Another terrific night at our new location downstairs which attracted 22 jammers and plenty of listeners even though we didn’t feature a pre-arranged houseband guest this week. Instead, our MC Mike Dearing put together a short setlist before inviting a few regular jammers to the stage on a “first come, first served” basis. Those select few were Kevin Molyneux, Jonathan Reid and Steve Walsh – the latter of whom turned up on the spur of the moment. Although the houseband had planned to play five numbers, we decided to reduce the set-list to just three, owing to there being so many jammers already in attendance – these being “All Your Love”, “Ain’t Gonna Be No Monkey” and JJ Cale’s “Lies” - extremely well played by Kevin, Jonathan and Steve, I must add.

Amazingly, we attracted nine vocalists, although Dave Richards left for home just as we were arranging a jam set for him – such a great pity he had to leave so early. Amazingly also, Queen Bee Vera somehow managed to put together eight jam sets with three numbers per set, and with several of our jammers getting a second helping.

It was quite reassuring to see so many jammers from last week returning. Our new location downstairs certainly seems to have boosted our fortunes and created a far better atmosphere.

Good to see Mark Sibley back with us and in good form as always, and we must thank Russ Cottee and Chris for taking the time to travel up from Southend to be here. But still no sign of a bass-player’s name on the signing-in sheet, which remains a mystery. Thankfully we had Raf Azzara and Mike Dearing to pitch in on bass – and I thoroughly enjoyed my stints with Simon Durham, Mark Sibley and Billy Sharpe who played “I Love To Boogie” in tribute to Marc Bolan on the anniversary of his death.

The final jam set of the night belonged to Jonny Phillips. Steve Walsh, Raf Azzara and Marc Turner, who gave us a couple of good ol’ Rock “n’ Roll numbers to wrap up another great night. They and our jammers listed below receive our heartiest thanks for yet another super show this week. Time to call…

The Roll Of Honour:

• Harp+Vocals - Bo, Mark Sibley and Ray Wallen
• Guitar+Vocals - Simon Durham, Steve White, Billy Sharpe, Rachel and Johnny Phillips
• Guitar - Tom Urwin, Russ Cottee, Chris Greene, Kevin Molyneux and Murray
• Sax - Peter Harvie
• Harp - Jonathan Reid and Ned Phillips
• Bass - Raf Azzara, Mike Dearing and Terry Duggan
• Drums - Gregor, Marc Turner, John Ward and Phil Overhead

A fresh batch of mp3s will soon be uploaded by our Webmaster Ken Cumberlidge, and Peter Harvie’s photos from this week can be enjoyed via Our Facebook page.

Our thanks as always to everyone who helped to set up the backline and for storing it all away at the end of a very busy night. My special thanks to Kevin Molyneux and Mike for bringing my bass amp down from upstairs – it now lives permanently on stage where it belongs.

Next time at Leytonstone Blues Jam:
Next week, we hope to continue our vastly increased attendance when that fretboard maestro Conrad Di Ianni will be our houseband guest, so please arrive nice and early, as you all did this week, grab a seat and enjoy!

Something for the weekend:
Every Thursday, our resident drummer Phil Overhead will be hosting 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.

On Friday 20th, Blues nights continue this week at The Southgate Club when their featured band will be “Big Gilson & Blues Dynamite” plus support from “Whiskey Dreamers”. For further details, check out www.stharmonicas.co.uk

On Saturday 21st at The Manor Arms, 150 East India Dock Road, E14 0BP, our good friend Emanuele Fizzotti will be guesting with Ronnie Collins’ Last Project - another great afternoon is guaranteed! 3.00pm – 6.00pm, please use beer-garden entrance after 3.00pm. No charge at the door.

Thanking All Our Jammers & Listeners,