November 10th - Day 206

Could only stay for 45 mins tonight unfortunately, but enough time to see two line-ups cut through some blistering Rhthym and Blues. When the second line-up went up, I thought, this doesn't really seem like a jam, it's just one band and then another band, but then the second "band" shook hands and introduced themselves to each other.

November 19th - Day 215

These guys were fantastic. The guitarist is Lonesome Tokita. He wrote his name on my card. He doesn't speak English, but he sings the blues like he's from St Louis. The drummer, Takuan, spoke some English and told me that they were over from Tokyo for a few weeks. A friend had told them about tonight's Blues Jam at The Smithfield Tavern. It turns out this is not the first time Lonesome Tokita has checked out a Blues Jam in London - here he is at The Spice of Life Blues Jam last year...www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vshYesUqE8&feature=related. He is also the front man of the band Mokkori.

A note on Japanese business card etiquette, courtesy of Howard who accompanied me this evening. Ones card should be offered using both hands and with a slight bow of the head.

January 4th - Day 261

Blimey. A gig. Well, sort of. Blues Jam at The Plough in Walthamstow.