A THURSDAY BLOG
Just to make up
some “lost” time!
25th June 2020
First of all I want to expand on the situation regarding Hedsor Club. I had an informative email
from Sarah, the club steward, the text of which follows. Please read and inwardly digest, as someone once said!
“Just wanted to update you on the situation at Hedsor as we hopefully
return to some sort of normality.
We are going to re-open the club from Saturday 4th
July. Clearly there will be some limitations to begin with – but we are
lucky to have lots of space!
You will not be able to stand at the bar to drink in the big hall.
There will be hand sanitiser readily available in the lobby, on all
bars and in the toilets. Doors will be propped open to avoid contact on
handles etc.
We will probably not open with a full range of draft beers – Rebellion
are operating with a limited number of beers available and there maybe a
smaller choice on other keg products. Clearly all bottled products will be
available.
There will also be restrictions on toilet facilities with only one
person allowed in the toilets at any one time. We will have antibacterial
wipes in the toilets and will be asking where possible for customers to wipe
around taps etc after use. Also there will be more regular cleaning of these
areas.
We will be encouraging payment by card but not making this compulsory.
We are hoping with the good weather many customers will choose to
drink outside - but clearly this would not work for you.
We do not have plans making the wearing of facemasks compulsory – but
clearly we are happy if customers would like to wear facemasks if they feel
this makes them more safe.
For many of the evenings we will be open with restricted hours – but
this is customer led – so clearly if you think enough jazz people would
like to come we will open for the normal hours – or if you think an earlier
time may be suitable we are happy to work with you. “
Since receiving this the government has said that at the
moment no live music will be allowed, so for Hedsor Jazz, we still only
have an expectation of live jazz at the moment, but there is a least a glimmer
of a candle out there. PLEASE let me know via
Octogeoff@outlook.com how YOU feel
about coming out to listen to Jazz at Hedsor in the not too distant future.
Pat Kelly
Since my last blog I have also received news of the death
of Pat Kelly. As many of you know, Pat was the man behind the jazz sessions at
Maidenhead's Norden Farm. He was also the founder and mentor of The Berkshire
Youth Orchestra, which morphed into Pendulum. A larger than life character, his
passing is a sad loss to our local jazz scene. Our condolences go out to Rose,
who was the behind the scenes organizer of many of the jazz events we have
grown used to. Our love and compassion for her loss go out from me for sure.
I
saw a number of BYJO performances at The Brecon Jazz Festival (another cancellation
for this year), and Rose was the “mother” to all the young players in that
orchestra, especially when they were away from home as at Brecon .
Pat’s funeral will be at Reading Crematorium South Chapel
at 3.15 on Friday 26th June (tomorrow!).
LINKS
Whilst still having restrictions placed on our experience
of live jazz, YouTube have some great nostalgic chunks of live jazz from an age
where large hair was the norm.
Two bits of very good film are available of the Chris
Barber Band back in 1970 and 1973. (Chris retired form playing this year at the
age of 90).
So in date order
Chris
Barber in Prague 1970
The cast
Chris Barber trombone,
Pat Halcox tp and pn, John Crocker cl, sax, Stu Morrison bjo, bassgt,
mandolína, John Slaughter el. gt, Jack Flavelle bass, bass gt, Graham Burbidge drums,
voc. Ottilie Patterson
When first on
screen in this ½ program I thought the bass player was John Lennon!
The second
½ hour or so of barbarism :-
Chris
Barber in France 73
The long hair and the name of the band leader may now
scream out "barbers are needed", but it probably seemed OK at the time.
This 1973 set has a tune that I have always enjoyed, a
little know piece by Duke Ellington, with a cracking title; “I’m Slapping Seven
Avenue with The Sole of My Shoe”.
See you all soon, and keep as safe as you can. One day like a certain American general said (LIVE JAZZ) "....will return".
