Jazz At The Bilmar - Arnie Mossler

 

Jazz At The Bilmar

Jazz At The Bilmar

With Arnie Mossler

And The Suncoast Dixielanders

Engineer: M. L. Emerman

Mastering: Jack Davis

Bilmar Records 6244

1968

Arnie Mossler - Cornet

Bern Yonker - Trombone

Wiffy Walter - Clarinet

Lee Lockwood - Piano

Red Seal - Bass

Sammy Fletcher - Drums

From the back cover: According to one of the latest international dictionaries, Dixieland music is "a style of Jazz, originating in New Orleans, played by a small group of instruments, marked by strongly accented 4-4 rhythm and vigorous, quasi-improvisational solos and ensembles."

According to avid Dixie fans from coast to coast who've visited the Beach Room of the Bilmar Beach Hotel in Treasure Island, Florida, Dixieland means only one thing: Arnie Mossler and his Suncoast Dixielanders.

The diminutive musician-artist-cartoonist leads one of the strongest aggregates of the nation's Dixie adherents through their paces as they alternately bounce, stomp, lilt and wail their way through a variety of tunes that many never knew existed but now will, never forget.

The cold style of a dictionary definition, however, leaves much to be desired. For Mossler and his merry men, Dixieland isn't an exclusive product of New Orleans. It's a rich blend of the best styles and tunes of that fabled Delta city and the more blatant, commanding style made famous in Chicago decades ago.

The blend of personnel, setting and style is unique. At the live session beside the sparkling Gulf of Mexico, the group plays to residents and vacationers from all parts of the nation. The Chicago based strains of Mossler's cornet are abetted by the strong New Orleans honed trombone of Vern Drapey Yonkers, the cosmopolitan clarinet of Wifty Walters, the solidly swinging piano of Lee Lockwood and the pulsating bass of Red Seal. Rounding out the artists and providing impetus is the exhilirating drum sound of Sammy Fletcher.

Mossler leads off Side I with musical introductions and, in the newest tradition, swings gently into the soft "Baby Won't You Please Come Home" featuring Yonkers who, as a disciple of the late Jack Teagarden, vocally recreates the magic atmosphere that Dixieland always brings.

From the soft touch, the group takes a deep breath and struts its way through the "Tailgate Ramble," followed closely by a novel ballad approach to the familiar "Jada," which is played in medley with another beautiful tune, "It's Wonderful."

The set roars out for a break with a rousing rendition of the "Washington & Lee Swing."

Side II swings into high gear with the "Wolverine Blues". The group takes a tour of Wolverine country at a rapid pace, then settles down into a smooth rendition of the old Armstrong favorite, "Sugar," featuring Mossler on the vocal.

The "Sugar," after setting a sweet mood, is suddenly spiced up as the group finds itself in "Jungle Town." A swift romp follows with the entire ensemble guiding the audience through everything from clarinet-studded palm trees to a solo bass safari through the palmetto bush.

"What's The Use" provides an ideal medium for self-expression in moderate Dixie tempo, leading the group to its bell-ringing finale "When The Saints Go Marching In."

The session, as alive as today, with personal introductions for each number by the rotund Mossler, represents telling evidence of the revival of a truly original American art form.

On Florida's Suncoast, a melting pot for people and musical tastes, the Suncoast Dixielanders represent, perhaps, the first stage of a revival of a stirring, happy, intelligible music that appeals to all age groups and knows no real geographical boundaries.

It proves once again that music, as a means of communication, is the only one that doesn't need an interpreter. – ERIC MCFAIL, ST. PETERSBURG (FLA.) TIMES

Baby Won't You Please Come Home

Tailgate Ramble

Jada & It's Wonderful (medley)

Washington & Lee Swing

Wolverine Blues

Sugar

Jungle Town

What's The Use

When The Saints Go Marching In