Many listeners will not have heard of the track the Cakewalkin’ Jass Band chose to contribute to “Holiday Wishes 2,” a CD project benefiting Make-A-Wish.
In fact, band leader Ray Heitger is counting on it.
Of “At the Christmas Ball,” Heitger said, “It’s a great jazz tune. Anyone who buys the CD will never have heard of it. It’s an old tune from the ’20s.”
“At the Christmas Ball” was recorded by famed blues singer Bessie Smith in the 1920s.
Heitger’s group has played old-time New Orleans-style jazz since its inception in December 1967, making this winter its 45th anniversary.
“Jass” is how “jazz” was traditionally spelled. The Cakewalkin’ Jass Band also famously played at Tony Packo’s from 1968-2001.
“I love [New Orleans jazz]. To me, it’s very much like classical music. It’s beautiful and powerful,” Heitger, who plays clarinet, has said.
Heitger said he also picked the Smith track because he wanted one all eight band members could be involved in.
Heitger’s daughter, Nicole, sings the lead vocal. Other members include Dave Kosmyna on cornet and vocals, Russ Damschroder on trombone, Betsy Grafing on banjo, her husband “Ragtime” Rick Grafing on piano, Jim Fagnano on drums and Bob Miller on string bpm ass.
“Ragtime” Rick organized Grugel-fest, a traditional jazz festival, earlier this year to benefit the Children’s Dyslexia Center-NWO.
Heitger said the group has also done other fundraisers for Make-A-Wish.
“We love to make music, so if it helps anybody we’re glad to do it,” Heitger said. “We always try to help out causes like [Make-A-Wish].”
