Pilot: Skip Parsons, The Riverboat Jazz Band

Skip Parsons is a clarinetist and bandleader for the Riverboat Jazz Band. Parsons and drummer Tom Brown formed the dixieland band in 1955. The group has been playing around the Capital Region ever since.

On this episode, Parsons shares stories from being the main band for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y., his decades-long stint at The Fountain (an Albany-based eatery and longtime haunt for area jazz lovers), gigging with legendary trumpeter Doc Cheatham, and what it was like to have a surprise visit from Tony Bennett at a friend’s funeral.

You can find the Riverboat Jazz Band at McGeary’s in Albany every second Monday of the month (7-9 p.m.).

For the latest information on upcoming gigs, visit Parsons’ website.

The music for this episode is from the Riverboat Jazz Band’s album, “When The Saints Go Marchin’ In.”

Special thanks to Patrick Dodson of Albany Proper for showcasing Six Count's launch with an article featuring photos of The River Boat Jazz Band at McGeary's: "New Podcast Highlights Capital Region's Vibrant Jazz Scene." 

Thank you for listening to Six Count. This show, hosted and produced by Xara Wilde, seeks to promote and preserve the jazz and swing scene in the Capital Region of New York.

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Have a comment, question or suggestion for who to feature next? Contact Six Count by email at [email protected] or you can find the show on Twitter @SixCountPodcast.