When Harry (Connick jr.) Met Roly (Veitch).

Keith Crombie's 'Jazz Cafe', still going strong in Newcastle, is the stuff of legend. Someone should write a book about it. There are countless anecdotes.

One memorable event took place on the 11th June 1993. It was one of those experiences as a musician you never forget.

That evening we had a quartet playing there - Bill Harper pno, Clem Avery bass, Miles Nicholas drms and myself gtr/vcls. Miles was a great drummer who had recently completed the music diploma at Newcastle College, he later emigrated to Australia and I often wonder what happened to him. He had a wonderful ability to 'swing'.

Also present that evening was the very young Paul Booth (with dad Eric) - even then he was amazing.

Well the word had gone round that some of Harry Connick's band may be dropping in for a blow - they had a concert at Newcastle City Hall that same evening. There was a palpable air of anticipation and excitement. Would anything happen?

Well sure enough, later in the evening, some strangers with instrument cases began to appear. The word had gone round too as there was a big crowd  - it was buzzing.

After having a drink and checking out the place they were soon over to chat to the band and keen to play.

I remember first up was a wonderful bop altoist - a tall, handsome negro called Brad Leali. What a great guy he was - he just absolutely loved to play. He actually gave me his contact details and said if ever over in NY to look him up. A year or two later I was watching some American TV show and I saw his name in the credits as MD.

Brad was soon getting the others up to play - the entire saxophone section were there. I don't have the names unfortunately but believe me they were all fantastic - a brilliant baritone player in particular. All they wanted to do was play on all evening.

Some members of the rhythm section came too, among them the guitarist. He just had a brief sit in but we had a long chat about gear etc. His name was Russell Malone - he went on to fame with Diana Krall and now has an international career in his own right.

A bit later in the evening, and in the midst of all this frenetic activity, a hooded figure appeared. Someone trying to hide his identity or just being trendy? Yes - it was Harry.

Eventually he joined in playing some drums, some bass, some piano.  He didn't say much but was there quite a while enjoying the scene before slipping away back to his hotel.

But the sax section played on, and on, and on,  joined by Paul Booth who even then could hold his own.

No one wanted to stop - I remember it was about 2.30 am when things began to wind down a bit. Even then Connick's boys wanted to play on. Phew!

Over the next few days there was quite a bit publicity about it. I dont know who did it but there were photos and write ups in the local press with headlines such as 'Harry drops in for a jam', 'Jammin' with a legend' etc.

So there it was - a memorable experience at the good old Jazz Cafe. I've often wondered about Brad Leali, what is he doing now etc. He was such a lovely person and I think he was the moving force who made it all happen.

Roly.