Jam Session @ the Black Swan - Nov. 23

Mark Williams (guitar); Paul Grainger (bass); Tim Johnston (drums) + Paul Gowland, Steve Summers (tenor sax); Esther Coombes (alto sax); David Gray (trombone); Alex Ngeyu, Alex ? (piano); John Pope, George ? (bass); Andy Lawrenson (violin); Tim Paradine, Chris ? (drums); Joe Steels, Jacob Egglestone (guitar); Niffi Osiyemi, Kit Giroux (vocals) 

And there were others whose names I didn't catch but no doubt will next time round - my apologies.

It all began quite sedately with the trio playing tasteful versions of I'll be Seeing You, I Love You and Prelude to a Kiss. Given the song titles it occurred to me afterwards that if they'd been played in reverse order it could have been the story of a one night stand!

Once the floor was opened up the jammers emerged from the woodshed (has anyone ever actually practiced in a woodshed? Does anyone have a woodshed anymore?).

Paul Gowland was first up with Alone Together - a hard act to follow. However, his former section mate in SSBB, Steve Summers, was up for it with the two tenors getting a good sound on an unannounced number. In fact hardly any of the tunes were identified by name but, being a jam session, educated guesses could be made.

Alex Ngeyu sat in on piano but had little opportunity to solo. Steve played Lee Morgan's Ceora.

Gowland and Summers paired up again for a good old tenor battle on Sister Sadie.

By now the gladiators were coming and going in a fast and furious procession. Guitarists, drummers, another Alex on piano, John Pope on bass and the ever enthusiastic David Gray who could make a funeral seem like New Year's Eve on Sauchiehall St. Elaborate cadenzas bookended his take on Skylark.

Andy Lawrenson did some fancy fiddling and Niffi Osiyemi gave out in her inimitable fashion with Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me and Let's Do It. Paul Gowland also did it on the latter number.

As the evening drew to a close the troops began amassing for Blue Bossa, Take Five with vocal by Kit Giroux and the inevitable Straight No Chaser.

Another memorable evening and, thanks to the earlier start and finish, I didn't miss my bus! 
Lance