Guitar Week?

Jam Session Review: The Cornerstone Bash, July 28th

For reasons which escape me at the moment, last week's session started quiet. As the Good Captain said "We might as well play, there is no-one here", before it developed into one of the jollier occasions, largely because there were some exceptionally good passages of guitar play with fluent solos and balanced sound levels. Neville the Nifty and Jim Swanton were largely to blame for this, but mention should be made of Les Autres (*)  Mike triplet Powell and Peter I'm a bit nervous Stiles.

Not that others weren't shy in coming forward and shining - Jeff, young Roger Clark (and we've been calling him that for years...) and the aforementioned Good Captain all put up some goodly stuff. Ivan cheerfully played bass all arvo. Keys were the domain of Gentleman John Curtis, Philip Ress, Tony Luxmore and, briefly, meself. Singers Deb and Jane were saving themselves for gigs to come, Elly, Rose, Aneta and Annette all swung, Vlad sang the appalling Valerie (what did that girl do to deserve this?)  but managed to make sense of it as perhaps only Vlad can, and the soiree ended with some smooth croon from Gilbert, and a great set by Annabelle Crutchely Smythe's antipodean cousin.

Those of you who read this guff (and if there is tippex all over your screen that probably includes you) may have noticed that the two drummers in attendance remain unmentioned. Whilst it is possible that neither Martin or Andre will read this and therefore not notice anyway, we might alternatively assume that even drummers can read, and will notice - in which case, chaps, you were equally brilliant.   (Editor's note: Dear readers - I can't be sure but I think that was a compliment.  It should be noted that Philip Ress also had an accomplished bash).

All up, a fun, if slightly elegant arvo.   And a big shout out to the hardy souls that helped set up and pack up.   Those 3 flights of stairs to the dusty loft are tricky.

* Les Autres: Les was an enthusiastic harmonica player in the thirties, or in the pub, with a distinctly Gallic style. He may have sat in with The Oscar Beetroot Band from time to time, but then, who didn't...  If you want to know more about Les or the Oscar Beetroot Band you could try google. It won't do you any good..