Skip Parsons' Riverboat Jazz Band -

In Mardi Gras Colors, Part 1

by Cliff Lamere     19 Feb 2006

Photos Feb 10, 2006 by Cliff Lamere

At the Fountain Restaurant, 283 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY.  

Mardi Gras always falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.  The date varies from year to year.  In 2006 that happened to be February 28.  The Skip Parsons' Riverboat Jazz Band appears monthly at the Fountain Restaurant on the Friday and Saturday that includes the second Saturday of the month.  February is the band's month to appear in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold, and play songs associated with New Orleans jazz. 

Musicians Playing 2006 Feb 10

Skip Parsons - clarinet, soprano sax

Mo Rancourt - cornet, trumpet

Woody Strobeck - trombone

Eddie Kebabjian - banjo

Rich Skrika - keyboard

Rich Downs - acoustic bass

Tim Coakley - drums

Skip Parsons' Riverboat Jazz Band  (2006 Feb 10)

Woody Strobeck, Mo Rancourt, Tim Coakely, Skip Parsons, 

Rich Downs, Rich Skrika, Eddy Kebabjian   (left to right)

Skip Parsons' Riverboat Jazz Band  (2006 Feb 10)

Mo Rancourt and Skip Parsons are playing a riff to accompany Woody Strobeck's solo, 

while the rest of the players supply the rhythm.  A riff is improvised harmony and background,

usually two or four measures in length, which support what the soloist is playing 

and may even influence the soloist to play better.

Skip Parsons' Riverboat Jazz Band  (2006 Feb 10)

Skip Parsons' Riverboat Jazz Band  (2006 Feb 10)

Woody Strobeck, Mo Rancourt, Skip Parsons, Eddy Kebabjian, 

Tim Coakely, Rich Skrika, Rich Downs   (left to right)

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