What a night to remember! A full house, 27 jammers, food fit for a king, free raffle, fantastic atmosphere and oh…great music too.

It became clear from the early evening it was going to be an extraordinarily busy night, and it was also very obvious we needed to reduce the jam sets from three numbers per set to just two, to ensure all our jammers got the opportunity to get on stage. Our houseband guest John Parry got us off to a flying start with the last-minute inclusion of keyboard-player Steve Walsh, which was a bonus because one of John’s chosen numbers was “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims – a number that heavily features a piano, and what a great version they played too.

Being in a party mood, John and Steve did stray somewhat from the Blues by playing a few special requests from two or three people in the audience, but there were no complaints because we all know what accomplished musicians John and Steve are – aided and abetted by Mike Dearing and Phil Overhead (I played bass of course). It was, however, a nice eclectic set of numbers on their opening set consisting of “Josephine”, “Shakin’ All Over” and a funky “Rock Me Baby” to name but a few.

The evening didn’t solely belong to John Parry and Steve Walsh to be fair, because we had the pleasure of 27 of our finest jammers here this week - although Martin Fieber was forced to leave before his schedule jam set, alas - but most of our regular jammers who have served us well throughout the year were here, I’m pleased to say. One jammer who deserves a special mention is Reg Patten who had been our resident drummer from way back in 2003 until his retirement in 2023 – it was so great to see him back among us at last !

Two more special visitors among our audience were Laurie and Ron Wortley-Millek, who made a special effort to be with us on this particular occasion. Ron did a fine job of calling out the raffle prize winners, assisted by my good woman Vera - and we must thank “Big Ron” for making a substantial contribution towards the cost of this year’s Xmas extravaganza. There were plenty of cheers throughout the evening, but perhaps the biggest was for Queen Bee Vera, who not only arranged 10 jam sets and procured all the raffle prizes but also cooked and laid out the enormous amount of food for the enjoyment of all!

Throughout the whole night there was much to enjoy. It was arguably our best Christmas party since we began in 2003: great jam sets played by so many! In some ways it was a shame we couldn’t continue past midnight, but the final number of the evening was a lively rendition by John Parry & Co of “Caldonia” to send us merrily back home. Without further ado, then, our sincere thanks to all our jammers listed here below, and we also thank them for their loyal support. Time to call…

The Roll Of Honour:

• Vocals - Simon Durham
• Harp+Vocals - Mark Sibley, Phil Hughes and Ray Wallen
• Guitar+Vocals - Billy Sharpe, Rachel, Graham Tutton, Steve Cook, Conrad Di Ianni, Dave Richards and Martin Fieber (did not play)
• Guitar - Chris Greene, Murray, Kevin Molyneux, Sam and Richard Stenhouse
• Sax - Peter Harvie
• Harp - Ned Phillips
• Keys - Steve Walsh and Cole Walsh
• Bass - Maxwell Paternoster, Pete Feldon, Mike Dearing, Richard Stenhouse and Terry Duggan
• Drums - Clive Nash, Reg Patten, John Ward, Marc Turner, Thomas and Phil Overhead

Enormous thanks to our Webmaster Ken Cumberlidge for designing and maintain our wonderful website. Ken will be uploading this week’s mp3 tracks very soon. Peter Harvie’s photos can now be enjoyed on Our Facebook page.

Special thanks to everyone who helped to set up the back line and store it all away at the end of the night, with a special mention to bar staff Ann & Colin, who have served us so well throughout the whole year. Cheers!

Next time at Leytonstone Blues Jam:
We’ll be back in force on January 6th with special houseband guest Matt Withey. Meanwhile, on behalf of everyone at The Leytonstone Blues Jam, we wish you all a Very Merry Christmas & A Very Happy New Year!

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.

Blues continues at The Southgate club on Friday 20th, their featured band will be “Dirty Weather Blues Review” with support from “Johnny and Slide”. For more details, check out www.stharmonicas.co.uk

The party mood will continue on Saturday 21st at The Manor Arms, 150 East India Dock Road, E14 0BP when John Parry will be back in action as guest of Ronnie Collins’ Last Project. It’s never dull when John’s in town, particularly when he’s entertaining the lively locals at this very friendly little pub. Music starts at 3.00pm and continues until 6.00pm. Please use the beer-garden entrance after 3.00pm – no charge at the door. On Saturday 28th, our own charismatic Billy Sharpe will be doing the same at the same venue.

Wishing All Our Jammers & Listeners A Very Merry Christmas & A Very Happy New Year!