After an extremely difficult week, I was looking forward to getting back at the jam while sharing the stage with our very talented houseband guest Phil Hughes, but disappointed once again in the form of a much lower-than-expected turnout. One person who did not disappoint was Mr Hughes, who arrived with his usual enthusiasm, which lightened the mood somewhat. Nothing new in Phil’s off-the-cuff setlist apart from Issac Scott’s version of “Don’t Let My Baby Ride”, which I hadn’t heard Phil sing it for yonks. A great version of T-Bone Walker’s “T-Bone Shuffle” too, I must add – oh, “Black Night”, “Too Many Drivers” and “Mary-Ann” to name just a few quality performances from Phil.

Owing to Vera and I picking Phil up from his home just up the road from where we live, we needed to use our old trusty Vectra which is not ULEZ compliant – hence having to ensure we got out of the ULEZ zone before midnight thus avoiding another £12.50 charge, so an early closing time was necessary, although Mike Dearing nearly closed us down at 11.00pm due to some mis-understanding Ha! Ha! But we still managed to squeeze in two more numbers at the end of the night with the previously mentioned “Don’t Let My Baby Ride” and “Three Hours Past Midnight”.

It was a nice surprise to see Dave Richards back here accompanied by his good friend John Ward; both were given extra jam sets, as were several of our jammers this week. Notable absentees this week were Richard Stenhouse, Kevin Molyneux and Chris Greene - the latter was feeling unwell - but we did have an unexpected visit from Bonnie and Steve “Bob The Builder” Taylor. Unfortunately, Bonnie decided not to sing despite the lack of vocalists. How relieved we were, then, to see Ray Wallen walk through the door to provide much needed vocals while Billy Sharpe livened us up with “I Love To Boogie”, That’s Alright Mama” and the unexpected “Hot Legs”! Our MC Mike Dearing was on hand to provide vocals later in the evening.

All in all, another good night’s jamming with the help of Phil Hughes and all our jammers. Time to call…

The Roll Of Honour:

• Harp+Vocals - Ray Wallen and Phil Hughes
• Guitar+Vocals - Dave Richards, Billy Sharpe and Mike Dearing
• Guitar - Ben Shadbolt, Keith Ellwood and Ian Hammond
• Sax - Peter Harvie
• Bass - Dan, Steve Taylor and Terry Duggan
• Drums - John Ward, Marc Turner and Clive Nash

Not as many mp3s as last week, but our Webmaster Ken Cumberlidge will soon be uploading this week’s fresh batch of recordings. Peter Harvie’s batch of photos can be enjoyed at Our Facebook page. Despite feeling a bit under the weather, Vera arranged this week’s jam sets.

Next time at Leytonstone Blues Jam:
Next week’s houseband guest will be regular visitor Ray Wallen, who I’m sure will be providing an interesting setlist for Mike, Clive and myself to ponder - and hopefully we’ll see a much-improved turnout to welcome Ray.

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.

No Blues at The Southgate Club this week, but it’s that time of the month when St Harmonica’s Blues Club stage their Blues jam on Sunday 9th November at the same venue starting at 7.00pm. Vera and myself will be there hoping to see many LBJ jammers. For further details, check out www.stharmonicas.co.uk

On Saturday 8th November at The Manor Arms, 150 East India Dock Road, E14 0BP, our good friend John Parry will be providing great music and laughter as guest of Ronnie Collins’ Last Project. 3.00pm-6.00pm. Please use beer-garden entrance after 3.00pm. No charge at the door.

Thanking All Our Jammers & Listeners,