The NRB compares its tunes with those of other classic jazz masters
So, we are in our fiftieth year. Yahoo! We now qualify as old timers.
We had a full slate of appearances planned to celebrate. Whoopie!
Hmmm. not so fast, the world tells us. Time to hunker down, socially distance yourself and wear a mask for the good of all of us. Yes, definitely. We will gladly do these things for the good of all.
Thus far, except for a terrific performance for ‘Jazz in the Garden’ at the Andersen Enrichment Center in Saginaw, Michigan, USA, we’ve been not so quietly fidgeting — from an appropriately social distance, of course — and itching to get back on tour.
In the meantime, we decided to cement our legacy by comparing our arrangements of the tuneswith those of other jazz masters. How is that for confidence?
The results of our research are at www.newref.com/legacy. We believe you will enjoy these tracks by us and other historic classic jazz masters as much as we did.
Some examples:
“I’m Coming, Virginia” as we play it compared with Benny Goodman’s rendition (go to Episode Seven at www.newref.com/legacy)
“Our version of “Buddy Boldon’s Blues” versus one by Jelly Roll Morton (Listen to Episode Twelve at www.newref.com/legacy)
There are fourteen comparisons thus far. Many — okay, some— of our fans tell us we are incomparable. And we appreciate their comments and support over this half a century. Listen here and hear for yourself if the compliment is deserved.
GIGS 2020
NRB’s 50th year continues to be like no other
Jazz in the Garden
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020
Andersen Enrichment Center
Ezra Rust Drive, Across from Ojibway Island at Celebration Square
Saginaw, Michigan USA
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Gates open at 6pm
The Michigan All Stars
Trumpet: Dave Tatrow, Otisville
Trombone: Terry Kimura, Howell
Violin: Nathan Bieber, Ann Arbor
Tuba: Paul Keen, Rockford
Banjo/Guitar: Dave Kadwell, Grand Rapids
Drums: Tom Halm, Williamston
Piano/Bandleader, Dave Oppermann, Saginaw
FREE
Due to social distancing, audience size is limited. Bring your mask, please.
Bring your own lawn chairs, as well.
50th Anniversary
Worship Service
First Congregational Church, Saginaw, MI
Michigan All-Star Cast of Characters
POSTPONED UNTIL A SUNDAY IN SEPTEMBER 2020 — DATE TBD
POSTPONED —
NEW DATE for 2020 TBD
SVRC Marketplace, 203 S. Washington Avenue, Saginaw
Minnehaha Brewhaha
CANCELLED FOR 2020.
SEE YOU IN 2021.
Music Moves Me Building, 17135 Northwood Highway, Arcadia
NRB Jazz at Shields
Saturday, February 1st,
1:00pm to 3:30pm
25101 Telegraph Rd (at 10 Mile RD) Southfield, MI 48033
The 50th Anniversary Celebration of the New Reformation Jazz Band (NRB)
Cast of All Stars
Trumpet: Dave Tatrow, Otisville
Trombone: Terry Kimura, Howell
Clarinet: Dave Bennett, Waterford
Banjo/Guitar: Dave Kadwell, Grand Rapids
Drums: John Hill IV, Swartz Creek
Tuba: Chris Smith, South Lyon
Piano/Leader: Dave Oppermann, Saginaw
$10 entertainment charge at the door.
(Do not call the Shields for reservations.)
Questions: Sally Bolle 248.909.8668
NRB is 50! Holey Moley!
Important Announcement.
(Cue the fanfare, please.)
2020 won’t be like anything you’ve enjoyed with NRB in the past 50 Years!
Band photos. We’ve got millions, and we want to share.
Understand what you’re getting yourself into in 2020.
The New Reformation Band (NRB) jazz repertoire encompasses Dixieland, ragtime, blues, big band, and swing… the hot music that lifts spirits. It delivers beautiful harmonics reinforced by a beat that sets toes tapping. It’s true. It’s been unscientifically proven. (We watch the crowds at each live gig. As we play, toes are bouncing all over the place.)
NRB was formed in 1970 during a cold Michigan winter. Seven musicians gathered in the sanctuary of the First Congregational Church in Saginaw in a shocking yet highly successful effort to enhance the service with jazz. All of the musicians had played “jazz” before, just not in church, and not with each other. With the exception of the Brothers Oppermann — on piano and banjo — most were shaking hands for the first time.
This was not to be a daunting task. The tunes selected were from the hymnal, and so recognizable even those slackers who rarely attended a service knew them.
The chief instigator was the church’s youth minister, Pastor Gary Miller. During his Saturday night vigils in this industrial community, the “Rev” would visit the bars… especially those with music… with the admirable goal of offering counsel and support to “lost souls.” But he always had his trumpet under his arm in case there was a chance to sit in.
50 years later the NRB is still having a great time performing, and people keep calling to schedule gigs. 2020 is our 50th year. This site is becoming the home of our history.
“Dave, Thank you So much.
“Dave, Thank you so much. The NRB concert at Andersen Enrichment Center in Saginaw was superb, as usual. And thank you for the CD. It completes my NRB ‘collection.’ Watching you folks on stage having as much fun playing as we have listening reminds us why yours is the ‘Happiest Music on Earth!’ — Tris
Folks, yes, we’re bragging a bit posting this. But when people come up after our to have us autograph a CD, we hear comments such as this often. Since 1970, we assure you they still put a bounce in our step.
CAST OF ALL-STARS AT ANDERSEN
Trumpet, Dave Tatrow, Otisville
Trombone, Terry Kimura, Howell MI
Clarinet, Dave Bennett, Waterford
Tuba, Paul Keen, Rockford
Banjo/Guitar, Dave Kadwell, Grand Rapids
Drums, Rick Bryant
Piano, Dave Oppermann, Saginaw
If you were there but didn’t have enough room in your trunk for all of our CDs and DVDs, you can still acquire them. Feel free to order online HERE, and we’ll ship them right out. (note: we offer a flat fee of $3 for shipping, no matter how many your order at one time.) Only at NRB.
All That’s Jazz – March 1, July 17
Friday, March 1
Saginaw On Stage Music Festival featuring the New Reformation Band
Major Fundraiser for Local Charities
Produced by the Rotary Club of Saginaw
3 Stages, 12+ Headliner Bands,
and Singer-Songwriters Acoustic Stage
NRB Performance is 6:00pm – 7:00pm in West Ballroom
Apple Mountain Resort
4519 N. River Road, Freeland MI
Ticket Info
Advance Tickets: $25
Purchase Here
Brown Paper Tickets
Buy in person at these locations:
Herter Music Center (901 Washington Ave, Bay City)
Oppermann’s Cork ‘N’ Ale (2940 Midland Rd, Saginaw and 1607 E. Patrick, Midland)
Saginaw Medical Federal Credit Union (4550 State St, Saginaw and 1430 N. Michigan Ave, Saginaw)
Westside Decorating (5789 State St, Saginaw)
Tickets get you access to all three stages and 25+ musical artists.
At the Door Ticket Price: $30
full access to all three stages
Veteran and Student Price: $15 (Valid ID Required)
Veterans and students may purchase tickets online or at the door for a discounted rate.
Buffet Dinner:
An optional buffet dinner is available for an additional fee in both main stage rooms.
A cash bar is also available.
NRB CAST OF CHARACTERS
Trumpet, Dave Tatrow, Otisville MI
Trombone: Keith DeWitt, Flushing, MI
Clarinet: Dave Bennett, Waterford, MI
Tuba: Paul Keen, Rockford MI
Banjo/Guitar: Dave Kadwell, Grand Rapids MI
Drums: John Hill IV, Swartz Creek
Piano: Dave Oppermann, Saginaw MI
NRB CDs & DVDs — on sale. Credit cards accepted
Information: 989.776.9425 (24 hour Festival Hotline); or www.SaginawOnStage.com
Buffet Dinner Available for Purchase. Served 5:30pm t0 8:00 pm
Wednesday, July 17
Concert in the Rose Garden
7:00pm – 8:30pm (one intermission)
Andersen Enrichment Center
120 Ezra Rust Drive
Saginaw MI
No charge; outside; bring chairs or blankets
Information: 989.759.1362
Tatrow is Our Hero
Dave Tatrow, longtime frontman of NRB, recently was recently honored with the Sonny Award for 2018, a national recognition for his active support of trad jazz and the students keeping it alive and vibrant.
“The “Sonny” award by Suncoast Jazz Classic, is named after Sonny LaRosa, who worked tirelessly to keep jazz alive through musical training and performance. For three decades, Sonny LaRosa’s “World’s Youngest Jazz Band” inspired and entertained young and old, on local and international stages. Many students continued their training through college and are now respected artists in their own right. They enhance Sonny’s legacy by training the next generation of jazz musicians.
Congrats, Dave, from all your bandmates.
DETAILS:
Suncoast Jazz Classic, Inc., is dedicated to preserving jazz (the only true American art form) through an annual festival and events, providing opportunities for aspiring young musicians, and giving back in the form of financial assistance to young musicians, bands and schools.
Syncopated Times Says Listening to This Will Make You a Convert
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Syncopated & Joe Bebco
Sync with “Live at the Nugget”
We were so busy on the NRB Legacy Project,
we missed a great compliment.
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“Longtime fans will love this album and anyone else who stumbles upon it will be converted.” – Joe Bebco, Syncopated Times
The full Syncopated Times review by Joe Bebco
“Live at the Nugget” — the infamous New Reformation Jazz Band “Lithuanian set” from ’86.
Bandleader Dave Oppermann* decided at the last minute to riff on the importation of foreign talent to fill out festival rosters by adopting an Eastern European alter ego. The thing about opening a show with such a device is that the audience isn’t going to let you drop it. Oppermann had to continue his banter through the whole set and bring the rest of the band along for the ride.
The result was fortuitously captured by a super fan, Uncle Bob, who had set up a microphone on his table before dozing off. Aside from an unusual amount of audience laughter you would never guess the recording was made so primitively. The sense that you are in the audience, and in on the gag, is what really brings joy to this CD. I especially enjoyed “St. James Infirmary” and “Down in Jungletown.”
The music itself is lively and played as straight as they can muster. Maybe with an even bigger smile than their usual set. Longtime fans will love this album and anyone else who stumbles upon it will be converted. For any super fans out there the liner notes describe a total of 16 NRB CD’s some live, some studio, spanning from 1973 to the present and all available at www.newref.com
* NRN note: Mr. Bebco’s original review identifies Dave Tatrow as the bandleader of the NRB during this infamous Live at the Nugget Casino and Resort performance. Dave IS a bandleader, but not of this group. His fortes are playing the trumpet and leading the frontline. As you will enjoy on this and numerous other NRB albums, Tatrow does these things superbly. Dave Oppermann is the leader of the NRB, and plays the piano. It is his banter you will enjoy on this album. This delegation of duties is good for everyone, since we once asked Oppermann to play the trumpet. Once.
“Million Seller” “That Old Time Religion” “Live at the Nugget” The NRB at its Most Reverent, Relevant, and Irreverent.
Available now.
Download entire CDs.
Order tracks.
Order an actual CD (Actually).
The choices are numerous for each of these NRB offerings
(Click on your preference below)
The classic jazz that made the NRB famous
An uplifting spiritual journey of music and vocals, featuring Claudia Schmidt
Featuring the infamous Lithuanian set.
Irreverence at its most irreverent.
Global Release! “That Old Time Religion! Remastered. Digitized.
Listen to snippets of each track now.
https://thenewreformationband.hearnow.com/
Purchase immediately for downloading
First Congregational Church
10:30 am Sunday, December 10th
Sunday Morning Worship Service
403 S. Jefferson Avenue, (downtown) Saginaw, Michigan USA
Sermon Minister: Jan Thomas
Worship Leader: Dave Oppermann
GLOBAL RELEASE:
Following the one-hour service — which will include music by organist Dr. Quincy Dobbs and the church choir — CDs of the New Reformation Band’s newest release, “That Old Time Religion” will be on sale for $10. The CD features 15 tracks of classic spirituals in traditional New Orleans style jazz, combining vocals and instrumentals in an uplifting celebration of life.
Through December 30, all proceeds from sales BY the church go TO the church.
Separately the CD is available commercially for $10 at:
- Records & Tapes Galore, 1303 Court St., Saginaw
- Oppermann’s Cork ‘n’ Ale, 2940 Midland Rd., Saginaw
- Oppermann’s Cork ‘n’ Ale, 1607 East Patrick Rd., Midland
- AND online now: cdbaby.com/cd/davidwoppermann (Entire CD $9.99/ individual tracks 99 cents)
- Soon, the CD and tracks will be available for download at virtually every music download site
- A link to Track # 7 on the CD — “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” https://youtu.be/qyIUL_jXfCk
“That Old Time Religion” CD 15 Classic Hymns
At a time when we all need cheering up, the New Reformation Jazz Band (NRB) releases its inspirational gospel album, Old Time Religion, featuring 15 of the all-time most popular hymns. Listening to them will brighten any gloomy day, and transform a great day into spectacular. The soaring harmonies of dynamic vocalist Claudia Schmidt and Michigan’s infamous seven-piece classic jazz band are perfect for family and friends this holiday!
Note: “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” is on Youtube. We have a link among the tracks below.
https://newref.com/product/that-old-time-religion/
Classic hymns to uplift and enliven the entire year
$10 each plus $3 shipping flat rate, no matter how many copies purchased
TRACKS
1. Roll Jordan Roll (3:48)(1)
2. What a Friend We Have in Jesus (4:54)
3. Just a Little While to Stay Here (4:12) (2)
4. I Shall Not Be Moved (3:44)
5. Holding My Savior’s Hand (4:27) (3)
6. Wade in the Water (2:35)(1)
7. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (3:21)
8. Precious Lord Take My Hand (3:06) (1)
9. Just a Closer Walk with Thee (5:02) (1)
10. God Bless the Child (4:43) (1)
11. When the Saints Go Marching In (2:34) (1)
12. You Got to Move (2:56) (1)
13. That Old Time Religion (6:08)(1) (5)
14. Amazing Grace (5:21) (1)
15. Battle Hymn of the Republic (5:51)
Vocals (1) Claudia Schmidt (2) Keith DeWitt (3) Dave Miller (4) Dave Oppermann (5) Frank Steed
Greater Detroit Jazz Society — NRB Set List and CDs
‘
the NRB’s LIVE CONCERT
Set List
What we played and matching NRB CDs
SET ONE
1. Mama Don’t Allow
2. Original Dixieland One Step (NRB Album #16 “Suuweet 16”)
3. Lonesome Road (NRB #16 “Suuweet 16”)
4. Slide Frog Slide (NRB #5 “Live at the Nugget and the Lithuanian Set”) (NRB #10, “Live at the Temple”)
5. Careless Love
6. It Don’t Mean a Thing (NRB #5 “Live at the Nugget and the Lithuanian Set”), (NRB #11 “Swingin and Singin”)
7. I Would Do Most Anything for You (NRB #5 “Live at the Nugget and Lithuanian Set”)
8. Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody My Jellyroll
9. Closer Walk With Thee (NRB #10 “Live at the Temple”)
10. Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen (NRB #10 “Live at the Temple”)
SET TWO
1. Down in Jungletown (NRB #10 “Live at the Temple”)
2. Shine (NRB #5 “Live at the Nugget and the Lithuanian Set”)
3. Saint James Infirmary Blues (NRB #5 “Live at the Nugget and the Lithuanian Set”)
4. Swing That Music (NRB #11 “Swingin and Singin”)
5. Mandy Make Up Your Mind (NRB # 11 “Swingin and Singin”)
6. Sugar Blues (NRB Live at the Temple DVD)
7. Jazz Band Ball (NRB #11 “Swingin and Singin“)
8. Blue Turning Grey (NRB #4 “Unleashed”)
9. Avalon (NRB #15 “Just Kiddin’ Around”)
10. Bourbon St. Parade
Latest Album
CONTENT
#12 – That Old Time Religion, Featuring Claudia Schmidt
$10.00
NRB #12
Remastered 2017
The band’s second gospel CD with vocalist Claudia Schmidt
Personnel:
Dave Tatrow, trumpet; Keith DeWitt, trombone; Vince O’Keeffe, clarinet & saxophone; Dave Miller, banjo & guitar; Frank Steed, string bass; Milt Sernick, drums; Dave Oppermann, piano/leader, and guest star Claudia Schmidt, vocals.
Tracks
1. Roll Jordan Roll (3:48)(1)
2. What a Friend We Have in Jesus (4:54)
3. Just a Little While to Stay Here (4:12) (2)
4. I Shall Not Be Moved (3:44)
5. Holding My Savior’s Hand (4:27) (3)
6. Wade in the Water (2:35)(1)
7. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (3:21)
8. Precious Lord Take My Hand (3:06) (1)
9. Just a Closer Walk with Thee (5:02) (1)
10. God Bless the Child (4:43) (1)
11. When the Saints Go Marching In (2:34) (1)
12. You Got to Move (2:56) (1)
13. That Old Time Religion (6:08)(1) (5)
14. Amazing Grace (5:21) (1)
15. Battle Hymn of the Republic (5:51)
VOCALS
(1) Claudia Schmidt (2) Keith DeWitt (3) Dave Miller (4) Dave Oppermann (5) Frank Steed
Suweet 16
Album #16
Released: 2007
CD is now released and available for purchase.
Personnel:
David Oppermann, piano; Nick Oppermann, banjo/guitar; Nate Pannicacci, trumpet; Dave Bennett, clarinet; Gary Sutton, trombone; Bob Eastham, string bass; Milt Sernick, drums; Anne Seabury, vocalist
Tracks
- You’re Lucky To Me
- Lonesome Road
- It Had To Be You
- All By Myself
- Little Rock Getaway
- Imagination
- Sheik of Araby
- My Blue Heaven
- Undecided
- Blue Skies
- I Never Knew
- St. James Infirmary
- Original Dixieland One-Step
- New Orleans
- That’s a Plenty
- Memphis in June
- Some Chatter From The Fearful Leader
- Struttin’ with Some Barbeque