As a horn band, we went through a succession of front singers. Harry (a.k.a. Court Davis) and Jamie were probably the best. Harry had a unique and compelling style. Jamie had a long-haired wig that would shift sideways when he danced and sang.
After the horn years, the band returned to five pieces. I was still the only saxophone player. We were now playing more intimate clubs, parties, and wedding receptions.
In different combinations at different times, these are some of the characters who wandered in:
Tom was there on keyboards along with his seemingly endless supply of quips, jokes, and impersonations.
Al on bass, Al-O-Phonic-Al, could sing like Paul McCartney without even trying, not bad for a fireman.
Dave on guitar had a great run as bandleader and he was heir to the mess Joe had left. Every song he sang he sang sounded like Otis Redding.
‘More on Donald later.
Tom (Triozi) followed Donald on drums, a difficult task, but a challenge he embraced successfully with aggressiveness and flash…Eddie?
Eddie’s younger brother had his turn as sound man and roadie. We were happy our equipment survived. Eddie was a guitar player and singer remembered (I guess) for his energy and vertical leap. He moved to keyboard when the need arose. He could still jump around, but…
Donald was special. With Tony, Triozi, and Franny as notable exceptions, the drummer had always been a weak link (sorry Ray). Donald’s tempo was unshakable. He called it ‘time’ and after the 3 or 4 clicks of his drum sticks to count us into a tune, we knew exactly where the time would be. No matter how much we pushed and stretched, time was always there. He was tasteful and responsive, but NOBODY messed with Donald’s time.