When this pilgrim first heard Champion Doug Veitch's (the self styled "Undisputed" King of Caledonian Cajun Swing) wonderful cacofonie of Roots music bursting out of my radio on The John Peel show in 1983 I was sent frantically reaching for the record button and I still have those amazing recordings on tape somewhere (see youtube screen below for digital update version). There was Mariachi's mixed into Cajun and Country with searing Ghanian Highlife solos, there was Celtic Rap and even Yodelling over a Dub Reggae back beats, it was no holds bared brilliantly conceived and blisteringly performed. I was smitten and felt proud to be Caledonian also.
It would seem the nation and international media of the day was equally smitten making all the best of lists and airplay charts of the time when such things were so important. The record made “Best of the Year” lists in Rolling Stone, Sounds and New Musical Express. With its fold-out poster sleeve and photography by Tim O’Sullivan, “Lumiere Urban” (remade for the new CD) became a sought-after collector’s item. It was the first of six NME “Singles of the Week” for Champion Doug Veitch, now most likely a never to be beaten record.
Well The Champ is back with a sell out shows in London and Edinburgh auguring this new cd featuring the very best musicians these islands could ever proffer.
Martin Bell, (Fiddle). Martin’s credits include The Wonder Stuff and The Albion Band among others Martin played in the Champion Doug Veitch band thirty years ago.
Chris Hall, (Accordion). Chris has performed with many leading American Cajun artists and plays regularly throughout Europe with various bands in his own right. Much in demand as a player, in recent years his playing has been called upon by Paul MacCartney, Bill Wyman and Kate Bush – for recording and live work. Chris was also a member of the original Champion Doug Veitch band.
Louis Vause, (Piano / Keyboards). Louis has released three highly acclaimed albums in his own name in recent years and performs with The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra. His past credits include Graham Coxon, Club Montepulciano and Hackney Five-O.
Rick Medlock, (Drums). Legendary Coventry drummer. Plays with The Mosquitos.
Horace Panter aka Sir Horace Gentleman, (Bass). Horace is bass player with The Specials and also plays with The Mosquitos.
Steve Turner, (Steel Guitar / Guitar). Steve’s credits include Howard Hughes & The Western Approaches, Kirsty McColl and Ralph McTell.
At the bands reunion gig at the 100 club in London they were joined by the fabulous:
Bob Dowell on Trombone, Neil Waters on Trumpet and Ben Somers on Sax.
Doug became an important pioneer of roots music and helped establish World Music as a genre by forming DiscAfriqu Records and bringing seminal African band The Bhundu Boys here for the first time.
We present an unsung hero of roots music in this country and The FSR Feature Artist for the rest of the year.