Phil Armstrong's Crystal River Jazz Band Pays Homage to Classic Hot Bands of New Orleans at Oct. 21 Concert By Malcolm Rodman

Phil Armstrong

The Crystal River Jazz Band will pay homage to a pure form of Dixieland jazz that traces its roots back to New Orleans over a century ago. This lusty tribute to the golden age of New Orleans jazz will be featured at the Society's Sunday, Oct. 21 concert, 2 to 5 p.m. at the Capital City Comedy Club.

The band is led by San Antonio clarinetist Phil Armstrong, a high school band director for 36 years before retiring 19 years ago. A leading exponent of traditional jazz, Phil's annual appearances before ATJS audiences always elicit an enthusiastic response. His performances include both his silky-smooth clarinet stylings and his gravel-voice impersonations of the immortal Louis Armstrong.

Joining Phil Armstrong will be a talented crew of musicians, including Danny Wilson, trumpet; Jay Thomas, trombone; Ted Conerly, piano; Bob Black, banjo and guitar; George Prado, bass; Dick Thomas, drums, and Jesse Boatright, vocals. Most of these musicians are members of the 20-piece Sentimental Journey Orchestra, a re-creation of a big band era from the 30s and 40s led by Conerly. The band performs frequently and maintains a web site at www.sjoswing.com. Like past big band sidemen, these musicians enjoy a break from the rigidly arranged big band tunes to play the improvised stylings of Dixieland. Many groups from the big band era spun off Dixieland offshoots. Two that come to mind: Bob Crosby's Bobcats and Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven.

The concert will be on Sunday, Oct. 21 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Cap City Comedy Club, 8120 Research Blvd. (US 183) at Anderson Square in North Austin. Admission for ATJS members is free by showing the current (Orange) membership card. Guests, Public invited: $10.00 cover. Features: Food (kitchen open 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.) , full bar to 5:00 p.m., dance floor, ample free parking with overflow parking one block south.