Last of the summer jam @ The Jazz Café - August 1

(Review by Russell/Photos courtesy Mike Tilley [above]  & Russell [below])

They came out of the woodwork for this one. The last jam session of the summer encouraged all and sundry to turn out – musicians and audience. The Jazz Café’s popular twice monthly session was so busy that more than one aspiring participant didn’t get the nod. The house trio opened the evening’s entertainment at eight o’clock, played a couple of tunes, played a couple more and in a trice it was ten minutes to nine. Hopeful sitters-in were massing at the bar waiting to be called.

First up, veteran modernist Ian Forbes. Mr Forbes doesn’t hang around, if it looks like he’ll have to bide his time, he’s off into the night. Forbes shared Stolen Moments with Jazz Co-op guitarist Keith Barrett before giving way to Trinity-bound Abbie Finn, joined by folk fiddler Andy Lawrenson to play a few numbers including a swinging There Will Never Be Another You. Early Birder Ben Lawrence played some piano and former Early Bird guitarist, currently studying at Birmingham Conservatoire, Francis Tulip, upped the ante with some fiery bop-ish lines, as did the emerging piano talent that is Joel Brown. Matt MacKellar was in the house and duly took his turn, as did Debra Milne singing a couple including Señor Blues with Bradley Johnston having returned to the stand. ‘Showtime’ did what he always does – inject ‘oomph’ into the proceedings. Good on yer David Gray! The bar did good business, plenty of bodies in, and yet another drummer – looking not unlike a young Ginger Baker! – made his way through the throng to grab a piece of the action. Ben Fitzgerald the name, he’ll be back.

It was just about time, but not before a new face made his debut – Josh Eckert, guitar, fitted in well. Let’s hope he returns when the jam session resumes in September. Literally last but not least, from France, vocalist Sarah Linscott made a welcome contribution alongside a soprano sax cameo from Paul Gowland. Time please! See you all on Tuesday, September 5.                         

Russell.

Bradley Johnston (guitar), John Pope (double bass) & Paul Wight (drums) + Keith Barrett (guitar), Francis Tulip (guitar), Josh Eckert (guitar), Ben Lawrence (piano), Joel Brown (piano), Andy Lawrenson (violin), Paul Gowland (soprano saxophone), David Gray (trombone), Ian Forbes (drums), Abbie Finn (drums), Matthew MacKellar (drums), Ben Fitzgerald (drums), Debra Milne (vocals) & Sarah Linscott (vocals)