CAROL SUDHALTER'S ASTORIA JAZZ BAND AT SHUTTERS

A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT AT SHUTTERS BAR and RESTAURANT
by ROM FERRI

I heard Carol Sudhalter's 13-piece Astoria Jazz Band at a club called Shutters on West 34th Street on Saturday, March 29. This was the last in a series of Saturdays devoted to Women's History Month. Carol is a baritone saxophonist and bandleader, in New York since late 1970s, and leading a big band since 1985. Three trumpets, 4 saxes, a trombone, bass bone and rhythm section including both piano and guitar - this is a slightly abbreviated version of the usual 16-piece big band. Sweet, mellow swinging arrangements by Charlie Camilleri. New arrangements by band tenor saxophonist Stan Bielski. Very original and moving vocal interpretations by Marti Mabin. Big band soloists were right on top of it, especially Charles Lee on Close your Eyes. Carol Sudhalter's baritone sax solos displayed a great deal of warmth plus solid rhythmic and melodic individuality, and a beautiful baritone sound. The warm, close atmosphere of this historic jazz room offered an acoustic and a vibe that made for a pleasant and most unforgettable evening.