Joe Reidy, the Founder of Wachusett Jazz, is a trombonist and vocalist. He has worked with international, national and regional performers in the fields of Jazz, Rock and Classical music. In addition to Wachusett Jazz, he performs with Mike Girard's Big Swinging Thing, The Skeletones Big Band, The New England Swing & Soul Orchestra, and his eponymous solo act. Joe's performance credits include Mike Girard's Big Swinging Thing, Charles Neville, Grace Kelly, James Montgomery, The Stompers, Jill Connelly, The Valves, Tornado Alley, and Aerosmith. He has performed at notable venues throughout the U.S. and Europe. He is currently on the teaching staff at Union Music in Worcester, MA. Joe studied low brass under Ernest Riopel at The St. Gabriel School of Music in Worcester and holds a BA in Fine Arts from The College of The Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.
Awards
Worcester Magazine's "Best of Worcester" Reader's Choice Poll in 1979.
Gear
Shires, Olds & King trombones
The following year on October 26, 2003 the Montgomery and Huntington Cultural co-sponsored a second concert at Stanton Hall, Huntington MA. A few days later this article appeared in the Country Journal:
COUNTRY JOURNAL THURSDAY OCTOBER 30, 2003 SKELETONES AND CHARLES NEVILLE FILLTHE HALL
by Amy Reifsnyer
HUNTINGTON It was standing room only at Stanton Hall on Suday evening when the Skeletones with Charles Neville took the stage. Sponsored by the Cultural Councils of Huntington and Montgomery, this is the second year the Skeletones, under the direction of Ted Wirt, performed with saxophone legend,Charles Neville
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The following year on October 26, 2003 the Montgomery and Huntington Cultural co-sponsored a second concert at Stanton Hall, Huntington MA. A few days later this article appeared in the Country Journal:
COUNTRY JOURNAL THURSDAY OCTOBER 30, 2003 SKELETONES AND CHARLES NEVILLE FILLTHE HALL
by Amy Reifsnyer
HUNTINGTON It was standing room only at Stanton Hall on Suday evening when the Skeletones with Charles Neville took the stage. Sponsored by the Cultural Councils of Huntington and Montgomery, this is the second year the Skeletones, under the direction of Ted Wirt, performed with saxophone legend,Charles Neville. This is a train town isn't it?" joked Wirt, who also played alto sax as he introduced Duke Ellington's "A" Train. The band next went on to play a number of familiar tunes with the crisp rhythm section of Gary Jackson(bass) and Chet Pasek (drums) immediately anchoring the band.
One concert goer was immediately engaged: A woman nearby became dreamy eyed over "Angel Eyes" until a friend suggested it was a song about lost love. "I love this song!' sighed two voices as the band began the standard song "Harlem Nocturne", written in 1942 by Ray Noble. The synchrocity of the brass section was as remarkable as was Neville's saxophone technique. Guy Wallis covered the vocals on a bluesy rendition of B.B.King's "The Thrill is Gone", ending the first set.
During intermission this writer had a chance to talk to Charles Neville. Neville related "The media attempts to categorize these different styles, yet this is all really mainstream music that most folks can relate to. This music is the real heart and soul of America. The audience and and the band seem to be sharing the same experience.
Following a brief intermission, the band returned with an "in your face" rendition of the Jazz Crusader's "Tough Talk". The trumpets of Dave Bilodeau and Peter McNeany were responsible for getting the audience jumping-shagging dance space in the aisles!
Next Duke Ellington's "Caravan". featuring Joe "Bone Ranger" Reidy, conjured a landscape of desert nights, and palm trees at an oasis.
Charles Neville next featured a tribute to the late great Grover Washington with "Mister Magic". The saxophone section switched to woodwinds setting a mellow mood with interspersed brass punctuation while Charles smoothly soloed the melody and improvisation throughout.
All of these sound colors left this writer in a reflective mood with a wandering mind. Suddenly I was snapped back to reality! The band was swinging its encore on Louis Prima's Jump, Jive, and Wail. With trombonist Joe Reidy on vocals and the band gang shouting the refrain the crowd took to its feet.. Charles Neville took long shouting choruses on tenor sax with the backing band building volume and intensity. Each chorus raised the level! Charles and the band continued to build! Suddenly the concert was over as the lights came up.
In summary this was a great concert. Neville and his local friends know their music, work together, and connect with an audience. Judging by the enthusiasm on the bandstand, it is evident that this band will be making music in the future. Don't miss them!
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Primary Instrument
Trombone
Location
Worcester
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
For details please call Union Music , 142 Southbridge Street Worcester, MA 01608
508-753-3702
