New Reformation Jazz Band

Classic Jazz. Hot Jazz. Blues. Big Band. Swing.

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    • History
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      • Dave Oppermann
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      • Dave Bennett
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      • Craig Hodnett
      • Paul Klinger
      • Vince O’Keeffe
      • Anne Seabury
      • Jim Smith
      • Gary Sutton
    • Past Members
      • Bob “Hughie” King
      • C.W. Leeds III
      • Dave Miller
      • Flip Oakes
      • Dan Pliskow
      • Tom Saunders
      • Milt Sernick
      • Ray Skalski
      • Dave Tatrow
    • Guest Performers
      • Bobby Durham
      • Duke Heitger
      • Georgia Korba
      • Dick Maley
      • Brady McKay
      • Claire McKenna
      • Laurie K. Seaman-Lewis
      • Bria Skonberg
      • Jim Snyder
    • In Memoriam
      • Nicholas Opperman
      • Charlie Hooks
      • Nate Panicacci
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Robert Eastham 1929 – 2023

May 8, 2023 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

Obituary from legacy.com https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robert-eastham-obituary?id=51696156

Robert Milton Eastham, age 94, of Vassar, MI, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many, passed away with family by his side as he was welcomed into his Heavenly home on April 16, 2023.

The son of Glenn and Anna (Call) Eastham, Bob was born on March 20, 1929, in Bay City, Michigan. He spent his early years in Caro. Bob played the clarinet as well as the string bass and graduated from Caro High School in 1948. During his teen years, he worked at the family business, Eastham’s Cleaners in Caro, and played with his dad in several bands, including the Fred Gunsell Orchestra, a popular dance band. Bob went to business school and worked as a banker before pursuing a career in music.

Bob married the love of his life Edna Robinson on July 1, 1951. They were married for 67 years. She preceded him in death on May 1, 2019. Music was Bob’s life. He was a musician for his entire life and was an accomplished string bass player. He was a member of multiple bands and Jazz groups throughout the years, most notably in the “Eastham Trio” with his father, Glenn, and sister, Glenda, playing for many activities and events in Caro and the surrounding area, the big band “Out of the Past” playing for many years with his father and later, playing with his good friend, Dave Opperman in the phenomenal “New Reformation Dixieland Band” at multiple events in the area.

He was also a well-known piano tuner until he retired in 2019. He was also a Millington Cardinals fan and loved watching his grandson Johnny growing up excelling in every sport. Bob was a faithful Vassar First United Methodist Church member and a dedicated Combined Choir member. He was a Mason and was a member of the Caro Mt. Moriah Lodge #226 for 67 years. He was a Shriner and a member of the Elf Khurafeh Shrine of Saginaw for many years.

He became a Registered Piano Technician in 1980 and has been a member of the Piano Technicians Guild for 43 years.

Bob leaves to cherish his memory his son: Jeff Eastham; his daughter-in-law and caregiver: Jan Holme-Shaw; daughter-in-law: Rose Eastham; 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren: Robyn (John Crump III) and their son Johnny Crump IV; John Glenn Eastham; Hillary Huebler (Vince Almy) and their daughter Everly Almy; Brad’s children: Kortney Eastham; Jacob (Crystal) Sackman and their children Cody, Isabelle and Jada; Tara (Sackman) Anson and her two daughters. He is also survived by a dear sister: Glenda (George) Wilson, and a niece and nephew: Lonnie Nicosia and Leigh Wilson.Besides his wife, Edna, and his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his son, Brad, in 2018 and his grandson, SSG Justin Jay, who died in 2010 while serving his country in the U.S. Army.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

NRB on Pandora & Youtube

September 26, 2021 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

PANDORA

https://www.pandora.com/artist/the-new-reformation-band/ARvv3mdVpgdrj22

 

YOUTUBE

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Minnehaha Music Fest, Sept. 4, 2021, NRB on Stage at 3 pm, Arcadia, MI USA

August 29, 2021 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

Head north on M-22, one of the country’s best fall color tours.

Minnehaha Music Fest
NRB’s Almost World Famous
CAST OF CHARACTERS
  • David Schock, trumpet, Grand Haven, former professor at Hope College, and played for years with the River Rogues Jazz Band
  • Mike Lutley, clarinet, Grand Rapids, also plays with Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra. Voted Jazz Musician of  2015 by West Michigan Jazz Society
  • Dave Kadwell – banjo/guitar, Swartz Creek
  • Tom David – drums, Grand Rapids
  • Paul Keen – tuba, Rockford
  • Aaron Hettinga – trombone – Grand Rapids
  • Dave Oppermann – piano/leader, Saginaw

Filed Under: Jazz, Spirituals, Uncategorized

Dave Talks Classic Jazz with Rod Bieber

July 2, 2020 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

Rod Bieber is Interviewing Dave Oppermann of New Reformation Jazz Band Today on ‘Backstage Explorer’. 

Rod Bieber discusses the fascinating history of the New Reformation Jazz Band today with Dave Oppermann, band leader and keyboardist. The band celebrates 50 years of performing throughout the midwest and on national TV specials. The NRB is building an extensive legacy project www.newref.com/legacy where it compares many of its arrangement with other jazz stars of the past.

New Backstage Explorer TODAY July 2 at 2 pm

Online Repeats

  • Sunday July 5 at 3 pm

  • Today at 7 pm and 11 pm

  • Saturday July 5 at 7 pm

Filed Under: Uncategorized

All That’s Jazz – March 1, July 17

January 26, 2019 by Pat Murphy 1 Comment

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

Filed Under: Album, Jazz, Uncategorized Tagged With: Apple Mountain, Banjo, Classic Jazz, Dave Bennett, Dave Oppermann, Dave Tatrow, Dixieland, Freeland, Happiest Music on Earth, Herter Music, Keith DeWitt, MI, New Reformation Band, Oppermann's Cork & Ale, Pure Michigan, Rotary Club of Saginaw, Saginaw Medical Federal Credit Union, Saginaw on Stage, Westside Decorating

How can you get an audio tour of the best of boisterous trad jazz? Links, folks, links.

October 28, 2018 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

Unleashed

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Greater Detroit Jazz Society — NRB Set List and CDs

August 19, 2017 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

‘

 

 

 

 

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

 

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Filed Under: Jazz, Uncategorized

Brian D’Arcy James, the NRB, Ricardo Verdoni — talented people hanging out

June 7, 2017 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

Brian D’Arcy James, Dave Oppermann, founder and leader of the New Reformation Jazz Band (NRB), and videographer Ricardo Verdoni, at the Matrix Midland Kickoff Party 201 7.

Brian is a Saginaw, Michigan USA native, as is the New Reformation Band. All of these gentlemen have a passion for great music and showstopping performances. Brian is reprising his role as King James in the Broadway blockbuster, “Hamilton.” Here is a link to a feature article on Brian in this month’s “GQ Magazine.”

 http://www.gq.com/story/brian-darcy-james-hamilton

While we’re at it, here is a link to a video featuring Brian and Harry Connick, Jr. playing weird Broadway show tunes:

 https://youtu.be/Cv8zK8Wukw8

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 UPDATE :

Euan Morton Will Be the Next King George III in Hamilton

Brian d’Arcy James will be stepping down from the role he originated.

Bethany Rickwald • Broadway • Jul 12, 2017

Tony nominee Euan Morton will join the Broadway cast of Hamilton as King George III beginning on July 28, coming to the company direct from the national tour of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Morton will replace Brian d’Arcy James, who reprised his performance as King George III beginning April 14 after originating the role off-Broadway at the Public Theater in 2015.
 

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Brian D'Arcy James, Broadway, Classic Jazz, Dave Oppermann, entertainment, GQ Magazine, Hamilton, Hamilton the Musical, Harry Connick, Jr., June 2017, King James, Matrix Midland, Michigan, music, music festivals, musical, New Reformation Band, NRB, Pure Michigan, Ricardo Verdoni, Saginaw, show tunes, USA, Verdoni

Lily Tomlin and Saturday Night Live Versus Dave Tatrow and the New Reformation Jazz Band (NRB)

May 28, 2017 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

A song face off for the blues of it

St. James Infirmary Blues

Lily Tomlin versus Dave Tatrow.

Howard Shore and his all-nurse  band versus the New Reformation Jazz Band

Saturday Night Live  versus The Celebrity Showroom at the Nugget Casino Resort, Sparks, Nevada

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

NRB, America’s all-most entertaining classic jazz band

March 16, 2017 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

The New Reformation Jazz Band (NRB) has published 16 critically acclaimed classic jazz albums, with two more under development

Each is available online anywhere you download music, including: 

https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thenewreformationband1

And actual CDs are still here:

https://newref.com/shop/ 

NRB can be heard virtually everywhere
(depending on your definition of ‘virtually.’)

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Youtube connection

February 26, 2017 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

google-site-verification: google8d153cd2091b8b6e.html

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The NRB Thanks You, and Invites You

January 8, 2017 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

 

Thank you on behalf of the “Saginaw on Stage Music Festival”, the Rotary Club of Saginaw, The Temple Theatre, and the Girl Scouts of the Great Lakes Bay Region.

The NRB Cast of Characters: Dave Tatrow, Terry Kimura, John Simpson, Bob Eastham, Dave Kadwell, and Dave Oppermann, had a grand time performing and then enjoying the talents of the 15 groups with other fans of great music and the Great Lakes Bay Region.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Classic Jazz by the NRB, People!

December 24, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 2017, Banjo, Celebrate, celebration, Christmas, Classic Jazz, Dave Miller, Dave Oppermann, Dixieland, Energize, entertainment, Hanukkah, Happiest Music on Earth, Happy, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, holiday, humor, Inspiration, Keith DeWitt, Kwanzaa, Merry Christmas, New Reformation Band, NRB, rag time, Sentimental, Trad Jazz, Trombone, Trumpet

Honing The NRB’s CDs

December 13, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

Effective December 18, 2016

All available NRB CDs are now $10 plus $3 for shipping. 

NRB CDs
The Happiest Music on Earth

Only $10 + $3 shipping

Each NRB CD delivers uplifting music to family, friends, colleagues, customers, and clients.

So…..

One (1) CD is $10 each plus $3 shipping

Buy 4 and get a 5th free with free shipping.

NOTE: the 4 CDs do not have to be different.

Perhaps you want five of the same CD.
No worries. The deal stands.

CDs available now:

#1 NRB’s Million Seller Album (includes 2 bonus tracks: Roadrunner Rag” and “King Herrod’s Song” + 11 more)

# 2 The Church is Our Foundation (NRB’s first gospel offering with organ & full choir; includes, “A Closer Walk With Thee”, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and “Psalm 150”)

#5 Live at the Nugget (Raucous music and clean laughs in the Celebrity Showroom at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada — Insider Tip: Fans of the band know this as the infamous “Lithuanian Set”)

#10 Live at the Temple (Soundtrack of the national PBS Special, with a separate DVD of the event also available)

#11 Swingin’ and Singin’ (Rated A+ by “American Rag Magazine”, and includes 14 classics, including “Fidgety Feet”, “San”, “It Don’t Mean a Thing”, “Jazz Band Ball”)

#14 Unleashed (Rated A+ by “American Rag Magazine”, and includes guest stars Bob Draga and Jeff Barnhart)

#15 Just Kiddin’ Around (The first album with world-renowned clarinet sensation Dave Bennett, who joined the NRB at age 14)

#16 Suuweet 16 (No Tears, No Regrets. (The last recording by brother Nick Oppermann & trumpeter Nate Panicacci)

ALSO — Live at the Temple 90-minute video (DVD) $20 with free shipping

Others are in the remastering studio.
Check with Dave when you talk with him for availability.

https://newref.com/shop/
Dave Oppermann is your prime contact for questions and personalized major orders.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Jazz History, According to the NRB

October 21, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

nrb_monarchlandinconcert_7_13The NRB is enjoying an enviable career playing classic, hot, and trad jazz while poking fun at themselves.

Its cast of characters and connections covered the globe, from down the street in its hometown and home base of Saginaw, MI USA, to the Amazon River, Reno, and other exotic and some decidedly unexotic ports of call.

(The character holding the sign for NRB’s 3rd Annual Farewell Tour in 2009 is Dave Oppermann. Many of you know him as the piano player for NRB, rather than a farewell sign ‘holder upper’.)

And we also love learning about and developing our observations on jazz history. Fascinating.

Announcing the History of Jazz, NRB Style

prince_rogers_trio_lit

Henceforth — we use these kinds of words sparingly, so listen carefully — we’re sharing what we know, found out, heard, and believe about OKOM (Our Kind of Music.). The nuggets of history will be on this site and in our emails to subscribers.

For example, the black and white image to the left is of the Prince Rogers Trio, talented jazz musicians who heavily influenced Prince, one of American rock’s true icons. (That Prince Rogers happened to be Prince’s Dad may have helped a bit, but we’re sure it was mainly the jazz influence.)

For the NRB, the first stop on the upcoming NRB jazz history tour will be before the group was formed.

The setting is Denison University in the late ’50s, and a sold-out gig titled Melomania, produced by a young chap named Dave Oppermann. It featured a famous collegiate group called the Salty Dogs Jazz Band, a pianist named George Shearing, and an unknown but somewhat promising new group called the Kingston Trio.

The fun begins next week.

https://newref.com/shop/

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Kingston

Top Tracks of NRB Now on YouTube!

August 22, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

Click below to enjoy the “Happiest Music on Earth”.

‘Thumbs up’ all your favorites:

Pop on over to youtube and get your tapping toes limbered up.

EVERY track is available to purchase via www.newref.com, or Amazon, or CDBaby.

(Basically, virtually anywhere you download music now has NRB.)

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Banjo, Bogalusa Strut, Buddy Bolden’s Blues, Buddy’s Habits, Clarinet, Classic Jazz, Dave Miller, Dave Oppermann, Dave Tatrow, Dixieland, Drums, Eilenberg Joys, entertainment, Guitar, Happiest Music on Earth, Here Comes My Blackbird, Honeysuckle Rose, humor, I’m Comin’ Virginia, Keith DeWitt, King Herrod’s Song, Rainbow, Roadrunner Rag, Rosetta, Trombone, Trumpet, Wabash Blues

Best Jazz Photo. Ever.

August 12, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

We came across a video that highlights the ‘back story’ of how the best photograph in classic jazz history was conceived and created. Shot in 1958, the image features most of the best jazz performers of the era. Eve Perry, a Facebook friend of our marketing person, reposted it. Thank you, Eve.

CREDITS

  • udiscovermusic.com posted the original article from which we gleaned this information (Link to its site is below)
  • Art Kane took the photo
  • Jean Bach, a radio producer of New York, recounted the story behind it in her 1994 documentary film, ‘A Great Day in Harlem’
  • The film was nominated in 1995 for an Academy Award for Documentary Feature

NOTES

  • the NRB is NOT in the photo so no need to search for us
  • Invest 9 minutes and 55 seconds. Priceless. (You’ll have to watch on youtube.)
  • Check below for your reward, a priceless track by NRB. (we like the longer word versus just saying it’s ‘free.’)

YOUR BEST REWARD

A priceless link to some of the happiest music on earth by the NRB:

#1 – Million Seller CD

http://www.udiscovermusic.com/amazing-photograph-jazz-history

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: "A Great Day in Harlem, 1958, 1994, 1995, Academy Award, American music, Art Blakely, Art Farmer, Art Kane, back story, Banjo, Benny Golson, Bill Crump, Brooklyn, Buck Clayton, Bud Freeman, Buster Bailey, Charles Mingus, Chubby Jackson, Coleman Hawkins, Count Basie, Dave Murphy, Dave Oppermann, Dickie Wells, Dixieland, Dizzy Gillespie, Eddie Locke, Emmett Berry, entertainment, Ernie Wilkins, Esquire Magazine, Eve Perry, Facebook, free, Gene Krupa, George Wettling, Gerry Mulligan, Gigi Gryce, Hank Jones, Harlem, Harlem 58, Hilton Jefferson, Horace Silver, humor, J.C. Heard, Jay C. Higgonbotham, jazz history, Jean Bach, Jimmy Jones, Jimmy Rushing, Jo Jones, Joe Thomas, Johnny Griffin, Lawrence Brown, Lester Young, Luckey Roberts, Marian McPartland, Mary Lou Williams, Max Kaminsky, Maxine Sullivan, Miff Molo, Milt Hinton, Most famous jazz photograph ever, musicians, New Orleans, New Reformation Band, New Reformation Jazz Band, New York, NRB, Oscar Pettiford, Osie Johnson, Pee Wee Russell, Red Allen, Rex Stewart, Roy Eldridge, Rudy Powell, Sahib Shihab, Scoville Browne, Sonny Greer, Sonny Rollins, Stuff Smit, Taft Jordan, Thelonius Monk, Trumpet, Tyree Glenn, udiscovermusic.com, Vic Dickerson, Wilbur Ware, youtube, Zutty Singleton

NRB Live at the Nugget

April 18, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

NRB Digitally Remastered!

Classic NRB Jazz — Live!

Recorded** in the Celebrity Showroom

at the Nugget Casino Resort,  Sparks, Nevada

$10 + $3*

*flat rate shipping no matter how many CDs ordered at same time

Order today via dave@newref.com.

THE NRB MUSICIANS

Trumpet: Dave Tatrow

Trombone: Keith DeWitt

Clarinet/Saxes: Vincent O’Keeffe

String Bass: Ted Harley

Banjo/Guitar: Dave Miller

Drums: Rick Bryant

Piano/Patter: Dave Oppermann

Vocals Tatrow, DeWitt, Miller

THE MUSIC

1. Announcer Intro (0:10)

2. Alexander’s Ragtime Band (3:42)

3. The Lithuanian Connection (1:20)

4. It Don’t Mean a Thing (4:10)

5. Otisville Funeral and Pizza Parlor (0:56)

6. St. James Infirmary (6:26)

7. Hippity Hop Chat and Attractive Lady (1:49)

8. Slide Frog Slide (1:47)

9. Shi-Nay Intro (0:45)

10. Shine (4:33)

11. Self-Invite to Sacramento Jazz Festival (1:55)

12. I Would Do Most Anything for You (4:57)

13. Here all Weekend and Band Intro (1:36)

14. Down in Jungletown (5:29)

Live at the Nugget CD

$15 + $3* = $18

*flat rate shipping no matter how many CDs ordered at same time

**Original recording 1986. Digitally remastered 2016

ORDER TODAY

Filed Under: Album, Uncategorized Tagged With: Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Banjo, Celebrity Showroom, Clarinet, Classic Jazz, Dave Miller, Dave Oppermann, Dave Tatrow, Down in Jungletown, Drums, Guitar, I Would Do Most Anything for You, It Don’t Mean a Thing, Keith DeWitt, Live, Live at the Nugget, Nevada, Nugget Casino Resort, O’Keeffe, Patter, Piano, Remastered, Rick Bryant, Sax, Saxes, Shine, Slide Frog Slide, Sparks, St. James Infirmary, Trombone, Trumpet, Uncle Bob, Vincent, vocals

Jazz Live at the Nugget (Listen.)

April 1, 2016 by Pat Murphy 3 Comments

Yes, we want you to like NRB’s “Live at the Nugget” Classic live jazz CD.

But first, we’d like you to listen.

We believe you will have as good a time listening as we did playing our kind of music in front of a standing room only crowd in the Celebrity Showroom at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada.

https://youtu.be/JX_aox_UVC8

NOTE: if the link above is not clickable for you, simply copy and paste into your browser, or go to www.YouTube.com and search for New Reformation Dixieland Band. (We’re working hard to figure out this linking thing, and our apologies if we haven’t got it right yet.)

BACKGROUND

July 5th, 1986 The Nugget Casino Resort, its Celebrity Showroom, and NRB came together for a historic collaboration of OKOM (Our Kind of Music). In the mid to late 80s, a global hot jazz revival was in full swing and the NRB traveled to its epicenter, the west coast of America. It appeared Memorial Day weekend at the Sacramento Jazz Festival, which claimed to be the “world’s largest” with over 100 national and international groups.

In nearby Nevada, a new festival began at The Nugget Casino Resort. Noted trumpeter Mike Vax, formerly with Stan Kenton and the Dukes of Dixieland, produced it. Vax selected ten bands he believed were strong musically, excellent entertainers, and good fits for a casino atmosphere. The NRB was among the select invitees. (Yes, we’re very proud he selected us. No, rumors of payola are false. Yes, we deny everything.)

The New Reformation Band (NRB) celebrates anything. Dave Oppermann, bandleader, and self-proclaimed resident humorist, pokes fun mostly at himself while linking NRB’s joyous yet subtly notorious sets of jazz, Dixieland, big band, and swing. He is the catalyst for the fine music and great fun that blend boisterously at NRB events and recordings.

But, unless you have talent, there is no use for a catalyst. That is where the NRB really shines. Consider the huge amount of classic jazz talent among these NRB stalwarts*:

Trumpet and vocals — Dave Tatrow

Trombone and vocals — Keith DeWitt

Clarinet/Saxes — Vincent O’Keeffe

String Bass — Ted Harley

Banjo/Guitar — Dave Miller

Drums — Rick Bryant

Piano, Patter, vocals, and ‘patter’ (you’ll understand when you see the CD) — Dave Oppermann

*(Love any excuse to use a bigger word)

Filed Under: Uncategorized

NRB’s “Live at the Nugget” Jazz CD is Nearly Live

March 30, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

Wednesday, March 30

The Final Countdown to Launch

The digitally remastered “Live at the Nugget” CD, featuring the famous Lithuanian set and boisterous classic jazz, is in its final production.

NOTE: As soon as we figure out how to upload a sample track or two, we’ll do so. This diabolical Internet is tougher to master than the piano. (Not that that’s mastered either.)

Included will be new CD cover and insert designs that highlight the NRB’s intriguing appearance at the Nugget Casino Resort and include details on the importance of “Uncle Bob” to NRB’s legacy.

Call 989.793-0123 or contact dave@newref.com for pricing and to pre-order your copy.

“Live at the Nugget” Tracks

1. Intro (0:10) 2. Alexander’s Ragtime Band (3:42) 3. Patter (1:20) 4. It Don’t Mean a Thing (4:10) 5. Patter (0:56) 6. St. James Infirmary (6:26) 7. Patter (1:49) 8. Slide Frog Slide (1:47) 9. Patter (0:45) 10. Shine (4:33) 11. Patter (1:55) 12. I Would Do Most Anything for You (4:57) 13. Patter (1:36) 14. Down in Jungletown (5:29)

Filed Under: Uncategorized

NRB Jazz “Live at the Nugget” CD Remastered

March 20, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

March 20, 2016

Folks, you’re hearing it here first.

“Live at the Nugget”, another digitally remastered NRB Jazz CD, will soon be set for launch.

Seriously.

It’s a superb nugget of NRB’s great sound and fun.

Literally.

It was recorded live at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada. (Thank you, Nugget.)

It was digitally remastered by the master, Andy Reed. (Thank you, good sir.)

“Live at the Nugget” features the infamous, hot, and hilarious Lithuanian set.

Hear. Believe. Belly laugh.

Sign up for the NRB Newsletter — look to your left — to stay up to speed on the unleashing date.

or all 989.793-0123 or contact dave@newref.com for pricing, and to order.

Live at the Nugget Jazz Play List

“Live at the Nugget” Tracks 1. Intro (0:10) 2. Alexander’s Ragtime Band (3:42) 3. Patter (1:20) 4. It Don’t Mean a Thing (4:10) 5. Patter (0:56) 6. St. James Infirmary (6:26) 7. Patter (1:49) 8. Slide Frog Slide (1:47) 9. Patter (0:45) 10. Shine (4:33) 11. Patter (1:55) 12. I Would Do Most Anything for You (4:57) 13. Patter (1:36) 14. Down in Jungletown (5:29)

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NRB Plays to Full House at Saginaw On Stage Music Festival

March 2, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

The 12-inch mid-Michigan snowfall had mostly disappeared before the 13th Annual “Saginaw On Stage Music Festival” at the Temple Theatre Annex on Friday (Feb. 26). This year’s event was enhanced by an all-you-could-eat dinner buffet provided by the famous Horizons Conference Center. Included was a delicious New Orleans-style bread pudding with caramel sauce. (We take credit for anything to do with New Orleans.)

Doors opened at 4:30pm, and by the time the New Reformation boys took the stage in the Grand Ballroom at 6, the room was full. The band’s early appearance was in deference to the “maturity” of its fans, many of whom regard 9:00 pm as “sorta late.”

The lineup consisted of a geographically diverse group of Michigan all-star musicians: cornet, Paul Klinger, Ann Arbor; clarinet, John Simpson, Lansing; trombone, Keith DeWitt, Flushing; banjo/guitar, Dave Kadwell, Grand Rapids; tuba, Ed Mallett, Big Rapids; drums, John Hill IV, Swartz Creek; and piano/leader, Dave Oppermann, Saginaw.

As promised, NRB compact discs (aka, CDs) were on sale at the reduced price of $10 each, complete with cello wrap. Rumor has it that someone bought one (or two!).

The festival lineup included 14 other headliner groups, but do we really care? Of course, we do, and you can find the list at SaginawOnStage.com and then be filled with remorse if you were one of those who missed out. But then, there is always next year, or so we hope.

Visit this website frequently so you can be one of the first to know when the news breaks of new additions to our NRB catalog of live performance recordings. Hotcha!

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NRB One of 15 Headliner Bands at Saginaw On Stage Music Festival

February 20, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

One of Mid-Michigan’s premier annual entertainment events is coming up Friday, February 26th, at the Temple Theatre Annex in downtown Saginaw, when the Saginaw Rotary Club will present its 13th Annual Saginaw on Stage Music Festival.  The club’s annual major fundraiser will occupy all three floors of the historic facility. Doors open at 430pm and the performances go continuously from 500pm to 1100pm+.

Attendance is limited and fans are encouraged to get tickets in advance. For more information on getting tickets (1) go to the Website: www.SaginawOnStage.com, (2) call the Temple Theatre: (989) 754-SHOW, (3) or call the 24-hour Saginaw On Stage hotline: (989) 776-9425.

Tickets can also be purchased at these Saginaw locations:

  • Temple Theatre Box Office, 201 N. Washington; 754-7469
  • Westside Decorating, 5789 State; 793-6182
  • Oppermann’s Cork N Ale, 2940 Midland Road; 797-8466

The New Reformation Band will be appearing in the 3rd Floor Ballroom from 6pm to 7pm. (Each participating band plays one full set.) The NRB cast of characters: Cornet: Paul Klinger, Ann Arbor; trombone: Keith DeWitt, Flushing; clarinet/saxophone, John Simpson, Lansing; banjo/guitar, Dave Kadwell, Grand Rapids; tuba, Ed Mallett, Big Rapids; drums, John Hill IV, Swartz Creek; piano, Dave Oppermann, Saginaw.

For a list of the other 14 groups, and their performing times and locations, go online to www.SaginawOnStage.com.

For many years, the event was held on the Saturday of Easter weekend when the participating bands who donate their services were less likely to be booked, but last year show producer Dave Oppermann (yes, the same guy as the piano player) said they wanted to venture off that date to get potentially closer to “good weather.”

This year they have gone the opposite direction and made the focus on having fun indoors during the winter month of February. By moving the event to Friday and adding a buffet dinner the hopes are that music lovers will come right from work, and once inside the building can enjoy the performances that start at 5pm, and dine in one of the venues anytime from 530pm until 800pm. The $30 ticket includes all performances plus the dinner.

So in effect, last year’s “15 bands for 15 bucks” is modified to: be, “15 bands for $15 plus $15 for what really is a $25 all-you-can eat buffet.” The dinner will include Mixed Greens Salad and a Caesar Salad; the entrees are Grilled Herb Crusted Chicken plus Penne Pasta with Shrimp; Pacific Blend of Vegetables; Rice Pilaf; and for dessert, Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce.

Funds raised by the Saginaw Rotary Club in previous Saginaw On Stage productions have helped fund (1) the mural of Saginaw’s history, now displayed in the atrium of the Dow Events Center; (2) dictionaries for 3rd graders throughout Saginaw County; (3) Youth Leadership Camp for selected local high school students; (4) the Covenant Kids program; and (5) the Clean Water Project for rural communities in the Dominican Republic, plus many more.

Attending the event will present another opportunity for NRB fans to buy any of the band’s currently available 8 CDs at the reduced price of $10/each. Hope to see you there. Loud cheering and sustained applause is not only permitted but encouraged and may result in good things happening to you.

 

 

 

 

 

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Saginaw on Stage February 26

February 16, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

NRB and ‘Saginaw on Stage’

Friday, Feb 26TH
Temple Theatre Complex
Saginaw on Stage – 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

201 N. Washington Ave.

Saginaw, Michigan 48607

877.754.7469

Price: $30 for all events

Saginaw’s Entertainment Event of the Year
Temple Theatre Complex
ALL EVENTS TICKET $30 (Includes Buffet Meal)
Featuring NRB on the Jazz and Variety Stage (Otherwise known as the 3rd Floor)

TICKETS
www.temple.com
Westside Decorating, 5789 State Street, Saginaw
Oppermann’s Cork N Ale, 2940 Midland Rd., Saginaw

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The 6th? Excellent! The 9th? Grand!

February 11, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

The band had a grand time in Big Rapids on February 9th.

The private gig February 6th in Ann Arbor at The University of Michigan was equally excellent.

I’m organizing memories, bad jokes and anecdotes from each gig to share shortly. In the meantime, I’m honored to pass on the following compliment:

“Thanks so much once again for a terrific show last night here in Big Rapids. A good time was had by all!
Don’t know exactly when or for what, but I’m looking forward to having (NRB)  back again. Cheers!”
— Ed

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Going Corporate

January 27, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

New Ref has a gig Saturday, February 6.

But we cannot invite you.

It’s a private affair, and we’re glad to be there celebrating a significant corporate event.

It’s in Ann Arbor, and the cast of New Ref characters include:

Mark Sluiter, West Olive, trumpet

Keith DeWitt, Flushing, trombone

John Simpson, Lansing, clarinet/saxophone

Gary Stutsman, Charlevoix, tuba

Dave Kadwell, Grand Rapids, banjo/guitar

Rick Bryant, Millington, Drums

David Oppermann, Saginaw, piano/leader.

Bob Barcalow, Saginaw, sound tech/road manager

We’re bragging about this to remind you that we enjoy opportunities to perform in front of ‘by invitation only’ audiences.

Be sure to join us February 9th in Big Rapids (Cranker’s Restaurant) and February 26th (Saginaw on Stage)

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NRB! Mardi Gras!

January 19, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

NRB AT CRANKER’S, BIG RAPIDS, MICHIGAN FEB. 9

Optional Cajun Buffet at 5:30 PM  $15.00 pp

NRB on stage at 6:30 PM

Mardi Gras Party!
with (NRB) New Reformation Jazz Band (No additional chage)

Cast of Characters (AKA All-most All-stars)

Dave Tatrow, Otisville, trumpet
Keith DeWitt, Flushing, trombone
Dave Bennett, Waterford, clarinet
John Hill IV, Swartz Creek, drums
Gary Stutsman, Charlevoix, tuba
Dave Kadwell, Grand Rapids, banjo/guitar
David Oppermann, Saginaw, piano/leader

6:30 PM

231.796.1919 for reservations

REPEATING OURSELVES (Hey! You get to be our age, you’re allowed.)

February 9, 2016

Cranker’s Restaurant
213 S. State St. – Big Rapids

$15.00 pp for Cajun buffet at 5:30

then NRB at 6:30 PM (No additional charge. Seriously.)

Reservations Required. Limited Seating.

231.796.1919 for reservations

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NRB Stormed!

January 14, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

HOT BAND (NRB) WINS COLD BATTLE WITH ICE AND SNOW IN PETOSKEY

It’s Saturday, January 9. A major storm warning is in effect throughout Michigan. Normally it would be the normal to stay snuggled up at home. But wait! The New Reformation Band — also known as NRB — is scheduled to perform a much-anticipated first concert at Petoskey’s Crooked Tree Arts Center.

Would the seven extremely grown-up musicians be able to make the trek up the snow-covered lanes of I-75 and then challenge two-lane backroads to the historic auditorium? Could they do so in time for the performance? Will the dedicated jazz fans, and the quizzically curious, brave the elements?

At 7:30 PM the manager of the hall took to the stage to welcome a sold-out crowd – not a single empty seat — and invite from stage left the ‘well-seasoned’ Dave Oppermann, leader of the NRB. Murmurs could be heard as Dave sat at the piano without the six all-most stars. Sighing, he suggested he may have to perform single-handedly. The murmurs got louder, but Dave tried not to listen.

With a modicum of self-assurance, DW indicated he felt the rest of the boys were “in the area” and might be attracted to the stage lured by his emotional version of “Momma Don’t Allow No Jazz Boys Playing Around Here.” The ploy worked. As Dave played, appearing one at a time out of the darkness — to enthusiastic applause — were the six missing rascals.

2-1/2 hours later, the crowd was on its feet pleading for “just one more encore.” Using its usual ‘smoke and mirrors’ gimmickry, the NRB notched another victory on the show business scoreboard.

Days later, the band is still reaping the harvest of its efforts. Sue from Torch Lake emails:

”Dave, I was privileged to enjoy your concert at the Crooked Tree Arts Center last Saturday night. It was a great evening of musicality and humor. Nobody could walk away without a smile. Somehow you’ve managed to slow time, maybe even use it to your advantage. Loved every tune and minute of it. Thanks for a great memory.”

We can assume that there are dozens of similar letters on their way that have not yet been received due to postal slothfulness or misdirected email. But we take comfort knowing that if we are asked to make a valiant return to Petoskey, Sue of Torch Lake may likely be there to welcome us.

Thank you, Sue, and Petoskey.

Dave Oppermann, for the NRB

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NRB Cranks!

January 13, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

Mardi Gras! with NRB

6:30 PM

February 9, 2016

Cranker’s Restaurant
213 S. State St. – Big Rapids

$15.00 pp for Cajun buffet at 5:30

then NRB at 6:30 PM

Reservations Required. Limited Seating.

231.796.1919 for tickets

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Event on January 9 – CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER

January 7, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

New Reformation Jazz Concert – 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

CTAC Theater

461 Mitchell St.

Petoskey, MI 49770 

231-347-4337

Price: Members, $25; Non-Members, $35; Students, $10

The All Most All-Star cast:

  • Trumpet: Dave Tatrow, Otisville MI
  • Trombone: Keith DeWitt, Flushing MI
  • Clarinet: Bud Bechtold, Bellaire MI
  • Tuba: Gary Stutsman, Petoskey MI
  • Banjo/Guitar: Dave Kadwell, Grand Rapids MI
  • Drums: John Hill IV, Swartz Creek MI
  • Piano/Leader: Dave Oppermann, Saginaw MI

 THE DIRECT LINK TO PURCHASE TICKETS

https://mynorthtickets.com/events/new-reformation-jazz-band

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