Things didn’t quite go to plan this week when the houseband and guests got off to a bad start. Before starting the opening set, the gremlins had revealed their presence when problems suddenly developed with the PA, but this was soon remedied. Not content with that, the gremlins struck again. Martin Fieber and Steve Taylor set about playing the first number and Steve Taylor’s keyboard died. Even after quickly replacing the rogue keyboard, the problem persisted. It was later discovered that both problems were caused by a faulty power supply and various connections which meant that poor Steve Taylor could not take part in the houseband.

With Mike Dearing drafted into the houseband at short notice, Martin needed to rearrange his setlist – so it was very disappointing to not play several of Martin’s own compositions, although “Twangin’ The Blues” was played in the opening set and the instrumental “Mr Steel” was played in the closing houseband set at the end of the night. Hence it was a disappointing opening set through no fault of Martin and Steve, but we did manage to continue without any notable problems throughout the first set and Martin’s closing houseband set. Hopefully, Martin and Steve will be back later in the year to exorcise the evil spirits that plagued them this week.

A much better attendance this week I’m pleased to report, which included newcomer Ian (no surname given), who produced some powerful vocals on his jam set later in the evening - had I known how good he was we would’ve asked him to play an extra jam set but time was moving on fast. Speaking of vocals, Billy Sharpe was quite wary of causing further damage to his vocal cords after losing his voice last week, but he did bring along an acoustic guitar for a solo spot, although I did play bass for him on Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright”. Billy also gave us his own composition - “Beep Beep” - which had been played on one of Terry Wogan’s radio shows. He did however return on the last jam set of the night I’m pleased to say.

Good to see Steve Hillan back here after quite an absence …and at last we had a jamming bass-player in the form of John (again, no surname given). In retrospect, I should’ve made more use of Steve Taylor, who was at aloose end, having been unable to take part in the houseband, Steve did get to play bass on Steve Hillan’s jam set, but I should’ve given him at least another jam set. One jammer who was sadly missed again was Richard Stenhouse, who is still suffering from a very painful shoulder. Get well soon, Richard!

All present and correct, though, were our loyal and much appreciated jammers. Time to call…

The Roll Of Honour:

• Vocals - Ian
• Guitar+Vocals - Billy Sharpe, Steve Hillan, Graham Tutton and Mike Dearing
• Guitar - Ian Hammond, Kevin Molyneux, Simon, and Keith Ellwood
• Sax - Peter Harvie
• Harp - Jonathan Reide
• Bass - John, SteveTaylor, Mike Dearing and Terry Duggan
• Drums - Marc Turner, Tom Gilley and Clive Nash

A fresh batch of mp3s will soon be uploaded by our Webmaster Ken Cumberlidge, and Peter Harvie’s fresh batch of photos can be enjoyed at Our Facebook page. Our thanks to Kevin Molyneux who helped to set out the backline with further thanks to Simon who stayed behind to help pack away the backline at the end of the night. Last but not least, our thanks to Vera for carefully arranging all six jam sets.

Next time at Leytonstone Blues Jam:
Next week will feature another double-header when John Edmonds will be accompanied by his son Andrew Edmonds. They put on a great show for us last September, so I’m very much looking forward to more of the same. Please arrive early, grab a seat and enjoy.

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.

There’ll be no Blues this week at The Southgate Club on Friday while they give way to Comedy Night. But St Harmonica’s Blues club will start their first Blues jam of 2026 at the same venue on Sunday 8th February starting at 7.30pm. Vera and I will be there among a few LBJ regulars, hopefully we’ll see you there. For further details, check out www.stharmonicas.co.uk

On Saturday 7th February at The Manor Arms, 150 East India Dock Road, E14 0BP, the multi-talented John Parry will be guesting with Ronnie Collins’ Last Project – with John about, there’ll be no shortage of entertainment that’s for sure! - - 3.00pm-6.00pm. Please use beer-garden entrance after 3.00pm. No charge at the door.

Thanking All Our Jammers and Listeners,