Jazz is almost dead... no it's not! Two new venues have started up with veteran bandleader Eddy Clayton drumming up a storm. He's appearing at The Red Ginger Restaurant in Kemp Place in Bushey on Sunday 29th March. Guesting will be tenor sax player Phil Day. I recently played with Phil and he's a ringer for Stan Getz and a great player. If you like Tikka and Stan it's great value at £14.95 but please book on 0208 8421 8281. Eddy is also running a gig at The Essex Arms on the Cassiobury on Thursday 23rd April. His quartet will be performing and it's best to get there before 8.30 as it gets rammed. I am assured that he will not be playing Land of Jazz and Gory or other 'jingoist' jazz on St George's Day.

We must not forget The Pumphouse Jazz Clubs on Thursdays and it's being run by that fantastic couple Brian and Hazel Fox. An interesting gig coming up is on Thursday 26th March when Pete Baker's Crusty Jazzers play at a jazz party. Incredibly they ask you to bring a dish and dress up in sportswear. Can I bring Paris Hilton and dress up in scuba suit ? The mind boggles. £7 admission and no reductions for tennis gear.

Not far away is Mill Hill Jazz Club. I know it's down the road a bit but they have some great guests on Wednesdays. On 25th March they have the Pete Downes trio plus top trumpet player Dick Pearce who used to play with the Ronnie Scott Quintet. They have a good website at www.millhilljazzclub.co.uk Out at rural Sarratt they are getting excited about the first Jazz and Blues Festival at Easter. On the Sunday 12th, our saxophone guru Willie Garnett is starring at about 4.p.m. Loads happening so please have a look at my site www.ianharrisonmusic.com or email me on ianharrison747@btinternet.com