Monthly Archives: October 2014

Limehouse Jazzband, 24th October 2014

Robert Duis Leader, 1st Cornet Limehouse Jazzband

Leader,  ROBERT DUIS, 1st Cornet
The Limehouse Jazzband from Holland

Dank Limehouse Jazzband voor een zeer plezierige tijd.

LIMEHOUSE JAZZBAND, a 10piece band from Holland, returned to play for us limeys here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on Friday, 24th October 2014 as part of their 2014 Tour. They have included us in their tours since 2008 (possibly earlier – I’m still unable to access an old computer at present). Robert is such a great personality, with a wonderful sense of humour and super with intros.

LIMEHOUSE JAZZBAND on 2014 Tour - from Holland (Limers) play at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK (Limeys) on 24th October 2014. Band: ROBERT DUIS (cnt1&ldr), GUIDO CORNET(cnt2&tutr), RUUD PETRI(trb), HENRI GIEBELS(tnrsx, clt&vocs), WILLEM HELLBREKER(alt sx1&clt), MARTEN DE NES(alt sx2&clt), SIR WIL VAN SCHAIK(bj), LOUËS HOUET(pno), PIETER VOS(tba) & ROB BAKKER(pctn, wshb&voc). Photo: Mike Witt

LIMEHOUSE JAZZBAND on 2014 Tour – from Holland (Limers) play at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK (Limeys) on 24th October 2014. Band:  ROBERT DUIS (cnt1&ldr), GUIDO CORNET(cnt2&tutr), RUUD PETRI(trb),  HENRI GIEBELS(tnrsx, clt&vocs), WILLEM HELLBREKER(alt sx1&clt), MARTEN DE NES(alt sx2&clt), SIR WIL VAN SCHAIK(bj), LOUËS HOUET(pno), PIETER VOS(tba) & ROB BAKKER(pctn, wshb&voc).    Photo: Mike Witt

The lineup has changed a bit since their last visit. ROBERT DUIS was first cornet and leader (for the last time), with GUIDO CORNET on second cornet and tutor (what a great name for a cornetist aye). Plus RUUD PETRI on trombone, HENRI GIEBELS on tenor sax, clarinet and vocals. Also WILLEM HELLBREKER was on first alto sax and clarinet, plus MARTEN DE NES on second alto sax and clarinet. Then there was SIR WIL VAN SCHAIK on banjo, LOUËS HOUET on piano and PIETER VOS on tuba and last to mention, but by no means least, ROB BAKKER on percussion, washboard and vocals.

LIMEHOUSE JAZZBAND on 2014 Tour - from Holland (Limers) play at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK (Limeys) on 24th October 2014. Band: ROBERT DUIS (cnt1&ldr), GUIDO CORNET(cnt2&tutr), RUUD PETRI(trb), HENRI GIEBELS(tnrsx, clt&vocs), WILLEM HELLBREKER(alt sx1&clt), MARTEN DE NES(alt sx2&clt), SIR WIL VAN SCHAIK(bj), LOUËS HOUET(pno), PIETER VOS(tba) & ROB BAKKER(pctn, wshb&voc). Photo: Mike Witt

LIMEHOUSE JAZZBAND on 2014 Tour – from Holland (Limers) play at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK (Limeys) on 24th October 2014. Band: ROBERT DUIS (cnt1&ldr), GUIDO CORNET(cnt2&tutr), RUUD PETRI(trb), HENRI GIEBELS(tnrsx, clt&vocs), WILLEM HELLBREKER(alt sx1&clt), MARTEN DE NES(alt sx2&clt), SIR WIL VAN SCHAIK(bj), LOUËS HOUET(pno), PIETER VOS(tba) & ROB BAKKER(pctn, wshb&voc). Photo: Mike Witt

My notes were sparse, so will not depict their whole picture. Unfortunately, the band were held up for hours at the Dartford Bridge crossing, so were unable to swing by their hotel to sign in before going to play at London’s ‘Spice of Life’. Robert asked me to get in touch with the hotel to confirm their booking, knowing they would not arrive there much before 1.00am. However, I spent an hour trying to obtain contact (trying all sorts of things, including email!). You have to realise, they had ten rooms booked and didn’t want to lose them! Save to say, I missed the first section completely! But I do know, the band did not show any tiredness from their horrible journey, remember they had also played lunchtime too.

Willem Hellbreker takes a (brilliant) solo with Limehouse Jazzband at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent (UK) on 24th October 2014. (+l2r) Henri Giebels, & Marten de Nes. Photo: Mike Witt

Willem Hellbreker takes a (brilliant) solo with Limehouse Jazzband at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent (UK) on 24th October 2014. (+l2r) Henri Giebels, & Marten de Nes. Photo: Mike Witt

Now what can I tell you of their repertoire?   I do recall Robert announcing a special dedication to the Chinese restaurant they had a meal at, here in Farnborough Village – the song? ‘Shanghai Shuffle’, of course. Lovely one boys. The next number I had noted was ‘Save It Pretty Mama’. It has a lovely beat, so certainly brought on the dancers. ‘Borneo’ is another fun number (by the way, was recorded by The Muppets), followed by another Fox Trot (yes, dancers on again) ‘Chloe, (Song of the Swamp)’. We were all asked what we wanted them to play next, ‘Three Blind Mice’, or ‘Krazy Kat’ and we yelled out ‘Krazy Kat’. Certainly a bit of fun, both Bix Beiderbecke numbers. Duke Ellington’s ‘The Mooche’ came next, with Fats Waller’s ‘Looking Good, But Feeling Bad’, which was certainly one for our line-dance (performed by three of us, yes I said three, still, it gives us a little laugh). But then the next number lured all dancers on the floor with Fletcher Henderson’s number, ‘Hot Mustard’. Then McKinneys’s Cotton Pickers’ Fox Trot ‘Plain Dirt’ certainly continued to give the dancers more enjoyment. What a nice thought from their last tune, when announced as ‘Christmas in Farnborough’, obviously Louis Armstrong’s ‘Christmas in New Orleans’. Of course, in return, ledereen bij ons Farnborough Jazz Club wenst de Limehouse Jazzband een zeer fijne feestdagen en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar.

As an extra surprise, we had also arranged for them to appear at the Orpington Conservative Club on Saturday, 25th October 2014. Not a huge audience, but none-the-less, they performed with the same warmth and everyone enjoyed the concert. It had already been announced that Robert, after 12years as their leader, was retiring (Pieter Vos will be leader). So Robert, het was een genoegen te hebben gehad dat je speelt voor ons op onze Farnborough Jazz Club over meerdere jaren. Keith en ik, in het bijzonder, wensen u een lang en ontspannen pensioen. Blijf goed en wel om u te hebben gekend. We hopen te ontmoeten met u, als we winnen de Euro Loterij – hmmm. Liefs en kusjes van ons limeys om alles wat je Limers. xx

Listen to Marten de Nes’ recording of Hushabye’ on You Tube: http://youtu.be/-Yx-H9k4yWU

‘Borneo’ – Walter Donaldson (1928)
‘Chloe (Song of the Swamp)’ – (m) Charles N. Daniels, (aka Neil Moret, (l) Gus Khan (1927)
‘Christmas in New Orleans’ – Joe Van Winkle, Richard M. Sherman (1952 ?)
‘Hot Mustard’ – Fletcher Henderson (1926)
‘Krazy Kat’ – Frank Trumbauer & Chauncey Morehouse (1927)
‘Looking Good, But Feeling Bad’ Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller & Lester A. Santly (1929)
‘Plain Dirt’ – C. Stanton (1929)
‘Save It Pretty Mama’ – Don Redman, Joseph M. Davis & Paul Denniker (1929)
‘Shanghai Shuffle’ – Larry Conley & Gene Rodemich (1924)
‘The Mooche’ – Duke Ellington & Irving Mills (1928)
‘Three Blind Mice’ – Frank Trumbauer & Chauncey Morehouse (1927)

 NB: See photos of some of them (& 100 club) in ‘page’ ‘Limehouse Jazzband, Holland, 2014 Tour’ above.

Arrangers:

PETER STOVE (NL) / MAURO PORRO (I) / ATTILA KORB (HU) / MALO MAZURIE (F) / BERT BRANDSMA (NL) / HENRI GIEBELS (NL).

Limehouse  Jazzband  to appear at Caveaudela Huchette, Paris 4-6 November 2014 (photo taken 16may2010)

Limehouse Jazzband to appear at Caveaudela Huchette, Paris 4-6 November 2014 (photo taken 16may2010)

 

Cheers everybody, from us Limeys

Diane and Keith

‘Bob Dwyer’s Bix & Pieces’, 17th October 2014

‘BOB DWYER’S BIX & PIECES’ once again ‘delivered the goods’ at the Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on Friday, 17th October 2014. What a lovely band this is. They are so relaxed with one-another, playing everything from HOT jazz, to romantic waltzes, Latin American and rock-n-roll. Yes, music for both dancers AND the connoisseurs alike.   Leader BOB (trombone & vocals) had booked the usual band members, MAX EMMONS (trumpet, harmonica & vocals), BERNIE HOLDEN (clarinet & sax), HUGH CROZIER (piano & vocals), JOHN BAYNE (double bass & bass sax), NICK SINGER (banjo & vocals) and LAURIE CHESCOE (drums).

Bob Dywer's Bix & Pieces at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 17th October 2014. Photo by Mike Witt

Bob Dywer’s Bix & Pieces at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 17th October 2014.     Photo by Mike Witt

Their first number was rather unusual, as it is usually played by most bands at the end!  ‘Go On Out of Here (and Go On Home)’. Now that shows confidence the audience would not comply, ha.  Next, John played bass sax, or as I call it ‘Big Bertha’ (John said he has never heard anyone else call it that).  He played ‘Fidgety Feet’, what a maestro.   Another number to mention was ‘I’m Coming Virginia’, to which Bernie gave a delightful clarinet intro’ to.

 

Bob Dwyer's Bix & Pieces at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 17th October 2014.    Photo By Mike Witt

Bob Dwyer’s Bix & Pieces at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 17th October 2014. Photo By Mike Witt

They chose to play ‘That Da Da Strain’ in which Laurie had a special feature on drums, wow can he play, well he wasn’t with the Alex Welsh for nothing.

Laurie Chescoe (drums) (with Bob Dwyer's Bix & Pieces) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 17th October 2014.    Photo By Mike Witt

Laurie Chescoe (drums) with Bob Dwyer’s Bix & Pieces                            at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 17th October 2014.                            Photo By Mike Witt

Nick joined the frontline with ‘Snag it’. He has a brilliant voice and Keith remarked how he sounded (and looked a little) like Seasick Sid. Only a little bit Nick, but you’re wonderfully entertaining too. One of my favourite numbers by this band is ‘Rebecca, Rebecca, Get Your Big Legs Off of Me’’. Max plays harmonica and also sings, well you should hear him sing it, he is super too.

 

Nick Singer (banjo) with Bob Dwyers Bix & Pieces at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 17th October 2014. Photo By Mike Witt

Nick Singer (banjo) with Bob Dwyers Bix & Pieces                                    at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 17th October 2014.                          Photo By Mike Witt

 

Keith Grant has sit-in on drums with Bob Dwyer's Bix & Pieces at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 17th October 2014.  Photo by Mike Witt

Keith Grant has sit-in on drums with Bob Dwyer’s Bix & Pieces   at Farnborough Jazz Club, 17th October 2014.                           Photo by Mike Witt

During the interval, Laurie (who had never heard Keith play drums before), said to him, ‘Why don’t you have a sit-in’? Anyway, Bob called Keith up to play ‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie’. Keith did extremely well, considering he hasn’t played for a year and not on his own drum kit AND after Laurie’s special too. They even gave him solos. Thanks Laurie, for asking him. I managed to video a couple of numbers (obviously Keith’s number included, hmmm).

 

Hugh Crozier (piano) and John Bayne (double bass) with 'Bob Dwyer's Bix & Pieces' at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 17th October 2014.  Photo by Mike Witt.

Hugh Crozier (piano) and John Bayne (double bass)                                   with ‘Bob Dwyer’s Bix & Pieces’ at Farnborough Jazz Club                             on Friday, 17th October 2014.   Photo by Mike Witt.       

I also videoed Hugh’s feature number. However, his electric piano malfunctioned.  He tried a couple of times more, but had to give up, much to my dismay, because of the video.   These videos will be dark (due to being taken with my old mobile) and will take a little while to upload on this site, but look out for them soon. Max sang the next number ‘I Had a Funny Feeling’. How brilliant he is, also playing harmonica (no, not at the same time-ha). Then I was so pleased to capture on video next the maestro in action playing Big Bertha with ‘Elephant Stomp’, a number I had always hoped to catch on film one day. Then the last number was sung by Bob and played especially for Keith and me. It is a Tommy Dorsey hit number that was written by our very dear friend, Leslie Baguley (see our tribute page for him), called ‘Nice To Know You Care’ (also video). Everyone was on the dance floor, including Keith and I (both had tears in our eyes). So once again thanks Bob, for learning it. He says he only plays it at Farnborough, but might I suggest playing it elsewhere too, it would help to keep it alive for longer.  To keep all music ‘live’, just support it. So that’s all folks, see you next week with the ‘Limers’ (Limehouse Jazzband).

Cheers (in particular Keith – ha)

Diane and Keith

Footnote:

Keith hasn’t played drums in over a year, not since falling down the stairs and hurting his foot. In the past, he has played with many bands, plus had his own band, ‘The KGB’.  Some of you will remember he was with ‘Mac White and Charlie Connor’s Spirit of Bechet’ (Mac, who could play eight different instruments, mainly clarinet, was with ‘The Temperance Seven’, ‘The Pacedena Roof Orchestra’ and ‘The Midnight Follies’. However, Keith broke his arm/hands on five different occasions, plus I gave him concussion on those five different occasions, due to hitting him – well!  Only joking.

‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me’ – Charles McCarron, Casey Morgan & Arthur Swanstrom (1919)
‘Elephant Stomp’ – Al Ferreri & Yannick Singery (circa 1953)
‘Fidgety Feet’ – Nick LaRocca & Larry Shields (1919)
‘Go On Out of Here (and Go On Home)’ – Buddy Bolden (need to check later if he wrote it and when)
‘I’m Coming Virginia’ – (m) Donald Heywood, (l) Will Marion Cook (1927)
‘Nice To Know You Care’ – (m) Leslie Baguley, (l) Norman Newell (1947)
‘Rebecca, Rebecca, Get Your Big Legs Off of Me’ – Pete K.H. Johnson & Big Joe Turner (circa 1938)
‘Snag It’ – Joe’King’ Oliver (1928)
‘That Da Da Strain’ – (m) Edgar Dowell, (l) Mamie Medina (1922)

Les Hanscombe’s Tailgate Jazz Band, 10th October 2014

LES HANSCOMBE’S TAILGATE JAZZ BAND entertained us at our Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 10th October 2014. Unfortunately, they had a horrendous journey to us, taking an hour to get over the QE2 Bridge, caused by road works. BRIAN GILES was to have been on trumpet, but did not make it due to personal problems. However, the rest of the band were band leader LES, who plays magical trombone, BRIAN HART on reeds, BRIAN STAPELY on drums (yep, would have been three Brian’s!), DEREK PRING on sousaphone, plus OLLIE BENSON on banjo & guitar. Although our old friend Brian Giles was missing, the band were superb.

LES HANSCOMBE’S TAILGATE JAZZ BAND at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent), 10th October 2014. leader LES, who plays magical trombone, BRIAN HART (reeds) BRIAN STAPEL (drums) (yep, with Brian Giles, it would have been 3 Brian’s!), DEREK PRING (sousaphone) and OLLIE BENSON (banjo & guitar.

LES HANSCOMBE’S TAILGATE JAZZ BAND at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent), 10th October 2014. leader LES, who plays magical trombone, BRIAN HART (reeds) BRIAN STAPEL (drums) (yep, with Brian Giles, it would have been 3 Brian’s!), DEREK PRING (sousaphone) and OLLIE BENSON (banjo & guitar. Photo by Mike Witt

It was very difficult for them, because they had chosen the repertoire to include a trumpet, but you wouldn’t have guessed, they were so relaxed. The numbers they chose to play instead (at short notice) was wonderful and again, has made it difficult for me to choose what not to include in this newsletter (I don’t like to give too much of their repertoire away). However, here is a little insight into the evening. I missed the name of their first number, so I begin with ‘Saratoga Swing’, a super Duke Ellington number. This was followed by ‘Exactly Like You’ sung by Ollie. I noticed Brian (H) played tenor sax and with Derek on sousaphone, made it a fabulous number. As for ‘Georgia’, Les sang it beautifully and was a lovely one to include. It brought on a few dancers. Then Les sang ‘I’ve Got a Feeling, I’m Falling’, which brought practically everyone onto the dance floor, being a lovely 1920’s tempo. ‘All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm’ was another fabulous 1920’s sound and on came our line-dancers, well, all three of us! But then ‘My Dear Mr Shane’ (Oops sorry, that is my title for the song) or to give its correct name ‘Bei Mir Bist Du Shon’ did bring on our line-dancers, excluding me (are they trying to tell me something, ha). I was jiving with Steve – phew, pretty fast stuff, especially as it was featuring Brian (S) on drums (fabulous).

LES HANSCOMBE’S TAILGATE JAZZ BAND at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent), 10th October 2014. leader LES, who plays magical trombone, was joined by BRIAN HART (reeds) BRIAN STAPEL (drums) (yep, with Brian Giles, it would have been 3 Brian’s!), DEREK PRING (sousaphone) and OLLIE BENSON (banjo & guitar). Trumpeter John Longley kindly 'sat in' on a few numbers. Photo by Mike Witt.

LES HANSCOMBE’S TAILGATE JAZZ BAND at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent), 10th October 2014. leader LES, who plays magical trombone, was joined by BRIAN HART (reeds) BRIAN STAPEL (drums) (yep, with Brian Giles, it would have been 3 Brian’s!), DEREK PRING (sousaphone) and OLLIE BENSON (banjo & guitar). Trumpeter John Longley kindly ‘sat in’ on a few numbers. Photo by Mike Witt.

Trumpeter John Longley was in our audience, who has his own band, the ‘Halstead Hotshots’ and plays regularly (this and every 2nd Tuesday each month, 2.00-4.00pm) at the Cock Inn, Halstead, Kent. Anyway, he joined the band for a few numbers, one being ‘When It’s Darkness on the Delta’. John sang and showed he also has a super voice. I just loved the following Glen Miller number, ‘Little Man Who Wasn’t There’. What a fabulous number, sung by Les. We were nearing the end of the evening, so they chose to play ‘Get Out Of here and Go On Home’ (again sung by John) and if the band thought they were going on home, they had another think coming, because the audience yelled for “more”. Of course they did give more, playing their hearts out with ‘Dallas Blues’. So there, you’ve got it, another Friday evening of ‘live’ jazz which was certainly enjoyed by everyone present. We do have so much fun dancing which keeps one fit AND you can forget all problems of the week, so why not join us next Friday. We have that hugely popular band ‘Bob Dwyer’s Bix & Pieces’ back again.

Signing off –

Your hosts,

Diane & Keith.

‘All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm’ – Walter Jurmann, Gus Kahn & Bronislau Kaper (1937)
‘Bei Mir Bist Du Shon’ – (m) Sholom Secunda, (l) Jacob Jacobs (1937).
                                                             Re-written by Sammy Cahn & Saul Chaplin (1937)
‘Dallas Blues’ – Hart A. Wand (1912)
‘Exactly Like You’ – (m) Jimmy McHugh, (l) Dorothy Fields (1930)
‘Georgia on My Mind’ – (m) Hoagy Carmichael, (l) Stuart Gorrell (1930)
‘Go On Out Of Here’ – Buddy Bolden (need to check later if he wrote it – anybody tell me?)
‘I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling’ – Fats Waller (1929)
‘Little Man Who Wasn’t There’ – Harold Adamson and Bernie Hanighen (1939)
Adapted from poem ‘Antigonish’ by Prof.Hughes Mearns (1899)
‘Saratoga Swing’ – Duke Ellington (1929)
‘When It’s Darkness on the Delta’ – (m) Jerry Levington, Marty Symes, (l) Al J.Neiburg) (1932)