Concert, Magazine & Press Reviews
'A Dutch treat' - Tim Kliphuis with Keith Stephen's Hot Club Trio at The Saville Exchange, North Shields 2nd Oct 2009
Tim Kliphuis vln, Keith Stephen & Roly Veitch gtrs, Bruce Rollo bass.

This was sheer delight! The personable young Dutchman recreated the glory that was France in the decade before World War II with a stunning performance of Djangolic tunes and standards associated with the Quintet of the Hot Club de France. Tim Kliphuis has taken the genius of Grappelli and moulded it to his own muse resulting in an end result that is more than mere imitation. Some of his fantastic flights were breathtaking in their wizardry.
Likewise, Keith Stephen has assimilated the Django ethos yet still manages to be his own man. Keith too had some amazing solos - not least on "China Boy" where the minor inconvenience of a snapped top e string failed to curtail the creative juices. Roly, banjoless tonight, provided the accompanying chord thrash that is so characteristic of the world of Hot Club. His rhythm guitar work was totally immersed in that tradition. He soloed on "Sweet Georgia Brown" and even managed to sneak in a bop lick ("Ornithology" I think.) Beneath it all Bruce Rollo laid down the basslines. Sometimes it was slapbass other times a solid four or a sprightly two. He had some humourous musical exchanges with Tim that raised a few chuckles and was a tower of strength throughout.
Difficult to pick favourites - I loved them all - but standouts included "Daphne". "Double Whisky (or is it "Double Scotch"?), "Swing 42" and "I Can't Give You Anything But Love".
A brilliant performance all round.
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


Blaydon Jazz Club Silver Jubilee Concert - Thurs 17th Sept 2009 - in memory of Randolph (Randy) Heads
Roy Williams tbn, John Hallam reeds, Jeremy McMurray pno, Billy Shield drms, Neil Harland bass, Roly Veitch gtr.

Forget Roy Williams and John Hallam even though they played brilliantly. Tonight there was only one star. Not for his guitar playing even though it was as classy and tasteful as ever but for his dedication and perseverance in keeping the Blaydon Jazz Club alive - often singlehanded. I am, of course, referring to Roly Veitch. I could say much more but such is his nature that he would probably demand that I withdraw it. So suffice for me to echo what a crowded club said tonight which is "Thank you." It was a fitting way to celebrate the clubs 25 years by having Roy Williams and John Hallam front the resident Blaydon Jazz Quartet. Roy and John have played at the various Blaydon venues many times over the years but I'm not sure if this wasn't their first appearance together. Roly will no doubt clarify that.
Impossible to mention all of the highlights but Roy Williams' feature "For You, For Me, Forever More" was one. Strange how this rarely played Gershwin tune should crop up twice recently (Chris Connor was the previous). John Hallam playing "Where or When" on clarinet, "Lullaby of the Leaves" and "Bernie's Tune" on baritone. "East of the Sun" had a corker from Jeremy. In fact the pianist was in scintillating form tonight as was Neil Harland and the ever dependable Bill Shield. Roly too shone on whatever tune they called - he was enjoying himself I don't think he stopped smiling all night!
Shirley, who tends the door and a million other things, presented Roly with a framed citation honouring the 25 year achievement and it was a question of who cried first! Neither actually although it was a close run thing!
It was particularly poignant for Shirley as this weekend marks the tenth anniversary of the death of Randolph(Randy) Heads, her partner and a good friend to Blaydon Jazz Club as well as to all of those he knew. Roly dedicated the evening to Randolph's memory.
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


Anne De Vere (vcls), Frank Brooker(tnr sax/clnt) and The Billy Harper Quartet - 10/09/09 at Blaydon Jazz Club.
Billy Harper(pno), Andy Champion(bass), Billy Shield(drms) & Roly Veitch(gtr). Zoe Gilby guested two vocals.

This was the night of 1000 delights - well perhaps not quite 1000 but certainly a good few. Frank Brooker on tenor got things rolling with a booting "Indian Summer" then followed up with Zoot Sims' "Red Door". Frank hangs his hat around the modern end of mainstream - blows straight down the middle, no frills, every note counts: a joy to listen to. Likewise Bill Harper, Roly and Bill Shield. All three have mastered the art of accompaniment and soloing and they did it well. However, without taking anything away from anyone, for me, Andy Champion's bass solo on "Red Door" was just about as good as it gets. Im-press-ive!
Next up to the plate was Anne DeVere, like Bill Harper, a firm favourite at Blaydon before they tunnelled out of England. "Spring is Here" cool, laid back and perfectly pitched. A James Taylor song that I didn't know - "Don't Let Me Be Lonely" - full of anguish and heartache and beauty. Finally a Frishberg - "One Little Taste" such a dark sided lyric - it's about an alcoholic.
Frank returned, switching from tenor to clarinet for BG's "Seven Come Eleven" and Barney Bigard's "A Lull at Dawn". Great clarinet sound. The set finished with Frank back on tenor for Benny Carter's "Only Trust Your Heart." Time to socialise and buy raffle tickets. Derrick Cogger, down from Belford, Cathy and John from Ryton, Norma from Riding Mill, Scotty Adair, Hil and John - seems like everyone was there including Zoe Gilby. Raffle prizes distributed, the second set kicked off with Frank playing 'Trane's "Impressions". How many guys do you know these days who are playing Benny Goodman on clarinet one minute and Coltrane on tenor the next? Roly also played a nice chorus or two here as he did on the next number... "Easy Living" - has there ever been a better ballad for tenor? Frank did it justice bringing to mind the classic version by Wardell Gray.
Zoe, who was once mentored by Anne, stamped her brand on "I'm Beginning to See the Light". It's highly stylised and I don't think anyone but Zoe could pull it off. Frank also had moments on this one. "One Note Samba" was another typical Z that she put over with class. Talking class - Anne Devere simply oozes it and her "It's Morning" made more than the singer 'dewy-eyed'. "Whisper Not" had good solos all round whilst "Don't Explain" saw Frank playing the blues. Russell thought this to be Anne's best number even though her voice was, by her own admission, becoming a little frayed around the edges. I thought it added to the ambience and I think I agree with him. Finally "Forget About Living" with it's slightly risque lyric.
A truly enjoyable night.
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


Paul Edis/Roly Veitch Quartet - 20/08/09 at Blaydon Jazz Club. Paul Edis(pno), Neil Harland(bass), Billy Shield(drms) & Roly Veitch(gtr).

Another one of those charming miniatures that Roly Veitch so expertly puts together. Last month it was the trio with Noel Dennis & Neil Harland, This time around a quartet co-led with Paul Edis with Neil on bass and Billy Shield drums. The room had a respectable sized crowd who listened intently to the opening "I Hear A Rhapsody". Intently was the operative word as, volumewise, Roly's amp was set on one of those low digit numbers that few guitarists know exist. However, the dial was given a clockwise turn or two for "Dream Dancing" and at last we could hear the tasteful runs and phrases along with the well chosen chords to compliment Paul's piano.
"Jordu", "Cottontail", "Django", "Sultry Serenade" - a real gem - "Donna Lee" and "A Child is Born" were some of a well chosen selection of jazz standards along with some not unduly overdone tunes from the gasbook such as "Darn That Dream" and Jan Savitt's "It's A Wonderful World." There were also a couple of originals from Paul - a boppy "Charlie's Line" that in places reminded me of a sailors hornpipe as played by Charlie Parker - and a more sensitive opus entitled simply "Dedicated to the Duke". Paul was also featured on solo piano playing a cleverly interwoven medley of "Surrey with The Fringe on Top", "Blue on Green" and "'Round Midnight."
Neil Harland, as ever excelled on bass his melodic lines and steady accompaniment absolutely gelled. On drums, Billy Shield kept it simple yet effective. It was a good gig even though Roly didn't do any crooning - his lyrical phrasing on guitar made up for it.
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


Roly Veitch Trio - 30/07/09 at Blaydon Jazz Club. With Noel Dennis (tpt/flgl) & Neil Harland (bass).

Noel Dennis's trumpet playing has been justifiably compared to Chet Baker and early Miles Davis. Dressed in casual smart he looked every bit as much the cool dude as his alter ego's did in their youth. With this in mind it came as something of a culture shock to overhear him talking about 11 o' clock feeds for his baby boy. Noel, dudes don't do that! However, his image was given a get out of jail card when he started playing - this was Chet, Miles and a few more. Blowing his new Geneva Trumpet - made on Teesside - or was it a Teesside Trumpet made in Geneva? Whatever, the horn sounded good from the moment he blew an obbligato to Roly's vocal on "I'm Old Fashioned" to the plaintive wail on the final "Wee Small Hours of the Morning". Can't recall him sounding better.
This was an evening of sheer delight as gems were plucked from the Gasbook and given the trio's authoritive stamp many with vocals by Roly. His is an infectious voice, you hold your breath and wonder if he's going to make that top note - he always does. Just look at some of the titles; "Days of Wine & Roses", "I've Got a Date With an Angel", "Stella By Starlight", "You Don't Know What Love Is", "Blue Monk" and "Bye Bye Blackbird" - the latter two dedicated to Marshall who, of course played in the early days with Roly at the Black Bull. Our boy's memory is everywhere this week and rightly so.
The second set opened with "You're a Lucky Guy" which Roly kindly played and sang for me totally unprompted. He knows my feelings about this tune - simply love it. There were more goodies to follow. "Alone Together", "This Year's Kisses", "I Wished on the Moon" (another big fave), "My Funny Valentine" - more excellence from Noel - and penultimately "Now's The Time". I've mentioned Noel and Roly, who used both acoustic and semi acoustic to great effect, but I must also applaud Neil who soloed tastefully and kept the whole thing together beautifully. A decent sized crowd too.
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


Blaydon Races Festival - Janusz Carmello with BJQ (BlaydonJazz Quartet), 11/06/09 at Blaydon Jazz Club.

This was undoubtedly a game of two halfs. The first which was merely excellent and the second - well I'll tell you about the second later but it was something else. 'September In The Rain' played on flugel made for a mellow toned start. Janusz really has the most perfect sound on flugel that I've ever heard and it wafted gently into the audience who, if they didn't outwardly sigh, must surely have heaved an inward one. 'What Is This Thing Called Love?' had a few bop nuances that the hero of the hour threw off effortlessly. He does it all with apparent ease. Roly, Pete and Jeremy soloed impressively, as they did throughout the night, with Janusz on his trademark pocket trumpet slowly stoking the fire. By interval time the general consensus was 'pleasant'. It had been a set oozing taste but not a lot in the way of fireworks. Most listeners felt the ambience would have been greater if the hall lights had been lower as was indeed the case when they were dimmed for the recall. In the second set, the opening 'Joyspring' changed any sense of ennui! Janusz gave the old Clifford Brown warhorse the ride of its life and that was only the start! A beautiful 'Nightingale Sang in Berkely Square' - (JC jokingly changed it to 'Leicester Square') got the heart beating faster and 'Careless Love' was far removed from the banjo driven rhythms normally associated with the tune. A few Bossa Novas were interspersed as well as a delightful number in 3/4 time - what did they call it? Janusz invited everyone to waltz although nobody took up the invitation! The set ended as it begun with more Clifford Brown - 'Tiny Kapers'. Janusz quoted Brown as his favourite trumpet player and it showed - I'm pleased to say. Back of the trumpet player the rhythm section gave him solid support as well as handling their own solos with the aplomb and dexterity that their status on the jazz scene deserves. Nice one boys and thanks to Roly for organising the gig which was part of the Blaydon Festival.
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


Farewell to Humph/Andy Dickens Jazz Band, CB Inn, Arkengarthdale - Swaledale Festival - 30/5/09.

Though the band for this affectionate appreciation of the late Humphrey Lyttelton included virtually the same musicians who had played in Reeth the previous afternoon, the music was markedly different. Very much led by trumpeter, singer and accomplished storyteller Andy Dickens, the backing trio was again Keith Stephen on guitar, Roly Veitch rhythm guitar and Bruce Rollo double bass, with local hero Roger Myerscough joining in occasionally on both clarinet and baritone saxophone. Dickens, who tells a very good story, introduced this sincere tribute by recalling Humph’s first recorded trumpet solo, captured on newsreels of the time, when he led the huge crowds outside Buckingham Palace on VE Day in 1945, playing 'Roll out the barrel'. He followed this by singing 'Just a kid named Joe', from the repertoire of Humph’s first trumpet hero Nat Gonella, and the first tune he learned, one of Louis Armstrong’s recordings of course, 'Basin Street Blues', with Myerscough joining in on clarinet. Dickens then talked about Humph’s embouchure, demonstrating his points clearly, before giving a very satisfying performance of 'Struttin’ with some barbecue'. A version of 'Black and blue', with Myerscough’s lovely gruff baritone, was particularly enjoyable, which Dickens followed with a touching version of Humph’s one hit, 'Bad penny blues', with Stephen adapting the piano accompaniment most effectively. Dickens told many tales about Humph, many possibly true, touching on his foibles as well as his many virtues. With faultless accompaniment from the trio, some telling support from Myerscough and his own infectious enthusiasm, this was another delightful festival performance.
Peter Bevan
Darlington & Stockton Times - 14th June 2009


Keith Stephen Hot Club Trio + Caroline Irwin vcls, Andy Dickens tpt & Roger Myerscough clnt/baritone sax.
29/05/09 at The Buck Hotel, Reeth - The Swaledale Fetival.

A sunny bank holiday Monday brought a packed house to hear this popular band with the added attraction of two guest players. Keith Stephen on guitar, Bruce Rollo on double bass and Roly Veitch rhythm guitar are now a highly polished swing trio who will get anyone’s feet tapping. With Andy Dickens on trumpet and Roger Myerscough on clarinet, they certainly swung right from the start with the appropriate 'Swing that music', followed by 'Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?', played with a lighter pulse and including a touching vocal by Dickens. Then singer Caroline Irwin joined the trio on 'Fly me to the moon', sung slowly at first as she made her way through the audience before switching to the more familiar uptempo. 'La vie en rose', in fluent French, provided a nice contrast, and on 'Crazy he calls me' there was a nice obbligato and solo on muted trumpet. The vocal programme continued with very wide range from an old Betty Hutton comedy number 'Murder, he says', via 'Les feuilles mortes' (with some lovely solo guitar by Stephen) to a bouncy 'Red hot mama' and 'Amazing grace', which segued into 'C’mon get happy'. Trumpet and clarinet returned for 'Someday you’ll be sorry', which included Veitch’s only solo, and 'You meet the nicest people in your dreams', with solos by Myerscough, Dickens, Rollo and Stephen, before a suitably cheerful encore, 'Hello Central, give me Doctor Jazz'. Playing and singing was a delight throughout and there wasn’t a weak link in this thoroughly entertaining show.
Peter Bevan
Darlington & Stockton Times - 9th June 2009


'JRM Trio'(Jim Birkett/Roly Veitch/Mick Shoulder), 28/05/09 at Blaydon Jazz Club.

'A Blaydon Delicacy'
The intimate atmosphere of the club lounge is tailor made for Jim, Roly and Mick's gentle brand of jazz. Add a few friends and acquaintances that I hadn't seen for many years (Hi Brenda, Hi Derek C) plus jazz regulars George, Jim, Kathy and John and you have the recipe for a very enjoyable, well attended, evening with some gourmet guitar jazz the icing on the cake.
This was another feast of quality songbook material although Roly's vocal chords were only used sparingly, but effectively, tonight. When he did sing, I was pleased to hear the verse to such gems as 'A Hundred Years From Today', 'Honeysuckle Rose', 'Take me to the Land of Jazz' and Ray Noble's 'The Touch of Your Lips' all chanted in his cool relaxed style. However, this was predominantly a guitar night with both Jim and Roly playing some great stuff. The fugue-like interplay on the opening 'I'll Remember April' set the mood.
This was no cutting contest but two sympathetic players making good music together. Jim's choice of "A Nightingale Sang in Berkely Square" served to remind us, as if we needed reminding, what a marvelous song it is. I love the way the middle eight bursts from the preceding sixteen bars adding a touch of majesty to what, until then, is just a very nice tune. "Meditation" - the vamp-like chord progression at the end has always made that tune special to me. So many moments to savour - not least the contrasting timbre of the two guitars. Jim, the electric guitar sound associated with everyone from Charlie Christian onwards. Roly, more in the electro/accoustic vein of say George Barnes. And who would have thought I'd hear 'In Your Own Sweet Way' two nights running?
As well as the six-stringers, on four strings, double bassist Mick Shoulder played as good as I can recall hearing him - his solo on "Yesterdays" impressing both audience and band as the photo indicates. His inclusion, I think, gave tonight's session the edge on last month's gig.
Incidentally, tonight was a hasty replacement for the Bill Harper/Anne De Vere gig advertised. Bill and Anne hope to make Blaydon in September.
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


'Swing Guitars' (Jim Birkett/Roly Veitch), 30/04/09 at Blaydon Jazz Club.

The club lounge provided an intimate setting for two of the most tasteful guitarists around to play some tasty tunes. Who can criticise 'Darn That Dream', Will Hudson's immortal 'Moonglow', 'Nancy', Edgar Sampson's 'Stomping At The Savoy', 'Wave', 'Bernie's Tune', Roly's own pieces (Calypso Jim and Job Shufflebottom), or the delightful 'Skating in Central Park' from the pen of John Lewis? These were just some of the numbers the duo, who could be musical twins, performed absolutely exquisitely. Personally, I would have liked a little more volume and perhaps more uptempo numbers. However, it's difficult for me to be objective - I'm still on a roll from Tim Garland and Co. this afternoon and will be for days! In many respects, tonight's recital was the perfect antidote, allowing me to come down gently.
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


Roly Veitch Trio at Highfield Hotel, East Rainton, 19/04/09 with Graeme Wilson tnr sax, Neil Harland bass.

The one thing I can guarantee about a Roly gig is that there will be some great, and not unduly overplayed, standards on the set list. Feast your eyes on this Liz - and other lovers of the Gasbook - 'I Wished on the Moon', 'There Will Never Be Another You', 'Blame It On My Youth', 'It's Always You', 'Besame Mucho', 'But Not For Me', 'I'm Old Fashioned', 'Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams', 'My Shining Hour', 'The Touch of Your Lips', 'Have You Met Miss Jones?', 'I'll Remember April' - this last tune was written by Don Raye and Gene di Paul (who also take the blame for 'Star Eyes', 'You Don't Know What Love Is' and 'Mr Five By Five' among others). Most were delivered vocally by Cool Hand Roly in his laid back mode with instrumental interludes all round. The Chet Baker-like horn of Noel Dennis was missing tonight although I have it on good authority that he hasn't been busted and nor is he languishing in an Italian prison. Graeme Wilson, fortunately, was able to step in at relatively short notice and he played some nice melodic lines. Neil, as ever, held it all together. Two criticisms - one major and one minor. The minor one is that I'd like to occasionally hear Roly sing the verse as well as the refrain. The major one? Where have all the North-east jazz 'fans' hibernated to?
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


Frank Brooker(sax/clnt) at BlaydonJazz - with Jeremy McMurray pno, Neil Harland bass, David Carnegie drms,
Roly Veitch gtr - 16th Apr 2009.

The new season at the new venue got off to a booting start with Frank Brooker fronting the house rhythm section which tonight included Neil Harland and David Carnegie alongside Roly and Jeremy - they gelled. Frank Brooker may not be the first name that springs to mind when it comes to tenor sax (or clarinet) players but he must surely rank amongst the most stylistically versatile. Basically a swing player Frank, nevertheless, successfully flirts with bebop and beyond; tonight playing material from Hank Mobley ('This I dig of you' and 'Soul Station'), Zoot Sims ('Red Door'), Parker ('Anthropology') and Rollins ('Everywhere Calypso') as well as Benny Goodman ('Stomping at the Savoy'). 'Body and Soul' had a Samba rhythm that was different whilst 'Nightingale Sang', played with the sensitivity it demands, captured my mood to perfection. Throughout the evening, Jeremy, Roly, Neil and David provided the perfect cushion for the guest as well as standing tall in their own right. The long drive home meant I left before the end although, when I heard the strains of 'Black Butterfly', filtering through, I lingered, longer, in the foyer; savouring the liquidity of the clarinet - it was a gem.
A good start for the new venue.
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


Hot Club Trio + Caroline Irwin (Four Piece Sweet) & Swing City Trio at Saville Exchange, North Shields, 13/3/09.

Personnel - Four Piece Sweet: Caroline Irwin (vcl), Keith Stephen (lead), Roly Veitch (rhythm), Bruce Rollo (bs).
Swing City Trio: Steve Andrews (ten/clt), Roly Veitch (gtr), Roy Cansdale (bs).

If you think that "Santa Baby" in March is out of season - then you haven't heard it sung by the late Eartha Kitt or, indeed, Caroline Irwin; the 'sweet' in Four Piece Sweet. Wearing an eye-catching Santa outfit Ms Irwin dropped in from Lapland, mingled amongst the mortals and turned a seasonal classic into a hardy perennial! There were other gifts to be opened - "Autumn Leaves" in French, "Darktown Strutters Ball" in English, Betty Hutton's "Murder, He Says" in Brooklynese and "Crazy He Calls Me" in the universal language of love. "Fly Me To The Moon", Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight", "Cow Cow Boogie" and "Running Wild" give an idea of the wide range covered by "Sweet Caroline" (which she didn't sing thank goodness) Despite the variety of tunes the spirit of Django was never far away - how could it be with guitar heroes Keith Stephen and Roly Veitch on stage? Keith played some terrific stuff with lots of those difficult runs that are the hallmark of Hot Club music. Needless to say he does some tricky stuff of his own too. Bruce Rollo has successfully incorporated his slap bass style into convential jazz bass whilst Roly gave it the rhythmic thrash that defines Djangology.
Roly remained on stage for the Swing City Trio set - the other two being Steve Andrews (ten/clt) and Roy Cansdale (bs). The Gasbook was given a good workout by the trio with Roly in good voice - "I Saw Stars" is always a favourite of this band and tonight was no exception. Steve Andrews blew some excellent Ben Websterian tenor on "Skylark" and also on that fine old standard that few people play anymore - "This Years Kisses". 'Kisses' had another vocal from Rolls as well as an appealing guitar solo that pressed all the right buttons. I could go on all night enthusing but I think you've got the picture by now. "Dear Bix" and "100 Years From Today" ultimately led to Caroline and Keith returning to augment the band for the final "Exactly Like You". Nothing else for me to say and so I'll close but, by the way, Roy Cansdale's bass was great, ps: I love some of Steve's quips.
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


Roly Veitch Trio at Side Cafe, Newcastle, 2/3/09 with Noel Dennis tpt/flgl, Neil Harland bass.

A small but attentive audience were appreciative of this miniature gem by Roly and his coherts. As always, known and not so well known standards were interspersed with original compositions tastefully served. The highlights included Frishberg's 'Dear Bix' sung with feeling by Roly and featuring some appropriate horn from Noel. 'Line For Lyons', a tune made famous by the Gerry Mulligan Quartet, also came over well with good solos all round as well as some fuguelike interplay between guitar and flugel. However, if I had to pick one tune to stand alone it would have to be 'You're A Lucky Guy'. This is my favourite tune of all time - or at least it is for today. I've got it on record by Becky Kilgore, Clifford Brown, Louis and Ruby Braff/ George Barnes but this is the first time I've ever heard it sung live for which I say 'Thank you Roly -
you, and the boys, did it justice.'
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


Keith Stephen's Hot Club Trio with singer Caroline Irwin at Ashington Jazz Club - 7th January 2009.

There was a very good turnout for what turned out to be the most entertaining night I have ever had in any jazz club!
As we say in Ashington 'They really worked hard for their coals' using a wide combination of instruments and a most eclectic mix of numbers. Some of the Christmas decorations were still up so Caroline dressed as Santa's elf and sang 'Santa Baby', making excellent use of the radio mike as she moved through the audience. Lots of Edith Piaf favourites (in French) and even some Doris Day numbers were welcomed by an appreciative audience. My wife Sheila helped me out on the door and she said how much everyone had enjoyed something a little different.
John Taylor
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


'Bean and the Boys at Blaydon' - Steve Andrews(tenor sax/clnt), Roy Cansdale(bass), Roly Veitch(gtr/vcls) plus, for this concert, Jeremy McMurray(pno) and Billy Shield(drms) - BlaydonJazz 23rd Oct 2008.

The spirit of Coleman Hawkins lingered over Blaydon tonight in a fine session by the Swing City Quintet which is in fact the Swing City Trio augmented by Jeremy McMurray (pno) and Billy Shields (dms). The SCT is, of course, Roly Veitch (gtr), Roy Cansdale (bs) and Steve Andrews (ten/clt). No bebop here tonight just good old fashioned - and I'm not speaking derogatively - totally honest, middle period jazz.
Steve plays Hawkins to perfection, albeit not without a nod towards Ben Webster, Chu Berry and possibly even Ike Quebec; there's also a lot of Steve Andrews in there too. On piano, Jeremy was as awesome as ever whilst Roly, being Roly, comped away unobtrusively in the background emerging from time to time for a relaxed vocal or a tasty guitar solo.
Bass player Roy duetted delightfully with Steve (on clarinet) for a surprisingly delicate "Tishomingo Blues". I say 'surprisingly delicate' after Steve's announcment that he first played Tishomingo with the late Peter Gascoigne; most people would agree that 'Gassy' didn't do 'delicate'! On drums, Billy Shields did the business; rock steady as always. Enjoyable.
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


Garry Linsley(alto sax) with the Jeremy McMurray/Roly Veitch Quartet - BlaydonJazz 11th Sep 2008.

Nice is a word I try to avoid; conjuring up twee images of Marshmallow and Turkish Delight as it does. Well it does for me anyway. Yet there is no other word to describe tonight's session at Blaydon. It was nice - and there wasn't a marshmallow in sight. What there was in abundance, was tasteful and melodic renditions of some fine standards by an alto player very much in the Benny Carter mould.
I've known Gary Linsley for many years but, surprisingly, hadn't heard him play more than a few bars until tonight. It was my loss. The rhythm section of Jeremy McMurray (pno), Paul Armstrong (bs), Billy Shields (dms) and of course Roly Veitch on guitar and vocals were the perfect cushion for Gary as well as soloing effectively in their own right. Not very easy to pick a favourite although "I Saw Stars" would be difficult to bet against. Roly's 'Chet meets Rebecca Kilgore' vocal launching Gary into perhaps his best solo of the night. "I Wished On The Moon" and "I Fall In Love Too Easily" were also front runners in an evening of non Turkish delights. The feelgood factor was high.
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


John Hallam(sax/clnt) with the Jeremy McMurray/Roly Veitch Quartet - BlaydonJazz 7th Aug 2008.

There have been few, if any, more relaxed and enjoyable sessions than tonight's offering at Blaydon. Totally unpretentious, straight down the middle swing that kept the audience entranced from the opening 'Perdido' to the penultimate 'Swing that Music'.
John Hallam (not to be confused with the tuba player of the same name), blew like Benny on clarinet, Gerry on baritone whilst on tenor there were touches of Lester and Georgie Auld as well as a lot of John Hallam.
There really was magic in the air during 'A Nightingale sang in Berkeley Square' not least because of the superb chorus from Jeremy McMurray on piano. Where are all these wonderful pianists coming from?
With all due respects to Roland, Yamaha etc. if only we could hear their talents to the full on a Steinway.
There was some tasteful solos and 'comping from Roly, while Paul Armstrong on bass had some nice duo moments with John. Bill Shield on drums, unobtrusive yet decisive, helped to make it a grand night for swinging.
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


The Roly Veitch Trio + sausage sarnies - Quadrata Cafe, Central Square, Newcastle on 16th June 2008.

Went along to the lunchtime session with the Roly Veitch Trio at the Central Square on Monday. It's in a cafe for the office workers but, as the photo shows, some old ladies seem to turn up for this gig. Nice sausage sarnies! The acoustics are a little difficult so I did not hear the announcements. I think the line up is as you last reviewed - a great combo, very mellow. Like having two Chet Bakers - one singing and one playing.
John Taylor - Friends in Jazz
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


'Song of Roland' - The Roly Veitch Trio - Side Cafe, Newcastle on 9th June 2008.

Jazz for The Drawing Room could have been the sub-title for tonight's session by the Roly Veitch Trio. This description is by no means intended to be derogatory; MJQ, the George Shearing Quintet, the Gerry Mulligan Quartet and the Red Norvo Trio could all, on occasion, be similarly categorised and Roly's Rascals wear the mantle well. The comparision with Mulligan is particularly apt; not just because Roly leans towards Chet Baker in the voice dept. and Noel Dennis' trumpet playing has Chetian overtones but because of the fugue-like interplay by the trio which included Neil Harland on bass.
On 'But Not for Me' and 'There Will Never Be Another You' Bach wasn't turning over in his grave - - he was sitting up; applauding! As ever on a Roly gig, the choice of material was first rate; 'Alone Together', Willard Robinson's 'Old Folks', 'I'm Old Fashioned' and a particular favourite of mine, 'I Wished On The Moon' - I'm still humming that one!
Lance Liddle
Bebop Spoken Here - Jazz Blog on the local scene - see links


Swing City Trio - 'Just Us, Just We' CD - CAVCD01

Roly Veitch, guitarist with Keith Stephen's groups, has appeared on several enjoyable CDs lately but this new one is probably my favourite. Now focusing on acoustic guitar (a 1947 Epiphone Broadway here) he's accompanied by tenor saxophonist and clarinetist Steve Andrews with Roy Cansdale provising the gentlest pulse on double bass. There's a lovely, nostalgic collection of tunes from Stardust to This Year's Kisses on a comfortable, laid back album. Available from Roly on www.rolyveitch.20m.com
Peter Bevan
The Northern Echo - May 2008.


Keith Stephen's Hot Club Trio with Caroline Irwin (vcls) and John Hallam (reeds)/'La Vie en Rose' CD - KSHCT002

Another little gem from the guitarist's Hot Club Trio, with Roly Veitch on rhythm guitar and Bruce Rollo on bass. This time there is the considerable bonus of John Hallam's clarinet and saxophone on several tracks and some pleasing vocals from Caroline Irwin and Roly.
Peter Bevan
The Northern Echo - Aug 2007.


The Roly Veitch Trio/'Wrap your troubles in dreams' (GeordieJazzFolk GJF/CD/04).

Another delightful album from three of the region's finest musicians and a lovely combination, too, with Roly on guitar and vocals, Noel Dennis trumpet and flugelhorn and Neil Harland double bass. The programme is an all-familiar one with such favourites as Blame It On My Youth and My funny Valentine. There are ten tracks in all and Roly sings on half of them in a gentle, slightly wistful way.
Well worth hearing, and available on www.rolyveitch.20m.com
Peter Bevan
The Northern Echo - Dec 2006.


The Roly Veitch Trio/'Wrap your troubles in dreams' (GeordieJazzFolk GJF/CD/04).

Features the reflective trumpet (or often, flugelhorn) of Noel Dennis with guitarist Veitch and bassist Neil Harland on fairly familiar but well chosen material. The title track and 'Blame it on my youth' suit the trio particularly well.
Roly Veitch's unassuming vocals on half the tracks bring variety to the prevailing mood of wistfulness.
Ron Simpson
The Jazz Rag - Winter 2006.


Tim Kliphuis with Keith Stephen's Hot Club Trio
Saville Exchange, North Shields - 18th Sept 2006

Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis joined Keith Stephen's Hot Club Trio for a magnificent Stephane Grappelli celebration. The single English date was a spin off from a Scottish tour and teamed Kliphuis with the north-east group for the very first time. If the first set was a little tentative, the second half was characterised by a thrilling collective conversation. Kliphuis soared aloft gracefully and effortlessly, incorporating telling classical references throughout, Stephen matched him with expert Djangoisms. Another north-east bandleader, Roly Veitch, supplied buoyant chordal underpinning complemented by Bruce Rollo's driving bass support.
Chris Yates
JAZZ UK Nov/Dec 2006


Tommy Whittle with The Roly Veitch/Billy Harper Quartet (Jazz Express) and with special guest Anne DeVere
The Garden Bar, Darlington Arts Centre - November 2004

Tenor saxophonist Tommy Whittle has been a fairly regular visitor to the North East in recent years, particularly to Blaydon Jazz Club, but this was his first appearance in Darlington. As such, the date attracted several new visitors as well as many regulars. He was backed by Jazz Express, the house rhythm section at Blaydon, which comprised Roly Veitch on guitar, Billy Shield drums, Mick Shoulder double bass, and, making his last appearance at the Arts Centre before moving to Brittany, Bill Harper on piano. The band set up with the minimum of fuss and launching straightaway into a lightly swinging version of Have you met Miss Jones? it appeared that this was going to be a relaxed evening with the classic virtues of taste and swing. A leisurely performance of Darn that dream seemed to confirm this but then Whittle counted the band off for a much livelier version of Trottin’, one of Zoot Sims’ few compositions. He continued to vary the programme with a couple of bossa novas, the rarely heard Tom cattin’ by Lucky Thompson and the classic Misty. For the second set I thought Whittle moved up another notch, with Know it all providing a very lively start, and a highly swinging Bye bye blues. Then he invited singer Anne De Vere to join the band who provided a lovely accompaniment as she sang But beautiful. Not an easy song but all the better for being sung with tenderness rather than over emphasis. Then on How high the moon Whittle opened on solo tenor, worrying at the opening phrases in the way Sonny Rollins does, before the band kicked in and really booted it along. Veteran he may be but Whittle is still a confident, assertive player and with Jazz Express’s able support he provided a very entertaining evening.
Peter Bevan
'This is the North East' Nov 2004


Janusz Carmello/Anne De Vere and The Roly Veitch/Billy Harper Quartet at Darlington Arts Centre - 03/2002

This latest performance for The Garden Bar Jazz Club got off to a nice start as the band slipped easily into
'If I should lose you', featuring Carmello's rich, mellow flugelhorn followed by Roly Veitch on guitar and Billy Harper on piano, all taken at a comfortable easy tempo.
Singer Anne De Vere, making her first appearance at the Arts Centre, then joined the band for her first number and indeed then sang alternate numbers throughout the evening. Her programme included 'Round Midnight', 'If you could see me now', 'Don't explain' and 'Here's that rainy day'. I liked the way she could switch from one of these ballads, sung sensitively and surprisingly deeply at times, to a light hearted and humerous song like 'Feeling too good today blues' or 'Forget about living'.
Carmello demonstrated his talents on pocket trumpet as well as flugelhorn and on each instrument he showed off a lovely, contolled sound, whether open or muted. Every solo was tasteful and balanced, from the bounce of 'Joyspring', the lilt of a bossa nova like Lee Morgan's 'Ceoria' or Victor Feldman's 'Azule Serape' to an expressive ballad like 'When I fall in love'.
Though they played three very full sets, it was one of those evenings that seemed timeless with musicians and audience in complete accord.
Peter Bevan.
Darlington & Stockton Times - March 2002.

Back to Home Page