Dixieland style jazz band. Seen at the Surf Club, Fischer’s, D’Mitry’s, Four Corners, Monaghan’s, Sperl’s, Club Venus (in 1966 with the Admirals), Escapade, Briarwood Inn…
A 1956 lineup featured Mike Palmieri (trumpet), Gene Franklin (clarinet), Ken Read (trombone), Bob Waller (piano), Bill Goodall (bass), and Larry Algiers (drums). This lineup was on the album “Baltimore Jazz” (LP #XTV 25550).
Lineup as of October 1967 consisted of Franklin (clarinet), Algiers (drums), along with Walter Marquardt (piano), John Spicer (tuba & bass), Bernie Weissner (trombone), and Al Straub (trumpet).
Former banjo player in the ‘50s (and ex-Rivers Chambers Orchestra member) Jay Leonhart went on to learn the acoustic double bass. He eventually moved to New York where he established himself with the some of the industry’s top pop and jazz artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Judy Garland, and many others. Jay later returned to Baltimore and played in Ethel Ennis’ backup band. Still performing in the ‘00s as a one-man show called “The Bass Lesson” he did shows at Bertha’s in Fell’s Point. Al Straub later with the Last Chance Jazz Band…
1956(LP) Baltimore Jazz 25550 Baltimore Jazz
