Well, That Was A Surprise

Jam session review of the annual 12th October gathering...

Who was there? 'Twas Dead Quiet, not many jammers and a desultory effort at a few toons for starters. POCKOTL (see note *) was there with Rod and Bette - she is now so cool she can't remember what POCKOTL stands for - it used to be no nonsense or maybe just a bit of nonsense, now we are not so sure...

The Sound System: For the first time, we ran the bass, guitars, keyboard, and vocals through the PA/mixer - we still have a bit to learn, but the general response was that the sound was pretty good all arvo. Most of the guitarists (Mike, Neville and Roger) didn't like it, so that is an encouraging sign...

Keys: A welcome return from Gentleman John Curtis, and some quiet class from Tony Luxmoore added to the usual culprits. Nice cameo from Frank Millward.

Sax: Jeff H played the smoothest tone we have ever heard from him- was the upgraded sound system something to do with this? Calamatta, Garrett and Hughes all good.

Bass: Steve Martin and Stan Van Hooft their usual solid selves, Kaori absolutely nailed the Bossa rhythm thrown at her.

Drums: Martin Clifton was an exemplary drummer - solid groove, and not too intrusive, which was just as well as he played almost the whole session - Bruce turned up and played later, and Mike (congas) was as good as ever.

Of the singers, Gary Moran and Hettie Keens both impressed - the late Miss Smith was, er, late, but managed a couple toons at the close, Ashley ditto, Christine and  Jane sang with aplomb, and Rose's take on One Step Ahead was about three miles behind... winning, by her estimation,  train wreck of the day at a canter...

So, somewhat after 6.00pm, we all tipped out into the setting sun, suitably sustained for another stroll through the salt mines of life, or whatever working wheeze floats ya boat.

And then the Good Captain remarked that, after that quiet start, he had got 27 jammers up to play. Nice one!

* POCKOTL: Princess of Cool and Keeper of the list.