We Won! APPJAG Awards @ Pizza Express, Holborn - Oct. 16

When it was announced that BSH had won the Jazz Media category of the APPJAG awards I was lost for words although I did eventually manage some garbled phrases in my Peroni inspired speech of acceptance. I think it was videoed - watch this space. I was, and still am, overwhelmed by this most prestigious of UK jazz awards.  However, in reality,  this wasn't just for me but for, as Hugh C put it,  Team Bebop. When I saw the list of nominees in the various categories, the only name I didn't recognise was mine!

So thanks to all of you who made this marvellous evening possible.

This wasn't a vote for individuals but a vote for an art form we are all deeply passionate about. A friend of mine remarked that it might be a good idea if the APPJAG members replaced  The Cabinet, pointing out that politics, like jazz, is all about improvisation. This brought to mind the famous quote from Colin MacInnes' book 'Absolute Beginners' where the hero remarks that his ideal government would include Johnny Dankworth blowing Foreign Secretary.

Apart from the awards which I will highlight soon in the previous post, there was an outstanding performance by the house band for the evening which comprised  Alison Rayner, her band ARQ was an award winner in the Jazz Ensemble category, on bass, sensational Sophie Alloway on drums, Henry Lowther, still top bop+ trumpet player, Fraser  Smith on alto - Cannonball meets Hodges - and leader Max Brittain on guitar. Great sound.

So, thanks again.

Love you madly!

Lance
(Photo courtesy of Steve Crocker)
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