I'm just about back after a Christmas and New Year of festivities, family, and a bad cold. So it must be time for a brief nag.

I hope you have all had a wonderful and rewarding winter break, and that the new year will give us all joy and prosperity. I'm sure our politicians will see to that! Leaving us with the small task of enjoying the local jazz scene.

For me, that will start on Thursday, with the Clive Burton Quintet at The Hedsor Social Club. 8.30 start, we do take money from you for that, but often give you a raffle prize in exchange!

Sunday, at another venue that I understand is another shaky one, Century Jazz perform for dinners and beer drinkers alike from 8pm onwards at The Fifield. Like most events, if you don't go it wont be there when you feel like going next time if you don't go more than once a year!!!

We are planning a lot more jazz events over the year. Coming soon to a hall in Cookham, the fabulous Shirtlifters will be having an evening of Winter Ineluctability, so watch out for the date, (and Charles Benson with the tickets!).

We plan to do another Cancer Research UK fundraiser in April, and another Cores End Church Jazz Concert on October.

The monthly Jazz from Geoff nights at The Old Bell are hopefully still going to happen, and in June and July I'll be taking part in two jazz orientated radio programs on Cookhams Summer FM.

So we are doing our bit in line with the addage of keeping live jazz alive, but we do need an audience!!

So does young local pianist Toby Cruse. He has two events rushing towards us.

In his own words:-

"Just thought I'd let you know that my Big Band is playing locally on two forthcoming occasions.

7th January 2006
Lancaster Arts Centre, High Wycombe
An evening of swing music featuring a host of singers including Jennie Morton, Paul Holgate (one of the leading Frank Sinatra tribute acts in the UK) and a vocal trio. The 14-piece Big Band will include such names as Andy Panayi, Pete Hurt and Martin Shaw.

18th February 2006
Ballinger Village Hall, Ballinger (near Amersham)
As above but in "dinner dance" format with a licensed bar and a buffet prepared by my own dear mother.

I'm afraid there is a cost involved, but it will be well worth it! 7th January is £12 (Box Office - 01494 812458) and 18th February is £25 (Box Office - 01628 530068).

Cheers.
Toby"

I really haven't had a chance to listen to any new Jazz CD's this past 2 weeks, having survived the touring by listening to MP3's on my Creative Labs Zen player!! I'll try and do better next time, till then, its

TTFN

Geoff C
http://jazzfromgeoff.blogspot.com