We have now had 3 Hedsor Jazz Returns sessions on a Thursday, and it almost seems like we had never had a 14 month break. It has been really great seeing everybody again, welcoming back the musicians, and enjoying some really fine jazz.

 

Last week was no exception. Lester Brown played at our first “return” session, and he was here again with us last week. Alongside him was another of the saxophone team we had waited to see, Mark Aston. It was also Mark’s birthday, and it was marvellous that he should consider spending his birthday with Hedsor Jazz.

 

It was also nice to see Lester’s parents in the audience last week as well.

 

One of the “apprehensions” I had about our return to live jazz was that after such a long break many of the musicians who come to play for us might have been a little bit rusty after not having played in public for such a long time. I don’t know about you, but in my estimation they have all, without exception, played better than the last time we heard them 14 months ago.

 

Our new regular attendee, Alex,  has again recorded a large chunk of last week’s session on video, and links to his YouTube files are below.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RQNyrhgxjY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSCqHB4piHA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SO1f6JzUSE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-yCEX0MfJ4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgGWTgrD4PE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX5GTiyhONk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5oNbsy7Buw

 

My mp3 recording of the evening will be available later in the week, BUT some of my photos are below.

We do have a change to our program for this coming Thursday, June 10^th. Alan Graham who was coming to play vibes for us is now not very well, and is therefore not able to be with us, so to accompany the return of our regular saxophonist Mike Wills, guitarist Jezz Cook will be taking Alan’s place. Jezz has been to us a number of times before, and it may well be that we have a few Django Reinhardt tunes added into our evenings mix. On bass we welcome back Mr Peter Hughes, (and his braces), and on drums our regular drumming band leader Martin Hart.

 

Jezz with Mike Wills on a previous visit

Do please confirm your intention to come each week with Tracy at tracy.georgiades@gmail.com

Until all covid restrictions are lifted we are limited to 30 people as audience at Hedsor Club, so do please ensure you have a space reserved with Tracy who is our booking agent at the moment. It is a legal requirement that we have traceability for all who are in the club on our Thursday nights.

 

On 17^th June  we welcome back Ian Smith on trumpet with Ollie Wilby on saxophone. Ken McCarthy will be on keyboard, Martin Hart drum. Our bass player is yet to be confirmed.

 

Ian Smith

One final sad note, we learnt last week that Ken McCarthy’s son died suddenly last month. I am sure you would all like to join me in offering ever condolence to Ken and Maggie at this very difficult time for the family. Words are never enough at times like this, but our love and support go out to Ken and his family.

Geoff C