1st Feb - Ted and Martin(s) are back!

We look forward very much to the return of Ted Taylor, Martin Veasey and Martin Emeny. We couldn't avoid the clash of dates last year, but that problem solved itself and it will be great to welcome old friends.

Highlights CD near completion

We're nearly ready to offer you our compilation CD of the best moments from the last few months. It's not been an easy task choosing, and we've ended up with selections from 6 different sets of musicians, and over 75 minutes of music. The plan is to cover the cost of production and to generate a small profit that will go into the fund that helps pay the musicians.

Don't expect hi fi, though we've been surprised and pleased with the actual quality of the live recording we do each fortnight. We're also delighted to have a record of these sessions, which after all are informal jams, but which month after month show the quality of our visitors in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Which of course is down to you!

18th January - New Washboard Syncopators Debut

Don't say we didn't warn you! Get within a few yards of these guys and you're likely to be seriously entertained.

And out of 17 numbers they gave us last night, I reckon it's a fair bet that you'd only heard (say) 5 of them before. Not to mention one or two highly dubious Chris Carmel 'stories'!

It's understood that we are a mainstream jazz club, but we do like to ring the changes and last night demonstrated that music played by people who love what they do, whatever its flavour, is always captivating. It was clear, perched at the bar, that both band and audience were having a seriously fun time.

And, as the preparation of our first 'Highlights' CD nears completion, I am happy to let you into a secret. If by any chance you didn't catch all the words to "I Want to Play the Piano in a Cathouse", worry not!

I'm sure the boys will be back!

Coming Up - 18th Jan - New Washboard Syncopators

From deepest Staffordshire, they'll be bringing a repertoire that entertains and amuses, and (trust me) swings like the b*llocks b*llocks. Featuring the priceless vintage washboard of Tony Quinn, believed to have been fashioned in Cremona by Enrico Zanussi, and ensured for millions.

At last...A Comment!!

Many thanks to Anonymous for your Comment that followed our posting on the JBQ visit. It proves somebody actually reads this stuff! More, more!!

WELCOME RETURN OF THE ANTIQUE SIX

A great session to begin 2009 at Spring Lane! The lads were in sparkling form, with the second set in particular displaying their mastery of tight ensemble playing. This was the Antiques close to their best, playing well-balanced sets with assurance, and paying their audience the compliment of presenting the music professionally.

The audience response was evidence of a good time being had by all, and the band were clearly enjoying themselves too. It was great to hear several numbers that are not on the repertoire of more 'ordinary' bands - I'm thinking of numbers like the early Ellington "Mooche", "Algiers Strut" and "Last Mile Blues".

As is now becoming customary, we recorded the session and I'm sure we'll be including a number or two on the 'Best of the Year' compilation CD we're planning.

Many thanks to the band, and to you, the members, for supporting us in quantity on a very wintery night.