Tritone Mourns Loss of Four Wonderful Campers

In 2009, four of our favorite campers have left us wanting more.

Joe Sillato was a unique personality and an incomparable singer.  Carle Porter was one of the kindest, gentlest, and funniest men the world will ever know. Jack Cooley was a pianist and a gentleman extraordinaire.  Clem Biddle was a vocalist/trumpeter who will never be imitated or replicated.  All died much too soon, with too many tunes unexplored.

Vocal faculty member Janet Planet, who worked closely with Clem Biddle every summer, was moved to write the following touching tribute to him.

The first time I met him, I knew he was going to be a handful.

A handful of spunk
A handful of knowledge
A handful of opinions
A handful of humor
A handful of talent
A handful of kindness
A handful of support
A handful of quirky songs
A handful of musicianship
A handful of theatrical
A handful of tenderness

In the last five years at camp, Clem became the teacher.  One who waited with patience for his turn.  One who always made us laugh, and one who encouraged the nerves out of the “newbies.”

I loved it  when he took my direction.  But I knew that no matter what I said, he was going to do it his way. That’s really what we all wanted anyway.

But I will say, with a little coaxing, it didn’t take long before the true Clem was exposed.

Rehearsals are always the best.  The last one before the performance, in front of the other singers, usually in a sweaty room, “it” happens–the perfect performance, where all the technique is used as a simple vehicle to express yourself through song.  We call it working the small muscles in order to speak the large muscle–the heart.

I have memories of moments from  every year spent with Clem.  One of  those moments was when Clem very gently sang “Waltz For Debby.”  Clem had two sides to his performances: the “tongue in cheek” and the ballads.   I personally couldn’t wait to hear the soft, resonant, and very honest voice of the true Clem during the ballads.

He made me cry every year at least once.

And, every year, at least once, I was reminded why I love Clem.

I’ll see you on the other side, my friend, and we’ll play again.

Love,
Janet

Our hearts go out to Joe’s, Carle’s, Jack’s and Clem’s families, who will always remain in our thoughts.

Free Tritone Concerts in Rochester, NY Area

As usual, Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camps bring together a faculty of uber-talented musicians who’d like to share their art with the Rochester community.  This year brings three opportunities to hear these wonderful artists in surroundings that are laid-back, intimate, and FREE.

JOHN HARMON AND FRIENDS (Monday, July 27, Wilmot Auditorium of Nazareth College, 7:00 p.m.) Virtually unknown outside his home state of Wisconsin, John is a pianist, composer, arranger and teacher extraordinaire, a mainstay of our Wisconsin camp.  Here he’ll perform with bassist Ike Sturm, drummer Mike Melito, and perhaps some other surprise guests from the Tritone faculty.

JIM DOSER AND THE TRITONE FACULTY (Tuesday, July 28, Penfield Amphitheater–behind the Penfield Town Hall on Atlantic Ave., 7:00 p.m.). Tritone co-founder Jim Doser is a busy guy as director of music for the Penfield School Disctrict.  But occasionally he gets a chance to break out his sax and wail, and this is one of those occasions.  Here he’ll be joined by Rochester favorite Gene Bertoncini on guitar, Ike Sturm on bass, Mike Melito on drums, RPO’s Mark Kellogg on trombone, and Clay Jenkins on trumpet.  With good weather, this is a great night under the stars.  Bring a lawn chair or a blanket.

GENE BERTONCINI, SOLO GUITAR (Wednesday, July 29, Wilmot Auditorium of Nazareth College, 7:00 p.m.) Come see what led to Gene’s nomination as 2009 Guitarist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association.  Here he’ll be in his element, accompanied only by his acoustic guitar and a soul full of memories.