I enjoyed my spot at Leytonstone blues jam not least because it is easier to get to now that it’s at Leytonstone’s Ex-servicemen’s club, which is a great place and really handy to the station.

My next outing was much nearer home when I played at the memorial gig for Martin Deegan at The Dublin Castle, an old haunt of mine in Camden. There was a great turnout, with superb music from various musicians of Martin’s gigging history. A fitting memorial, which may well occur again next year.

My own birthday bash was even closer to home, at Angie’s Freehouse, a five minute walk away for me. The day had been one of torrential rain and the place had been really quiet all day, without the usual boisterous sports followers. so the manager was expecting a quiet night because of the inclement weather. In the event, there was a good turnout, as a result of which, we are booked back there in February. The band was Alan Vincent on Bass, Mel Wright on Drums, Steve Taylor on Keys, Jon T-bone Taylor on guitar and myself on vocals and harmonica. I really enjoyed the gig and the turnout of friends and family. I look forward to the next one.

My next trip was to the Troubadour to catch Chris Youlden with his old band The Slammers. They were launching a cd on a new label and the night was brilliant. It was Chris back to his best and the band were exactly right to bring out a his unique voice. once again.

Another trip, this time to Waterloo, gave me a chance to meet up with Jim Mercer for a Sunday early evening gig…Jim on Vocals and Guitar and me on vocals and harmonica. For the final set we were joined by Peter Parker on Bass. Jim has been playing this gig at Vaulty towers for a while and wanted to introduce a few more musicians from his past. It is a Unique pub and the staff were really friendly. Well worth the visit.

One final excursion took e to Kingston to meet with Chris and Mel for another round of drinks, except that they were drinking coffee and tea, so I had had to consume the alcohol for both of them. Of course I accepted the job willingly.

Finally, gigs ahead are a trio gig on New Year’s Eve at The Union, with T-bone Taylor and Brian Diprose, members of The Wild Dice, The First Saturday in February at Angie’s with the full band and a trip in May to Solihull Town Hall  for a Mothers Reunion gig at Solihull Town Hall with a number of bands from the old days at Mothers Erdington Club where I recorded my first album, Little Woman Your So Sweet. The reunion is in aid of cancer aid so it should be pretty special. There will also be younger bands carrying on the music tradition playing there as wells a good mix in a worthwhile cause.