This Week at Hedsor Jazz

This week we should see back our reed section in the shape (and sound) of Mike Wills. Our bass player this week will be John Monney.

Last week was interesting, with 3 deps out of a quintet, leaving just Clive and Martin from the standard lineup. However it was all good fun. In fact everyone played exceedingly well. Kelvin Christiane added a bit of variety to the evening with both flute and soprano saxophone being added to the mix.

Kelvin Christiane

Alan Berry

It was nice to see Alan Berry again. He was one of the first pianist I used to see when I first moved out of London. He was the keyboard player with "The Lenny Best Quartet" in Maidenheads "The Bell" back in the 1970's. A few years of really great jazz, with good named guest musicians every Tuesday. Tubby Hayes played one of his last gigs with Lenny in "The Bell". He only had strength to play sitting down, but gave a master class that I for one have never forgotten.

News of Ken Rankine

Ken is now out of hospital and since Monday back at his Portland cottage home . Sue is with him. He had a stent inserted into his oesophagus to enable food to get past the tumour, and has been able to eat soft food and to take on board fluids. He would like to thank all who have signed and/or sent cards. Although still on morphine to control his pain, he is hoping to gain strength now he can take some food again but is taking things a day at a time. He has even tried for a few minutes to play an upright bass again and says it seems it is a bit like being a beginner again!

I'm sure we all wish him well, but do keep him and Sue in your thoughts and prayers.

Next week? Well Tracey Mendham, Alan Grahame, and food!! You cant miss August 11th!

(the above photos are courtesy of Geoff Swaffield).