Jake Epstein Music Site
The Lazy River and Territorial Bands

The Lazy River and Territorial Bands

by Jake Epstein

This article first appeared in the UMASSJAZZ.org website managed by Jake Epstein. The site was retired in 2011.

I first became aware of the Lazy River in 1973 or 1974 via a series of advertisements in the Valley Advocate newspaper highlighting the establishment's fine food and Jazz entertainment policy. Back at that time, the idea of an active and thriving Jazz club seemed like a concept for Boston and New York and not Northampton, Massachusetts. Maybe rock, blues and folk, but certainly not Jazz!

The "Lazy River" was established and managed by Ken Linden, a master chef who had owned restaurants in New York City. Not only was the cuisine of high caliber, Ken's "taste for Jazz" while living and working in New York City helped him build a base of contacts some of whom performed in Northampton. I recall three close confidants, Vocalists Sheila Jordan, Pianist Hod Obrien and Trombonist Roswell Rudd all of whom performed at Lazy River. Sheila Jordan has been associated with "Jazz in July at Umass" since its inception and Mr Rudd has been featured with UMass Professor and Saxophonist Archie Shepp in concert and on record. These and many other artists of local and national fame provided many hours of musical pleasure to residents inside and outside of the "Valley" as the region is known.

An important contribution of the Lazy River was serving as a venue for small territorial bands. These bands were fashioned after ensembles prevalent from 1920 to 1950 playing early swing, blues and Jazz standards of those times. The experience of hearing these bands was electrifying to many young musicians including myself that thought the opportunities to play in jam sessions or work with big bands were either no longer available or beyond reach. The bands that I recall experiencing include "Room Full of Blues", "Hamilton Bates and the Blue Flames",  the "Chris Flores Quartet" and the "Widespread Depression Orchestra".

Below I list organizations and their associated members that I recall from 30 years ago. I apologize for any forgotten and not mentioned artists, but as I learn of musicians associated with these groups, I will update these pages. Some of these musicians are now quite renown where others may not be as well known. Rather than my placing information on their activities, I suggest using a search engine such as "Google" to research their activities.

Hamilton Bates and "The Blue Flames"

  • Scott Hamilton, Tenor Sax
  • Fred Bates, Guitar
  • Sue Melikian, Vocals
  • Phil Flanigan, Bass
  • Charles Riggs, Drums


Wide Spread Depression Orchestra

 

 Widespread Depression Orchestra circa 1975

  • Bob Zuck - Guitar *
  • James Wimpsheimer - Bass *
  • Bill Eldridge - Drums *
  • Dean Nicyper Tenor Sax *
  • Michael Hashim - Alto Sax
  • David Lillie - Baritone Sax *
  • Jordan Sanke - Trumpet
  • Tim Atherton - Trombone *
  • Phil Flanagan - Bass
  • Michael Le Donne - Piano
  • John Holzman - Vibes-Vocals *
  • Paul Suikonen, Trumpet *
  • Jake Epstein, Alto Sax *
  • John Ramsey - Drums
  • John Ellis - Drums
  • Patrick Barron, Piano *

* - Appears in the photto


Room Full of Blues.

  • Greg Picollo - Tenor
  • Duke Robillard - Guitar and Vocals
  • Rich Lataille - Tenor and Alto sax
  • Bob Enos - trumpet
  • Mark Earley - Bari & Tenor sax
  • Al Copley - Piano

Chris Flory Quartet

  • Chris Flory - Guitar
  • Mike Hashim - Alto Sax
  • Beryl Fears - Vocals
  • Phil Flanigan - Bass
  • Mike Faulise - Drums

Thanks to Mike Hashim, Paul Suikonen and Tim Atherton for providing updated information on groups and musicians.