Old Rockin' Chair's Got Me.

Darren Grainger (ten)Laurie Brown (vibes), Robin Douthwaite (gtr), Jim Crinson (bs), Barrie Ascroft (pno), Eric Stutt (dms).

I should have stayed in bed! This wasn't the best night I've ever had at The Chilli in fact it could easily be just about the worst!

Nothing to do with the music which at times was reminiscent of the Shearing Quintet (at other times it wasn't). No, the problem was me - suffering from a severe case of Scarborough Shoulder. An affliction caused by sitting in draughts at sea front jazz festivals.

As the painkillers wore off so the mobility of my left arm decreased and not even a spirited version of "Bluesette" could ease the pain that coursed through me.

I shouldn't complain - Darren had been to hell and back, was still in the Chemo Chain and blowing with mucho gusto. By comparision my aching bones were but a small sneeze in the big picture.

I was still in agony though.

So I vacated my position as doorman for the night (I hadn't been overworked) and left as the band went into "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing."

As I descended the stairs, pausing to appreciate a Hampton-like break from Laurie who had taken over from the late Adolph Hitler on vibes, ascending the the stairs was "The Doc".

I described my condition to him in detail and awaited his diagnosis.

He nodded his head sagely as doctors - even swing violin playing doctors - do before making their pronouncement.

"It's a severe case of Old Age, Lance my boy (boy!?)."

Lance.

PS: Must make sure I'm well for next week's gig with Mo Scott, Rod Sinclair & Neil Harland. Tell everyone you know because these cats are Mahatma Gandhi, Napoleon Brandy they're Cellophane (or should that be updated to Cellphone?) whatever they're the top.