This band is hands down the MOST AWESOME jazz band around. If my grandparents were alive, they'd have to check their calendars to make sure it's not the 40s!
In 2005 I was in NYC with my brother to attend a dinner at the James Beard House in Greenwich Village. His daughter was dating a chef, who had been invited to do a dinner there. Since my brother and I (and all of our family, actually) love old jazz, and especially Bix, we made it a point to go to the Cajun Club in Chelsea to see Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks. I think I had heard the name, but maybe not the band at this point. We got our table, and I dutifully and appropriately ordered a bourbon Manhattan, and some dinner. Looking at the tiny stage to my right about ten feet away, I marveled at the vintage drum set, with its giant bass drum with the tropical scene painted on the front skin, and the music stands set up in rows. Cool, I thought. My food came, and it was great-- real jambalaya. I was so into that that I didn't pay attention to the band taking their places. I had another bite. I took a swig of the Manhattan-- and then almost spit it out-- Danny Thomas-like-- all over my table! I couldn't fucking believe what I was hearing!! Instantaneous, perfectly intoned tight jazz from the 1920s. And I mean PERFECT. No modern swing or inflection, just pure 1920s sound. The only thing missing was the "skrrrrriiiitch-skrrrriiiiiitch...." of the needle on the old 78. I was rigid with extreme glee. There are no bands that I know of that do this-- play the music the way that the originals did. They all seem to sound like a high school or college music department band trying to capture the sound but with a careless infusion of styles from other periods in the same way that modern people mix n' match styles and decades when trying to dress up for a period party like Mad Men or some other type themed event. You know, like wearing a short snap-brim golf hat with a suit from 1974 to try to mimic the 1920s? No, not the Nighthawks. These guys, thanks to Vince, are the real deal. The sound that they put out there is EXACTLY what it should be, and they do it well. Because of the scarcity, and the level of execution, I feel that Vince and the band are a national treasure, and should be treated as such. They should be funded and preserved and able to travel to expose the rest of the country to what a real slice of life they are.
The introduction is 100%! "Not a single band in the world. Not a single band leader in the world." They are unique! I used to plan my cross-Atlantic business travel according to the band's schedule so I could see them live. See them live if you can. At least once in your life. They are nec plus ultra! And if you meet them in person, you'll like and respect them even more.
After binge watching all episodes of Boardwalk Empire and dancing the Peabody, I fell in love with Vince Giordano. I in fact email him. Last emails were in regard to the Nighthawks playing every Monday and Tuesday night in NYC at the Iguana restaurant. Hopefully one day I'll be in NYC to experience the Nighthawks live. Thank you Vince
Vince is far too modest to ever describe himself as "distinguished." I have known Vince since the early 1990's and he was always modest, accommodating and a true gentleman. At last he is getting a little recognition, but not enough because one must hear the band LIVE, and not on a little video. I give a heartfelt bow to Vince and to Jon-Eric Kellso (whom I have also known since he played with Jim Lawyer's "Bluebird Society Orchestra in the mid-1990's). They are great, but, unfortunately, have a limited audience these days.
Highlight of my life (so far!) was meeting Vince Giordano and Jim Fryer on a gig here in New Hampshire the summer of 2005. I definitely knew who Vince was thanks to Prairie Home Companion. They both gave us a lot of time on the break. What incredible musicians and terrific guys! Going to see this documentary tonight and can't wait!
