New Jazz Wizards

The original Jazz Wizards was a recording group led by pianist Richard M. Jones in the mid-1920's. The New Jazz Wizards was put together by drummer Pam Pameijer to perform works by classic jazz composers. For its first recorded project, the music of Richard M. Jones, the band consisted of cornetists Peter Ecklund, clarinetist Reinmer von Essen, Billy Novick on clarinet and alto, trombonist Jim Snyder, pianist Butch Thompson, banjoist Peter Bullis, Vince Giordano on tuba and bass sax and Pameijer. By the time they made their 1994 tribute to Tiny Parham, John Otto had replaced Novick, von Essen was replaced by violinist Dick Wetmore, Robin Verdier was on piano and Mike Walbridge was the band's new tuba player. When they recorded their third project (all three of their CDs are available on Stomp Off) in 1997, Jelly Roll Morton tunes from his late 20's period in New York, the lineup consisted of Ecklund (who provided many of the arrangements), Snyder, both Billy Novick and John Otto on reeds, pianist Ray Smith, Howard Alden (on banjo and guitar), Vince Giordano (this time on tuba and string bass) and drummer Pameijer. Although this EuroAmerican group does not appear regularly in public, its recordings are quite enjoyable and should be of great interest to classic jazz collectors. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi