Another excellent turn-out this week consisting of 15 jammers and all seats being taken by plenty of listeners, and they were well entertained by one of our most regular jammers in the shape of Dave Richards, who stepped up as houseband guest. There were very few surprises within Dave’s setlist, but a very accomplished performance from him, just as we have come to expect. His opening number was “Confessing The Blues”, which was a nice way to begin the proceedings, this was followed by “No Money Down” after some persistent problems with Mike Dearing’s pedalboard.

No such problems with Dave’s newly acquired wireless guitar transmitter, which prompted him to go walk-about off stage – mainly to keep a check on his volume. He needn't have worried, because it was kept to an acceptable level throughout. Dave closed off the opening set with the unsurprising “Key To The Highway”, which rounded off a very enjoyable set of numbers.

Dave certainly demonstrated his enthusiasm by getting in amongst our jammers, which included just-turned-seventeen-year-old Sam, who received much praise from our houseband guest – and rightly so! Just two numbers from Mr Richards at the end of the night to ensure Vera and myself don’t incur another £12.50 ULEZ charge by going past midnight, but it was something of a surprise for him to call out “Hound Dog” and “Driftin’ Blues” with the inclusion of harpist Ned Phillips and Dave’s buddy John Ward – and very gracious of Phil Overhead to step down from drumming duties. Thank you Dave Richards for a faultless performance and for supporting us practically week in, week out over a number of years.

First jam-set of the evening was led by Rachel - a good set, but somewhat spoiled by excessive volume from her amp set-up unfortunately.

It was a nice surprise to see bass-player Dave Taylor back with us after quite a lengthy absence, and with Maxwell Paternoster also here it ensured I was kept off the stage, although I was called upon to play “Dead Flowers” and “Keep On Rocking In The Free World” at Kevin Molyneux’s request – good to see at least two quality bass-player’s names on the signing-in sheet!

Two excellent jam sets from our regular visitor Ray Wallen, who we were delighted to offer an extra jam set. Ray sang “Glory, How Happy I Am” in tribute to our former MC/houseband member Stevie King who so sadly passed away last week – arrangements for his funeral have yet to be confirmed.

As usual, the charismatic Billy Sharpe put in another rockingly-good set to keep his fan-club happy.

All in all, it was another great night with everyone going home in a buoyant mood with all due thanks to our trusty jammers. Time to call…

The Roll Of Honour:

• Harp+Vocals - Ray Wallen
• Guitar+Vocals - Rachel, Billy Sharpe, Kevin Molyneux and Dave Richards
• Guitar - Murray, Mike Dearing, Chris Greene, Ian Hammond and Sam
• Sax - Peter Harvie
• Harp - Jonathan Reid and Ned Phillips
• Bass - Dave Taylor, Maxwell Paternoster and Mike Dearing
• Drums - John Ward, Marc Turner and Phil Overhead

Peter Harvie’s photos can be enjoyed on Our Facebook page. This week’s batch of mp3s will soon be uploaded by our Webmaster Ken Cumberlidge.

My thanks to Vera for arranging six jam-sets with special thanks to Kevin Molyneux, Ray Wallen, Ned Phillips and Jonathan Reid for helping to set up the back line and putting it all away at the end of the night.

Next time at Leytonstone Blues Jam:
Next week’s houseband guests will be Michael Goulding & Rebecca Turner, who will be making their debut as a double-header. They were booked to guest here four week’s ago, but Michael suffered a severe reaction from his flu-jab and was forced to cancel. They are an amazing couple, so please arrive in droves – it will be worth it, I’m sure.

Please note:
This year's Christmas jam extravaganza will be on December 16th with special guest John Parry. Vera will be providing plenty of delicious food, a free raffle with quality prizes for the lucky winners, and there’ll be much merriment guaranteed.

After our Xmas party, we’ll take a two-week break over the holiday period and return on January 6th with houseband guest Matt Withey.

Something for the weekend:
Every Thursday, our resident drummer Phil Overhead hosts his Blues jam at the new venue of The Three Compasses, 62 High Street, N8 7NX starting at 8.30pm – free entry, plus a very competent houseband and backline provided.

No Blues night at The Southgate Club this coming Friday, but there will be a Blues Jam on Sunday 8th December (7.00pm-9.30pm). The regular houseband of Dave Thomas & Co will be away, so it will be hosted by Mark Sibley, who will be performing a few numbers accompanied by Chris Greene, Les Cole and yours truly. It’s always a great night, and many of our LBJ regulars will be present, including Queen Bee Vera who will be there to greet you. For further details, check out www.stharmonicas.co.uk

On Saturday 7th at The Manor Arms, 150 East India Dock Road, E14 0BP, “up-yer-kilt” Maggie will be celebrating her birthday, which will be quite an event. Live music will be provided by Keith Richmond, who will be guesting with Ronnie Collins’ Last Project 3.00pm-6.00pm – please use beer-garden entrance after 3.00pm.

Thanking All Our Jammers & Listeners,