Red Lion Jazz Jam

Come and try out those new tunes

2012-01-26T19:46:00.002Z

We'll be at the Red Lion from 8pm on Sunday 5th February. Come and try out those new tunes you've been working on. Bring concert copies for the rhythm section, and let me know the titles as soon as possible so I can get you down on the setlist, first come first served.

No jam January 2012

2011-12-13T16:01:00.001Z

Sue has decided to close the Red Lion on January 1st, so there will be no Jazz Jam that evening. We expect to be back there on the 5th February as usual at 8pm. Thanks for your support, and for the wide range of tunes you bring to the party. Meanwhile enjoy Christmas and have a Happy New Year.

September 4th Jam

2011-08-28T11:42:00.001+01:00

We jam at the Red lion next Sunday as usual. Post here a short list of titles you want to play, or send me, and other participants, an email.

June Jam cancelled

2011-05-11T14:44:00.003+01:00

Red Lion Supporters - Sue has a booking for a Party on the first Sunday in June which will occupy the restaurant area till late. She apologises, and it seems best to cancel the June Jam and resume as normal in July. Meanwhile, next Sunday evening 15th May you have the choice of Trish Elphinstone's jam at the Duke of Monmouth, Abingdon Road, Oxford, or Nick Brown's inaugural jam at The New Inn, 120 Corn Street, Witney Peter

Sunday March 6th

2011-02-22T18:02:00.001Z

We'll be jamming as usual on Sunday March 6th. Post any titles you want ot include here, or email as before.

Third Anniversary Jam

2011-01-27T16:51:00.002Z

Our Jam on February 6th will complete three years of playing at the Red Lion. We are very grateful to Sue for letting us try out our barely formed new musical ideas on her customers, and grateful also to those who have supported the Jam by turning up, moving furniture, playing, listening and drinking. Hope to see you ready for an 8pm start.

2010-12-03T08:59:00.000Z

We'll be jamming at the Red Lion as usual on Sunday December 5th from 8pm.

November Jam 7th at 8pm

2010-10-11T22:11:00.003+01:00

We've been collecting suggested titles for the jam ahead of time to get a setlist together. This saves prolonged negotiations over each tune, and helps make sure the rhythm section has the dots. If there are any tunes you want to lead on you can post them here, with your preferred (concert) key and we'll put them on the list.

September Jam

2010-08-16T11:17:00.002+01:00

We've had three jams since the last message. We have been limiting front lines normally to only two horns and letting them stretch out on tunes they know. The results have been encouraging without eating into individual player's toal time on the stand. We'll be at the Red Lion again on 5th September starting at 8pm. Post you choice of tunes here, or send me an email so I can make sure we are able to support you as well as we are able.

June Jam

2010-05-20T09:44:00.004+01:00

The next Brightwell-cum-Sotwell jam is at 8pm on Sunday 6th June. It will help if you post titles here, or email me on peter@surridges.eclipse.co.uk before the jam so I can put a setlist together to keep the music flowing. Bring charts if you are calling something not in the real books.

March 7th

2010-03-01T11:02:00.000Z

Jam as usual ar 8:30 Sunday 7th March.

Two local events seeking your support

2010-01-12T21:14:00.002Z

On Sunday 24th January, Matt Paton (vcls) will be leading a group comprising Jeff Young, Nigel Pierce and Andy Crisp through his Swing, Blues and Ballad repertoire, from 8:30 at the Railway Inn Culham. We'll be back at the Red Lion on Sunday 7th February.

New resolutions

2009-12-28T12:06:00.002Z

Sue is happy to have us back at the Red Lion on the first Sunday of the New Year, and the following first Sundays. Hope to see you as usual, with some new challenges as well as old favourites. We rely on our horn players to come up with something new to keep us fresh. Perhaps with New Resolutions to replace the old II V I.

The Railway Inn

2009-11-29T18:57:00.002Z

The gig at the Railway Inn encouraged the owners to have another on the third Sunday of December, the 20th , at 8:30, featuring Peter Kingslake (gtr) with Dave Small (pno) and Tony Augarde (drs). Meanwhile we'll be at the Red Lion from 8pm on Sunday 6th.

And another door opens -

2009-11-17T19:10:00.002Z

Myles Madden has arranged a one off gig on the evening of Sunday 22nd November at the Railway Inn, Culham Station, with Lloyd Payne (tpt), Matt Paton (vcls) and a rhythm section led by Jeff Young. There will also be appearances by guest soloists. There are no plans yet for a follow-up gig, but a good turnout may put the Railway back on track. We'll be jamming at the Red Lion on December 6th.

One door closes......

2009-10-15T16:25:00.002+01:00

If you haven't heard, we have had to cancel George Haslam's gig at the Home Sweet Home on October 18th, and the later ones, because of lack of commitment from the new publican. George took it philosophically. "Pubs have closed after I have played", he said, "but none to avoid me appearing". The frequent demise of pubs and publicans should make us appreciate the continuity we've experienced because of Sue Robson's efforts at the Red Lion. Our session on November 1st will be our 22nd month. Hope you will make it.

Jazz round and about Reading

2009-10-03T11:42:00.003+01:00

Steve Wellings and Nigel Dacombe produce "Jazz round and about Reading" monthly by email, listing local gigs. This month they have 40 gigs on offer. Contact them on stephen@wordhouseonline.com to receive directly, or by Tel: 0118 961 3233, or Fax: 0118 961 7541. Meanwhile we are back at the Red Lion on Sunday 4th.

Home Sweet Home Sept 20th

2009-09-11T21:10:00.002+01:00

At 7:30 on Sunday 20th September there's Martin Pickett on keyboard, with rhythm section, playing standards and some of his own compositions. Martin’s music will appeal to music lovers whether jazz fans or not. See http://www.homesweethomeroke.com for details of the venue. We'll be back at the Red Lion on October 4th.

Jam Rules OK!

2009-09-11T21:07:00.002+01:00

Following the overwhelming response (not) to my earlier posting about Rules of the Jam, Les Foden has found another set worth your attention. See http://www.saxontheweb.net/Jazz/JamSession.html Anyone prepred to post a comment?

QST Sept 4th

2009-08-30T13:26:00.002+01:00

If you missed your chance to hear Queen Street Jazz on the Reading Festival Fringe there’s no need for despair! Go along to The White Hart Hotel in Dorchester on Thames on Friday September 4th (8 till L8) and you’ll find Ross Law with his trombone; Lloyd Payne (trumpet & his flugel horn); Nick Hill (bass), Eddie Hall (drums and vocalisms) and Les Foden (piano).

Licensing Live Music

2009-08-26T10:27:00.003+01:00

Please click the title above and sign the petition seeking to decriminalise the perfomance of jazz in small unlicensed venues. The Newbury Jazz Platform, Digest 10, 21 Aug (link at right) also includes some interesting comment on the consequences of this legislation for amateur musicians. See you on 6th September for the jam.

Sandi Russell 22nd August

2009-08-19T19:34:00.001+01:00

Sandi Russell appears with Martin Pickett (piano) Paul Jefferies (double bass) and Charlie Stratford (kit). Ex-New Yorker and now naturalised in Durham, UK - Sandi has to be one of our most illustrious jazz singers. Classically trained and now a spokesperson for women in jazz, educator and still very much a thrilling vocalist. Sandi has received accolades from jazz journalists and stellar musicians alike throughout her career. Don't miss this opportunity to hear her on a rare visit to the south performing in the small, but perfectly formed North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Summertown where Sandi appears as part of the JAZZ ELITE series of concerts. Tickets are £12.00 (concessions £10.00) or if you are a student there are even more attractive deals to be had - just call the box office on 01865 319450 or book online at www.thenorthwall.com

Rules of the jam

2009-07-21T21:26:00.002+01:00

Have a look at http://www.jt30.com/jt30page/oldsite/rules.html These are suggestions for a succesful jam. Do you think they are good for us?

August jam

2009-07-20T07:05:00.002+01:00

August jam - sounds most suitable for Soft Fruits, but Hard Nuts are welcome also. We convene for an 8pm start. Hope to see you there on Sunday 2nd August.

2009-06-30T22:56:00.002+01:00

The extra jam at the Jubilee Pavilion, Brightwell cum Sotwell on July 21st must be counted as a success. the audience in the marquee actually increased as we played. (No- it wasn't raining). We are back at the Red Lion on Sunday 5th July as usual. We may have to compete with Wimbledon Final mania, but we manged OK last year with Nadal and Federer. At least the tennis fraternity recognise the importance of a bass line. Don't forget to put July 19th in your diary for a performance by Denny Ilett Snr at the Home Sweet Home, Roke.

Even more jazz

2009-06-11T19:32:00.003+01:00

The venue for the additional jam this month is the Jubilee Pavilion, Mackney Lane, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell. It's about 200 yards down the southbound lane alongside the Red Lion and its car park, on the left hand side. They expect 8 performers (of which we are the ambassadors for jazz) with refreshments and beer tent. All jazz musicians welcome. We'll start playing at 2:30 and be off the stand by 4pm If you can't make that one, come to the Red Lion on the evening of July 5th. HOT NEWS The Home Sweet Home at Roke (near Benson) will start a series of Jazz perfomances on the 3rd Sunday evening of each month starting on July 19th with Denny Ilett Snr (mentioned in dispatches with honour by Humphrey Lyttleton). This could become a regular venue if you come yourself, bring a friend, and tell twelve other people.

Extra Jam

2009-05-22T22:13:00.003+01:00

The first Sunday of June is the 7th, so we'll be at the Red Lion again. There will be an additional opportunity to play, on the afternoon of Sunday 21st June, also in Brightwell. We have our regular rhythm section , and will play between 2:30 and 4pm, so come if you can . Watch this space for more details of the venue.

Sunday 3rd May

2009-05-01T20:53:00.000+01:00

We'll be playing from 8pm on Sunday 3rd.

Sunday 5th April

2009-03-30T11:31:00.002+01:00

We'll be at the RED LION again on April 5th as usual with music from 8 to 10:15.

Revised gig dates

2009-03-06T17:29:00.002Z

Because of a change of management at the George, Dorchester, the Queen St. Jazz perfomance of the Kai Winding/JJJohnson arrangments will now happen on Friday 13th March at 8pm, instead of the 6th. Meanwhile, QSJ are perfoming at The Home Sweet Home in Roke (by Benson) on the evening of Sunday March 8th from 7.00 p.m. until 9.30 p.m. Fine food, fine atmosphere and an ear feast to accompany them. Or you can come to the Old Anchor, Abingdon for a jam at 8:30.

2009-02-25T22:41:00.001Z

Les Foden tells me that the JJJohnson/Kai Winding arrangements due to be aired in February (see earlier posting) will now happen at the George Dorchester on Friday March 6th from 8pm. Also-have a look at Ceora which Les plans to call for 1st March at the Red Lion

Tunes for 1st March

2009-02-16T11:28:00.004Z

Nick and Colin have suggested "Softly as in a morning sunrise" and hopefully Nick will want to repeat "Four" and "Killer Joe". Please come prepared to play them without Real Books.

Jazz at the George Hotel, Dorchester on Thames

2009-02-02T18:38:00.002Z

Until we meet again at the Red Lion on 1st March, you might enjoy Ross Law and Peter Phillips playing the arrangements of JJ Johnson and Kai Winding, with rhythm section at 8pm on Friday 6th Feb in the bar of the George Hotel, almost opposite the Abbey in Dorchester on Thames . This is the second time (at least) that they have performed these arrangements, and they make very pleasant listening.

First Anniversary Jam

2009-01-25T11:35:00.002Z

Our Jam on February 1st completes our first year at the Red Lion. We thank Sue for making the bar available to us, and being very positive about our efforts. Thanks also to those musicians and spectators who have supported us. We are now listed in the Oxford Jazz Federation "Jazzfinder" newsletter, so perhaps this blog is now superfluous. Please let me know what you think. If you use the blog just click on "COMMENT" below to say so. Thanks. I'll assume absence of response means I can discontinue the blog.

New Year's Resolutions

2008-12-19T10:47:00.005Z

We'll be resolving to the tonic every first Sunday at the Red Lion as usual, starting on the 4th of January at 8pm. What better tonic to start the year. Come armed with tunes you can play without music, but give the rhythm section a chance to support you properly by letting us know ahead of time what you want to play. You can do this by clicking on the word "COMMENTS" just below this text.

December's jam

2008-11-13T11:58:00.001Z

We meet on December 7th for an 8pm start. Meanwhile Paul Jefferies has a jam at the Woodstock Arms on Woodstock Road, Oxford on Thursdaythe 14th Nov, and see the links for details of Newbury and Hungerford Jams. Jamie Howell is looking for support for his Wokingham jam. You might find details somewhere in the Newbury site opposite.

Record turnout

2008-10-17T18:55:00.001+01:00

Our best turnout yet on Sunday 5th October. Thanks to all who supported us. We’ll have the same rhythm section next time, November 2nd, so come with some unusual challenges for them, with three copies in concert key for the rhythm section. If you don’t want to lead, but prefer just to join in here are some of the tunes which get called frequently. Blue Moon, Route 66, Beautiful Love, I cover the waterfront, Body and Soul, Out of nowhere, East of the sun, Embraceable you, Perdido, Honeysuckle Rose, My little suede shoes, Corcovado, Star Eyes, Yardbird Suite, Sidewinder, Blue Trane, and Blue Monk.

Next Jam

2008-09-19T22:17:00.003+01:00

Were still on for Sunday October 5th at 8pm. We have been rewarded for good behaviour by an extension to 10:15, so please come with some ideas what you want to play, and as a matter of courtesy let us know ahead of time what you intend to play, and in what key so I can make sure the music is available to the rhythm section to cut down the scuffling and kerfuffle between numbers. (We let the rhythm section read, but the front line is expected to have internalized the music.) You can publish your preferences, or otherwise contribute by clicking "COMMENTS". Thanks for your support.

More tunes

2008-09-04T10:52:00.001+01:00

Tom is planning to sing "Nearness of You" in C "My Babe" in G and "Stormy Monday" in G. Other vocalists intending to come should note that we do not have mikes or PA at the Red Lion.

Setlist for Sunday 7th

2008-09-02T18:56:00.003+01:00

We've had a request for "Star Eyes", "Memories of You", "Our Love Is Here To Stay""Bye Bye Blackbird". Please send a comment with other tunes you want support on.

Jam on September 7th

2008-08-27T20:18:00.003+01:00

We shall be jamming at the Red Lion on the first Sunday of September, the 7th, as usual, starting at 8pm. Post any titles you want the rhythm section to support you on. Vocalists welcome, we had one last time, pleased to hear more. Meanwhile, there is a jam at the Jack Russell Public House, Salford Rd., Marston, Oxford OX3 0RX on Sunday evening, 31st August.

Set list for August 3rd

2008-07-27T15:40:00.001+01:00

We have had one posting for the next set list which calls Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, Honeysuckle Rose, I Can't Get Started and The Girl from Ipanema. Any more suggestions?

2008-07-21T22:51:00.000+01:00

What a racquet! (Not us, only the guys in the Wimbledon Men’s Final). A dozen musos (plus some supporters) turned out for July 6th, so much that we outnumbered the customers watching the tennis on the telly. Special thanks to those who made the effort to travel from Witney and from Winnersh, which gives our catchment area a radius of about 20 miles. The evening included the most successful performance of “Sidewinder” so far. I’ve had request form one of the players to post titles on the blog ahead of the next Jam on August 3rd so he can come prepared (what have I been asking you all this time?). It really does help keep the programme moving, helps us to fit in more tunes, ensures the rhythm section are tuned in, and improves the quality of the music. We aim to start promptly at 8pm. Hope to see you on the 3rd. Also please use the blog to post other news which might interest our followers.

Move over Jack

2008-07-21T22:46:00.002+01:00

time to start posting your preferences for the Red Lion set list on August 3rd. If you are looking for information about the Jack Russell jam, click on the blog archive for July, or try the link to Paul's site.

News about the Jack Russell Jam

2008-07-10T22:09:00.002+01:00

Message from Paul Jefferies:- Hi everyone – a quick note for your diary! Sunday 27th July at 8pm we have our next (Sunday) Jazz Jam at the Jack Russell public house. The first Sunday jam, last month, showcased some excellent music with a rhythm section of double bass, piano and drums (thanks to Kenny Hung for stepping in to dep for Martin Pickett), various saxes, trumpet, vibraphone, and vocals. A nice bonus with the new Sunday slot is good public attendance – a mix of appreciative locals and supportive friends. Thanks as always to Linda & Nigel for letting us take over their pub to convene the jam. I’d be grateful if all you players could pass the word on to a guest – either another player (who doesn’t already come along) or a potential audience member, that way we can grow our numbers nice and organically without the need for me to print out bits of paper and add to my already embarrassingly large carbon foot-print. It would also be splendid if all you teachers could encourage students to come along. Looking forward to seeing you all again on the 27th. Cheers Paul

What a racquet!

2008-07-09T19:32:00.003+01:00

(Not us, only the guys in the Wimbledon Men’s Final). A dozen musos (plus some supporters) turned out for July 6th, so much that we outnumbered the customers watching the tennis on the telly. Special thanks to those who made the effort to travel from Witney and from Winnersh, which gives our catchment area a radius of about 20 miles. The evening included the most successful performance of “Sidewinder” so far. I’ve had request form one of the players to post titles on the blog ahead of the next Jam on August 3rd so he can come prepared (what have I been asking you all this time?). It really does help keep the programme moving, helps us to fit in more tunes, ensures the rhythm section are tuned in, and improves the quality of the music. We aim to start promptly at 8pm. Hope to see you on the 3rd. Also please use the blog to post other news which might interest our followers.

Full house

2008-06-27T20:45:00.000+01:00

We now have a drummer for Sunday 6th, so put the Aebersold CDs away for a night and come to play with a real live rhythm section in front of real live people.

Jazz, no traps.

2008-06-14T22:22:00.002+01:00

We are lucky that Brian Throup has agreed to play bass again for the next Jam at the Red Lion, unless he gets a paying gig in the meantime. There are usually traps. But not this time, even for the wary. You probably know that traps are a jazzman’s term for a drum set. It’s probably a contraction of “contraption”, or possibly of “trappings”. Anyway at time of writing we have no drummer. Only once in three years of this peripatetic jam have we failed to provide percussion, so all hope is not lost. Searches are in progress. No stone will be left unturned. (This is simply a saying, it is not an indication that we think drummers share habitat with insects and gastropods). Meanwhile please remember to come on July 6th for an 8pm start. As usual, please post titles you want to play. It helps get us to assemble the right changes in advance, and enables a prompt start.

Reading Jazz Jam

2008-06-08T23:42:00.003+01:00

News about the Reading Jam on Wednesday 11th June on www.jazzjam.wordpress.com/ Also check www.myspace.com/syncopait where I believe Paul Jefferies has fixed the revised date for the jack Russell Jam. We are back at the Red Lion on 6th July

Jack Russell Jam, and Hungerford

2008-05-27T20:52:00.005+01:00

Watch the news on www.myspace.com/syncopait for possible changes to the date for Paul Jefferies monthly Jam. You might also want to check out http://www.geocities.com/hungerfordjazz/ re next Friday 30th. And don't forget Sunday June 1st at the Red Lion Brightwell cum Sotwell.

Jam (but no bread)

2008-05-12T11:41:00.002+01:00

The Red Lion was full for the latest jam, partly because it was a Bank Holiday weekend. But some of the crowd were there for the music, and we hope they were encouraged to return for the next jam on Sunday 1st June at 8pm. We have lined up a full rhythm section for next session whose sole aim is to support soloists on any jazz tune they can confidently lead on. It helps everyone if you post you probable choice of tunes here in advance, although you can change your mind later, we are flexible. (Tip: I suspect we shall be asked to play Sidewinder every week until we get it right). Come along whether you want to play or not, there is an interesting range of local beers available. PS Post some sort of response please, it gets very lonely out here in the aether.

There’s snow business like show business

2008-04-08T19:36:00.001+01:00

Despite three inches of snow in the morning of 6th April, we had a full turnout for the jam, and a generous audience. Our invited bass player must have been deterred by frightening accounts of the weather north of Reading, but we were lucky to have two bass players turn up on spec, Paul Jefferies and Julian Moss, to whom we are especially grateful. None of the horns found it necessary to use their real books, despite the introduction of a couple of new tunes (Sidewinder and Four) to our familiar playlist. Next time we plan to include Sweet Sue (in G major) in honour of our hostess, so come prepared on Sunday May 4th for an 8pm start. Check http://www.redlion.biz/ for directions to the pub. Post here on the blog the titles you would like to play next time. It helps others to know and allows the rhythm section to have the music handy to support you better.

2008-03-16T15:50:00.002Z

Thanks to all who played and listened at the March jam at the Red Lion, Brightwell cum Sotwell . Musicians and supporters seemed to enjoy it, and some even said so, which is rewarding. The current plan is to meet on the first Sunday of each month, ready to start at 8 pm. We finish at 10. This blog should make it easier for you to check on forthcoming Red Lion Jazz Jams. You might even want to post some titles you want to play next time. If you are reluctant to lead, you might still want to join in. Here’s what we played last time. Some of these are likely to get called again:- Route 66, Shadow of your smile, Fly me to the Moon, My Funny Valentine, There will never be another you, Straight no chaser, Autumn Leaves, Blue Moon, Blue Bossa, Honeysuckle Rose, September in the Rain, All of me, Glory of Love. Not groundbreaking avant garde stuff, but we aim always to perform from memory, but enjoy a fluent performance by minimising the paper on the stand. The next Jam will be on April 6th at 8 pm. Check http://www.redlion.biz/ for information about and directions to the pub. If you’ve got news about the jam planned in Marston, or the reopening of The X, or any other jazz news, please post it here.