| Author |
Message |
Bigjulie
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, 11 April, 2007 - 10:08 pm: | |
It appears there is to be a new regular Jazz night in the aptly named St.Germains Suite (Honor Oak pub) starting on Thursday 12th April.
The excellent Ballantine Shaw band (vibes/guitar) are playing on the 12th, 19th and 26th.
This seems to be replacing the much missed weekly jazz sessions at the Rutland Arms (RIP).
http://cdbaby.com/cd/ballantineshaw2 |
Bigjulie
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Friday, 27 April, 2007 - 12:51 am: | |
I have just been to this Jazz night.
The music was wonderful (Ian Ballantine has been a regular performer at Ronnie Scotts since the 80's) - and they are all top quality players.
Bizzarely at the end of the evening Ian B. suggested that the future of this event is in some doubt - it seems the YOHO pub is only committed to this venture until the end of May.
I would liked to have paid my £3 entrance fee - but there was no one to pay. (I hope this doesn't fail due to a lack of revenue). Jazz is a minority interest I know, but South London has always lacked venues. I have spent many years travelling to central, north and east London to hear top quality music.
This pub has unearthed a perfect little venue in the room provided, it would be a shame for it to fold before it got off the ground. It needs the word to spread around that a good night can be had locally with good musicians in a suitable environment.
So, if you have any interest (or know people who have any interest) in quality non-mainstream music, get them down there on a thursday evening in the next few weeks and maybe Forest Hill can claim its own interesting, challenging and rewarding venue. |
Lillam
Joined 15-04-2006
| | Posted on Friday, 27 April, 2007 - 11:35 am: | |
I think the problem is that a weekly session is too regular - I would say once a month would be about right. If I understand it right the Honor Oak booked Ian for weekly consecutive gigs - therefore week one was rammed, but not suprisingly no one came the following week, because they have just seen the act the week before.
A once a month session with rotating/different acts would seem a good solution - Perhaps James or Jamie might like to comment on this? (especially as I may have got the above stuff wrong).
It would be good to have a nice little live venue in the back there - and it neednt be strictly jazz either. How about an Irish night for all the old boys of StGermains! A good will gesture if ever there was one.... |
Bigjulie
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, 28 April, 2007 - 09:15 pm: | |
I think the advantage of a weekly session is that you always know when the music is on - if you have not been around for a while you only need to remember that the sessions are on a thursday. Occasional gigs are much more difficult to promote. The weekly session at The Rutland lasted for 16 years or so.
But of course this sort of thing will only survive if there is a strong enough demand for it. I agree that having the same act for the first 3 weeks was not ideal. I was talking to the guy who books the bands and he said he needs a long term commitment to book the best acts - they need to be booked well in advance to ensure you get them!
I think he just promotes jazz acts but of course other genres would be great as well. It would be just as good to have a folk club/trad Irish/blues or whatever.
Anyway he has 5 different acts booked for the next 5 weeks - I will see if I can find any details to post here. I notice the pub website gives very little information which is a shame. |
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 30 April, 2007 - 04:24 pm: | |
Dear all,
The jazz evenings will be going fortnightly for May and June, with different acts on each occasion.
The acts are currently being confirmed and once they are a separate page will give details on the website, and a printed flyer will also be circulated.
Further post to follow in the next few days.
Best wishes,
James |
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, 08 May, 2007 - 09:47 pm: | |
Dear all,
The Matt Wates Quintet will be performing at The Honor Oak this Thursday from 8pm.
Admission is £3.50, or alternatively you can have any two courses from our menu beforehand, and admission to jazz for £15 - book online at http://www.thehonoroak.com.
After this week, the next act will be Alan Barnes Quartet, featuring John Horler - one really not to be missed - on 31st May. The same all-inclusive offer will be available throughout May and June, and booking for Alan Barnes will be available online from 11th May.
Best wishes,
James |
Bigjulie
Joined 09-04-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, 03 June, 2007 - 11:39 pm: | |
Excellent gig by Alan Barnes Quartet last week and the place was packed!
Good to see that there is a bit of promotion for this jazz club at last and I think the meal offer is quite attractive.
Shame the beer ran out. |
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