Chicago Stompers
Channel: JazzAscona
Date: 03/07/2011

Celeste Castelnovo, lead vocals
Giulia Larghi, Violin, Strohviolin, vocal
Corrado Tosetti, trumpet, cornet
Veronica Santagostino Baldi, tenor sax, clarinet, ukulele, vocals
Giovanni Libonati, alto sax/clarinet
Giorgio Gallina, trombone, violin, ukulele
Mauro Porro, piano, clarinet, soprano/alto/c-melody/bass sax, cornet, vocals, arr.
Dario Lavizzari, banjo/guitar/piano/washboard
Paolo Vanzulli, tuba, string bass, drums
Alessandro Rossi, drums, percussions, celesta

With an average of only 20 years of age, the Chicago Stompers are the youngest Italian hot jazz formation.
The ensemble specializes in the repertoire of American jazz orchestras performing between 1924 and 1931 and aims at reproducing in all its details the atmosphere of that era. Their repertoire ranges from the most famous pieces to less known ones, all executed through arrangements that faithfully reproduce the original orchestrations. The band plays with vintage instruments, among which the rare and unusual "C-melody" saxophone, the metal clarinet, and a percussions kit completely reconstructed on the first models (including cymbals set up on a spring and a leather cord).
Through an accurate listening of the original records, the ensemble has assimilated the style and phrasing of the soloists of that time, while a close analysis of period photographs and films has allowed them to interiorize the aesthetic and choreographic details. This scholarly retrieval, in fact, extends also to the clothing (a tuxedo for men and thematic vintage clothes for women, including original plumage from Milan in the '20s), to the set design (period music stands and microphones), and to the overall choreography of the musicians and singers, all topped with liveliness and a healthy sense of humor.
The Chicago Stompers return to JazzAscona after last year's successful performance.