I’ve discovered a cheap live music venue just a short drive away from my hovel. The landlady, Ellie, is a singer, her husband is a drummer and they have a weekly folk club, monthly soul and funk nights and first and third Sundays of each month is “Chandos Arms Jazz”. Not the usual “Trad” pub stuff but -proper- jazz. A few standards and lots of original stuff.
Yesterday’s headliner was saxophonist Martin Speake, with the double bassist Calum Gourlay and pianist Rick Simpson from his quartet plus the alto/soprano saxophonist Jeremy Shoham and drummer Rick Finlay of the house band “Just East”. Really very good indeed but hardly anyone in attendance this time. Normally they get a decent crowd.
They normally pass the tin around for the optional £7 charge but didn’t bother yesterday. At the end I offered some of my cash to Jeremy, the house band saxophonist but he said “That’s OK”.
Next time (17th July) it’s singer Zoe Francis with guitarist Jim Mullen and whoever of Just East is available on the day.
I’ve always rated Jim Mullen since seeing him xx years ago with Pete Brown & Piblokto. He played with a thumb pick!
Since then he’s been with Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express, Kokomo, Average White Band and the legendary Morrissey-Mullen. Should be good. I shall be there.
A rather decent, friendly, local venue almost on your doorstep. Lucky you!
These grassroots places are the lifeblood of a lively music scene.
Sounds like a treasure.
Something I forgot to add to the O.P.