|
| |
The Deniz Dynasty -
Raised in
Tiger Bay (Bute Town), Cardiff, where tons of coal were
exported weekly, the sea employed their father as a
Donkeyman (keeping the engines in good condition) usually
for the Radcliffe Company, and had employed their Welsh
mother’s father as a cook. The old merchant houses in Bute
Town, which had a reputation for prostitution, dubious
cafes, and clubs, were occupied by blacks and whites (one
old white man tried to stop the children crossing into the
tennis court in Loudon Square) and Joe Deniz recalled Arabs,
Somalis, Jamaicans, Africans, Malays, Chinese, Maltese,
Spanish, some Egyptians and both Welsh and English – one of
his friends had a Norwegian father, another an Italian
father. During the race riots of 1919 young Joe was locked
in his home until they were over (some 3 days). He also
remembered the ‘ladies of the night’ and their Norwegian
customers, sailors who brought the pit props for the mines –
‘six feet tall blond Vikings, always fighting’.
Frank Deniz 1912-2005
One wouldn't
expect a tiny group of volcanic islands off the coast of Africa, subject to
severe droughts and with a population numbered in thousands, to produce an
outstanding musical dynasty. Born in the Cape Verde Islands, Frank Deniz's
father played the violin and the mandolin. He came to Cardiff at the beginning
of the last century and married a local girl. They had three sons: Frank (the
eldest), Joe and Laurie all went on to become distinguished professional
guitarists. Frank was the last survivor.
 Frank
Deniz was first taught
violin by his father, switching to the banjo and later, when the
instrument became popular, to guitar. Like his father, he joined the
Merchant Navy, but after 10 years he returned to Cardiff, where he, his
pianist wife Clare and his brother Joe played in the Blue Hawaiians.
The three moved in 1937
to London, where they freelanced. In the same year first Joe and then
Frank joined the band led by the singer-dancer Ken "Snakehips" Johnson,
to play rhythm guitar. The following year Frank left to work with the
pianist Fela Sowande at Adelaide Hall's Florida Club. There was a
fashion for public "jam sessions" in London at the beginning of the
Forties, and here Deniz gained some prominence as a reliable
rhythm-section player.
He worked for a number
of bandleaders including Harry Roy and Edmundo Ros and began a long
association with the accordionist Eric Winstone. Winstone's quartet also
included Deniz's wife Clare. He worked occasionally with Stéphane
Grappelli and deputised for his brother Joe in Harry Parry's Sextet.
Recalled into
the Merchant Navy, he was torpedoed in 1944 as his ship approached the Anzio
beach-head. He returned to England through Algiers. In May that year he was at
home to form his Spirits of Rhythm, a group including the saxophonist Jimmy
Skidmore, Joe and Clare Deniz. The band recorded for Decca with Frank featured
on a notable version of "Soft Winds" and played at the "Jazz Jamboree of 1944"
alongside Glenn Miller and the Band of the AEF. Another Hawaiian group formed to
play at the Coconut Grove was soon broken up and the three Deniz brothers came
together to form the Hermanos Deniz Cuban Rhythm band. While the group stayed
together for many years, Frank continued to freelance and had lots of radio work
with the Skyrockets, Nat Temple and other leaders. He toured England with Hoagy
Carmichael.
Deniz led his
own bands and broadcast regularly throughout the Sixties and Seventies. He had a
long residency at the Talk of the Town and he and his brother Joe played
entr'acte music for the musical Ipi Tombi for five years during the Seventies.
Jose
William ‘Joey’ Deniz 1913-94
Joe
Deniz was the guitar player with the Ken Johnson band and later with
Leslie 'Jiver' Hutchinson. Joe was born in Cardiff in 1913, his brothers
also played guitar, with brother Frank he recorded with tenor sax player
Jimmy Skidmore. Joe moved to London in 1934, his first regular job being
in the Nest Club in Kingly Street where he got the opportunity to
sometimes play with visiting American acts such as the Mills Brothers,
Fats Waller and the Ink spots. He then worked at the Cuba Club in
Gerrard Street, (later Ronnie Scott's first club), and then the
Shim-Sham Club before joining Johnson. He suffered a compound fracture
of the foot when the Cafe de Paris was destroyed in an air raid
before working with Johnny Claes and Harry Parry in 1941/42.
Harry Parry and his Radio
Rhythm Club Sextet - January 28th, 1941 (Parlophone)
Harry Parry (cl), Roy Marsh (vib), George Shearing (p), Joe Deniz (g), Tommy
Bromley (b), Ben Edwards (d).
The Deniz’s six room home had
a piano which his half-sister played but Joe started on the ukelele and
joined the street ’rounds’ performing from 10 p.m. He recalled the Jamaican
Sly Mongoose. He purchased cheap 78 records from Woolworths and
liked Hawaiian music, then the jazz of U.S. guitarists George van Eps, Carl
Kress, and Dick McDonough. He started playing for local illegal parties,
sometimes with Grangetown-born Don Johnson. One time the pair worked as a
pantomime cow.
Joe - Hammersmith 1930
Deniz sold newspapers after
he left school – a set of guitar strings at 2s 6d cost almost half his
weekly income. Coloured sailors worked below decks; Cardiff had an informal
colour line so he and others did not apply at certain firms. Two other local
musicians, Victor Parker and George Glossop worked in a trio, and called
Deniz to London around 1934. His skills as a guitarist led to employment in
the all-black jazz band of Jamaican Leslie Thompson, fronted by the
Guiana-born Ken Johnson. Deniz recalled that trumpeter Arthur Dibbin was
Welsh-born. In fact five of Johnson’s ‘West Indians’ were born in Britain.
The story of ‘Snakehips’
Johnson, killed when a bomb landed on the Cafe de Paris, London in 1941 is
well known. Deniz was injured in the blast. John Chilton, Who’s Who of
British Jazz 2nd ed (2004) details Happy Blake, Al Craig, Yorke de
Souza, Coleridge Goode, Jiver Hutchinson, Johnson, Louis Stephenson, Leslie
Thompson and Dave Wilkins: they all played with Joe Deniz (who is detailed,
too). Black British Swing Topic Records CD TSCD 781 has 24
recordings. The often-reprinted A History of Jazz in Britain, 1919-50
by Jim Godbolt (first published 1984) is seen by some as failing to detail
the black British musicians of the 1930s. They toured theatres around the
nation and broadcast on the radio. Johnson’s band was a pioneer group on
British television too. Joe Deniz said that the Portuguese name was
pronounced ‘Dinish’ and that has often been mispronounced ‘Denise’.
Jack Llewellyn and Ivor Mairants testing
a new
Van Straten Guitar.
Behind them, from left to right, are Van Straten,
Joe Deniz (gr) headstock in hand, Dick Knight, Dick Sadleir and Lauderic Caton.
As a result of the exclusion
policy, demand for ‘authentic’ black jazz far exceeded supply. In
1936
Leslie Thompson and the Guyanese dancer Ken ‘Snakehips’
Johnson formed the Emperors of Jazz, featuring also the trumpeter Leslie
‘Jiver’ Hutchinson, saxophonists Louis Stephenson and
Bertie King, and pianist Yorke De Sousa, all of
Jamaican ancestry, along with Cyril Blake,
Harry Tyree, and the guitarist
Joe Deniz, Welsh‐born of Cape Verdean ancestry. After becoming sole
leader, Johnson imported players from the Caribbean,
notably the trumpeters Wally Bowen (from Trinidad) and
Dave Wilkins (from Barbados), and reedmen
Carl Barriteau and Dave Williams
(both Trinidadian). Johnson's orchestra remained a major force on the
London jazz scene and broadcast extensively until Johnson
and Dave Williams were killed when the Café de Paris
was bombed on 8
March 1941. Most black musicians worked
in London clubs; the period's ambience was captured by live recordings of
Cyril Blake's band at Jig's Club in
December 1941,
featuring the Trinidadian guitarist Lauderic Caton.
..............whilst on guitar at different times were Archie Slavin, Al
Ferdman, Freddy Legon and Joe
Deniz.
Guitarist Frank
Deniz teamed up with brothers Joe (guitar) and Lawrie (rhythm guitar/percussion)
to found Hermanos Deniz Cuban Rhythm Band ('Cuban' was a misnomer as their
orientation was more Brazilian); had residencies at London's Grosvenor House
Hotel, Dominion Cinema and Talk of the Town night club; recorded on Melodisc and
Columbia.
The Bands music was featured in the Alec Guinness film 'Our Man
in Havana'
In 1951, Edmundo Ros bought the Coconut Grove on Regent Street and later,
in 1964, renamed it Edmundo Ros' Dinner and Supper Club. The club became
popular for its atmosphere and music; but it closed in 1965, when legalised
casino gambling had milked many of the best customers.
The Band -
Jules Ruben on Piano was the only white guy.
Stephane Grappelli once said, "Jules, you have a place in the
sun"!
Jules Ruben
with Laurie Steele Guitarist (Epiphone)
- Below- Publicity for
the Ken Johnson band – Joe Deniz top left......................................v
-
  
- “To Joey – a swell
guitar player & a fellow Emperor” Belfast November 1936
Joe Deniz
was the guitar player with the Ken Johnson band and later with 'Jiver'
Hutchinson. Joe was born in Cardiff in 1913, his brothers also played guitar,
with brother Frank he recorded with tenor sax player Jimmy Skidmore. Joe moved
to London in 1934, his first regular job being in the Nest Club in Kingly
Street where he got the opportunity to sometimes play with visiting American
acts such as the Mills Brothers, Fats Waller and the Ink spots. He then worked
at the Cuba Club in Gerrard Street, (later Ronnie Scott's first club),
and then the Shim-Sham Club before joining Johnson. He suffered a compound
fracture of the foot when the Cafe de Paris was destroyed in an air raid
before working with Johnny Claes and Harry Parry in 1941/42.
The rhythm section of Tom Wilson (drums), Abe Clare (bass) and Joey Deniz
(guitar) stayed with Johnson from the Emperors Of Jazz, as did trombonist
Freddie Greenslade. Also amongst the musicians was Leslie ‘Jiver’ Hutchinson,
who was a close friend of Johnson. Hutchinson asked Johnson to be godfather to
his daughter, current jazz singer Elaine Delmar, when she was born in 1939.
However, Johnson had to replace some pieces, and turned to the West Indies for
new sidemen. Four new players duly arrived in 1937, including saxophonist and
clarinettist Carl Barriteau. Together they responded to Ken Johnson's desire to
recreate an American swing sound.
On Saturday 8 March 1941, Ken Johnson and The
West Indian Orchestra were entertaining London’s swing set at the Cafe De Paris
as usual. That night, the area between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square
was being strafed with bombs. One of them found its way down an airshaft into
the club where it exploded. Guitarist Joey Deniz recalls that the band
would usually start around 9.30pm, and that night they had just started playing
Oh Johnny, probably ten minutes later, when the glass ceiling of the club was
shattered. The numbers of dead and injured vary, but most reports agree that
over 30 people died and a further 60 or more were injured by the blast.
Survivors were taken to the Charing Cross Hospital, where Frank Deniz, who had
been playing with his band in a club nearby, found his brother, injured but
alive. Tragically, Ken Johnson was not one of the survivors. An eyewitness
recalls how he was found lying dead, but unmarked by any outward signs of
injury, a flower still in his lapel. He was 26 years old.
Harry Parry formed a trio,
including George Shearing, to play on the BBC's Radio Rhythm Club
and it became the show's house band. He later became producer of the
show and increased the trio to a sextet
Harry Parry and his Radio Rhythm Club Sextet - January 28th, 1941
(Parlophone)
Harry Parry (cl), Roy Marsh (vib), George Shearing (p), Joe Deniz
(g), Tommy Bromley (b), Ben Edwards (d).
Laurence
'Laurie' Deniz 1924-96
Oral History
Born August 17th 1924 into a working
family. 'The Bay' (i.e. Cardiff), not nationality problems at school (that came
later), many Portuguese speaking children of Cape Verde parents. Father bought
him a ukelele and started him on piano. Guitar, from Clare Deniz's father.
First musical influences, Django Reinhardt, Segovia, Ida Presti. Victor Parker,
Arthur Young (self-taught trumpet, died World War 2), Sammy John. Maria Deniz
played piano and had record player. Guitar records, Eddie Lang. Cost of records
(1930s). Mother, born S. Wales, lived 9 Christina St.
After school working in tiling company. Harlem Pages (12 coloured boys) toured,
supported by Arthur Short.
All-year success, school as and when
Tony Chadidakis (accordion) worked in London, taught Laurie London club
repertoire. Crichton St pubs. Currans foundry. Friends went to Trinidad Asphalt
Co., shortage of manpower after call-up. Charlie Christian, but first electric
guitar heard was Lauderic Caton on tour with Harry Parry in Cardiff. Joe Deniz
got an electric guitar at that time. Babalola Wilkie (club owner, Greek St).
Regulars: Clary Wares, Tony Chadgidakis, Albert Smith (drummer and con-man).
Laurie Deniz
comments on the existence of many clubs owned by Archer Street "spivs", but good
work. Whiskey cut with meths, Rolex watches, segregated dancing. Race relations
went sour when Americans arrived: black musicians ok, black dancing not ok.
Coconut Grove, Jack Spot and protection rackets. Latin and jazz distinctions.
Sacked from Coconut Grove. To Marino Barretto, Embassy Club in Bond Street.
Ciro's, Orange Street. Barretto (Cuban) popular with women, white suit, lace
cuffs. But authentic Latin, whereas Edmundo Ros was "dead square". Epiphone
Zenith guitar. Called up for Army, lorry driving, no music
Laurie Deniz
comments on how he married Lydia after war. Clary Wares, Caribbean Club, Neville
Booker, Happy Blake. De-mobbed. Stephan Grappelli. Replaced Lauderic Caton at
Carribbean Club. Don Fereday, guitar maker, electric guitar. Milroy Club,
Santiago Lopez. Offered guitar chair with Ted Heath but Dave Goldberg got it.
Buddy Featherstonaugh. Caribbean Club run by Rudy Evans (West Indian). Ray
Ellington. Billy Stevens (trumpet), Duke of Edinburgh and Pat Kirkwood (film
star). Carmen Miranda. Ray Ellington Quartet, Dick Katz.
Deniz continues
commenting on Ray Ellington Quartet, Dick Katz. Dress. Summer residences.
Recordings - Laurie Deniz also reckons he is on recordings earlier than stated
in discographies such as Bruyninckx, e.g. The Be-Bop and Little Miss Muffit
(1949). Favourite numbers included "She wears red feathers", "Time will take
care of everything", "Keep of the grass". Goon Show broadcasts, weekly. Fame,
1949-1952. Vic Ash recording 1957. After Ray Ellington job finished Laurie
stopped playing and went into garage business with the Feredays and lost all his
money. Modern guitarists, Irving Ashby. Americans. Black associates, Ken
Johnson. Black ability. Children. Pub sessions.
 The
Ray Ellington Quartet evolved when Ray joined the Caribbean Trio, a
touring group comprising Dick Katz on piano, Lauderic Caton on guitar and
Coleridge Goode on bass. Their concert debut took place on Sunday 7 December
1947 when they appeared on one of Ted Heath's London Palladium Swing Sessions.
In addition to radio and television broadcasts (TV having resumed, having been
so rudely interrupted by the war), a recording contract with Parlophone was
secured. It is thanks to many of Ray's Parlophone, Decca and Columbia records
made between 1948 and 1955 that we are able to enjoy some forty varied and
entertaining sides.* There were a few personnel changes within the quartet over
the years from May 1949; Lauderic Cayton was the first to go (he was replaced by
Laurie Deniz)
Ray Ellington Quartet -
Coleridge Goode - Bass, Dick Katz - Piano,
Lauderic Caton or Laurie Deniz on Guitar, Ray Ellington Vocals and Drums
The basic group comprised Ray,
pianist Dick Katz (not to be confused with an American pianist of the same
name), Coleridge Goode on bass and either Lauderic Caton or Laurie Deniz on
guitar. In 1951, the quartet's profile was raised considerably when it was
booked to appear each week on The Goon Show, adding a jazz element which was
further increased by the harmonica solos of Max Geldray. No doubt all this came
about because of the jazz interest of Spike Milligan.
1957 Cab Kaye performed in "Cab's
Quintet" in the British television program “Six Five Special" (Season
1, episode 29) with Laurie Deniz (1st guitar) and his brother Joe (2nd guitar),
Pete Blanin (bass) and
Harry
South (piano).
Before leaving for Ghana Cab Kaye recorded the song he wrote together with
William 'Bill' Davis "Everything Is Go" with his "Kwamlah Quaye
Sextetto Africana". With this band he made his first recordings in which he
played guitar. This group consisted of guitarist Laurie Deniz, bass: Chris
O'Brian, bongos: Frank Holder, both of whom came from
British Guiana
(now Guyana) to
serve in the (RAF) and Chris Ajilo on claves.
|
PAUL
VERNON CHESTER