It’s always a special treat to have Conrad Di Ianni as our houseband guest, and this week was no different – even better some may rightly say. Even though we had another very good attendance, it would’ve been fitting if Conrad had played in front of a full house, especially after seeing quite a few people leaving quite early later in the evening – and that is no reflection of Conrad’s virtuoso performance and some excellent sets played by our 16 jammers I must add!

For some strange reason, Conrad’s detailed setlist, which I had earlier printed out, seemed to have totally disappeared. This resulted in my having to rely on my poor memory, but with solid support from our MC Mike Dearing and Phil Overhead, Conrad gave us a mesmerising display of guitar wizardry beginning with Billy Jennings’ instrumental “Big Boy” followed by “Kansas City” …on steroids! Conrad’s third choice of number was “Freight Train Boogie”, which featured some great harp-playing from Mike Dearing. Other numbers included were “Oh Well Oh Well” and “Rock Awhile” before closing the opening set with “Rock This House” – sadly, the opening set was done and dusted far too soon, but a great way to start the jamming session.

Fortunately for us, Conrad was called upon to perform on Billy Sharpe’s second jam set, much to Billy’s delight, although we needed to reduce it to just two numbers as we drifted further into the night – well, it was the seventh jam set of the evening with all due thanks to my good wife Vera’s careful arrangement.

As previously said, a very good attendance - particularly for this time of the year. This was augmented by the visit of several friends who came along to jam with us. Take a bow Billy Smith, Wit Woothipoom, Garry Wilson, Phil Brimley and Luigi Comparini who collectively go under the name of “The Lemon Squeezers”, and they certainly brought an extra buzz to this evening’s entertainment. We do hope they keep their promise to visit us on a monthly basis, they’ll be very much welcomed. Good to see Rachel back here after a short absence, but please Rachel, don’t forget to give fellow jammers a chance to play a solo – apologies to guitar-player Murray.

After quite an eventful night, our houseband guest Conrad Di Ianni came back on stage to do the honours - just two numbers with the inclusion of harpist Jonathan Reid – and what a great way to end the night. Our thanks to Conrad Di Ianni for another amazing performance, plus equal thanks to all our jammers. Time to call…

The Roll Of Honour:

• Vocals - Billy Smith
• Guitar+Vocals - Billy Sharpe, Wit Woothipoom, Rachel, Kevin Molyneux and Mike Dearing
• Guitar - Chris Geene, Garry Wilson, Murray, Ian Hammond and Conrad Di Ianni
• Sax - Peter Harvie
• Harp - Jonathan Reid and Ned Phillips
• Bass - Phil Brimley, Maxwell Paternoster, Mike Dearing and Terry Duggan
• Drums - Luigi Comparini, Marc Turner and Phil Overhead

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

Special thanks to Kevin Molyneux and Jonathan Reid for helping to set up the backline and for also staying late to pack it all away at the end of the night.

Next time at Leytonstone Blues Jam:
We had planned to have Shakey Vick with us next week as houseband guest, but unfortunately he has not fully recovered from a recent hospitalisation. Needless to say, we do wish him a speedy recovery, and hopefully we’ll be able to rebook him in the near future.

Meanwhile, the houseband will be back on duty next week with Mike Dearing providing a short setlist plus one or two guest jammers.

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.

On Friday 31st January at The Southgate, their featured band will be “Jump 66” plus support from “Trip Wolfe & JJJ Darby”. For more details, check out www.stharmonicas.co.uk

On Saturday 1st February at The Manor Arms, 150 East India Dock Road, E14 0BP, local hero Billy Sharpe with be providing mirth, merriment and music as guest of Ronnie Collins’ Last Project. As if that’s not enough entertainment, it will be our good friend Christine’s birthday celebration – the fun starts at 3.00pm through to 6.00pm, please use beer-garden entrance after 3.00pm – no charge at the door.

Thanking All Our Jammers & Listeners,