What a Swell Party This Was - celebrating Lily Veitch's 90th @ Blaydon Jazz Club.

Ruth Lambert (vcl); Paul Edis (pno); Mick Shoulder (bs); John Hirst (dms); Roly Veitch & Jim Birkett (gtrs); Steve Andrews (ten). There can't be too many 90 year olds among the jazz fraternity although there are quite a few who look as if they're but a few years short of the century. However, Lily Veitch isn't one of them. Lily carries her years well and never more so than tonight at the family and friends celebration at Blaydon Jazz Club. Perhaps it was a legacy of her earlier years when she performed in a dance troupe (3rd from left in b&w photo) that drew Lily to the music. Coupled with her son's jazz life as a guitarist and singer possibly it was ineveitable. Whatever, tonight; fans, friends, family, and her son's fellow musicians paid tribute in a most enjoyable evening. The Edis Trio set the standard with The Touch of Your Lips and Joyspring. Classic piano trio work that set things up for Ruth Lambert and Falling In Love With Love, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, No Moon At All and Devil May Care. The trio also played a couple of originals dedicated to Bird and Bach. This brought us up to buffet time and what a sunptuous spread was laid before us! There was much chat among fans and musicians who not only came to pay their respects to Lily but also to show their support for Roly and his endeavours to keep jazz afloat in Blaydon. Many residents don't realise the unique gem they have in their midst - just wish we had the like in Jarrow and Hebburn. After the cutting of the cake, Roly and Jim Birkett played a mini duo set comprising John Lewis' Skating in Central Park and All The Things You Are. Absolutely delightful is the interplay between these two master craftsmen.

Next up was Steve Andrews. Sadly we only had time for a chorus of Honeysuckle Rose before the number 11 bus beckoned - apologies Steve it wasn't a reflection - what I heard sounded good. So a grand night was had by all. Photos from Jerry Edis. Lance.

Party Postscript...

...after Honeysuckle Rose, which featured a bowed bass solo, it was all aboard for Skylark, described by Steve Andrews as “one of Hoagy Carmichael’s better tunes – and who were we to disagree? After Steve’s stately dismount from the stage drew a second round of applause, it was back to Ruth and the trio for My Romance and How High the Moon. Fine vocals and typically good solos in the encore, West Coast Blues, brought this wonderful evening to a close: congrats Lily, and thanks, Roly (and all at Blaydon Jazz Club).

Jerry.