We’re just recovering from our BIG weekend.
Nottingham with ARQ, St Mary’s Old Church with Norma Winstone & Emily Remembered and our London Jazz Festival stage ‘takeover’ on Sunday afternoon. Yes, Blow the Fuse programming 5 bands (one was an impromptu set with Roz Harding – on very good form). A varied, interesting afternoon of music with some great original writing. It was all wonderful.

Starting with a Jazz & Gender panel discussion. Yes, there should be more women involved in Jazz. We’ve been saying it for 25+ years – well, it’s about time the other big festivals took note and.. And.. YES please book more women.
There is now a new generation of great players joining our ranks and there is absolutely no excuse to see yet another festival announcing its almost entirely all male programme as Deirdre did this morning!

Public nominations for the 2015 Parliamentary Jazz Awards open on the 17th November, close on the 12th Dec.

Can you think of anyone? Ahem…. VOTES FOR WOMEN

Moving on as the magnificent ARQ hit the water this week at St Austell Bosun’s Thursday 26th and Exeter Barnfield Theatre Friday 27th and The Vortex Jazz Club next Wednesday 3 December.

Led by Alison Rayner, the group are now in full flow. This is their LAST LONDON gig for several months.
<http://www.wegottickets.com/event/289212>

ARQ were also on Jazz Record Requests last Saturday – you can listen again on the iPlayer:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04prk8k

Did you know ARQ is an acronym for Alison Rayner Quintet? Of course you did!
Did you know that Deirdre Cartwight is an anagram for Gitar Wretch did err?
Let us know if you have a better one from your name!

Christmas is coming – here’s the Christmas present that friends will really appreciate.
When all the shopping, cooking, decorating and work is over again – ask yourself. Did I really go to a great party and dance to some of my all time favourite songs? This year book tickets for the Electric Landladies for you and some friends. Presents sorted!
It is such a joyous evening. Old favourites, new sing a longs and a real laugh and dance.

Friday 19th December one of London’s best live groups
THE ELECTRIC LANDLADIES return to Chats Palace.
Year after year this great evening of festive fun and dancing sells out..
Laka Daisical vocals/kbd, Sarah Pritchard vocals/perc, Deirdre Cartwright/guitar
Diane McLoughlin kbd/sax, Alison Rayner bass/voc, Ann Day drums

Tickets have just gone on sale. Book online http://www.wegottickets.com/event/297076