"That was a Gig That Was"

And that was the email heading from Lisa Amato, telling me what a good time she had had playing at Hedsor on Monday last. And she was absolutely right. What a gig!

The Monday guitar night gigs have always been very pleasant affairs, great music, with just a handful of audience.

Last night was very different.

First off, an email form Lisa, telling me that the long booked Pete Billington was NOT going to be able to make the gig.

BUT, at the last minute she had managed to persuade British piano legend John Critcheson to come out instead. John hadn't been to Hedsor before, hadn't played with any of the other players before, and had never heard of James Fenn. Well, he has now. The combined talents of John, James, Lisa, Vasilis and Nick Marangoni produced an evening of magical jazz that, I for one, will never ever forget. Swing, sting (in some of the incredible harmonies concocted by James and Vasilis on the hoof), humour, and joy were all in there. And to a nearly full house, with new friends who had seen the posters!!They will all come again too.

I know John enjoyed himself immensely. And the audience had a wall to wall grin all evening. It more than made my day! I think it's made my year (my 70th on this planet).

The next jazz Monday is May 19th. I'll let you know the details of exactly who, but do expect many of the same to appear again. And all for your £5. That's right, just £5!

Coming more down to earth, we do have another session from our house quintet this week on Thursday. So to come out and support the live jazz music that we put on Every Thursday at The Hedsor Social Club.

Another Stella date for your diary, on Thursday May 1st, we have another visit from another British jazz legend, Duncan Lamont. He will join our regular reed corner man, Mike Wills for a tenor duo night. What more do you jazz fans want for your money? We don't do gladiators. So put it in your diary, and pay us a £3 visit.

Don't forget that coming up soon at other venues we have:

Saturday 26th April Martin Hart with Alan Barnes at The Woodley Theatre. A few tickets are still available. ring their box office on 0118 9690827. Price is £8.50

And on May 6th, Lynn Garner appears at The Wycombe Swan with American saxophone star Scott Hamilton.

That's it for now, I hope to see you soon at a gig near me!!

Geoff C