photo he is pictured fifth from left, next to the banjo player. Hays is second from left. The original photo clearly shows the vocalist, Andrew T. Stanton, is holding a sheet music copy of ‘Sweet Virginia Rose’, which they recorded on this date.

(This info and photographs are from: Glen Richard’s Hot Dance & Vintage Jazz Pages)

Recording:
Billy Hays & His Orchestra - Do You Believe’ Victor 1929

Kevin Hays Solo Piano/’Improvisation’
Amsterdam, Holland, Dec. 2005
For more info or to download this concert visit
http://www.kevinhays.com

A clip of the Kevin Hays Trio : Kevin Hays (Sonny Rollins, Chris Potter), Doug Weiss (Al Foster), Bill Stewart (John Scofield/Pat Metheny) playing “Stellar”……more at http://www.kevinhays.com

Jammin’ the Blues is a 1944 short film in which several prominent jazz musicians got together for a rare filmed jam session. It features Lester Young, Red Callender, Harry Edison, Marlowe Morris, Sid Catlett, Barney Kessel, Joe Jones, John Simmons, Illinois Jacquet, Marie Bryant, Archie Savage and Garland Finney. For some, this is their only known appearance in a theatrical film. Barney Kessel is the only white performer in the film. He was seated in the shadows to shade his skin, and for closeups, his hands were stained with berry juice. Lindy Hop legends Archie Savage and Marie Bryant do the Lindy Hop (Jitterbug) on this footage. Directed by Gjon Mili and selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.

The occasion was the 40th anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival, held in a tent on the lawn of the White House. A host of jazz legends played, and at the conclusion Clinton called them all up on stage for a bow. He said a little speech, thanks for coming and goodnight, and then… almost as soon as he finished talking, people in the audience started yelling for him to play. And then the musicians all started asking him to play. He said no at first… but they eventually convinced him.

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Camera: Lauri Hakala
Editing: Jere Vainikka
Sound: Johannes Laiho

Jon Faddis(tp),James Moody(as),Kenny Burrell(g),Jimmy Smith(org),Grady Tate(ds) 1986

Jimmy Smith , Don Sickler

Buddy Rich : At The Top, recorded at The Top of the Plaza in Rochester, NY on February 6, 1973, remains one of the most sought-after and influential shows ever recorded by Buddy Rich. Buddy was in his absolute prime that night, and his band was one of the best editions he ever had, roaring on definitive classics, such as the odd time signature-laden “TIME CHECK,” seen here.
(Sorry for the two quick jumps near the start, its fine other than those 2 seconds)

-Video By Hudson Music-

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