The Tannery jam session @ The Tannery, Hexham - May 13

Joe Steels (guitar); Laurence Blackadder (double bass); John Bradford (drums) + Ben Lawrence (keyboards); John Weaver (trumpet); Chris Beaumont (guitar); Jimi Savage (guitar)

A first visit in a while to Hexham. The Tannery on Gilesgate is host to a second Wednesday in the month jam session and this month's gathering was, as always, fronted by Joe Steels. This evening, guitarist Joe, Laurence Blackadder (bass) and John Bradford (drums) would form the house trio. 

The trio would soon become a quartet with the arrival of pianist Ben Lawrence. Two sets, including tunes favoured by guitarists (I'll Be Seeing You, Darn That Dream and Stella by Starlight), found Joe in great form, a cut above standard jam session fare. Laurence and John were enjoying themselves, as were the evening's sitters-in.

Ever-present trumpeter John Weaver fancied playing Someday My Prince Will Come, later, guitarist Chris Beaumont opted to play On Green Dolphin Street, and, second set, guitarist Jimi Savage joined the action (Victor Young's Stella by Starlight). 

If you're looking for a relaxed jam session - as a musician or listener - the Tannery (second Wednesday in the month) fits the bill. It's a seven o'clock start, all done and dusted by nine. Russell