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Alan Pogson's
Photo Album - Page 10
The Philharmonicas - 1936-1937
Standing L-R: Joe Pitello - chromatic; Charles Leighton - lead chromatic;
Harry (Curly) Halicki - chord; Victor (Panky) Paul - chromatic
Sitting: Frank (Moose) Mitkowski - chromatic; Charlie Pitello, bass;
Joe Jass - chromatic
Notes from David Macklin
June 15, 2002
The picture is of the Philharmonicas, the group I organized and taught in
1936-1937. Some of the best in the world, then or now. Regretfully, some
have passed on, notably Victor Paul, who could play bravura violin pieces on
the 64, correctly phrased, using the u-block for single tones.
Thankfully, Charles Leighton is still alive, and playing jazz, better than
ever.
The picture shows a leader, Joe Pitello, actually a 64-player in the group.
Standing, from left to right:
Charles Leighton, playing lead, at age 15.
Harry (Curly) Halicki, one of the best chord players, ever, with a true
drummer's beat.
Victor (Panky) Paul.
Sitting:
Frank (Moose) Mitkowski, so-called because he played low notes so well.
Charlie Pitello, brother of Joe, one of the best bass players ever, and I
believe, the inventor of the back-beat, that, along with Curly, supplied
unsurpassed rhythmic drive.
Joe Jass, I discovered in a Bronx neighborhood theatre contest, along with
Charles Leighton. I was amazed at their ability to mimic the Minevitch
recordings. Joe transcribed the big-band stock arrangements that the
Philharmonicas played on the road in a Major Bowes unit.
Later, as a trio, the Pitello brothers and Harry Halicki, appeared in the
movie, "Tars and Spars", with Sid Caesar. They were all in the Coast Guard.
Charles Leighton continued with The Cappy Barra Boys, and others.
Charles Leighton, now 81, is still one of the greatest jazz players.
Everyone should play his 'classical' CD. He obviously can do it all.
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