A JAZZ jam session has been running at Alexander’s in Chester for many years this year marks its 15th birthday, something that its creator Louis Noble never dared to expect.

Held on the first Thursday in the month, good music is guaranteed for the enthusiastic audience.

The traditional way that jam sessions operate is that a ‘back line’ of experienced players, often members of the same band, will provide the rhythm accompaniment for guest soloists, usually saxophonists or trumpeters.

The Chester players have the benefit of playing with So What Now.

Some ‘sitters-in’ are experienced players but others use the evening to gain valuable experience of playing within a band to a live audience. The band are keen to assist new players with their progress.

The format of the evening is that So What Now will play a set, featuring an invited guest player or singer and the second set is given over to sitters-in.

The next session on Thursday, March 6 will feature Irene Martin who, as well as being the band’s regular vocalist has an excellent reputation both within and outside the county for her superb style.

April 3 features Howard Murray, a top North West tenor saxophonist.

His favourite style is of the cool West Coast period but can really swing.

Equally at home playing either standards or traditional jazz he has played with many top bands since the 60s.

The evening starts at 8.30pm. It will help if musicians wishing to play contact Louis Noble by email on saxylouis@aol.com to book a slot.