Hot jazz for a cold day.

We played the Magdalen Street Festival in Norwich on Saturday.  The courtyard of the King of Hearts doesn't get much sun in October and we froze.  I had chosen my T-shirt with care but didn't even take my jacket off.  Nor did Cesar. Andy wisely kept his hat on. Or perhaps unwisely - opinion is divided. But a little hot jazz and klezmer goes down well in Norfolk and I like to think our audience was somewhat warmer for the music we played.

Thanks to Polly for accepting the offer of my camera and taking the pictures.

Cathedral Wedding

Thanks to go Molly for this lovely picture of the bride and groom dancing in the Cathedral Close with with Eastern Straynotes and the spire of Norwich Cathedral in the background.  It really was a beautiful evening, certainly the warmest of the year, and this was the perfect way to spend it.

The happy couple are moving to Honeysuckle Rose - their choice for the first dance of the evening.  It wasn't long before others joined them as the band played one of their hottest, most infectious jazz and klezmer sets ever.

Another public appearance

Andy and I will be standing in for our friend Hugh at Pinocchio's in Norwich on Monday evening (23rd July 2012).  Unplugged and completely acoustic.  Our unique blend of jazz and klezmer kicks off at 7.30pm.

This is a foodie gig so you may like to book a table by calling the restaurant: 01603 613318.  Their website is http://pinocchiosrestaurant.net/

Graduation Day

So Tuesday was Graduation Day at Norwich University College of the Arts.  After each ceremony (there were three in all) Eastern Straynotes were on hand to play acoustic jazz for the champagne reception.  Electrically amplified music is forbidden in Blackfriars Hall so Andy Kirkham (centre of picture) was able to demonstrate his powers of vocal projection.

Personally I love playing acoustically, finding a natural balance between the instruments and tailoring that to the demands of the space and the occasion. It can be challenging, certainly, but it is music making at its most refined and satisfying.

This is the band's fourth year playing for this event so I can only assume we must be doing something right.

Eastern Straynotes are pleased to be headlining this fundraiser for Norwich Green Party.  It promises to be a fine night with a variety of different cabaret style acts including comedy, theatre, mind reading, storytelling and performance poetry as well as music.  And Tom Foxe's pedal-powered PA is worth the admission by itself.

The trio is joined by Bazza Bizarre on drums and we will demonstrate our credentials as a full-on dance band by ending the evening with an irresistible beat.

All the details are on the poster which should blow up big if you double-click on it.

Pinocchio's

On Thursday night Andy and I found ourselves in Pinocchio's, a restaurant on trendy St Benedict's Street in Norwich.  The restaurant has live music every Thursday from 7pm until 10pm.  It is the perfect way to unwind after some late night shopping.  Eastern Straynotes have the power to both calm and invigorate and we'll be back there on March 15th.

Back from our hols

First off, a trip to Great Yarmouth for Andy and me to play for diners at Angelo's 'Quayside Plaza' restaurant. It was our first time there and we were struck by all the artwork and 'ethnic' goods on display both in the restaurant and in a shop behind. Musically it was as if we hadn't had the long lay-off at all. We were tight and slick, helped in no small part by a responsive and enthusiastic crowd. Angelo chooses his patrons wisely.


On Sunday it was lunchtime jazz at The Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. Here were were joined by Paul on double bass, making us a feel like real band again. We certainly enjoyed ourselves and, judging by all the applause and foot-tapping amongst the coffee-drinking art lovers visiting this exceptional gallery, our audience enjoyed it too.

You may wonder why I mention the audience response but in restaurants diners are often concentrating on their food and conversation. Many are seated with their backs to the band or in alcoves where we may as well be a CD for all they know. And visitors to the Sainsbury Centre are often awed by the building and are unsure whether or not expressions of appreciation are appropriate. But an audience takes its cue from the performers and our enthusiasm on each occasion was infectious.

Further grindings from The Rumour Mill

A reliable source close to the Straynotes camp has told this blog that Hugh Stanners, that shadowy figure from the Norwich klezmer underworld, is to meet the band this evening at a secret location for a 'let's see how it goes' jam session.

Hugh, accordionist extraordinaire, made an impromptu appearance with Eastern Straynotes at Cafe Marzano last November where the band rocked the Forum in a display that had fire engines in attendance. If this evening's session goes well the Norfolk Fire Service could be putting in some overtime this summer.

Off to Sainsbury's

Eastern Straynotes are playing at the Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts on the University of East Anglia campus this Sunday.

Free activities for the kids, free Sunday papers and the free music starts at one o'clock. Take a walk around the grounds then come and enjoy coffee and cake to the sound of south-west Norwich's finest jazz and klezmer trio.