Unbeknownst to many, including myself at times, I have recorded! Titles are listed below and are in no particular order. There are links to listen and purchase these records as well as some of my memories of making them. I'd like to take a moment to thank all those that took a chance on me when I was just a little girl growing up in Liverpool all those years ago. I'd also like to SHOUT OUT to Cliff Bastien, Miss Noonie, Miz Debbie, Rainer Hunck and my mum Trudy for telling me to try harder.
KID BASTIEN FOREVER, 2007
The Happy Pals with Brian Carrick
released December 1, 2007
Patrick Tevlin – Trumpet, Vocal 1, 9
Brian Carrick – Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Vocal 2
Toby Hughes – Alto Saxophone
Roberta Tevlin – Trombone, Vocal 6
Roberta Hunt – Piano, Vocal 3
Rainer Hunck – Banjo except 7, 9
Alex Ralph – Banjo 7, 9
Phillip Carney – String Bass
Chuck Clarke – Drums
Recorded by Lindsay Kotowich, Paul Norton, Marla Dixon and Patrick Tevlin
Patrick Tevlin – Trumpet, Vocal 1, 9
Brian Carrick – Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Vocal 2
Toby Hughes – Alto Saxophone
Roberta Tevlin – Trombone, Vocal 6
Roberta Hunt – Piano, Vocal 3
Rainer Hunck – Banjo except 7, 9
Alex Ralph – Banjo 7, 9
Phillip Carney – String Bass
Chuck Clarke – Drums
Recorded by Lindsay Kotowich, Paul Norton, Marla Dixon and Patrick Tevlin
Produced by Patrick Tevlin
"Rough, exciting and swinging like hell so much, you would swear to god the band was born and bred in New Orleans" -Brian Carrick
Playing with Brian Carrick onstage was an absolute thrill. Brian is from Newcastle and plays in his Algiers Stompers and Heritage Hall Band there and all over the UK and Europe. He has made many trips to New Orleans and has recorded quite a bit there as well.
I remember being pulled aside by Patrick before Brian came to Toronto and being told how to play alongside another reed player onstage. "Give space" and "Don't fight" he told me and then he put his hands together to form a crazy looking seagull and said "Play between the bits, not on top, and don't crowd", or something like that. It was a lot to think about and indeed made me a bit nervous going in but after meeting Brian and having a few laughs (beers) I knew there'd be no problem. We got along fine and when onstage I was blown away by his beautiful lyrical clarinet playing and tough tenor sound. He encapsulated the feel and mood of the dancehall bands - that George Lewis lilt, that Manny Paul roundness. Man oh man! The gig was recorded at Grossmans for the Kid Bastien Forever party we'd been holding since Cliff passed in 2003. The bar was packed and the band was hot. This is the "classic" version of the band that I joined after Patrick took over the trumpet and leader chair. I really enjoyed this one. I took Brian over to The Rex the following day to sit in with The Excelsior Jazz Band. Nobody knew what hit them when he put his clarinet to his lips. The entire bar stopped what they were doing and just gasped at Brian's absolute command of the instrument, the song and the room.
Dig this record! Brian sings, Bertie sings, Sweet Roberta and Patrick sing! It's a great recording of a great party and we were really lucky that Brian could come and join us.
Take a listen and order it here:
MOONLIGHT BAY, 2009
The Happy Pals with Dr. Michael White
released December 12, 2009
Patrick Tevlin trumpet, vocal (2, 8, 14);
Patrick Tevlin trumpet, vocal (2, 8, 14);
Dr Michael White clarinet;
Toby Hughes alto sax;
Kid Kotowich trombone, vocal (3, 6, 10);
Roberta Tevlin piano;
Alex Ralph banjo, except: Rainer Hunck banjo (2, 8, 9, 10),
Ted Jensen banjo (7);
Tyler Thomson string bass;
Chuck Clarke drums, vocal (12).
Recorded by Krzysztof Ciarka.
Produced by Patrick Tevlin.
Recorded by Krzysztof Ciarka.
Produced by Patrick Tevlin.
"Good quality club jazz in the traditional style where the name of the game is to enjoy yourself, whether playing or listening." - Geoff Boxell Trad Jazz Reviews
Another CD recorded at Grossman's Tavern for the Kid Bastien Forever party this time with the renowned Dr. Michael White from New Orleans on clarinet. Again, the two reeds! I have had the pleasure of playing with Michael on a few occasions here in Toronto and New Orleans. He is a classic player of the old school and a master of the clarinet. He founded The Original Liberty Brass Band in New Orleans in 1981 and has teaches at Xavier University of Louisiana. He is said to have been discovered by Kid Sheik and has shared the stage with Kid Thomas and chose the title tune for this recording, a Kid Thomas staple, Moonlight Bay which has the ability to make people see jesus on its final chorus I am told.
There are some great selections on this album. Some standards are peppered in there amongst bizarro takes on Big Chief Battle Axe, Last Train to San Fernando, and the Maori Farewell Song for example. This is what I like to refer to as the "Mach III" version of the band, equally as strong as the previous, featuring the "punks" Kid Kotowich on trombone, Tyler Thomson on bass and Alex Ralph on banjo.
Take a listen and order it here:
NOLA, 2014
The Happy Pals at French Quarter Fest, New Orleans
released July 17, 2014 Patrick Tevlin trumpet
Chuck Clarke drums
Toby Hughes alto sax
John Williams clarinet
Charlie Trainor piano
Bernie Attridge string bass
Chloé Watkinson vocal
Produced by Patrick Tevlin and New Orleans North
The Happy Pals had been going down to New Orleans for French Quarter Fest since the mid 80s when it all started. The road trips, the hotels, the gigs and the hangs have all become the stuff of legend. I started going down to New Orleans in the early 2000s, a late bloomer yes. We'd parade as The Magnolia Brass Band to kick the FQF off each year and be joined by many international musicians on stage and back stage. FQF is like a family reunion every year with all the friendly faces of musicians and acquaintances. It was always important to bring along some new recruits and 2014 was no different.
The band set up in Dutchman Alley I think, on a small amphitheatre behind the big touristy coffee and beneigt shop that everyone lines up to get in. The weather was beauty, if a little windy, and the trombone is replaced by John Williams on clarinet - I got to play all the trombone parts on this record, all the ones I could remember at least. The entire recording is done on a ZOOM-HN Stereo recorder set up above the heads of the audience. Its pretty raw and I like it. There are audience gasps, police sirens and shouting on this one giving a real sense of being there. The tunes are great! John is lovely on clarinet and Charlie Trainor (the C-Train) killing it on piano and theres some stellar vocals from Chloe Watkinson.
I remember I was staying at a rented room with about six guys in Bywater or somewhere, it was horrible but cheap. We did a Don Valley Stompers/Tall Grass gig at Fritzels as well on this trip but I don't think any of it was recorded. Theres a couple of YouTubes out there featuring Charlie DeVore on trumpet and vocals - look for them!
Anyhow, it's been a while since I've made it down to New Orleans now, first because of a scary looking border and now because of this pandemic bullshit but listening to this recording makes the good times all come rolling back to me. Oh yeah you can hear me fall through a chair on Climax Rag.
Have a listen and buy the recording here:
MISS NOONIE, 2013
The Happy Pals with Karl Kronqvist and Kjeld Brandt
released November 23, 2013 Patrick Tevlin trumpet, vocal
Kjeld Brandt clarinet
Toby Hughes alto sax, vocal
Lindsay Kotowich trombone
Roberta Tevlin piano
Alex Ralph tenor banjo
Karl Kronqvist string bass, vocal
Chuck Clarke drums, vocal
Joe van Rossem trumpet on "Gloryland"
Janet Shaw clarinet on "On the Road to Home Sweet Home"
Brian Towers trombone on "On the Road to Home Sweet Home"
"This is a CD that will delight those who appreciate the New Orleans style of playing jazz, with its roughness and exuberance; it may well work to convert the others." - Bert Thompson, Music Web Int'l
"Rather than the normal Happy Pals’ sound this is more like a New Orleans marching band in party mood. It ain’t smooth - it is raucous, it ain’t sweet but it sure is fun." - Geoff Boxell Trad Jazz Reviews
It's a party! A whole mess of guest musicians joined us on this recording made at the Kid Bastien Forever party in 2013 but the stand outs are our invited European friends Karl Kronqvist from Sweden on bass and Kjeld Brandt from Denmark on clarinet. What a joy divine! The songs are typical for the time period of the band and Karl singing "Når Lygterne Tændes" (which I took to be "No Luck at Tennis" but was actually "Red Sails in The Sunset") and "Apple Blossom Time" are great stand outs. Kjeld's clarinet playing is strong on this record. I tried to lay back a bit but got caught up all the same. Joe Van Rossem joins on trumpet, Janet Shaw joins on clarinet and Brian Towers joins on trombone. This is a real party band in a real party mode! I sing "Blue Hawaii" on this to fulfill contractual obligations. Highlights for me are "I Couldn't Keep It To Myself" and Kjeld's wonderful "Old Rugged Cross" (with Karl beating it on the bass).
Typically, we would all head to Noonie's place for drinks after a party like this. Maybe eat some chicken giblets and oxtail soup while listening to Sam Cooke at Harlem Square.
Give it a listen and purchase it here:
NEW ORLEANS PARTY ORCHESTRA, 2005
The Happy Pals
released November 15, 2005
Patrick Tevlin, trumpet (voc 3, 5)
Toby Hughes, alto sax
Roberta Tevlin, trombone (vocal 7, 9)
Roberta Hunt piano, (vocal 2, 4)
Rainer Hunck, banjo
Philip J. Carney, bass
Chuck Clarke, drums (vocal 6)
Produced by Patrick Tevlin and Chuck Clarke
"The setting is live, the music is all New Orleans jazz swing, and the band seems to be having a heck of a party. Bourbon Street beckons for this kind of sound." -Edward Blanco, All About Jazz
Here is the "classic" Happy Pals line up of 2005, just a couple years after I joined the band.
The recording is great and the material is classic Pals fodder. Both Robertas sing us a couple of lovely songs each and Patrick lets loose on his chosen numbers. It's really nice to hear Chuck Clarke sing as well showing the vast talent of this band. Recording in Grossmans was hilarious!
I'm finding my way here on my alto, eventually relaxing to enjoy the moment. Looking back I really appreciate the chance Patrick had given me in inviting me to join the band. Heck, I really appreciate Cliff for calling up and hiring me when Patrick was indisposed and my mum for doing my booking back then!
Rainer Hunck was a beautiful dude and to play alongside him was always a pleasant thing. I miss him all the time. He'd join our Don Valley Stompers gigs up at Pauly's Pub when the band was getting going and was there for the inaugural Sunday afternoons at Grossmans with the N.O. Connection All Stars. I got to hang out at Rainer's basement on select afternoons for jam sessions with many different musicians but only after coffee and German cake provided by Claudia beforehand. Later, as the session got cooking, she would join the band on vibes. It was a gas! RIP Rainer, love you and miss you man!
It wasn't that long ago but Grossmans really seemed a different place back then when it seemed you could smoke pretty much whatever you wanted while drinking at your table. It wasn't as much a tough place like its reputation was then, it was more of a crazy place where you could see just about anything happen. Climbing up on and out from under tables seemed normal behaviour. It's all here with a beautiful out of tune piano and an energetic band ready to rumble.
Give it a listen and purchase here:
LOST TRACKS EP, 2015
The Happy Pals and Guests
released November 23 2015
The personnel on this EP recording is the same as the "New Orleans Party Orchestra" and "Moonlight Bay" sessions. These are outtakes from the two previous sessions in 2005 and 2009 and are just cool enough to get a release of their own. Six tracks in total featuring Cradle Song, Motor Car Horn, Trouble In Mind, and more. There is a great record of the event on the final track where Patrick talks about Cliff's travels to New Orleans and meeting Kid Thomas, Patrick's life changing trip to New Orleans to hear Kid Thomas play "Moonlight Bay" and the night that Cliff left us. Dr. Michael White then tells us of his experiences playing with Kid Thomas in New Orleans. This is a real oddity for the song choices but then again, it is the Happy Pals.
Have a listen and then buy it:
COMBO ROYALE - FOLLOW THEM FOOTSTEPS, 2015
COMBO ROYALE - FOLLOW THEM FOOTSTEPS released June 12, 2015
Sarah Hamilton - violin/violia/voice (tracks 2, 6, 9, 13, 15, 17)
Gabriel DeSantis - guitar/banjo/voice (tracks 1, 4, 7, 12, 16)
Toby Hughes - clarinet/voice (track 5)
Ralph Pastore - piano
Sam Petite - bass
Steve Wellman - washboard
Caitlin Wellman voice (tracks 3, 10 & 14)
Sam Petite - bass
Steve Wellman - washboard
Caitlin Wellman voice (tracks 3, 10 & 14)
Produced by Ralph Pastore and Don Kerr
I joined Ralph Pastore's Combo Royale in what I call it's "Mach III" phase around 2014 after sitting in on and off for a bit. It was a good band and seemed kind of quirky and the musicians were very good. After a personnel shuffle there was an empty horn chair and since I wanted to play my clarinet more this seemed the perfect opportunity. Ralph and I had worked together in Frankie Foo and The Yoyo Smugglers, so I figured he figured what I lacked in clarinet chops I could make up for in spirit(s). Good on him. There are some great songs here. If you haven't heard Gabe sing he is going to stun you. The material ranges from traditional jazz favourites to a sort of western swing sound and some great Ralph Pastore originals. Sarah Hamilton on violin, viola, and vocals is a force to be reckoned with as well. Her singing will make you smile big and wide! Caitlin Wellman rounds the group out nicely with some real good energy vocals. I rarely record and I really rarely record IN A STUDIO but these guys and Don Kerr made everything so very relaxed.
This recording has like 17 tracks so there's definitely something here for everyone!
Listen and buy it here:
https://comboroyale.bandcamp.com/album/follow-them-footsteps
RALPH PASTORE - STELLA PEARL and OTHER STORIES, 2016
RALPH PASTORE - STELLA PEARL AND OTHER STORIES
released December 26, 2016
THE PENNY PRESSERS:
Ralph Pastore – piano, accordion
Tom Richards – trombone
Raha Javanfar – violin
Toby Hughes – clarinet
Andy Mac – guitar
Lucas Gadke – bass
Andy M. Dolgin - vocals
NEW ORLEANS CONNECTION ALL STARS:
Chuck Clarke – trumpet
Toby Hughes – alto sax, clarinet
Tom Richards – trombone
Charlie Trainor – piano
Ralph Pastore – banjo
Steve Wellman – washboard, kick drum, low boy
Chris Daniels – bass
Kristine Schmitt - vocals
COMBO ROYALE:
Ralph Pastore – piano
Tom Richards – trombone
Sarah Hamilton – violin
Gabriel DeSantis – banjo
Steve Wellman – washboard, kick drum, low boy
Sam Petite – bass
Jesse Corrigan - vocals
Ralph Pastore – piano, accordion
Tom Richards – trombone
Raha Javanfar – violin
Toby Hughes – clarinet
Andy Mac – guitar
Lucas Gadke – bass
Andy M. Dolgin - vocals
NEW ORLEANS CONNECTION ALL STARS:
Chuck Clarke – trumpet
Toby Hughes – alto sax, clarinet
Tom Richards – trombone
Charlie Trainor – piano
Ralph Pastore – banjo
Steve Wellman – washboard, kick drum, low boy
Chris Daniels – bass
Kristine Schmitt - vocals
COMBO ROYALE:
Ralph Pastore – piano
Tom Richards – trombone
Sarah Hamilton – violin
Gabriel DeSantis – banjo
Steve Wellman – washboard, kick drum, low boy
Sam Petite – bass
Jesse Corrigan - vocals
Produced by Ralph Pastore and Don Kerr
Ralph got a whole bunch of us together to record 15(!) of his original songs and here they are in all their glory! Lots of big players on these tracks, I get to play my clarinet again with The Penny Pressers and my alto with The N.O. Connection. This was a fun studio experience as it was friends coming and going throughout and some nice whiskey too. Chuck Clarke plays trumpet on a few and we get Raha Janfar on violin which is nice. Andy Mac on banjo is always a treat and Andy Dolgin---SWOOOON!
All the players are really great on this recording, the rest just didn't pay me to say anything nice about them. I'm going to give this another listen now. You should too.
Listen and purchase here:
Well that's all I can muster up just now. I know there are more recordings but maybe not so much releases.
All these people have taken a chance and let me play along with them on their personal records which I consider a great honour. I'd like to get a Don Valley Stompers recording together to release. I think I already have enough material for one so I'd better get on it! Then there's that elusive Frankie Foo record...
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"Either this guy doesn't know Ed Washington or I don't think thats's a good thing..."-Patrick Tevlin
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