What a stonkingly great night we had this week with Matt Withey as our houseband guest, and once again I have to say what an amazing talent this man possesses …and never a complaint from this genuine gentleman. Little wonder how much he is so much admired. Although Matt did have a pre-arranged setlist, quite a few of them were different versions to what I had listened to during the previous afternoon, but it’s always a good thing to watch, listen and learn, which is the essence of jamming I guess.

One number which was definitely not on Matt’s setlist was “When My Train Pulls In”, which was played with such high energy – in other words “too loud” for most people’s ears although not too loud for me. Five more cracking numbers were played, invluding Bob Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody” and Santana’s “Evil Ways”. Other little gems were “Champagne & Reefer”, “She Suits Me To A Tee” and that old chestnut “Stop Messin’ Around” - which cannot be said for Matt’s opening set.

Once again, not too many vocalists here this week, but at least it enabled us to hear more from Matt during the jamming session. One the lucky jammer who was just itching to share the stage with him was Keith Ellwood, so we duly obliged.

A slight improvement on last week’s attendance of jammers, but perhaps even more pleasing was to see so many non-players, who certainly contributed to a lively evening, and who were not shy in getting up to dance– we even saw Matt Withey jiving on the dance floor. If there was one man who got people up dancing it was Billy Sharpe, with Steve Cook coming a close second. Speaking of Steve Cook, it was he who brought along guitarist Kouki Dannie Taniguchi who was on a flying visit from his home in Japan, With his ever-constant smiling face, he surely brought a ray of much-needed sunshine at this time of the year. With time running out on such a busy night, we were eager to see more of our Japanese friend, so to make his visit worthwhile, we included him in the final houseband set with Mike graciously stepping down.

Plenty of guitarists to choose from, but just one drummer and one bass-player’s name on the sign-in sheet – but they were two high quality jammers in the shape of Marc Turner and young Dan, who continues to impress on each visit.

I could add more but I’ll keep it short, just enough to thank Matt Withey for another fabulous performance while not forgetting our much-appreciated jammers – oh, thanks also to all our non-players! Time to call…

The Roll Of Honour:

• Harp+Vocals - Ray Wallen
• Guitar+Vocals - Billy Sharpe, Steve Cook, Kouki Dannie Taniguchi, Matt withey and Mike Dearing
• Guitar - Chris Greene, Richard Stenhouse, Ian Hammond, Kevin Molyneux, Ben Shadbolt and Keith Ellwood
• Bass - Richard Stenhouse, Dan and Terry Duggan
• Drums - Marc Turner and Clive Nash

One of the busiest persons of the night was Vera who not only carefully arranged all six jam sets but was kept busy throughout the night taking photos in Peter Harvie’s absence. The results can now be enjoyed at Our Facebook page. This week’s batch of mp3s will be uploaded by our Webmaster Ken Cumberlidge, but it might take a while, as he is unwell at present. Our thanks to Richard Stenhouse, Kevin Molyneux and Keith Ellwood for their help in setting out the backline and staying late to pack it all away.

Next time at Leytonstone Blues Jam:
Next week will be a very special occasion: it will not only be our last jam of 2025, but we will also be staging our now famous Christmas Blues Jam with John “Santa Claus” Parry. There will be an abundance of food lovingly prepared by Vera, plus a free raffle ticket on entry – about 10 prizes to be won! Please take note, we intend to start at 8.00pm, so please arrive early to ensure a seat. After next week’s extravaganza, well take a two-week break before returning on January 5th.

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 return this week at The Southgate Club on December 12th ; their featured act will be “The Feltham Cicadas” plus support from “Three Way Boogie”. 8.30pm-11.30pm For further details, check out www.stharmonicas.co.uk

On Saturday 13th December at The Manor Arms, 150 East India Dock Road, E14 0BP, the ever-popular John Parry will be guesting with Ronnie Collins’ Last Project while also celebrating “Up Yer Kilt” Maggie’s significant birthday – dull it won’t be! 3.00pm-6.00pm. Please use beer-garden entrance after 3.00pm. No charge at the door.

Thanking All Our Jammers & Listeners,