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New Black Eagle Jazz Band

Exclusive Concert from 1984


A unique and exclusive performances
by the New Black Eagle Jazz Band, 1984.

Few bands of the last half century have presented Traditional Jazz with greater virtuosity or ensemble spirit.  In the classic Black Eagles, each musician was a master of their instrument responding with rare sensitivity to the others as the band built momentum.  Listening was key to their extraordinary ensemble unity and imprinting their signature onto Classic Jazz tunes.   


This session highlights the charismatic singing and dazzling piano playing of Bob Pillsbury featured on “Cherry.”  Note his Earl Hines-like free rhythms in “Pennies from Heaven." 

The rich cornet tones of Tony Pringle are on display, his muted intimacy and powerful lead.  A modest MC, his British Midlands brogue charms.

Hugh Blackwell played delightful reeds in the band for a few years after the 1981 departure of Stan McDonald, but professional circumstances intervened.  He was followed by Billy Novick, who remains affiliated with the present-day Eagles.  
     


New Black Eagle Jazz Band 11.84
South Bay Traditional Jazz Society, Sunnyvale, Calif.
      
This page contains more than four hours from a magnificent two-night concert series of the band hosted by the South Bay Traditional Jazz Society in Sunnyvale, CA (near San Jose).

Tony Pringle (cornet, vocals, announcements)
Hugh Blackwell (clarinet, soprano and alto saxophones)
Stan Vincent (trombone)
Bob Pillsbury (piano, vocals)
Peter Bullis (banjo)
Eli Newberger (tuba)
Pam Pamier (drums)


Sampler Reel

Cherry (vocal, Pillsbury)
Who’s It
Ace of Rhythm
Lucky Rock Blues
     
http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_11.84_Sampler_reel.mp3

   


Reel 1 of 8
     
Oh! My Babe (glitch@2:55)
Pennies from Heaven
Shimmie She Wobble   

http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_1.mp3

   


Bob Pillsbury
by Joe Mathieu


Reel 2 of 8

Working Man Blues
Lead Me, Savior
Grandpa’s Spells
Misty Mornin’   

http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_2.mp3


      
Reel 3 of 8     
         
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Haarlem Bound
Roaming
Weary Blues    

http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_3.mp3 

      


Eli Newberger in recent times.

       
Eli Newberger is a brass bass virtuoso second to none with a vast dynamic range and unmistakable instrumental voice.  Delighted with these recovered treasures, he is “just blown away by the music - the band at the height of its ensemble intensity, reciprocating the enthusiasm of the responsive audience - and the clarity of the individual voices.”  


Reel 4 of 8
        
Martha       
What You Want Me to Do  
Amazing Grace         
The Old Rugged Cross 
Jelly Bean Blues (inc at 5:15)    
         
http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_4.mp3         

      


Album Cover: 

Novick, Pamier, Newberger, Pringle, Vincent, Bullis, Pillsbury.


Reel 5 of 8

Blue Blood Blues
Steamboat Stomp 
Cottage for Sale
Dreaming the Hours Away

http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_5.mp3 


On a personal note, in 1984 I was a novice recording engineer, having just recently gained access to professional recording gear, and was privileged to tape the first of many encounters with this magnificent band. 

I’m astounded today at how vivid and realistically this performance was captured, requiring no EQ or processing, restoration nor noise removal.  Only the announcements have been edited, a handful of deficient tracks omitted, and a couple of minor flaws noted.


“This [session] is not simply a historical record.  It’s the culmination of 14 years of gigs, tours, festivals, recording sessions and lots of rehearsal: spontaneous, honest, and stunningly recorded, it’s the best we could do and the best we’ve done.”  

-- Eli Newberger     
     


Reel 6 of 8
      
The Mooche    
Joe Avery’s Piece     
Dusty Rag      
Two Deuces       
Lily of The Valley 

http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_6.mp3     
        


Reel 7 of 8

Once in A While
Lou-Easy-an-I-a (vocal, Pringle)
Big House Blues
Martinique

http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_7.mp3    
       


Toronto Jazz Festival,
Jake’s Restaurant 1984.   
    
Photo by John Gleeson

        
Reel 8 of 8        
       
When I Grow Too Old to Dream (quartet with Eli, piano)
Wild Man Blues
Black Cat on The Fence
Wrought Iron Rag
The Purple Rose of Cairo
      
http://jazzhotbigstep.com/NBEJB/New_Black_Eagle_JB_SBTJS_Sunnyvale_11.84_Reel_8.mp3
    


Early days at the Sticky Wicket Pub, their home base near Boston, MA. 

Rear: Vincent, Pringle, McDonald  

Front: Bullis, Pamier, Pillsbury, Newberger

     
Thanks to Eli Newberger for assistance and photos.    
      


LINKS
    
Black Eagle on Youtube
https://youtu.be/h3l2YEwWpaA

New Black Eagle Jazz Band 1988 concert.
https://youtu.be/Tl5KD5z4rGA

https://youtu.be/6g8Wig3huOs

New Black Eagle Jazz Band today
http://blackeagles.com/

New Black Eagle on Facebook