After Hours Student Jazz Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle - Oct. 26

STARTING AT 8PM....FEEL FREE TO JOIN IN! That was the simple, straight forward invitation to participate in the latest Newcastle University student jam session. Facilitated by the institution's Head Of Brass, Jason Holcomb, the Globe's first floor performance space was abuzz with student chatter, instrument cases strewn across table and chairs.

A curated set list indicating the key for each number, this was the ideal introductory format for those wishing to gain experience in a jam session environment. Piano, bass and drums and a host of horn players and guitarists were in the house. Few were expecting brilliant contributions, this was more about taking part in a supportive, non-judgemental setting. 

One or two Black Swan jam session 'veterans' were in the house - Conor, trombone, Liam, guitar - otherwise a plethora of new faces got up to do their thing. By and large, MC Holcomb sat to one side, content to see how things developed. Fellow students whooped and hollered, offering every encouragement to their student friends. No names, no pack drill, save to say a tenor saxophonist is planning to make his bow at the next Black Swan jam session (Newcastle Arts Centre, Tuesday 7 November, 7:30pm), you could do worse than getting along to hear him. The After Hours Student Jazz Jam is, more or less, bi-monthly, keep an eye on BSH or the Globe's website for details of the next one. Russell