HBO's Boardwalk Empire

[Phototone]

There are some great vocal performances in this show too. There is a Sophie Tucker, and most particularly an Eddie Cantor clone that is very good.

[estott]

There are some great vocal performances in this show too. There is a Sophie Tucker, and most particularly an Eddie Cantor clone that is very good.

That would be Stephen De Rosa, who also does a fine job acting- he isn't exactly like Cantor but he creates a fitional Cantor very effectively.

[estott]

Jazz musician Vince Giordano was a consultant for Boardwalk Empire and appeared in several episodes playing his Phono-Violin and Bass Saxophone. When it comes to the music of the 20s, early recordings and phonographs, Vince knows his onions! He and his Nighthawks have been regular performers at the Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival in Davenport, IA over the last 30+ years.

Aren't Vince and his Nighthawks "the house band" in the club scenes ?


Looking forward to watching the series on DVD / Blu-ray / whatever the format is...

They are the house band at Babbette's and got at least one good closeup per season. They also provide the Onyx Club music, but there is a black band fronting on stage.

After the onscreen explosion destroyed Babette's I messaged Vince: "I hope that you and the boys were out back taking a smoke"

[colmike1]

Just got back from the Bix and Vince is truly missed. Some outstanding young talent showing up. Josh Duffee is a fantastic 1920s style drummer. Andy Schumm is his generations best Bixian cornetist and dabbling with bass sax, like Vince. There is also a young trumpet player, Mike Davis who can do Red Nichols and Nick LaRocca without fault.

[SteveM]

Vince is a member of the Antique Phonograph Enthusiasts group on Facebook and chimes in occasionally looking for parts for his machines. He's also been on Michael Cumella's Antique Phonograph Music Program on WFMU a couple times. So he most definitely digs the scene.