As much as we were looking forward to James Daniell guesting with the houseband, we were just as much thankful to Alan Vincent for stepping in at short notice to guest in James’ absence which was due to illness – we wish James a speedy recovery and very much looking forward to seeing him back here as houseband guest on March 2nd. We are also immensely thankful to Alan for donating a complete PA system for our use, and what a vast improvement it made after the unreliability of our old one – thank you so much, Alan!

Our MC Mike Dearing managed to put together a setlist, and what an enjoyable set it was - although I did manage to learn one tricky number in the wrong key. Tut tut! Although there was a slight improvement on last week’s attendance, I did have reason to expect more, but 12 jammers in midwinter is quite respectable I suppose, and several of our jammers and listeners had much difficulty in parking owing to some kind of meeting being staged upstairs which caught everybody out. Nevertheless, once things settled down, we all enjoyed six numbers from the houseband featuring Alan Vincent plus seven jam sets carefully arranged by Vera – and just to wrap up a great evening Alan Vincent & Co. managed a couple of numbers to send us off home in a happy frame of mind.

Good to see four vocalists here this week, and a nice selection of guitarists too, but once again a bit sparse in regard to the rhythm section, although it was a relief to see Marc Turner back here. This meant that I was kept busy throughout most of the night until I remembered that Steve Cook is no slouch playing four strings. Two jammers who made a welcome return here were Warren Davis and Russ Cottee, both of whom we were pleased to give second jam sets as did most of our jammers.

One piece of sad news I need to report is the passing away of Kevin O’Brien, who - after a long battle concerning ill-health - finally succumbed to his fate last week. Kevin was a regular visitor, particularly at our previous venue The Coach & Horses, and always had time for lengthy chats …and possibly owned more guitars than Mike Dearing! We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P Kevin O’Brien.

Our thanks to Alan Vincent and all our much-appreciated jammers who braved the cold weather to be with us. Time to call…

The Roll Of Honour:

• Vocals - Martin John
• Guitar+Vocals - Billy Sharpe, Rachel, and Steve Cook
• Guitar - Ian Hammond, Richard Stenhouse, Chris Greene, Russ Cottee, Kevin Molyneux and Warren Davis
• Sax - Peter Harvie
• Bass - Steve Cook, Richard Stenhouse, Mike Dearing and Terry Duggan
• Drums - Marc Turner and Clive Nash

Peter Harvie’s photos can be enjoyed at Our Facebook page. There’ll be plenty of mp3s this week which will soon be uploaded by our Webmaster Ken Cumberlidge.

Special thanks to Alan Vincent, Kevin Molyneux and Richard Stenhouse for setting up our new PA and backline and for also staying late to pack it all away at the end of the night.

Next time at Leytonstone Blues Jam:
Next week sees two of our regular and much-valued jammers being featured as houseband guest, namely Kevin Molyneux and Richard Stenhouse. There’ll be a few familiar tunes to enjoy plus a few surprises, so please arrive in droves, bring a friend and grab a seat, I have an inkling we’ll be busy.

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

Blues nights continue this week at The Southgate Club on Friday 16th ; their featured band will be “Jimmy Royal & The Regals” with support from “Son Jack Jr.”. 8.30pm-11.30pm For further details, check out www.stharmonicas.co.uk

On Saturday 17th January at The Manor Arms, 150 East India Dock Road, E14 0BP, that man of mirth, music and merriment Billy Sharpe will be guesting with Ronnie Collins’ Last Project plus there’ll be a special birthday celebration for “Posh-Bird” Christine – it promises to be a crazy afternoon with the appearance of The Kazoo Girls! 3.00pm-6.00pm. Please use beer-garden entrance after 3.00pm. No charge at the door.

Thanking All Our Jammers and Listeners,