Rhythm Doctors

By Mary Alice Garrett

This story originally appeared October 20, 2005 in The News Journal of Wilmington, Delaware.

The Rhythm Doctors have long enjoyed success as a smooth swing band in the Mid-Atlantic region. On Saturday night, the band opens at the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, in New York City.

Band members acknowledge they’re excited about performing in such a high-profile venue. Their maroon uniforms are pressed, and their shoes are shined for the black-tie event of the American Association of Real Estate Lawyers.

Some of the members’ relatives are even flying in for the event.

"Everybody’s so delighted to think we will be playing in the rooftop of the Waldorf-Astoria," said Tom Ford, the only original member of the 63-year-old band. "It’s sort of the big place for big bands."

Ford still recalls the band’s first engagement in 1942 at the Newport USO. The band was one of many that played at servicemen’s dances.

The Rhythm Doctors began when a group of DuPont Co. chemists and engineers at the Experimental Station discovered they had a mutual interest in swing music.

The band’s repertoire of Glenn Miller and Count Basie music has remained pretty much the same. The same goes for the band’s size. There are five on saxophone, four each on trombone and trumpet, a drummer, a pianist and an electronic bass player. Two female vocalists join them.

Howard Holmquist, of Brandywine Hundred, started subbing in the saxophone section in 1957. Two years later, he became full time. He’s also a former DuPont chemist.

For 52 years, Warren Keyser, of Claymont, was director and arranger. He no longer directs, but he often drops in on rehearsals. Keyser was a DuPont computer manager.

Ross Ambrecht started playing with the band in 1970. After moving out of state, he often flew his own plane back for rehearsals. Formerly director, he now plays bass.

Ambrecht, a retired DuPont chemist, said his most memorable concert was last July 4 in St. Michaels, Md. While the band performed in a gazebo, heavy rain kept the attendance low. Eight people, however, were so moved by the music, they donned yellow slickers and danced in the rain.

"It’s probably the most inspiring moment I’ve had as a musician," Ambrecht said.

Percussionist Bob Palese has commuted from Rehoboth Beach to rehearsals for many of his 32 years with the band. He formerly played with the Ralph Marterie Band and an Army band. Palese also plays with several other regional bands.

Martin Wendel, a former DuPont chemical engineer from Landenberg, Pa., has played piano with the band "on and off for 50 years."

Director and vocalist Pat Kerrigan has logged 15 years with the band. Before that, she played accordion with three different Philadelphia mummers string bands. When Keyser retired, Kerrigan became director.

"It’s a little tricky sometime [singing and directing at the same time]," she said. "The guys are good. They know what they’re doing."

Kerrigan, of Newark, was a warehouse manager with Delmarva Power for 30 years.

Second vocalist Ann Morris, of Brandywine Hundred, joined eight years ago.

"Somebody said I sound like Keely Smith," said Morris. "I don’t think I do." Others have said she sounds like Delores Hope, Bob Hope’s widow.

Morris said the New York engagement "is a big deal." Her sister in California thinks so too and may fly in for the performance.

Also coming for the event are Ford’s four children and their spouses. They, along with Margie Ford, have booked hotel rooms in New York.

The age range of the band is 30s to mid-80s. Some, like Dave and Anne Carroll, met while playing in the band.

The band has played for numerous dances, weddings, festivals and private functions. One memorable engagement was in Cherry Hill, N.J., when Ford arrived without music for the saxophone section. He had placed it on the top of his car before leaving his Hockessin home. His wife, Margie, found it in a ditch along Lancaster Pike.

Band members rehearsed their regular swing numbers last week in preparation for the Waldorf-Astoria event. They also brushed up on "Anniversary Waltz" and "Happy Birthday," just in case they’re needed. Kerrigan suggested they determine the ages of the attorneys before deciding on the tempo of "Anniversary Waltz."

The Rhythm Doctors were selected for the New York gig after members of the lawyers association heard their CD. They also had a personal contact with the group.

That prompted Ambrecht to say "You have to realize that if we blow it, we’ll have a class action suit, and all the class will be the lawyers."