Health

American Life

New York Swing Exchange
by George Massey

My wife Fran and I, had a most enjoyable evening at our local night spot, Bodles, in Chester N.Y., in the beautiful Hudson Valley. The service and food / drinks, were excellent. To Pat and her staff, a big thank you. We went to see a local big band called the: New York Swing Exchange, and swing they did.

I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Jim Briggs, who conducts the band and plays alto sax and clarinet. That night there were 16 players: 5 sax, 4 trumpet, 4 trombone, piano bass and drums. The 17th member is Maureen Morrissey, vocalist and emcee.

Jim worked with me on info for this article , and i thank him for his input. the band started as the "Swingmasters" and then the Ken Durland band. When Ken retired, the band became a true co-operative. Every one in the band is considered equally talented and important . They all have a say on the charts, gigs etc. It was a mutual decision to rename the band the N.Y. Swing Exchange. You can visit their web site : nyswingexchange.com, for all info on engagements , bookings, and bio's on band members.

Jim Briggs said: "We try to cover as many of the big bands as possible," and they did just that very, very well, with Maureen's vocals enhancing the selections. They played a tune by, Bob Siebert entitled: Alto Soliloquy. The alto lead was done by Jim Briggs, beautifully, and it is a beautiful piece of music.

Most of the members are teachers of music and other studies. The band's origin goes back to 1997, when drummer Nick Talarico and retired leader Ken Durland formed the group. I watched Nick all night long. Yyou see drummer's do that; we want to check out the other players, to see if they are doing something we want to use. And as a fellow drummer and former band leader, let me tell you Nick is very good. He has the drive needed for a big band, and yet has a tasty, subtle style that is easy on the ears. His "cuts", as we call breaks a drummer adds to the orchestrations, are crisp and, to be redundant, in very good taste. Kudos Nick.

Besides Jim , I had the pleasure of talking to Keith Sherman, also alto clarinet and, like Jim, a real gentleman and excellent musician. Speaking of members, I have to mention Dave Smith, pianist. He also has a career as engineer and audio editor at ABC in N.Y. Dave has 4 - count ‘em - 4 Emmy's for audio engineering . Also having been a broadcaster, this caught my eye. Good stuff, Dave.

Maureen Morrissey, as I said, does the vocals and MC. She is the final touch to this marvelous band. Maureen is likeable, vibrant, and interfaces well with the audience.

I suggest you check out the web site. And if you're a local of Chester N.Y. or from surrounding areas, go see them, hire them. You will be in for a very enjoyable experience.

I want to thank Jim Briggs for all his help, and a special thank you to Nancy Hopkins, for publishing this article and my future jazz/music one's as well. Till we talk "talk" again, keep swinging.