"Kneedrops" Hot 5 Jazzmakers + Charlie Gall & Jeff

The late Jeff Healey loved our Saturday matinees at "C'est what?" in downtown Toronto, during the 1990's. Anytime he was not on the road with his blues band, he would be with the Hot Five Jazzmakers. Usually he was a guest but sometimes he would sub on banjo or guitar and sometimes cornet. In fact Jeff had occupied the trumpet chair while Charlie was away for a few weeks. Jeff was a huge fan of Charlie's playing style and they shared the same idols. Here is a Louis Armstrong number Hot Five classic - "Kneedrops"
Here he is a rare clip of Jeff playing banjo!
This session took place May 18/96 and the rest of the line-up consists of Janet Shaw - reeds; Brian Towers - trombone/ldr; Colin Bray - bass; Gary Scriven - drums and Reide Kaiser - piano.
Our thanks to Bob Byler for filming on this day, in difficult circumstances, with a packed room and enthusiastic and lively audience.
You can see Jeff and the band in better detail by watching "Sunny side of The Street" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXJiduuW944 (more)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• classic
• traditional
• jazz;
• dixieland;
• New
• Orleans;
• King
• Oliver;
• Jeff
• Healey;
• Hot
• Jazzmakers

[michielaw]

I only wish I had started singing jazz back then. What great memories.Thanks for sharing.

[McVouty]

Based on the changes of "Bill Bailey", this is a neglected tune which showcased Armstrong's greatness - especially his ability to swing like MAD in a relaxed manner.

Hats off to Charlie Gall for a nice interpretation sticking closely to Pops' approach.

Hats off to Brer Brian Towers and the gang for keeping the faith.