Patrick Brennan recently came across this article in the Tanfield School Newsletter for Summer 2007 when he was looking into the history of the Phoenix Jazzmen. His former art teacher, Terry Harvey, was a member of the group for a while and brought them to his school (St Joseph's in Hebburn) sometime in the early 60's. It was his first exposure to live jazz.
Lance.
(From the Tanfield School Newsletter - Summer 2007/Photo from Bensons Hotel, Llangollen)
Following the very successful event of the 94th Birthday event in
November 2006, when the above Band entertained us with a tremendous programme
of first class music. The Executive Committee by popular request have engaged
“Carole Clegg & Speakeasy” to be our entertainment Band on Saturday 24th
November 07 (95th Birthday Celebration).
We have never had so many people say how much they enjoyed the evening
entertainment given to us by Carole and Speakeasy last November, and how much
they would like them to come back again if possible (and that’s not including
the enthusiastic fans of Ted Spears and Ed and Brenda Carrington, who were in
great admiration of their dancing). The food will again be in the form of a Hot
and Cold Buffet provided by South Moor Golf Club Catering, we all look forward
to their excellent provision of scrumptious nourishment. It is also very
pleasing that Carole and husband Eric are members of the Tanfield Association
and are keen to give support in all we do. However, we have discovered there is
more to it than the Band’s leaders being members, we have also found out that
the Band evolved from a group of young people who formed a Band while they were
pupils at Stanley Grammar School in the 1960’s. The following may be of some
interest:
-
In the beginning the idea was Billy Golightly’s, who was a Junior Leader
of Annfield Plain Central Methodist Youth Club, “for any interested members to
form a traditional jazz band”. The year was 1960. The Band was called “The YAMA
YAMA Jazzmen” after the tune by Wilbur de Paris called “The Yama Yama Man” and
the tune was adopted as their signature tune.
The original line-up who were all Stanley Grammar School pupils were:
-
Billy Golightly Trumpet
Brian Chester Trombone
Eric Clegg Clarinet
John Iceton Banjo
Ted Spears Drums
Reg Harrison Double Bass
This line-up played at several local youth club functions and events,
and soon became very popular in the Stanley area. Due to Further Education and
employment demands the line-up changed and Reg Harrison was replaced on Double
Bass by Eddie Piper, John Iceton was replaced on Banjo by Terry Harvey, and the
Drum chair was taken by Jimmy Maughan, and the Band changed its name to the
“Phoenix Jazzmen” as it had arisen from the ashes of the previous band. It was
this Band that was chosen to represent the North of England at the National
event of the U.K. Methodist Association of Youth Clubs at the Royal Albert Hall
in London in 1961, to perform in front of thousands of young people. In the
same year Carole Long was added to the Band as Vocalist. Carole married Eric in
1967 (their Ruby Wedding Anniversary is this year), and they continued to
perform in various Bands at home and abroad with a variety of top jazz
musicians. They now are the leaders of their own very successful Band “Carole
Clegg & Speakeasy” whose policy is to encourage young musicians to play and
enjoy jazz.
Their current drummer, Tim Steemson is 17 years, Bass player John Pope
22 years, and Keyboard player Chris Welsh 27 years old. It is interesting to
note that Carole and Eric were at the same age as their present drummer when it
all began.
Isn’t it wonderful that from that idea and start by Billy Golightly in
1960 with Stanley Grammar School pupils, Carole and Eric are now leading their
own Band in performing for the Tanfield Association Members in 2007? Most
people would agree that the 95th Birthday of the school is a special birthday
and therefore, for the Celebration Event we would wish to encourage as many
people as possible to attend. By giving members plenty of notice (Saturday 24th
November 07) it would encourage them to come not just as individuals, but also
as family groups or friendship parties. The Association events are always with
tables place-named, therefore ensuring that everyone is reserved a seat. It
also means that families or a group of friends can reserve their own table, so
please don’t delay, start now organising your family or friendship group table,
and look forward to a really memorable evening together with “Carole Clegg
& Speakeasy.”
3 comments :
Since Eric's untimely death a few years ago, Carole has since relocated to Edinburgh, to be with her eldest son and his family. She leads an active life, having undertaken various fundraising expeditions in Cambodia and China; she is also involved in music education.
John Pope (bass) still lives and works in the Northeast, heavily involved with many jazz projects.
Tim Steemson (drums) now lives in London, working as a performer and teacher in various genres, including jazz.
Chris Welsh (keys) has also relocated to London, working as a musical director, performer, and teacher, in the fields of musical theatre, jazz and cabaret.
Previous band members of "Speakeasy" included Ian Heslop (bass), Mark Eggerman (guitar), Andy Pattinson (guitar), Richard Rutherford (keys), Sebastian Thirlway (keys), John Blackburn (drums), Keith Smith (drums), Will Haywood Smith (drums).
Regular guests with Speakeasy included Digby Fairweather (trumpet), Roy Williams (trombone), and Bruce Adams (trumpet).
If my memory serves me correctly, "Speakeasy" began in the late 1990s, when Carol, Eric, and Ian broke away from the Savoy Jazzmen - which continued with Clive Madgen (trumpet), and Annie Jenkins (vox), as well as various other musicians.
I was with SAVOY JAZZ for some 12 years
I did work with Carole Clegg Raymond Newton
SAVOY musicians included Mac Smith/ Jim McBriarty/Laurence McBriarty/Mal Armstrong/Terry Harvey/ F Embleton
Kindest regards Raymond Newton
Peter Jezard here, thanks for posting memories of Carol and Eric Clegg. From being a founder member of the Stockton based 'New Orleans Preservation Band' I worked with the Savoy (trombone) in the late 70s in Durham, then for a while with the Tees Valley Jazz-men.
When Speakeasy had gigs in the south-east, Carol, Clive and the band used to stay with me on my house-boat here on Mersea Island. Speakeasy was a superb outfit. Carol, from being initially a rather shy vocalist with the Savoy, blossomed into a fine blues singer somewhat in the style of Ottilie Patterson.
Down here in the south-east, publicans actually PAY well to have live jazz entertainment, so for me the days of going cap in hand to rent a room so we could help the bar sell more beer have long gone and I continue to keep jazz alive in North Essex.
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