GJB 99, A PERFECT LIFE - Last performances of Spiegle Willcox with the Galvanized Jazz Band (No longer available) was recorded 1997-1999 at the ChowderPot with Bob Bequillard & Ed Stockmal (drums), Joel Schiavone & Gim Burton (banjo) Russ Whitman & Noel Kaletsky (reeds), Skip Hughes & Art Baron (trombone), Bill Sinclair & Ted DesPlantes (piano). All profits from sales of this recording go to the Spiegle Willcox Scholarship Fund, S.U.N.Y, Cortland, NY. 14 tunes, 72 minutes. For reviews of this recording, scroll down. To hear a sample track from this CD, click on the blue lettering in the tune list below.

Dark Eyes
Saint James Infirmary
Limehouse Blues
Black & Blue
I Can't Give You Anything But Love
Monday Date
Margie
Sugar
100 Years From Today
Bourbon Street Parade
Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Just A Gigolo
Basin Street Blues
Somebody Else Is Taking My Place

In the August 2000 issue of Cadence David Dupont wrote:
...The session exudes the pure joy of being alive and blowing....On "Dark Eyes" Willcox lays down a jaunty low line underneath Art Baron's plunger muted solo, and on "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" he and Baron testify together on a wonderful duet. Having Baron on three tracks is certainly a plus, but the Galvanized Jazz Band provides exemplary backing on its own. The rhythm section provides a loose, rocking sound that's authentic without being archaic, and certainly never hokey. The band also offers a wealth of distinguished soloists, notably cornetist Fred Vigorito and reedman Russ Whitman, who adds variety by doubling clarinet and four saxophones, including bass saxophone. All this is well-captured in a better-than-adequate on-site recording that captures some on-stage chatter as well as the music. That just adds to the charm of this wonderful session. Recommended!

In the November 2000 issue of American Rag, editor/publisher Don Jones writes:

This recording is offered with the love of his fellow musicians and the musical camaraderie they shared on many occasions. It is a testimony to the power of Traditional Jazz to survive the ravages of time and the ignorance of today's masses. I have seen and heard Spiegle in performance several times since 1995. Each time he would leave the stage he was glowing from the energy he brought to and took from those gigs. His personal warmth as a human being was always evident in his ability to engage his fans in lively conversations. Those musicians who shared the stages with him were universal in the sense of awe they gained from their experience. Those of you who heard Spiegle while he was alive will want this album in your collection too. Those of you who did not get that opportunity will want to take advantage of this one last chance to hear a true Legend of Jazz playing as if he were going to live forever. -Highly recommended!

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