The Christmas Bash: so that was that – or was it?

Lunch. Well, why not? A few hardy souls foregathered for lunch at The Post: among them De Coverley the cad and a few friends (Larry, Doug, Laurie and Cath Connor et al), along with Yuko, The Captain, and a gradual assemblage of Jeff, Ivan, Gilbert, meself, and a bunch of others…. Lunch was pretty good.

Started the music with a fine foursome – the aforementioned bounder and his mates, and some rather good jazz, whilst the rest of us sucked on wagyu beef burgers, chips and reminiscences for a while Not many peeps at this stage and it really seemed as though the 2.00pm start would be a fizzer.

Which, of course, it wasn’t. This was the biggest Jam Session we have ever had – bigger than we could remember at Dizzy’s, bigger than the seven sax blowout at Ramages, bigger than the Captain’s birthday party at the Leinster.

How big, you ask? Well I can’t hear you not ask, but the answer is 45 musicians., all of whom got to play over the ensuing six hours. And when you factor in two who turned up but didn’t play (Rose and Bruce – sorry chaps), as well as those who were elsewhere engaged (Malcolm, Carol , Aggie the Gardener – you were missed) we were lucky to get away with it.

All the drummers who didn’t turn up are in discgrace, because at one stage, I had to slap the skins so badly that Larry kindly got up from his rest and resumed.

So… a fine afternoon, fine music, and great company. Who should we pick out as particularly culpable?

Jeff played some of the sweetest saxophone he has in ages.

Sir Roger De Coverley easily topped the charts for most solos.

Gilbert turned up earlier than ever before, and sang with gusto.

The Debonair Mr Curtis was as elegant as ever.

Jane knocked up a fine set (actually, better than fine).

The Captain declined a solo on When Sunny Gets Blue, but then aced it anyway,.

Jack Morris sang for the third time in living memory,

Dave NN the bass turned up for the first time in ages, as did guitar ace Ben Stewart, Ash de Wang sang…

…and the rest of you must remain unmentioned, because either you were unmentionable, or American, or excellent, or both, or because I have run out of superlatives, vituperatives, adjectives and inclination. But what a great afternoon that turned out to be!

Prizes, and the year in review

There are no prizes, but if there were, we would be awarding them to… (drum roll)

Malcolm for turning up late every week, playing better and better, and staying back to help the pack up. Gentleman JC for setting a standard to which we aspire.

The Rhythm section for driving the whole damn shebang. Ivan, Pete, Alan, Steve, Mike (x2), Bill, Mac, Hussein, and all the others: great job!

John Perri: for starting to drive the Rhythm section really well: much appreciated.

Annie Smith: for most nicknames in a year. Oh, alright, she sings rather well as well.

Alan West: for being a soothing influence on us all, and playing damn well as well.

The 120 + musicians who have played at the Post since April 2019. You know it has been a good year.

The Staff at the Post: Mike’s crew is constantly changing, but Devon, Mel, Adam, and Toby all stick in the mind. Some Jammers will be aware of how much they enjoy the jazz. Props to Mike for putting up with us.

Just when you thought – that is it for another year – or is it???

We are holding an unofficial, supernumerary Jazz Jam Session this coming Sunday 15^th December, at the Post Hotel as usual, from 4.00pm until whenever – to which you are invited, and at which you may play or sing whatever the hell you feel like. Yuko’s parents are coming from Japan for this one. Annie will be there. Captain Chaos may be there, or not, or may be a newly signed up Collingwood supporter, as the mood takes him. Plenty of regulars have said they will come too.

Update: The Newport Jazz Festival May 2nd and May3rd, 2020

Bands: We now have over 25 bands signed up – and it looks like 50 may not be pie in the sky.

The Committee: rolls from hiccup to hiccup: this week saw Deb unwell, the Captain contemplating eye surgery, Julian retiring. We desperately (or not so desperately) seeking someone to take up the reins on the roles of Treasurer and Marketing guru.

The Website hasn’t crashed yet! God knows I’ve tried, but it looks increasingly likely that it will still be working when Jess gets back from the UK.

Check it out:-

https://www.melbournejazzjammers.com.au/