Category Archives: Martyn Brothers Jazz Band

Martyn Brothers Jazz Band, Friday 10th May 2019

It’s the MARTYN BROTHERS JAZZ BAND – one of my favourite bands – they know how to play New Orleans jazz just how it is meant to be played (they live eat and play it) and they are back here again at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB tonight, Friday, 10th May 2019.   BEN MARTYN plays double bass and sings an EMILE MARTYN, who plays drums, have booked one of my favourite musicians, namely ROB PEARCE, who is on trombone.   Rob also has his own band and often plays here, namely The Mardi Gras and just like Ben and Emile, also travels frequently back and forth to New Orleans.  They are to be joined by RICHIE HOWARD on clarinet and RICHARD SIMMONS on piano (sorry, no photo of Richard for the moment).  As I said last time they were here, they are very popular in central London clubs and show their versatility, but certainly play the real New Orleans traditional style jazz for us here and ooze fun for us too.  So come and see what fabulous young musicians they are.  The music is from 8:00pm till 11:00pm (plenty of free parking). It’s ‘Live’ jazz, hosted by Diane and Keith  

Ben Martyn (double bass) leads his own band ‘Martyn Brothers’ at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.
Emile Martyn (he is a ‘Hot drummer’) of Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 6Feb2015. Photo by Mike Witt
Richie Howard plays clarinet with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz club, 15th January 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.
Rob Pearce, band leader of Mardi Gras JazzBand, plays trombone at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 19th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers Jazz Band,22nd June 2018

Ben Martyn (double bass) leads his own band ‘Martyn Brothers’ (Dominique Coles on drums) at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2016. Photo: Mike Witt.

JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE on guitar & Dom Coles on drums  in the Martyn Brothers Jazz Band on 30th June 2017 at Farnborough Jazz Club. Photo: Mike Witt.

The MARTYN BROTHERS JAZZ BAND will be charging the air again at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on Friday, 22nd June 2018.  BEN MARTYN (double bass &vocals) had booked Alan Grestie to play, but poor Alan was taken ill and hospitalised with a serious flu bug this week, so Ben has booked one of my favourites, ROB PEARCE on trombone.  A bit of a different sound, liken to The Louisiana Five Jazz Band of the 1920’s (only the second band to ever record their music) – should be a great evening.  Rob, just like Ben, travels frequently back and forth to New Orleans, so sure to give his all.  They will be joined by RICHIE HOWARD (clarinet), DEAN ROSS (piano) [sorry no photo of Dean as yet], JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE (guitar) and DOM COLES (drums).  They are very popular in central London clubs and show their versatility, although certainly play the real New Orleans traditional style jazz for us here.  Regulars and newcomers, come and see what fabulous young musicians they are and enjoy a couple of Shepherd Neame pints at the same time, soaking in the atmosphere.  The music is from 8:00pm till 11:00pm (plenty of free parking).   

It’s ‘Live’ jazz

hosted by Diane and Keith   

Guest Rob Pearce, seen here with his own band, Mardi Gras at Farnborough JC 24jun2016. Photo by Peter Marr

Richie Howard (cl) & Dom Coles (drums) with Martyn Bros at Farnborough Kent 15jan2016 Photo by Mike Witt.

 

P.S. ‘4-In-A-Bar+1’ are performing at Ye Olde Whyte Lyon, Locks Bottom this Sunday, 24 June 2018, from 3:00 till 6:00pm (see special ‘Page’ at top of our website about it).  An excellent venue, where appetising Sunday roasts can be enjoyed, whilst being entertained with dinner jazz.  This month, Tim is unable to play for us, as he has a charity gig he does every year.  But we have an equally talented guest pianist, Alan Berry.  You have got to come to listen to us, we really are good.

Remember three weeks ago, we were booked for a lovely couple’s (Donna and Kenny) wonderful wedding at Leeds Castle (Kent).  Their wedding was just as expected, so beautiful.  I was very proud of ‘my boys’, they certainly were the business.  They looked very elegant too, in their DJ’s AND I don’t remember making any faux pars with my singing either.

Alan Berry on piano and Roger Curphey on double bass seen here with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band on 23 February 2018 at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent. Photo by Alan Walker

 

John Lee on tenor sax seen here with Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent UK. Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers Jazz Band, 13 April 2018

JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE on guitar plays with Martyn Brothers Jazz Band on 30th June 2017 at Farnborough Jazz Club. Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 15th January 2016. (LtoR) Ben Martyn on double bass, Richie Howard on clarinet, Dom Coles on drums, Allen Beechey on cornet, Ian Beetlestone on piano, George Simmonds on trombone and John ‘flashback radio’ Ruscoe on guitar. Photo by Mike Witt.

Ben Martyn with his Martyn Brothers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club Friday 30th July 2017. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

The young and talented MARTYN BROTHERS JAZZ BAND are here again at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on Friday, 30th April 2018.  Dynamic brothers, BEN MARTYN (double bass&vocals) and EMILE MARTYN (drums), are joined by ALLEN BEECHEY (cornet), RICHIE HOWARD (clarinet), DEAN ROSS (piano) and not forgetting of course, JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE (guitar).  I believe this is the first time we have had Dean play for us here, so dont forget to give him our big warm Farnborough welcome please.  Regulars and newcomers alike are welcome.  The music is from 8:00pm till 11:00pm and we love to dance here.  Of course, we enjoy a Shepherd Neame bar and have plenty of parking.  By the way, just a reminder, these brothers are the sons of famous drummer and band leader Barry Martyn, so jazz is in their blood, well they spent their childhood in New Orleans and played with many great names out there.  They often visit their Dad, who now lives in New Orleans.

‘Live’ jazz, just for you,

hosted by Diane and Keith

Ben Martyn, (d.bass) of Martyn Brothers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers Jazz Band, 30th June 2017

Ben Martyn, (d.bass) & Emile Martyn (drums) of Martyn Brothers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 3Apr2015 Photo by Mike Witt

The FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB will be entertained by the young MARTYN BROTHERS JAZZ BAND tonight, Friday, 30th June 2017.  BrothersBEN MARTYN (who plays double bass and sings) and EMILE MARTYN (who plays drums) are sons of the famous drummer and band leader Barry Martyn.  The boys often visit their Dad, who now lives in New Orleans.

Having mislaid my mobile, I am not sure who is booked to play for us tonight.  Will it be the same as last time when we had that giant trumpeter, PETE RUDEFORTH? Also, will it be RICHIE HOWARD on clarinet, IAN BEETLESTONE on piano and JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE on guitar?  Please get your butts down here and find out WHO WILL be entertaining us.  Come and enjoy listening or dancing to whoever, you surely love a surprise sometimes aye!  If you haven’t been here before, everyone is welcome.  Music is from 8:00pm till 11:00pm. .

‘Live’ jazz, don’t lose it.

Hosted by Diane and Keith

P.S.  I have just been told (thanks Steve), literally two minute ago, some pretty horrible and unbelievable news.  The wonderful venue, loved by so many, namely The Lord Napier, is no longer.  It has the builders in, knocking it down.  Unfortunately, it is the first I have heard of the possibility.  I am so disappointed to have been told too late,  Especially now being unable to do anything about it, not that I’m sure I could have.  It’s just that I feel so helpless.  I will return at a later date to write a little something about this wonderful pub.  So many lovely musicians have performed there, including Keith.  They must all be devastated.   Signed a saddened Diane.

Martyn Brothers Jazz Band, 2nd September 2016

MARTYN BROTHERS  will be playing here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on Friday, 2nd September 2016.   BEN MARTYN is on double bass &vocals and EMILE MARTYN on drums.  They have booked for us, giant trumpeter, PETE RUDEFORTH (back from playing with  CHRIS BARBER in Belgium).  Also with them will be RICHIE HOWARD on clarinet, IAN BEETLESTONE on piano and JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE on guitar.   What more can you ask for, you can expect some exciting and energetic jazz, so come and enjoy yourselves.  Don’t forget, as well as listening, we will dance too – ha, We also have great bar staff, who serve Shepherd Neame ‘Spitfire’ and of course, plenty of parking space.  If you haven’t been here before, everyone is welcome.  Music is from 8:00pm till 11:00pm.

Keep jazz ‘live’,

Hosted by Diane and Keith

Martyn Brother, 15th April 2016

MARTYN BROTHER (singular) played here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on Friday, 15th April 2016.  Brother, Emile is back in New Orleans visiting their Dad (Barry Martyn) again. BEN, who plays double bass and sings, had booked for us FINLAY MILNE on trumpet (new to the club, I think), GEORGE SIMMONDS on trombone,  IAN BEETLESTONE on piano, JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE on guitar and DOMINIQUE COLES on drums.  I told you with this young band, you can expect some exciting and energetic jazz, how right I was.  They play plenty of wonderful New Orleans jazz, after all, these brothers lived there, were brought up on it, but Ben, I’m so cross with you, because you have given me a hell of a job, trying to decide what numbers to mention and what to leave out as they were all good.

Martyn Brothers play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 15th April 2016. Ben Martyn (double bass), Finlay Milne (trumpet), George Simmonds (trombone), Ian Beetlestone (piano), John ‘flashback radio’ Ruscoe (guitar) and Dominique Coles (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 15th April 2016. Ben Martyn (double bass), Finlay Milne (trumpet), George Simmonds (trombone), Ian Beetlestone (piano), John ‘flashback radio’ Ruscoe (guitar) and Dominique Coles (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

Ben Martyn (double bass) leads his own band 'Martyn Brothers' (Dominique Coles on drums) at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Ben Martyn (double bass) leads his own band ‘Martyn Brothers’ (Dominique Coles on drums) at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’ is a beautiful song of Kris Kristofferson’s, sung by Ben and although not exactly jazz, was so good, it was definitely worth a mention, one to be entertained with.  Ben certainly has one hell of a voice and everyone loved it.  My next one is ‘Summertime’ (from Porgy & Bess), played with a difference.  They gave it a cha-cha-chá tempo.  Steve and I made an attempt to dance it.  We both knew how to, though a bit rusty, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  The next one to follow, they have played before, but this time, sung by Finlay (another great jazzy voice), namely ‘Shake That Thing’.  Of course they again as before, enticed everyone onto the dance floor.

Ian Beetlestone features on piano, Dominique Coles (drums) with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Ian Beetlestone features on piano, Dominique Coles (drums) with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

The following number, joined by George, was a feature of Ian’s on piano.  Such a lovely number, played and sung with such sensitivity, the tune ‘Miss Otis Regrets’.  I have always loved Ella’s rendition.  Fabulous Ian.  Their next choice was sung by George, ‘The Sheik From Araby’ a Preservation Hall Jazz Band number.  It was the one we did our line-dance to. Not quite like the original dancers – ha.  Another ‘must’ to include is ‘St. Louis Blues’, certainly a Louis Armstrong favourite and again sung by Finlay, in the same style – just brilliant.  Oh, also Finlay is just one super trumpeter – I wrote it by practically every number!!!!!

Part engine of Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2016. John flashback radio' Ruscoe (guitar), Ian Beetlestone (piano) and Dominique Coles (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

Part engine of Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2016. John ‘flashback radio’ Ruscoe (guitar), Ian Beetlestone (piano) and Dominique Coles (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2016. Leader, Ben Martyn on double bass, Dominique Coles on drums, Finlay Milne on trumpet and George Simmonds on trombone. Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2016. Leader, Ben Martyn on double bass, Dominique Coles on drums, Finlay Milne on trumpet and George Simmonds on trombone. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Friend Norman Grodentz (clarinet) joins Martyn Brothers for couple of numbers (here with Finlay Milne on trumpet) here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Friend Norman Grodentz (clarinet) joins Martyn Brothers for couple of numbers (here with Finlay Milne on trumpet) here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

A friend of the band, Norman Grodentz (clarinet) joined them for a couple of numbers, one of them being ‘Isle of Capri’.  This one has been recorded by so many stars in the past, one such, being Kenny Ball and his Jazz Band.  Ben’s Band were marvellous.  Finlay sang again, the tune was ‘Wont You Come Home Bill Bailey’, yep, another fantastic number (terrific guitar John) – great jazz.

Finlay Milne (trumpet) and George Simmonds (trombone) with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Finlay Milne (trumpet) and George Simmonds (trombone) with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

The next number, backed by Ian on piano, was a feature for George.  Such an amazing young man – only 25yrs old, but showing a maturity beyond his years.  He sang ‘I Got It Bad and That Aint Good’, with such feeling.  I do hope it wasn’t from personal experience and only talent.  Such feeling in his trombone playing too, well done George, you are a star.  You should record this one Ben, this one and Ian’s too.  They wound the evening up with ‘I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream’, giving their all, each one performing solos superbly (great drums Dom) and just the right number to finish on leaving, everyone feeling happy.

Sorry some of you regulars missed it.  Laurie is back next week, so pleasedon’t miss that one.

Live’ jazz for your enjoyment.

Diane and Keith

‘Bill Bailey’ – Hughie Cannon (1902)
‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’ – Kris Kristofferson (1969)
‘I Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good’ – (m) Duke Ellington, (l) Paul Francis Webster (1941)
‘I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream’ – Howard Johnson, Billy Moll & Robert King (1927)
‘Isle of Capri’ – (m) Wilhelm Grosz (aka Hugh Williams), (l) by Jimmy Kennedy (1934)
‘Miss Otis Regrets’ – Cole Porter (1934)
‘Saint Louis Blues’ – W.C. Hanley (1914)
‘Shake That Thing’- ‘Papa’ Charlie Jackson (1925) (Kid Ory’s Creole Jazz Band)
‘Summertime’ – (m) George Gershwin, (l) DuBose Heyward (1933/34)
‘The Sheik of Araby’ – (m) Ted Snyder, (l) Harry B. Smith & Francis Wheeler (1921)

Martyn Brothers Jazz Band, 15th January 2016

On Friday, 15th January 2016, we had something special to help me celebrate my birthday, the MARTYN BROTHERS with a difference.  Emile was away in New Orleans with his Dad (Barry Martyn), so it was the Martyn Brother (singular) – BEN MARTYN on double bass & vocals, playing here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB .  Ben had booked ALLEN BEECHEY on cornet, GEORGE SIMMONDS on trombone, RICHIE HOWARD on clarinet, IAN BEETLESTONE on piano, JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE on guitar and DOM COLES  on drums.  Yes, you’ve got it, this was a special with there being seven of them, proving to be a very exciting evening – well they are never anything else, but exciting – plenty of exuberance from these young men.

Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 15th Janauary 2016. (LtoR) Ben Martyn on double bass, Richie Howard on clarinet, Dom Coles on drums, Allen Beechey on cornet, Ian Beetlestone on piano, George Simmonds on trombone and John 'flashback radio' Ruscoe on guitar. Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 15th Janauary 2016. (LtoR) Ben Martyn on double bass, Richie Howard on clarinet, Dom Coles on drums, Allen Beechey on cornet, Ian Beetlestone on piano, George Simmonds on trombone and John ‘flashback radio’ Ruscoe on guitar. Photo by Mike Witt.

Great to see young men playing ‘traditional’ and ‘New Orleans’ music, and this is how the evening went. They played Hanley’s ‘Saint Louis Blues’ (one of Louis Armstrong’s numbers).  My next choice to mention is ‘Shake That Thing’ of Kid Ory’s Creole Jazz Band fame and they played it absolutely brilliantly, What a front line.   it sure got everyone up to dance.  Then they played a jazzed up version of ‘Just a Little While To Stay Here’, giving it a lot of light and shade – showing their maturity with this music – wonderful.

Ben Martyn plays double bass with his Martyn Brothers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 15th January 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Ben Martyn plays double bass with his Martyn Brothers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 15th January 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club on 15th Janauary 2016. (LtoR) Ben Martyn on double bass, Richie Howard on clarinet, Dom Coles on drums, Allen Beechey on cornet, George Simmonds on trombone and John 'flashback radio' Ruscoe on guitar. Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club on 15th January 2016. (LtoR) Ben Martyn on double bass, Richie Howard on clarinet, Dom Coles on drums, Allen Beechey on cornet, George Simmonds on trombone and John ‘flashback radio’ Ruscoe on guitar. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Richie Howard plays clarinet with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz club on 15th January 2016. (just visible - Ian Beetlestone on piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

Richie Howard plays clarinet with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 15th January 2016. (just visible – Ian Beetlestone on piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

Ben sang and played the piano to his own song ‘My Heart stays In New Orleans’. Not having had a piano with them here before, we had never seen him play one.  It was lovely to see his other ‘bow’.  With the next number, we were up instantly and on the dance floor for our line-dance – ‘Cheek To Cheek’ of course – fantastic.  The ‘engine boys’ certainly did their bit.  Then George sang ‘I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead You Rascal You’ and what a song, one of those ‘in your face’ songs and George made a great job with it.

Martyn Bros @ Farnborough, Kent 15jan2016. The 'engine' (LtoR) Dom Coles on drums, Ian Beetlestone on piano and John 'Flashback Radio' Ruscoe. (up front) Allen Beechey on cornet and George Simmonds on trombone. Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Bros @ Farnborough, Kent 15jan2016. The ‘engine’ (LtoR) Dom Coles on drums, Ian Beetlestone on piano and John ‘Flashback Radio’ Ruscoe. (up front) Allen Beechey on cornet and George Simmonds on trombone. Photo by Mike Witt.

‘Brown Ale Pete’ (Peter Marr) sings with the Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club on 15th January 2016. (Ian Beetlestone on piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

‘Brown Ale Pete’ (Peter Marr) sings with the Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club on 15th January 2016. (Ian Beetlestone on piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

Then Ben called ‘Brown Ale Pete’ (Peter Marr) out of the audience to sing.  Pete chose to sing ‘Rosetta’, it is times like this, I so wished I was recording.  Pete is such a lovely character and sings so well.  Ben followed on with singing ‘The Glory Of Love’, another wonderful singer (oh so many great jazz singers about).  Well, George ended the evening singing a Dixieland number (from the film The Jungle Book’) ‘I Wan’na Be Like You’.  It was Louis Prima and his New Orleans Gang that made this brilliant tune, with the cartoon emulating what he and the boys did whilst playing it.  You can see some rare footage of this and the story behind it, click on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV8HrpOu1FA   Young George was fabulous singing it too.  Thanks Martyn Boys, for making my birthday such a wonderful one, even though it was actually three days before.  Well, when you get to my age (thirty-several and a bit more) you are glad to reach another one.

Nothing like ‘live’ jazz and great a younger generation is enjoying playing it too.

Diane & Keith

‘Cheek to Cheek’ by Irving Berlin (1935)
‘I Wanna Be Like You’ – Robert & Richard Sherman (1967)
‘I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead You Rascal You’ – Lovin’ Sam Thaird (1929)
‘Just a Little While to Stay Here’ – Eugene Monroe Bartlett (1884-1941)
‘My Heart stays In New Orleans – Ben Martyn (
‘Rosetta’ – (m) Earl Hines, (l) Henri Woode (1928/1933/1935)
‘Saint Louis Blues’ – W.C. Hanley (1914)
‘Shake That Thing’- ‘Papa’ Charlie Jackson (1925)
‘The Glory Of Love’ – Billy Hill (1936)

P.S. I’m sure you will enjoy this watercolour cartoon painting of Keith’s for me.  He’s brilliant, isn’t he.  Do you like my nobbly  knees?  I said he had given me bigger feet than his.  He said of course, I dance more than him – ha. Diane

Keith's watercolour painting for Diane's birthday 12Jan2016 (Keith always paints his greetings cards for Diane!)

Keith’s watercolour cartoon painting for Diane’s birthday 12Jan2016 (Keith always paints his greetings cards for Diane!)

GOOD FRIDAY with ‘Martyn Brothers Jazz Band’, 3rd April 2015

Ben Martyn, (d.bass) of Martyn Brothers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Ben Martyn, (d.bass) of Martyn Brothers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Ben Martyn, (d.bass) of Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 3Apr2015 Photo by Mike Witt

Ben Martyn, (d.bass) of Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015.    Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers Jazz Band. Ben & Emile Martyn (d.bass & drums), Alan Beechey (trumpet), Jeff Williams (trombone), Adrian Cox (clarinet), & JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE (guitar) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers Jazz Band. Ben & Emile Martyn (d.bass & drums), Alan Beechey (trumpet), Jeff Williams (trombone), Adrian Cox (clarinet), & JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE (guitar) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Yes, we opened on Easter Good Friday, 3rd April 2015 although we were worried, having received so many phone calls, to say many of you were going away on your Easter break. However, we had that talented young bunch of musicians who make up the ‘MARTYN BROTHERS JAZZ BAND’ and were pleasantly surprised by a large appreciative audience. BEN MARTYN (d.bass &vocals) and EMILE MARTYN (drums) were joined by ALLEN BEECHEY (trumpet), JEFF WILLIAMS (trombone) and JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE (guitar). Unfortunately, JULIAN WEBSTER GREAVES had been taken ill and was unable to make the gig. But what came out of that upset, was a wonderful bit of excitement to add to the Martyn Magic – the magic of ADRIAN COX (clarinet).

Allen Beechey (trumpet) with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Allen Beechey (trumpet) with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Adrian Cox (clarinet) enjoys guesting with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Adrian Cox (clarinet) enjoys guesting with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

What better way could we start the Easter Holidays? They began the evening with ’St. James’ Infirmary’ and Jeff sang, plus he played a mean trombone too and wow, what a wonderful blast from all of them. Jeff followed on with singing a Ruth Etting number, ‘All of Me’, what a great jazz voice he has – strong. I must also tell you about the fabulous magic they produced with ‘St. Louis Blues’, especially Adrian, well they were all superb. Ben sang ‘Shaking That Thing’, which brought on the dancers (I don’t think there were many people left off the floor either!). It was then we were given a lovely Easter treat, with the band asking for ‘Brown Ale Pete’ (Peter Marr) to join them and sing, it was the first we knew Pete could do so and he chose to sing Bing Crosby’s ‘Easter Parade’ (Did you see the film that morning? Fabulous). Thanks for this Pete, you were great.

Peter Mar stars, singing 'Easter Parade' with Martyn Brothers. Ben & Emile Martyn (d.bass & drums), Alan Beechey (trumpet), Jeff Williams (trombone), Adrian Cox (clarinet), & JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE (guitar) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Peter Marr stars, singing ‘Easter Parade’ with Martyn Brothers. Ben & Emile Martyn (d.bass & drums), Alan Beechey (trumpet), Jeff Williams (trombone), Adrian Cox (clarinet), & JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE (guitar) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Peter Mar stars, singing 'Easter Parade' with Martyn Brothers. Ben & Emile Martyn (d.bass & drums), Alan Beechey (trumpet), Jeff Williams (trombone), Adrian Cox (clarinet), & JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE (guitar) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Peter Marr stars, singing ‘Easter Parade’ with Martyn Brothers. Ben & Emile Martyn (d.bass & drums), Alan Beechey (trumpet), Jeff Williams (trombone), Adrian Cox (clarinet), & JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE (guitar) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

The next number I wish to mention is ‘South of the Border (Down Mexico Way)’ (super guitar John) What a happy song. (I learnt it got to No: 1 spot for Gene Autrey and the composer wrote over 2K songs – including ‘Cokey, Cokey’!) Now to tell you what an exciting drum solo was to follow. Keith was over the moon and couldn’t give enough praise to Emile, the number was ‘Hesitating Blues’. Keith said it is extremely difficult to perform a drum solo to a slow tempo tune, but Emile did it! Next, well I think they know ‘Cheek To Cheek’ is somewhat of a favorite of the club, so they just had to play it again for us, and so we performed our line-dance.

Their old friend, Norman Grodentz, also joined them on clarinet for their next number ‘Bourbon Street Parade’. Adrian gave us a song and they all played with such excitement, just simply brilliant (gotta mention Allen in particular).

Martyn Brothers Jazz Band. Ben & Emile Martyn (d.bass & drums), Alan Beechey (trumpet), Jeff Williams -note his famous boots (trombone), Adrian Cox (clarinet), & JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE (guitar) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers Jazz Band. Ben & Emile Martyn (d.bass & drums), Alan Beechey (trumpet), Jeff Williams (trumpet -note his famous boots- tap picture for close-up) ,Adrian Cox (clarinet), & JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE (guitar) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Adrian Cox and Norman Grodentz (clarinets) with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Adrian Cox and Norman Grodentz (clarinets) with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 3rd April 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Our last number was sung by Ben (and joined by the audience too), namely ‘Down By the Riverside’. Well, I cannot emphasize what a beautiful evening it was and as an old friend of ours used to say, ‘Did you miss an evening!’

Diane and Keith

‘All of Me’ – Gerald Marks & Seymour Simons (1931)
‘Bourbon Street Parade’ – Paul Barbarin (c. 1953)
‘Cheek to Cheek’ – Irving Berlin (1935) for film ‘Top Hat’
‘Down By the Riverside (Study War No More)’ – traditional/Gospel song first published 1918
‘Easter Parade’ – Irving Berlin (1933)
‘Hesitating Blues’ – traditional (one version by W.C. Handy – another by Smythe, Middleton & Gillham)
‘Shake That Thing’ – Papa Charlie Jackson (circa 1925)
South of the Border (Down Mexico Way)’ – Jimmy Kennedy & Michael Carr (1939)
‘St. Louis Blues’ – W.C. Handy (1914)
‘St. James’ Infirmary’ – circa 18th century folk song – credited to Irving Mills (1928)

‘Martyn Brothers Jazz Band’, 6th February 2015

Emile Martyn (he is a 'Hot drummer') of Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 6Feb2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Emile Martyn drummer) of Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 6Feb2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Bassist Ben Martyn of Martyn Brothers, Farmborough Jazz Club, Kent 6 Feb 2015

Bassist Ben Martyn of Martyn Brothers, Farmborough Jazz Club, Kent 6 Feb 2015

The Marvelous ‘MARTYN BROTHERS JAZZ BAND’ were here again at the Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 6th February 2015. This very talented group of young musicians, are co-led by brothers, Emile and Ben (sons of band leader, Barry Martyn, who now lives in New Orleans). BEN MARTYN (double bass &vocals) and EMILE MARTYN (drums) were joined by ALLEN BEECHEY (trumpet), JULIAN WEBSTER GREAVES (sax, harmonica &vocals), GEORGE SIMMONS (trombone), JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE (guitar).

Martyn Bothers play Hot Jazz at at Farnborough Jazz Club, 6th February 2015. With Ben Martyn (d bass &vocs) Emile Martyn (drums), Allen Beechey (trumpet), George Simmons (tombone), Julian Webstr Greaves (sax) & John Ruscoe (guitar). Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Bothers play Hot Jazz at at Farnborough Jazz Club, 6th February 2015. With Ben Martyn (d bass &vocs) Emile Martyn (drums), Allen Beechey (trumpet), George Simmons (trombone), Julian Webstr Greaves (sax) & John Ruscoe (guitar). Photo by Mike Witt.

I just love this band and knew they would entertain you all big time. I did say it’ll be a ‘live music wow’ and I wasn’t wrong. They play a super variety of music and make it very difficult for me to choose to tell you what they played!

Although not their first tune, Julian was brilliant singing and playing harmonica to ‘I Hear My Train A Comin’, with great solos from everyone, especially John on guitar. The audience just loved it.

 

JOHN 'flashback radio' RUSCOE with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 6th February 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

JOHN ‘flashback radio’ RUSCOE with Martyn Brothers at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 6th February 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers' front line Allen Beechey (trumpet), George Simmons (trombone) & Julian Webster Greaves (sax) @ Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 6th February 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Martyn Brothers’ front line Allen Beechey (trumpet), George Simmons (trombone) & Julian Webster Greaves (sax) @ Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 6th February 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Next came Ben singing ‘Walk Right In’ and rest of front line joined in singing. I must also mention ‘St Louis Blues’, they were all fabulous and certainly there was plenty of dancing. Young George took a turn with singing and chose ‘I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead You Rascal You’. Well done George, you were great. Then Julian continued with his feature tune, which was ‘Hoots Mon’ and what a hoot. What can one say about Julian, he is just so special and plays sax a dream and have just one word for him – exceptional.

Now to follow that with Allen’s special – his own composition, ‘Allen’s Blues’. I had put an asterisk by the side of my notes for this one, which means ‘a must’ to mention, being ‘wow’ (well I did mention that word at the beginning). His trumpet was fabulous and he sang too.

Allen Beechey (talented trumpeter) of Martyn Brothers @ Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 6th February 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Allen Beechey (talented trumpeter) of Martyn Brothers @ Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 6th February 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

By the way, Allen had travelled from New York TODAY, what a trooper aye?  ‘Hindustan’ was next and again I have to put that word ‘fabulous’. Sorry to be repetitive, but it was! I just love the next one ‘Dancing Cheek to Cheek’ and then ‘I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream’ was the number we chose to do our ‘line-dance’, think there was seven or eight of us.

Ben was off to New Orleans in a few days, so chose to play his own composition ‘I’ll Watch the Moon’ (the moon being the same wherever you are on our planet). Our thanks to all in the band for a great bit of entertainment (they will return Easter’s Good Friday, 3rd April 2015 – think of all those luscious Easter Eggs in the raffle – hmmm, I’ll have to buy a ticket -ha).

Cheers from Diane and Keith
‘Dancing Cheek to Cheek’ by Irving Berlin
‘Hindustan’ – (m) Harold Weeks, (l) Oliver G Wallace (1917)
‘Hoots Mon’ – Harry McCloud Robertson (Lord Rockingham) (1957)
‘I Hear My Train a Coming’ – Jimi Hendrix (circa 1967)
‘I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream’ – Howard Johnson, Billy Moll & Robert A. K. King
‘I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead You Rascal You’ – Lovin’ Sam Thaird (1929)
‘I’ll Watch the Moon’ – Ben Martyn (2004)
‘Allen’s Blues’ – Allen Beechey (1915)
‘St Louis Blues’ – W.C. Handy (1914)
‘Walk Right In’ – Gus Cannon & Hosea Woods (1929)

‘Martyn Brothers Jazz Band’, 5 September2014

Martyn Brothers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 25th August 2014.  Photo by Mike Witt

Martyn Brothers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 25th August 2014. Photo by Mike Witt

‘MARTYN BROTHERS JAZZ BAND’ once again,were fabulous when they played for us on Friday, 5th September 2014, here at our Farnborough Jazz Club.  As mentioned before, co-leaders, Emile and Ben, are the sons of that wonderfully flamboyant drummer and band leader, Barry Martyn. Barry moved to New Orleans many years ago, so Emile and Ben were brought up there. BEN MARTYN plays double bass and EMILE MARTYN plays drums (both sing). They were joined by JULIAN WEBSTER GREAVES on sax, harmonica & vocals, JEFF WILLIAMS on trombone & vocals, JOHN ‘radio’ RUSCOE on guitar and HENRI HERBERT on piano (I said last week, Henri is an exciting boogie woogie player and is new to our club).  It was a brilliant evening with their unique style of jazz, combining certainly New Orleans, a little bit of 60’s and a little bit of ‘country’, very entertaining. One of our regular visitors, Mike Witt, took these wonderful photos, which shows just how they ‘delivered’ (shame the ‘band’ one misses Emile and Henri and only got Ben’s head, but thanks a mill’ Mike, for taking the photos). Oh again, how I wished we had filmed some of the evening. I have so much going on in my private life and if things were normal, we would have booked someone regularly to film for us. But there you go, disappointingly we haven’t.  So here’s how the evening went, although as usual, I’m finding it so difficult to pick out the numbers to tell you about, as all were good.  I have by-passed some great numbers (as they were played by other bands recently) and move forward to mention they played ‘Statesboro Blues’. Julian was on harmonica and also sang and what a number. Julian is another extremely talented musician. Henri was to feature next with ‘Sweet Lorraine’. I’m not sure how old he is (he seemed very unassuming), but boy, oh boy, can he play the ivories – he certainly has a voice there! ‘Pennies From Heaven’ followed next, with Jeff’s great singing, then Ben joined in singing in a high pitch. I’m sure he has been having lessons from his 10mth-old baby (Lorelai) great fun Ben. The number to come next was a rip roaring number ‘Oh Marie’, to which Emile lent his vocalisation to (yep, he also has a great voice).  The pièce de résistance was Julian playing sax, whilst moving all around the club, up on the table (see photo for evidence) and then sitting on Susan’ lap (sorry Susan, no photo), definitely one of the highlights of the evening.  See photos for evidence!!

Julian Webster Greaves in action at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, 5th September 2014, with Martyn Brothers Jazz Band.   Photo by Mike Witt

Julian Webster Greaves in action at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, 5th September 2014, with Martyn Brothers Jazz Band.
Photo by Mike Witt

Julian Webster Greaves in action at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, 5th September 2014, with Martyn Brothers Jazz Band.   Photo by Mike Witt

Julian Webster Greaves in action at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, 5th September 2014, with Martyn Brothers Jazz Band.
Photo by Mike Witt

Another popular song ‘St. Louis Blues’ lured the dancers out on the floor (I recall they mixed a bit of Glen Miller’s ‘Pennsylvania 6500’). Then before the dancers could return to their seats, with Ben singing, they played ‘You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie)’ and so were lured back to dance some more. Would you believe it, the same happening with ‘Honest I do’. I’m sure you were all exhausted, but exhilarated.  Ben sang again – he has a marvellous voice and it is obvious from my description, the band played (without a break) as a marathon! What followed sounded like a big band when playing ‘Lester Leaps In’. Emile performed a marvellous drum solo (although I called out ‘Keep practising Emile’ – joking of course). Henri gave us a fabulous exhibition of his own composition ‘Henri’s Blues’ (see there’s where we needed to film), thank you Henri. [Since writing these words, I asked Ben what year did he write it and have just learnt Henri wrote it that evening – now that’s talent. We will have to have a copy of the song on our website, when he records it.]  ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ (surely chosen, being eleven years to the day of Johnny Cash’s death) came next. I danced with Gordon and am sure I lost a few pounds of fat. An explosive number. Julian played harmonica and sang next. His American lady friend came to hear the band, so they played this one, ‘Route 66’, to make her feel at home. I don’t think there are many people who dislikes hearing that number either, especially how they perform it. They began the second set with ‘The Sheik of Arabi’ sung by Ben. We chose to do our line dancing. Marie-Ann and Susan were doing something different to the rest of us and Ben asked me ‘aren’t you suppose to do the same thing’. I told him they were already on ‘the advanced course’, ha. Well, I was unable to choose any fewer numbers (sorry boys, to give too much away for your other gigs). What another ‘wow’ session. Cannot lose this club, can we.

Diane and Keith

‘Folsom Prison Blues’ – Johnny Cash (1955)
‘Henri’s Blues’ – Henri Herbert (5thSeptember 2014)
‘Lester Leaps In’ – Lester Young (1939)
‘Oh! Marie’- (m) Eduardo Di Capua, (l) Vincenzo Russo (circa 1890) (l) Louis Prima version (1958)
‘Pennies From Heaven’ – (m) Arthur Johnston, (l) Johnny Burke (1936)
‘Route 66’ – Bobby Troup (1946)
‘Saint Louis Blues’ – W.C. Hanley (1914)   inspired the Foxtrot
‘Statesboro Blues’ – ‘Blind’ Willie McTell (1928)
‘Sweet Lorraine’ – (m) Cliff Burwell, (l) Mitchell Parish (1928)
‘You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie)’ – Chuck Berry 1964
‘You Send Me’ – Sam Cooke (1959)