Opinion

Bipartisanship and big band music

I love to see the twinkle in the eyes of my father when he speaks of big band music from before and after World War II. One recent Sunday afternoon, we were reminiscing about songs, composers, and the orchestras that he listened to and some that he saw live in Philadelphia and New York. When asked about the first orchestra that he saw play the Big Band sound, he expressed some reluctance followed by a smile, saying, “How can I remember the first band, there were so many!” Then he quickly described seeing Tommy Dorsey at the Hotel Philadelphia in New York City, which led to remembrances of Cab Calloway singing “St. James Infirmary” at the Cotton Club, and the velvety voice of Helen O’Connell, the trumpet playing of Harry James, Woody Herman, and more.

I also think of a photo of my dad, his two brothers, one older (Henry) and one younger (Bill) and their younger sister (Alida). It was taken 75 years ago, the same year that the New York state Legislature voted to accept the request for the incorporation of the city of Rye to replace the village of Rye. Those were the happy “hey days” of the big band era for my father and yet it marked the last time those four siblings were together. All four were smiling in the photo with familial love on their faces, although the eldest, Henry, would not return from the war back to their home at Creek Farm in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Years later, on John and Patricia Carey’s 50th wedding anniversary, their granddaughter Shenoa Victoria Carey serenaded my parents with an accopella version of “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” made popular by the Andrews Sisters. What a special moment that was for all, but especially for my daughter, who connected with my parents with the gift of swing music, in front of so many friends and family. And yes, that song was recorded by the Andrews Sisters the same year, 1942, in which Rye became one of the few cities in all of New York state.

The majority of the Summerfest field days that have been held at Rye Recreation Park have featured bands have played swing music, one of the finest examples of original American art of any era. It is in that spirit and with great pride that the Summerfest 2017 Volunteer Committee announces the return of the Reddy Valentino Orchestra to play during the John Carey Jr. Memorial Big Band Music Program from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Damiano Community Center, located in the park.

The Reddy Valentino Orchestra is a 16-piece band that was formed back in 1938 by Harrison resident Frank Casale. His idol as a young boy was silent film actor Rudolph Valentino and because of Frank’s red hair he was soon nicknamed Reddy Valentino!

Since the 1990s, the band has been led by lifetime Rye resident Scott Wenzel. This saxophonist, world-renowned record collector and record producer (whose reissues for the Mosaic label have garnered three Grammy Award nominations during the past few years) has made sure the Valentino legacy continues. The band’s credentials include playing at Glen Island Casino, Westchester Country Club, Windows on the World and countless other concerts, weddings and dances. Members of the band have included legendary jazz greats Eddie Bert, Aaron Sachs and Milt Kabak in addition to some of Rye’s own legendary musicians Pat Amendola and Pat Iorillo!

The current band has top New York-based musicians such as Johnny Amoroso (who was with the Tommy Dorsey band during the early 1950s), Ron LoPinto, Don Gerundo, Howard Levy, Paul Francis (Lady Gaga’s drummer) and Chris Stelluti.

The band’s most recent activities have included a trip to Pennsylvania for a wedding and getting together a brand new website, nyswingband.com. A new video and CD are also in the plans for 2018.

The history of Rye’s annual Field Day from 1919 to 1979 and from 1994 to present has always been apolitical and signifies the final weekend before the big push toward the November Election Day. This year, in recognition of the need to honor that tradition in the name of a unified community, the Rye City Republican Party and the Rye City Democratic Committee are co-sponsoring the costs of the live orchestra. I guess one could say that this year we are going to hear some “Bopping Bipartisan Big Band” sounds. Furthermore, orchestra leader and proud Rye resident, Scott Wenzel, is once again personally donating his time for the Summerfest field day.

So, come on down to Rye Recreation Park or 51 Milton as longtime residents recall and help us to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the incorporation of the city of Rye. For more information, please call 996-5082 or 967-2535.