Jeff Barnhart – 2 sets +… as a soloist, in a duet, or part of a larger group, in my opinion the living reincarnation of Thomas “Fats” Waller in performance, style, technique, humor, voice, projection, etc., etc. I can’t pay him any more honors than that. Jeff can always be counted on for a 150% performance filled with love for the music and his audiences. Lauren Humpage
“From Barrelhouse to Ballads” was his second set. He said of Barrelhouse players – most of them had no training, they just picked up the tunes from whoever came before them. Jeff said “Best thing to do is just listen!” St. Louis Blues.
Bob Sealey was in the audience, enjoying every note.
With the boogie-woogie meister listening – Jeff dared play a Chatanooga Choo ChooBoogie. Watch Seeley at the end!
1919 – Blues by then had superceded Ragtime. Jeff thinks Ragtime and the Blues went off on an illicit weekend and nine months later, Jazz was born. Jazz synthesized the best of both.
Blues My Naughty Sweetheart Gives To Me
1923 Bessie Smith Sang it, everybody was singing it; Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out
Jack Teagarden said St James infirmary Blueswas the oldest blues he ever heard.
Jeff thanked the magnificent crowd. Said no matter where he and Anne go in the world Essex is home, This is the place – he loves this Festival!
‘Lasses Blues was real Barrelhouse!!
At Jeff’s invitation, Seeley jumped up onto the stage.
Alone they are whirlwinds – together they are a cyclone! It started out civil….
but that didn’t last long –
Seeley finally got up and danced/jigged up and down the stage while Jeff kept playing.
All in good fun – mutual admiration society.
Many thanks to the organizers of this festival for bringing these two world talents together for our listening pleasure!
New England Traditional Jazz Plus 